Denice Erickson been named the Florence Unified School District’s new assistant to the superintendent for curriculum and athletics. Erickson will begin transitioning into her new role immediately.

“Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Denice Erickson as the new assistant superintendent,” stated Florence Unified Superintendent Chris Knutsen in a press release. “Her extensive financial knowledge and years of experience in the educational field will be an asset to the district. Her exceptional leadership abilities are indicative of her professional success, and I am eager to work alongside her to make FUSD a District by Design and not by chance.”

Erickson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from California State University in Sacramento. While at CSUS she studied international business and finance and minored in Spanish. After college, she returned to Arizona in 2002 due to a unique teaching opportunity that presented itself with her former high school Spanish teacher.

According to the release, although Erikson never planned to enter the education field, she discovered a passion for education and teaching and has been in education ever since. Erikson earned a Master of Education from the University of Phoenix in 2003, and a Master of Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2014.

She taught Spanish for six years in the Apache Junction Unified School District and has served in the Florence Unified School District over the last 13 years in various capacities, both at the high school and K-8 levels. Her roles have included teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and chief financial officer.

In her free moments, Erikson enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband and two children. It is her kids who have helped her to maintain perspective over the years when it comes to the diverse learning needs of students.