Dr. LaVern S. Tarkington is a retired educator.  Having retired as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources of the Tempe Union High School District, she was selected to return as the Interim Superintendent. Her career within the District included teacher, counselor, director, and principal before returning to central office to complete her service at the Superintendent’s level.

 

Dr. Tarkington graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Elementary Education,  Masters Degree in Counselor Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration

 

Dr. Tarkington has been involved with many community activities, including the Phoenix Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for more than 50 years. In July, 2012, she completed four years of service as the Far Western Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As an active member of First Institutional Baptist Church, she has served as a board member and chairman of FIBCO Family Services and was elected to serve a three year term on the Governance Council.  Dr. Tarkington has served on the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center Board of Directors since 2010 has been the Vice President.

 

Finally, out of all of Dr. Tarkington’s accomplishments, she is most proud of her family. She has been married to Donald for fifty years, mother of two children, grandmother to four, and is a great-grandmother of three children.