The concept for Legacy Schools was created from the aspirations of a group of educators and parents. Their desire was to create a learning environment based on solid and proven curriculum and that is integrated with music, the arts, and drama. Believing that children will learn when they are motivated, the group also believes that children maintain interest in learning when it is an enjoyable experience.

Legacy Elementary School and Legacy Middle School are administered and managed by business and education professionals with many years' experience. An on-site management team consisting of Kathy Tolman, Ruth Cole and Tracy Leonard provides operational administration, budget management and responsibility for the success of the school. Administrators in Legacy Schools are:

Kathy Tolman, General Director
Mrs. Tolman brings an extensive, successful and diverse background exceeding twenty years in the public and private sectors to the school’s leadership team. Her professional positions include Chief of Staff for Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, Business Development Manager for Maricopa Integrated Health System and Director and co-charter holder for Legacy Schools. Mrs. Tolman has experience in government forecasting, budgeting and financial management. She also has extensive experience in Community and Public Relations, public issue advocacy and government relations. Mrs. Tolman has been Director of Legacy Schools for nearly nine years. She holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University. Mrs. Tolman’s community experience includes Valley Leadership (1997), City of Mesa Board of Adjustment (1990-1997), United Way Resource Allocation Steering Committee (1994-1999), Arizona Supreme Court Domestic Relations Reform Study Committee (1997-1999), Mesa Leadership (1999-2002) and Arizona Charter Schools Association Board of Directors (2002-present).

Tracy Leonard, Site Administrator
Mrs. Leonard has been at Legacy Elementary School for 6 years. She began teaching art and theatre classes and taught first grade for three years. Last year, Mrs. Leonard completed her first year as Site Administrator. She holds a BA from Albion College in Psychology and Theatre and an MFA from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Mrs. Leonard began working as a Union Stage Manager in the Milwaukee, Vermont and New Hampshire. She was the Concert Services Manager for The Boston Conservatory and Project Specialist for Child and Family Services of New Hampshire.

Ruth Cole, Site Administrator