PCS-DL LEADERSHIP
PCS Lead Teacher
MEET MS. SHORT
Renae Short grew up in Kinston, Alabama. In 1991, she moved to Birmingham, Alabama to attend the University of Alabama Birmingham for both her Bachelors of Science in Education and her Masters in Secondary Education. Renae has been teaching mathematics and special education as well as school administration since 1996. She moved to Payson with her husband and canine kids in 2012 to teach mathematics and special education. She became the PCS Lead Teacher in 2020.
PHS Principal
MEET MR. SIMON
Hello, My name is Jeff Simon and I am the Principal of Payson High Schools here in the cool mountain town of Payson Arizona. My family moved to Payson in 2013 where I became the Assistant Principal of Payson High School until 2017. In the 2017-2018 school year, I was promoted to Principal of Payson High School where I continue my work today. During my time in Payson, I have been honored by being named NASSP/ ASA Arizona’s Principal of the Year 2020-2021 and NASSP/ ASA Arizona’s Assistant Principal of the Year in 2016-2017. Â
After graduating high school from Craig Colorado, I attended Regis University where I graduated in 2000 with a Bachelors degree in Social Studies, Secondary Education. In 2006, I continued my education by earning two Masters degrees in Educational Leadership and in Technology in Curriculum from Walden University.
It’s Great to be a Longhorn!!
PCS-DL Registrar
MEET MS. PEDERSON
Having lived in the Payson and Pine area for over 35 years, Laura has deep roots in the community that she loves. Laura is married to the love of her
life, Dean Pederson, a longtime Pine resident and educator. Combined, her family consists of four adult children and eleven grandchildren (and growing). Grandchildren are the heart of the family. Laura enjoys archery hunting, fishing, kayaking, and travel. She has visited 22 countries and 44 states and would love to continue traveling and experiencing different cultures. Wherever Laura is, a book is always close at hand. Reading is her ultimate escape and passion; The Count of Monte Cristo is her favorite book.
Laura began her employment with PUSD in 2000. Her experience has taken her in many directions within the district but she is happiest as a support group facilitator, and distance learning registrar. She loves the relationships that she’s able to forge with the PCS students and shares in their joy when they graduate.
