Administration

Mr. Jon Mitteness, Principal

Jon Mitteness is honored to serve as the Principal at Villa de Paz. For over 23 years, Mr. Mitteness has been a part of the Pendergast Elementary School District. He has been a Classroom Teacher, Mentor Teacher, Instructional Coach, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal at a variety of sites within PESD. He is passionate about providing high expectations and opportunities for success for all students.

Mr. Mitteness looks forward to partnering with the Villa de Paz community to ensure our students and staff experience a positive, safe, and engaging learning environment. His goal is to empower learners to meet the expectations the PESD Portrait of a Graduate: English | Español

Ms. Cassinetta Belford, Assistant Principal

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Ms. Cassinetta Belford as the new Assistant Principal of Villa de Paz Elementary School!

Ms. Belford is excited to join the Villa de Paz community and is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive, and student-centered learning environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. She believes that strong relationships, high expectations, and a collaborative school culture are the foundation of student achievement.

As Assistant Principal, Ms. Belford looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to build on the many traditions that make Villa de Paz such a special place. She is passionate about supporting student growth, celebrating accomplishments, and ensuring that every student feels welcomed, valued, and inspired to do their best each day.

Ms. Belford is committed to fostering meaningful connections with the entire school community and believes that working together creates the best opportunities for student success. She is excited to get to know the Villa de Paz students, staff, and families and looks forward to helping make the 2026–2027 school year one filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences.