Staff Reports | Community Updates
Scottsdale Unified School District is announcing the Arizona School Administrators organization has named Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel Arizona’s 2024-25 AASA National Superintendent of the Year.
This award recognizes Dr. Menzel’s leadership and unwavering commitment to educational excellence, student achievement, and community partnership, Arizona education leaders tell the Digital Free Press.
ASA is a nonprofit organization formed in 1971 and represents more than 1,500 school administrators across Arizona. The School Superintendents Association, known as AASA, is the organization of school system leaders that serves as the national voice for public education and school district leadership in Washington, D.C.
Since joining the Scottsdale Unified School District in 2020, Dr. Menzel has been focused on innovation, inclusivity, and academic success.
“Without a doubt, Dr. Menzel works tirelessly to the betterment of our school district and community,” said Governing Board President Dr. Libby Hart-Wells. “This award is yet another testament to his leadership and dedication to quality education for all. On behalf of the Governing Board, we sincerely congratulate Dr. Menzel on this well-earned and well-deserved honor.”
Arizona School Administrators’ Executive Director Dr. Paul Tighe offers Dr. Menzel earned this award with recent efforts at the SUSD.
“Dr. Menzel is truly deserving of this recognition, as demonstrated by his nomination and selection by a peer review process,” Dr. Tighe said. “We have many great leaders across the state, and we are very proud to have Dr. Menzel represent Arizona as the 2025 Superintendent of the Year.”
As a result of the ASA award, Menzel is now Arizona’s nominee for National Superintendent of the Year honors, which will be awarded by the AASA next spring. That annual award celebrates the talent and vision of those who lead the nation’s public schools.
“I’m deeply honored to be recognized as Superintendent of the Year,” Menzel said. “I truly love what I do, and I do it #BecauseKids!”
“This recognition is a testament to what lies at the core of our district – our shared belief in our students’ tremendous potential,” he continued. “Together, we’re unlocking that potential so they can go out into the world and make a difference.”
