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Menzel inks deal to become next Scottsdale School superintendent

Posted 3/17/20

Dr. Scott Menzel is officially the next superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District.

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Superintendent Search

Menzel inks deal to become next Scottsdale School superintendent

Posted

Dr. Scott Menzel is officially the next superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District.

At its March 17 meeting, the SUSD Governing Board formally approved a contract to bring the Michigan educator to Scottsdale and pay him $205,000 in the 2020-21 school year, according to a press release.

Dr. Menzel has served as superintendent of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District in Ann Arbor, Michigan since 2011 and, prior to that, was superintendent of the Livingston Educational Service Agency and Whitmore Lake Public Schools, also in the state of Michigan.

He will be SUSD’s 27th superintendent in its 124-year history and will succeed Dr. John Kriekard, who is retiring after serving as the district’s superintendent since May 2018.

The Governing Board also approved a per diem contract of up to 20 days with Dr. Menzel, allowing him to work for the District before his annual contract begins.

“It is with great pride and excitement that I accept the endorsement of the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board to serve as the next superintendent. I would like to thank the many students, parents, community members, teachers and employees who served on committees during the selection process,” Dr. Menzel said in a prepared statement.

“Through that experience and in weekly teleconferences with Dr. Kriekard, I have gained a sense of the dynamic, supportive and collaborative community that makes up our District. Although my official start date is July 1, I anticipate the opportunity to be in Scottsdale earlier to work hand-in-hand with Dr. Kriekard. I am grateful for his willingness to share valuable insights, and know that his passion and support for SUSD will help ensure a smooth transition.”

Dr. Menzel says he is looking forward to engaging with SUSD staff in the planning for next school year, as well as having the opportunity to attend to important hiring decisions, including finding a chief financial officer.

“I look forward to building a positive working relationship with parents, students and employees, and continuing to build upon the connections I have forged with the Governing Board thus far,” he said.

“To the SUSD community, I’d like to say that I am honored and excited to begin our work together. I am confident that the hard work and dedication of all Scottsdale Unified employees and the involvement, support and commitment from students, parents and the community provides an environment where we will face upcoming challenges and opportunities with resolve, determination and resilience.”