Staff Reports | Community Updates
In July, two Scottsdale Unified School District assistant principals are taking the reins of the schools where they serve today.
The SUSD Governing Board voted last week to elevate Maggie Finan to the principal’s post at Hohokam Elementary School and Zachary Woodward to the principal’s post at Cherokee Elementary School.
Ms. Finan will succeed award-winning, 30-year SUSD educator Chuck Rantala; Mr. Woodward takes over from 15-year Cherokee Principal and 32-year veteran educator Walt Chantler.
“I’ve learned from Mr. Rantala what we need to do to continue to be successful,” Ms. Finan said. “My passion and dedication to Hohokam is unwavering, and I’m committed to ensuring Hohokam’s continued success.”
Ms. Finan and Mr. Rantala teamed up with the school’s teachers, staff and community to secure Hohokam’s recognition last month as a 2025 Arizona Educational Foundation A+ School of Excellence.
“I am thrilled to pass the baton to Ms. Finan,” Mr. Rantala shared, who will retire at the end of the current school year.
“Having worked with her for the past 12 years at Hohokam, I know that she has the critical relationships with our community, leadership and communication skills to lead Hohokam’s next chapter.”
Longtime Cherokee Elementary School leader to retire from SUSD
Mr. Chantler, who is also retiring in June, thinks the selection of Mr. Woodward as his successor is the right one.
“Mr. Woodward brings the skills, passion, and vision necessary to elevate Cherokee to new heights,” he said. “His dedication, energy and growth mindset will undoubtedly serve both him and the community well as he continues the work we’ve started together.”
Mr. Woodward said he is looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that makes the Cherokee community special.
“Over the past three years, I have had the privilege of learning from Walt Chantler’s dynamic leadership, and I am deeply grateful for his guidance and mentorship. I am excited to continue collaborating with our dedicated staff, students, and families to build on our strong foundation of academic success and student growth,” he said.
“Together, we will ensure that Cherokee remains a place where every child thrives, feels valued, and is empowered to reach their fullest potential.”
Cherokee is a four-time, overall, and current A+ School of Excellence; in 2022, it was named a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School.
“Our district grows its own leaders,” said SUSD Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education Margaret Serna. “Kudos to Chuck and Walt for having mentored their schools’ extraordinarily talented successors. I am extremely proud of both Maggie and Zach and know they will have great success in their new leadership roles.”
