Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board confirms cabinet leaders
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
The Scottsdale Unified School District is welcoming two new members to its leadership team who were recently confirmed by the local governing board accepting cabinet positions.
Dr. Heather Cruz will oversee the district’s human resources department meanwhile Lea Mitchell will direct SUSD’s instructional and professional development programs, according to a press release.
Both hold the title of assistant superintendent. Their appointments were confirmed by the SUSD Governing Board in June, the release states.
Dr. Cruz joins Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel’s cabinet and is charged with helping implement the district’s commitment to attract and retain highly qualified and talented employees.
She is the district’s administrative officer for all personnel matters. In that role, she is charged with implementing personnel policies and procedures, recruitment and hiring efforts, employee evaluations and terminations, and making salary recommendations, SUSD officials tell the Digital Free Press.
Dr. Cruz received her doctoral degree in Education in 2010 from Arizona State University.
“I am thrilled to join the Scottsdale Unified School District as the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources,” Dr. Cruz said in a prepared statement. “I am excited to support and develop our talented educators and staff, ensuring we foster a positive and inclusive work environment. My goal is to attract, retain, and nurture the best professionals to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students.”
Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board confirms cabinet leaders
Ms. Mitchell is Dr. Menzel’s other new cabinet member, who has returned to Arizona after 20 years in education in the states of Kentucky, Colorado and, most recently, Florida.
In 2016, she became the director of the office for leading and learning in the Pasco County School District in west central Florida.
There, she was responsible for overseeing K-12 curriculum and instruction, professional learning, and enriched programming for 80,000 students across nearly 100 schools.
“It is wonderful to be back in sunny Arizona, and serving the students, families and staff of SUSD,” Ms. Mitchell said.
“While attending ASU, I had the pleasure of spending time learning from the teachers and students in SUSD. All these years later, I still see that same commitment to excellence and a clear focus on providing world-class opportunities to students. I am excited for the opportunity to bring my experience in teaching, learning, and leading to help elevate and support the great work that is happening here and ensuring that SUSD’s educational services are high-quality and reflect the needs of the students, family and school community.”
Dr. Menzel says he is looking forward to collaborating with the new assistant superintendents.
“The depth and breadth of experience that Dr. Cruz and Mrs. Mitchell bring to SUSD not only complement but extend the leadership qualities of our team. I anticipate their making impactful contributions to the district’s decision-making process.”
