Snyder to replace Bell as Desert Vista AD

T.J. Snyder, an assistant principal in charge of activities at Desert Vista, will be reassigned to take over the school's athletic department helm on a permanent basis.

The move was first announced in an email sent out by DV principal Anna Battle to all staff Sunday afternoon.

"I grew up playing sports and I really enjoying watching competition," Snyder said Monday. "I love watching kids enjoy themselves and competing. I think sports have a lot to offer kids."

Snyder replaces Jim Bell, who left for a similar job at Tempe Corona del Sol High School on Friday.

Bell begins his new job, activities (nonathletics) director and assistant principal, this week. He had been at the school for 12 years, and spent the past four as AD. He replaces Mark Duplissis, who left Corona del Sol a few weeks ago to work at Arizona State.

Bell didn't return multiple messages left for him over the weekend.

Snyder has been with Desert Vista for 13 years. He had been the freshman baseball coach for 10 years, worked in the special education department and has also been a counselor.

A graduate of Corona del Sol himself, Snyder first moved to the area in 1981.

He worked at the Ahwatukee Foothills News for seven years in the early 90s.

Despite being mid-year, Snyder said the move would be relatively seamless.

"I've been working with Jim for the past couple of years," Snyder said. "We've always had a good relationship and we've talked about stuff."