Administration
David Finley, Principal
Mr. Finley
It is my honor to serve as the principal of Crafton Elementary School. I am humbled to work with such amazing teachers and parents of our future generations. I am committed to helping each student achieve their own goals and to develop into people of character. With the staff and our strong parent support team, we have been able to bring diverse populations together into a tight-knit community of learners. I am confident we will have an amazing experience together as we learn new ways to gain knowledge and collaborate. I look forward to leading the Crafton community to a bright and more equitable future. I will work tirelessly to create a welcoming environment for all our students.
As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will work hard to provide equitable opportunities, social and emotional support, and rigorous academics for all Crafton Cougars. Our Crafton team and community is a family working together with the same goal in mind, to provide a safe and healthy place for all our students to learn and soar to their greatest heights.
Thank you to our amazing community and staff for the support and encouragement you give our students daily. Together we can make a difference in their lives.
Sincerely,
David Finley
Principal
Mr. Finley
I am SO excited to be joining the Crafton community as your principal! I’d like to share with you a little bit about myself:
I first came to Crafton in July of 1997, having been hired to teach 5th grade on B track. It’s been nearly 26 years since then, and our world has seen many, many changes since that time. But when the Superintendent called me a few weeks ago to let me know I would be named as Crafton’s next principal, I truly felt like I would be coming home!
I taught 5 years in Rialto USD before coming to Crafton. After several wonderful years here, I moved to Franklin Elementary and then, in 2006, to Judson and Brown, its inaugural year. In 2007, I became a site-based Teacher On Assignment, serving as an instructional coach over a period of 5 years in nearly all of our district's elementary schools. In 2011, I became Assistant Principal at Victoria Elementary, where I worked until 2014, when I was named Principal of Alternative and Adult Education for Redlands USD. In this role, I led the district’s K-12 Independent Study Program (RISE), our K-12 blended learning school (Redlands eAcademy) and, until this past August, the Redlands Adult School.
I have loved each and every phase of my career. And now, I am unbelievably excited to return exclusively to K-5 Education and, especially, to be BACK at Crafton!
I look forward to getting to know the students and families of Crafton school! So... say HELLO when you see me during drop off or pick up times (I’ll be out there!), or stop by the office and introduce yourself! I can’t wait to meet you!
In grateful anticipation,
David Finley,
Principal
Crafton Elementary
Kellee Baker, Assistant Principal
Hello Crafton families!
My name is Kellee Baker, and I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal at Crafton Elementary School. It is a true privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team of educators, supportive families, and most importantly our amazing students.
At Crafton, we believe in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. My role is to support students, teachers, and families as we work together to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Each day, I have the joy of visiting classrooms, supporting instruction, encouraging positive behavior, and helping students grow not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. I believe in building strong relationships and open communication with our families, and I’m always here to listen, help, and celebrate the successes of our students.
Outside of school, I’m passionate about education, family, and being a part of a community that works together to make a difference in children’s lives.
I’m so proud to be part of the Crafton Elementary family and excited for the incredible things this school year will bring!
With gratitude,
Kellee Baker
Assistant Principal
Crafton Elementary School