SCOTTSDALE – Dr. Scott Menzel was selected as the new superintendent of the embattled Scottsdale Unified School District. The Governing Board voted unanimously in favor of Dr. Menzel.
Dr. Menzel comes from Ann Arbor, Michigan where he currently serves as superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District.
While serving as the Washtenaw superintendent, Dr. Menzel has been largely focused on equity issues.
Last month, the Scottsdale Governing Board narrowed a list of 29 applications down to three: Dr. Kimberly Guerin, Dr. Shelley Redinger and Menzel.
“In our search for a new superintendent — one who will continue to move the district forward and prepare our students for success in the 21st century — we strived to create an inclusive process. We convened five committees with community members, students, educators, administrators and District staff to ensure their voices were heard,” said Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board President Allyson Beckham in a press release.
Beckham also thanked Dr. John Kriekard for his service. “We’re grateful to Dr. Kriekard for leading our district through a turbulent time and supporting an inclusive search process for his successor.”
Menzel will take over from Kriekard, who has served as superintendent since May 2018. His contract with the District expires June 30.