The School District of Lancaster is proud to join schools across the country in honoring the vital work of assistant principals during National Assistant Principals Week, April 7-April 11, 2025. These leaders are coaches, connectors, culture-setters, and caretakers. They build trust, provide stability, and ensure that every student and staff member feels supported.
At SDoL, we are fortunate to have a remarkable team of assistant principals who live out these values every day. And to kick off this special week, we are thrilled to welcome Judith “Judy” Veitia aka “Ms. V” to her new role as Assistant Principal at McCaskey High School, a place that is much more than just a school to her. It’s home.
From Tornado to Trailblazer
Judy is a proud graduate of McCaskey’s Class of 2001. Raised in southeast Lancaster by a single Puerto Rican mother, she’s a first-generation American who grew up in a multigenerational household with her grandmother playing a key role in raising her.
Her educational journey began at King Elementary and continued through Lincoln Middle School, “Go Lions!” she says with pride, before graduating from McCaskey. Like many of our students today, she started school with English being the second language spoken in the home and leaned on the encouragement of her teachers to find her voice and sense of purpose.
“Growing up wasn’t easy,” she shared. “But my mom’s work ethic, the sacrifices of my grandmother, older sister, and the support of adults in school shaped me. I saw what was possible because others believed in me before I believed in myself.”
The Long Way Home
Judy didn’t start her career in education. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management and Marketing in Maryland, she dreamed of becoming an athletic director or sports analyst. She returned to Lancaster looking for an opportunity and found her first job back home with SDoL as a support staff member at Wheatland Middle School. From there, she stepped into an in-school suspension (ISS) position, where she worked with students who needed extra care and guidance.
It was a former supervisor, Dr. Butterfield, who first recognized her leadership potential and encouraged her to pursue teaching. And it was Mr. Trost, a mentor she still credits today, who gave her a spot on the teaching staff and empowered her to lead student experiences like the North Bay field trip program.
“I had amazing mentors who saw something in me. And because of them, I saw a path forward.”
She earned her teaching certification, grew into a teacher-leader role, and eventually joined the Principal Residency Program under Dr. Hopkins’ leadership. Though she didn’t get accepted on her first try, she returned with determination, and succeeded. That persistence, she says, is something she shares openly with her students.
“I tell them all the time, you don’t need to get it right the first time. Plans B, C, D, and E exist for a reason. I didn’t take the straight path, but I took the one that was meant for me.”
Coaching, Connecting, and Creating Change
In every role she’s held, Judy has returned to the metaphor of the coach. Whether she’s mentoring students, guiding teachers, or working alongside families, her goal is to bring out the best in people. “Being an assistant principal is like being a coach,” she says. “It’s about seeing people’s strengths, pulling out the best in them, and modeling the kind of leadership you want to inspire.” 
What sets Judy apart is her ability to connect with others, especially students who share similar lived experiences. “I speak their language, literally and culturally. I know the food they eat. I can dance salsa. I understand their family dynamics and their aspirations. That kind of connection matters.”
As a Latina woman in leadership, Judy understands how powerful it is for students to see themselves reflected in their school leaders. She remembers a time when she didn’t see teachers or principals who looked like her. Now, she’s showing young women and underrepresented students what’s possible.
“Representation means being able to see the future through someone else’s success. And if I can be that for even one student, I’ve done my job.”
A Vision Rooted in Community
Even before stepping into the AP role officially, Judy made a meaningful impact during her time as a Principal Resident. One standout project was her creation of a student-athlete professional development night, a full evening event focused on building pride, accountability, and academic excellence among McCaskey athletes. With station rotations, guest speakers, health professionals, tutoring services, and parent engagement, the night was a powerful demonstration of how to build community through collaboration.
“That event wasn’t just a program,” she said. “It was a promise. Our athletes wear the McCaskey name, and that means something. We’re setting a tone that celebrates teamwork, discipline, and pride, in the classroom and on the field.”
Leadership with Heart
Judy leads with compassion and courage. She’s not afraid to ask questions, admit when she doesn’t have the answers, or show emotion. “I’ve learned from the strong women in my life that it’s okay to cry, to be vulnerable, and to lead with your heart. That’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.”
When asked how she balances approachability with leadership, her answer is simple: relationships. “Before I correct anyone, teacher or student, I make sure I’ve earned their trust. That’s the foundation. That’s how we grow.”
One of the most meaningful moments in her career so far came when she reconnected with a former sixth-grade student who had no idea she’d become an AP. “When she saw me and realized I was her assistant principal now, her eyes lit up. And I could see it, she was proud of me. That moment will stay with me forever.”
Looking Ahead
As she steps into this new chapter at McCaskey, Judy is excited for the moments that make this work so special: award ceremonies, graduation, positive phone calls home, and the little things, like learning each student’s name and building trust one conversation at a time.
“I want to be the kind of leader who shows up for people. I want students to feel seen, valued, and capable of anything. That’s what success looks like to me.”
Final Reflections
As we celebrate National Assistant Principals Week, we not only recognize the immense responsibilities APs carry, but we uplift the humanity behind the title. Leaders like Judy Veitia are shaping our schools with authenticity, strength, and deep community roots.
Her journey reminds us that leadership is not about perfection. It’s about showing up, giving your best, and staying grounded in where you come from.
“I hope that when students and families see me, they see what’s possible,” she says. “I hope they know it’s okay to take a winding path, to make mistakes, to ask for help. And I hope they find people, like I did, who believe in them before they believe in themselves.”
Please join us in welcoming Judy Veitia to her new role as Assistant Principal at McCaskey High School, and in thanking all of our assistant principals across the district for the incredible work they do every day.