Dr. Marilou Areno

Marilou Areno is Superintendent of Dishchii’bikoh Community School in Cibecue, Arizona. She leads the K-12 school’s focus on academic achievement and strengthening Apache language and cultural preservation, working with students, educators, families and community partners to improve educational opportunities and students’ support.

With 37 years in education spanning preschool through college, special education, school psychology and administration, Marilou Areno brings a broad perspective to her role. Since becoming superintendent of Dishchii’bikoh Community School in 2017, she has focused on providing well-rounded education, supporting teachers, strengthening safety and building partnerships with families and the community.

For Dr. Areno, leadership begins with keeping children at the center of every decision. She works closely with her cabinet team, which includes building principals, instructional director and coaches and special education director, the chief financial officer, human resources manager and food service manager and facilities director. “I say we because a superintendent cannot act alone without the support of the admin team,” she says.

Making Opportunity Practical

When Dr. Areno became superintendent, Dishchii’bikoh did not offer college credit or dual enrollment. She partnered with a local college to introduce enrichment, AP classes and dual credit, giving students opportunities to earn college credit while completing high school.

Dr. Areno also expanded its CTE and STEM programs, adding business, computer science, automotive, woodworking, drone and robotics, culinary and cosmetology courses. Three years ago, she established a preschool program through First Things First and the BIE FACE program for children from birth to five.

Academic opportunities are closely tied to the school’s community. Dishchii’bikoh offers Apache language instruction from preschool through 12th grade, along with Apache art, culture, sewing and traditional dances through the Apache Club. With about 98 percent of students coming from the local Native American community, Dr. Areno sees cultural learning as an essential part of a well-rounded education.

“ My purpose is to provide high-quality education for our students, keep them safe and establish a strong partnership with our stakeholders. “

Recruiting and retaining teachers is another priority. Located about 50 miles from the nearest city, the school provides housing, sign-in and retention bonuses, scholarships and paid study time. Its Grow Your Own Teachers program supports local paraprofessionals and teacher assistants who pursue degrees in education. During Dr. Areno’s tenure, the school added eight housing units that can accommodate eight families or be shared by single teachers.

Building the Conditions to Lead

Safety is another focus. The campus has more than 100 CCTV cameras, badge-controlled access, 24/7 security personnel and fencing. An emergency plan, safety committee, drills and partnerships with local police departments further support campus safety.

Power disruptions present another challenge in the mountain region. Over the last two years, the school received grants to add teacher housing and solar energy. The solar installation helps reduce electricity costs and maintain continuity during snowstorms and power disruptions. The campus gymnasium can also serve as an emergency evacuation site, while solar power can support the community during outages.

Dr. Areno also relies on structured collaboration. Teachers meet weekly through professional learning communities to review student data and establish SMART goals. The Parent Advisory Council meets monthly to discuss school plans, programs and initiatives and provide feedback. Northland Pioneer College supports advanced courses and dual credit; Apache Behavioral Health provides behavioral and counseling support; SPED Transition program and WIOA and local businesses support job-skills opportunities.

After nearly nine years as superintendent, Dr. Areno remains guided by a simple principle: know your purpose, stay away from politics and focus on the children. “The school exists for the children,” she says. That purpose defines her approach to leadership and education.