The Liberty Elementary School District governing board unanimously voted to begin contract negotiations with Dr. Bridget Duzy to become the district’s next superintendent.
The motion authorizes the board president to negotiate a contract with Duzy and work with legal counsel on the agreement.
If finalized, Duzy would become the district’s fourth superintendent in four years.
The superintendent position has been vacant since September 2025, when the governing board removed Trevor McDonald after less than 60 days in the role.
Lori Shough served as superintendent from April 2018 until March 2023. Cort Monroe held the position from November 2023 to April 2025, and Trevor McDonald served from July 2025 until his removal in September 2025. Shough and Monroe both resigned before the end of their contracts.
The Liberty Elementary School District, which includes portions of Buckeye and Goodyear in the West Valley, hired search firm McPherson & Jacobson LLC to conduct the superintendent search. The firm reviewed 24 applications, screened candidates and conducted background checks before presenting finalists to the governing board.
Once a contract is finalized, the firm is expected to facilitate a workshop between the board and the new superintendent to establish performance objectives and expectations for the role.
Duzy, who currently serves as a deputy superintendent for Litchfield Elementary School District in the West Valley, said connecting with the community was an important part of the interview process.
“Listening and learning about the community’s needs and their celebrations, their fears, their wants and their needs is really helpful,” Duzy said during a community meet-and-greet with residents and staff. “And also just connecting. On paper you’re a candidate, but meeting people makes it real.”
During her visit, Duzy toured two district campuses and observed classrooms.
“I got to see incredible things going on in the classrooms,” she said. “It amazes me to see the wonderful things teachers and staff are doing for kids in Arizona. It’s something to be proud of.”
Duzy said she was drawn to the district because she believes her experience could help guide the district forward during a period of leadership turnover.
“I really enjoy my work and I love my team, but when I learned about Liberty’s situation, I felt like I could use my talents and skills to help move the district in a good direction,” she said. “I’m not afraid of hard work. I think it will be rewarding.”
The governing board has not yet announced when a final contract vote could take place.
Visit liberty25.org for information.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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