Dr. Scott Hagerman, current Superintendent of Continental Elementary School District, on Thursday was named the incoming Superintendent of the Tanque Verde Unified School District.
He will replace Ms. Kimberly Sharp, who retires on June 30 after two years as Superintendent of Schools, and eight years as Director of Human Resources.
TVUSD Governing Board President, Carlos Ruiz, announced the selection in a statement to the Tanque Verde staff and community. The board’s decision was unanimous in favor of Hagerman, who was among three finalists for the position.
“All three finalists were exceptional, and we were honored that they were interested in the position,” Mr. Ruiz commented following the decision.
Hagerman holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership and master’s degrees in both educational leadership and elementary education from Northern Arizona University. He is also an accomplished musician and trombonist, receiving his master’s degree in music from Michigan State University, following a bachelor’s in music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Dr. Hagerman’s wife, Alicia Hagerman, is a violinist with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra.
“I am honored that the board has chosen me as their next superintendent. There are so many great things going on in the Tanque Verde district, and I am looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence there,” Hagerman stated. In expressing his interest in the position during the selection process, he said, “I am a student-centered educational leader, and I believe that it is through parents’, students’ and teachers’ voices that we can work collaboratively toward innovative and creative schools where all students learn and achieve.”
Ruiz thanked staff and community members for their participation in the selection process in a written statement. The finalists had a final interview with the board and members of the district administrative team on Tuesday afternoon. They then participated in a question and answer panel with teachers and staff members, followed by a meet and greet session with the community that evening. Attendees of both meetings were asked to provide feedback to the board.
Board member Mr. Steven Auslander noted, “We distilled the passions and perspectives shared with us during our superintendent search, and are happy to welcome Dr. Hagerman to Tanque Verde with one voice.” The decision to name Dr. Hagerman to the position was a unanimous one by the board.
“Dr. Hagerman brings a great wealth of educational leadership experience to the District in many different areas,” added board member Mr. Jeffrey Neff. “His diverse background and volume of experience stood out for us, and we believe he will bring the expertise needed to continue to move Tanque Verde forward.” Dr. Hagerman’s experience includes his current leadership as Superintendent of CESD, and past positions as Director of Exceptional Education for TUSD and Principal of Kellond Elementary School, as well as having been a classroom teacher.
One of the board’s goals for Dr. Hagerman will be to support the transition currently being made in the district to a more uniform curriculum delivery, while continuing to achieve the district’s standard of excellence; and further integrating 21st Century Skills and project based learning methods to support student achievement, according to current TVUSD Superintendent, Ms. Kimberly Sharp.
“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Hagerman to the Tanque Verde Unified School District, and we look forward to working with him in the near the future,” stated board member Ms. Susan Fry.