With former Principal Karyn Miller stepping down, the Fountain Hills Charter School governing board has announced the appointment of Tom Cox as the school’s new principal effective Jan. 1.

Cox has been a long-time educator in Arizona, having been a special education teacher, a 16-year veteran of the Arizona Department of Education and a building level administrator for about 15 years.

Cox said he was enthusiastic about his new position at FHCS.

“I am truly humbled and excited to be the new principal at Fountain Hills Charter School,” Cox said.

“I cannot wait to meet the students, parents and educators who have made and continue to make [FHCS] the special place that it is.”

Cox has a bachelor’s in special education from California University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in education leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Cox said his goals as principal will be to continue to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the students and staff, to continue to develop and build on the curricular programs that have been put in place, and to strive to maintain the “A” rating of the school with the Arizona Department of Education.

He also said he looks forward to working with the governing board, staff, student, parents and community of Fountain Hills.

A Marine Corps veteran, Cox lives with his family in Chandler. He and his wife Zana have four children and 14 grandchildren. He said he enjoys hiking, biking and “just about any other outdoor activity.”