Leadership and Dedicated Staff: Empowering Student Success at Sonora Elementary School

Dear Bobcat Community!

It is with deep respect and great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as Principal of Sonora Elementary School, and it is my desire to approach this role listening & leading in partnership with you. With over 18 years of experience in education—including roles as a classroom teacher, school counselor, SpEd education specialist, and Career Technical Education coordinator—I bring a strong commitment to whole-child learning, inclusivity, creating academic opportunities, collaboration, and positive school culture.

Outside of my professional life, I’m a proud mother of two sons. My eldest, Kyle, is a chemist in Southern California with his fiancée, Hannah; while my younger son, Hunter, is ready to begin his second year at UC San Diego, also studying sciences. My boys continue to inspire my commitment to student success, resilience, and well-being. I also have strong family roots here in Sonora. My brother Michael and his wife have called this community home for over 25 years. Their daughters—my nieces—are proud graduates of Sonora High and attended Sonora Elementary themselves, which makes joining this school especially meaningful to me. I look forward to being closer to family.

As your Principal, I am committed to building strong, trusting relationships with students, families, and staff. Together, I believe we can continue Sonora Elementary’s tradition of academic excellence and nurture the close-knit community that makes this school so special. I look forward to meeting each of you and beginning this important work together.

~ Your Principal, Lora Hunter

I am honored to be serving and supporting the Sonora Elementary School community. As the Assistant Principal I am dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all students. With a passion for student success and a commitment to collaboration, I will work closely with teachers, staff, and families to support academic growth and social-emotional development.
With over Twenty-three years of experience I have developed a strong foundation in instructional best practices and student-centered learning. My experience as an educator has shaped my belief in the power of relationships, high expectations, and continuous improvement. Over the course of my career I’ve held leadership positions outside of the classroom that included: Curriculum Leader, Instructional Leadership Team, Literacy Coach and ELD Specialist.
Sonora holds a special place in my heart. I am a Sonora High graduate and completed my undergraduate work at Columbia College. My son, Bennett, attended Sonora Elementary and is currently attending Sonora High School. I continue to pursue professional growth to stay at the forefront of innovative educational strategies. I’m passionate about helping every child reach their full potential.
Outside of school, I enjoy running, spending time with my family, attending my son Bennett’s sporting events, walking my Golden Retriever Goldie, or reading. I value the opportunity to connect with students and families both inside and outside the classroom. I am proud to be part of the Bobcat family!