PHS LEADERSHIP
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.
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!!
PHS Assistant Principal
MEET MS. HARPE
Mrs. Harpe started her career in education in 1993 as a middle school teacher and coach in Meridian, Idaho. She has a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Boise State University.
Upon earning her Masters in Educational Leadership at Northwest Nazarene University she accepted a position as the Rim Country Middle School assistant principal (in PUSD) in 2004.
After gaining experience as a principal in two other Arizona districts, Mrs. Harpe returned to Payson Unified School District as a teacher and in 2020 became the Payson High Schools assistant principal.
Mrs. Harpe had two children attend the majority of their education in PUSD. She wants to continue to be a leader that focuses on improvement and providing opportunities for students. Mrs. Harpe is proud to support students in their journey of learning, growing, and becoming responsible adults and community members.
When not at work, Mrs. Harpe enjoys golfing with her husband and son, playing with her granddaughter, visiting her daughter in Oregon, and taking her dogs for walks in the forest.
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.
Athletics Director
MEET MR. SCHERLING
Ryan is in his second year as Athletic Director at PHS, fifth year overall as an administrator. Ryan has five years experience as an assistant football coach at the collegiate level. Ryan spent four years as a high school head football coach at the 6A & 5A level with a career record of 19-23 with two playoff appearances. Ryan is a member of the NIAAA (National Athletic Directors Association). Ryan holds a Bachelors in Marketing from Pittsburg State University, a Masters in Athletic Administration from Concordia University-Irvine, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.
As Athletic Director- Ryan’s focus is creating an environment where we develop our student athletes & coaches while providing opportunities/resources for all our athletic programs to achieve the highest level of success on and off the playing surface. Longhorn Athletics play a vital role in the community of Payson and is a platform that brings everyone together rooting for One Team!
Go Longhorns and Strive To Be Elite
Instructional Coach
MEET MR. YOUNG
Brian has been at PHS for 16 years. He has been serving in the role of instructional coach for the past 5. Brian is also the head baseball coach at PHS and has been coaching for 16 years.
Principal's Secretary
MEET MS. ALLEN
Barbra Allen began working for Payson High School in 2023 as an Administrative Assistant-Tech II position. She grew up in Arizona and has lived in Payson since 2019. She and her husband have worked together running a successful Heating and Cooling Business as well as a Gutter Installation business. Barbra’s original background is in Construction and General Industry Occupational Safety and Health where she managed the safety teams on large scale projects such as Intel, Facebook, and Mayo Clinic. She specialized in interpreting OSHA State and Federal Regulations and teaching employees in various trades around the country about these often complex guidelines. This was one of the things she enjoyed most, educating others and assisting them in understanding and complying with regulatory guidelines. In her spare time, Barbra loves hiking, reading, music, and spending time with her family. She loves nature and is passionate about the environment and wildlife. She takes an active role in respecting and preserving these as she enjoys the beautiful outdoors of Northern Arizona and all the places she has the opportunity to visit in our great country.
