The El Dorado School District is pleased to welcome Amy Sanchez as its new Director of Special Programs and School Improvement.
Sanchez brings nearly 30 years of experience in public education, having served Arkansas schools as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, superintendent, adjunct professor, leadership mentor, and Teacher Center Coordinator. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to helping students succeed, supporting educators, and strengthening schools through collaboration, professional learning, and effective leadership.
Sanchez earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Central Arkansas, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Henderson State University. She also holds an Arkansas District-Level Administrator License and is a 2026 TESS/LEADS Credentialed Evaluator.
Her administrative career began at Lucilia Wood Elementary School in Elaine, Arkansas. She later spent 16 years at Camden Fairview Intermediate School, serving as both assistant principal and principal.
Sanchez has also served as Director of Student Services and School Improvement for the Siloam Springs School District, Superintendent of the Strong-Huttig School District, and Teacher Center Coordinator for the South Central Service Cooperative.
In these roles, she partnered with school districts across the region to strengthen instructional leadership, develop professional learning opportunities, and support school improvement efforts. Her experience also includes coaching principals, assisting with district and school improvement plans, coordinating assessment and accountability efforts, and supporting the implementation of Arkansas’ Teacher Excellence and Support System and Leader Excellence and Development System.
Sanchez has also helped prepare the next generation of educators through her work as an adjunct professor and leadership mentor at Southern Arkansas University.
Her educational philosophy is founded upon meaningful relationships, servant leadership, and intentional collaboration. She is passionate about empowering educators, developing effective school leaders, and creating environments where students and staff can flourish.
Outside of her professional work, Sanchez enjoys spending time with her family. She and her husband, Chendo, have been married for 22 years. Together, they enjoy renovation projects, yardwork, and watching movies.
They have three children. Their oldest daughter, Mercedes, is pursuing graduate studies; their younger daughter, Analee, is beginning her freshman year at South Arkansas Community College; and their son, CJ, is entering sixth grade at Washington Middle School.
The El Dorado School District is excited to welcome Sanchez and looks forward to the knowledge, compassion, and leadership she will bring to students, staff members, and families throughout the district.