Leadership

A 2002 graduate of Taft Union High School, Josh Bryant has been with the District since January 2017 and has served as Chief Business Official (CBO) since November 2018. He is a proud husband to Alicia (Class of 1999) and a dedicated father to three boys—Drew, Parker, and Ty. His strong ties to the community and commitment to public education continue to guide his work in supporting the district’s financial and operational success.

Leticia Kellams brings 20 years of experience in education. She holds a master’s degree in business with a concentration in human resources. Her expertise includes employee and labor relations, staffing, credentialing, investigations, compliance, and organizational development. She is committed to fostering a strong workplace, supporting ongoing growth, and strengthening systems that help staff and students thrive. Outside of work, Letty enjoys concerts, fitness, and quality time with family.

A third-generation Wildcat and 1998 graduate of Taft Union High, Mary Alice Finn earned a B.A. in Social Science in 2002 and her Master’s with Administrative Credential in 2007. She began teaching at Arvin High in 2003, served as Activities Director for nine years, then as Dean of Students (2013–15). Since 2015, she's been at TUHSD—first as Assistant Principal and now as Principal. She’s married to Brian, has two daughters, and enjoys reading, golfing, & especially time with family and friends.

Shastine is a Bakersfield North High School graduate and U.S. Navy veteran with degrees from Christian Heritage College and Fresno Pacific College. Her career includes teaching, special education, and administration. She joined TUHSD in 2024 as Director of Alternative Education & Special Education and became Director of Student Support Services in 2026. She has been married for over 30 years and is the proud mother of three adult children.

Suzanne White, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Taft Union High School, is a proud 2001 TUHS graduate. She earned her B.S. from CSU Bakersfield in 2005, a teaching credential in 2006, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership in 2018. Mrs. White taught science for 15 years at Lincoln Junior High and coached multiple sports at TUHS. She returned in 2021 as Dean of Student Support Services and became Assistant Principal and Athletic Director in 2023.

Mr. Morris is a proud Taft Union High School graduate, Class of 1995. He holds degrees from Taft College, UCLA, the University of La Verne, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. After teaching history for 20 years, he embraced the opportunity to serve as Dean of Students. A native of Derby Acres, Mr. Morris is married to TUHS English teacher Mrs. Morris, with two children. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, shooting sports, geocaching, and a variety of other "nerdy" pursuits.