Hello, my name is Russ Heath, and I am the principal at Taft Elementary.  Welcome to the most student friendly school in MPS.  We have an outstanding school, outstanding staff, and outstanding parents and students. It is a pleasure to work at a safe, fun, and successful school.

I was born in Wyoming and raised in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado. I taught, coached and was an administrator in Greeley, Colorado, before moving to Arizona in 1996.  I have been the principal at Taft for the past seven years.

My wife, Shelley is also a principal for MPS, and I have two wonderful daughters and four dogs.  Both of my daughters are teachers. A passion for education runs in my family.

I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to be at Taft Elementary. We are truly a neighborhood school that is dedicated and devoted to the children we serve.  I believe that Taft's best days are ahead, and I look forward to working with teachers, parents and students to provide an experience for our Tigers that is second to none!  We are here to serve you.  Please join us in making our school the best it can be.  If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me or stop by and visit.  I look forward to working with all Taft parents/guardians and serving this great community.

Have a Great Taft Day,

Russ Heath