News
News
For news media inquiries please contact: Tim Sifert (602) 463-0041
Superintendent Watson’s December Parent Newsletter
Maricopa County Now Offering Online Education Opportunities for Detained Youth
“This partnership is about more than academic achievement. It’s about showing these youth that no matter where they are today, they can build a brighter tomorrow,” Steve Watson, Maricopa County School Superintendent. “Education is the key to unlocking their full potential.”
Grand Opening of the College Classroom at the Juvenile Detention Facility
Maricopa County is proud to announce the grand opening of the College Classroom at the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center, a groundbreaking initiative designed to inspire and offer detained youth an opportunity to pursue higher education. This program is a partnership between Maricopa County Juvenile Probation, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson, and Arizona State University (ASU). Read the full release.
Superintendent Watson’s November Parent Newsletter
Maricopa County School Superintendent Watson Urges Voter Education Regarding School Board Candidates, District Bond and Override Elections
October 23, 2024
Today Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson encouraged Maricopa County voters to take advantage of two additional resources as they complete their ballots for the November 5 election. Read the full release.
Superintendent Watson’s October Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s October Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s October Parent Newsletter
Maricopa County School Superintendent Watson Publishes 2024 School Finance Pamphlets
September 27, 2024
Today, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced the release of publicity pamphlets detailing school finance issues placed on the general election ballot by more than half the school districts in Maricopa County. Read the full release.
Maricopa County School Superintendent Watson Publishes 2024 Candidate Statements
September 25, 2024
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson today announced the publication of Candidate Statements for the School Board hopefuls across the county. Read the full release.
The Exploring Pathways to Bioscience Careers
September 18, 2024
Program showcases future opportunities for students and resources for teachers during Arizona Bioscience Week; Brought to you by the Maricopa County School Superintendent with support from Flinn Foundation. Read the full release.
Maricopa Superintendent Steve Watson and Legacy EV Create EV Innovators Clubs
Dozens of teachers trained as club sponsors to teach 5th-grade to 12th-grade students about careers in the electric vehicle (EV) industry by building their own electric go karts to be featured in the Arizona Public Service Electric Light Parade. Read the full release.
Superintendent Watson’s September Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s September Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s September Parent Newsletter
Superintendent Steve Watson Completes Successful Backpack and School Supply Donation Drive
August 28, 2024
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced the successful completion of a three-day backpack and school supply donation drive held this summer. The drive aimed to provide essential school supplies to students in need, ensuring they are equipped for the upcoming school year. Read the full release.
Superintendent Publishes Teacher Retention Project White Paper
August 21, 2024
Steve Watson has published an important document regarding teacher retention. The Reason "They" Stay: The Maricopa County Teacher Retention Project recaps data collected from nearly 4,000 teachers, depicting the factors contributing to their professional satisfaction. It describes in detail the steps teachers say that school and district leaders, policymakers, and even parents should take to keep them in the profession. Read the full release.
Superintendent Watson’s August Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s August Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s August Parent Newsletter
Superintendent’s Office Receives $750,000 Grant to Support Bioscience Careers
May 20, 2024
(Phoenix, AZ) –Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson today announced his office has received a grant of more than $750,000 from the Flinn Foundation to expand the office’s efforts to bring bioscience and healthcare professionals into middle school and high school classrooms to speak about their education and careers. Read the full release.
Superintendent Watson’s May Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s May Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s May Parent Newsletter
Superintendent Watson Appoints Bryan Cirrincione to Liberty Elementary School District
Superintendent Watson’s April Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s April Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s April 2024 Parent Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s March Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s March 2024 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s March 2024 Parent Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s February 2024 Homeschool Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s February 2024 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s February 2024 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s January 2024 Homeschool Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s January 2024 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s January 2024 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s December 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s December 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s November 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s November 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s October 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s Bonds, Overrides, & School Elections Interview with Fox10
Superintendent Watson’s September 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s September 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s Op-Ed; Why I Named Courtney Davis to MPS Board
Superintendent Watson’s August 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s August 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson Partners with Grad Solutions to Launch Innovative Drop Out Recovery Program
July 18, 2023
(Phoenix, AZ) —Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced a partnership with Grad Solutions, a private sector education solutions provider, to introduce a comprehensive Drop Out Recovery Program in Maricopa County. Read the full release
Superintendent Watson’s May 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s May 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s April 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s April 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s March 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s March 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s February 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s February 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s January 2023 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s January 2023 Principal Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s December 2022 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s November 2022 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson’s October 2022 Teacher Newsletter
Superintendent Watson Appoints Four Education Leaders to School Governing Boards
March 23, 2022
(Phoenix, AZ) –Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson has appointed four individuals to school governing boards throughout Maricopa County. Read the full release
Superintendent Watson Appoints Six Education Leaders to School Governing Boards
December 31, 2021
(Phoenix, AZ) –Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson has appointed six individuals to school governing boards throughout Maricopa County. Read the full release
Washington Elementary School Board has a Newly-Appointed Governing Board Member
September 20, 2021
(Phoenix, AZ) –Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson has appointed Tee Lambert to the Washington Elementary School District Governing Board. Read the full release. Photo.
Want to Help Public Education? Then Run for School Board. Here's How to Do It:
September 20, 2021
Column by Steve Watson published by The Arizona Republic/AZCentral.
New Juvenile Detention Music Education Program Garners Major Television Media Attention
September 8, 2021
ABC15 video and story, Telemundo video and Univision video stories.
Superintendent Watson discusses COVID-19, masks and parental rights and local control on the Mike Broomhead Show on KTAR
August 19, 2021
Superintendent Watson Appoints William Parker to Gilbert School District Governing Board
July 30, 2021
(Phoenix, AZ) –Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson has appointed William H. Parker to the Gilbert School District Governing Board. Read the full release. Photo.
Superintendent Watson Appoints Governing Board Members in Four School Districts
July 22, 2021
(Phoenix, AZ) –Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson has filled vacancies in four school districts in Maricopa County with newly appointed governing board members. Read the full release. Photos.
Superintendent Watson Appoints Dr. Tara Armstead to Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board
March 25, 2021
(Phoenix, AZ) - Today Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced the appointment of Dr. Tara Armstead to the Governing Board of Litchfield Elementary School District in the West Valley. Read the full release. Photo.
The Arizona K12 Center and the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Office Introduce the Engagement Toolkit
Read Superintendent Watson’s latest op-ed: School board elections are important
Read about Jill Helland, principal of Garden Lakes School in Avondale, who won an Exemplary Principal award. (West Valley View)
Read about another 2020 Exemplary Principal, Jeffrey Abrams of Franklin at Brimhall in Mesa Public Schools. (The Mesa Tribune)
Superintendent Watson participated in a LIVE ABC15 Town Hall Facebook event discussing students going back to school. Check it out at the link below.
Superintendent Watson discussed the future of education in Maricopa County and parents most frequently asked questions with Danielle Lerner during ABC 15’s “Asked and Answered” segment.
ABC 15 shared how our office and candidates completed the process of filing during the global pandemic.
Phoenix Suns & Hope Academy Deliver One-Of-A-Kind Graduation Surprises To Extraordinary High School Students Across The Valley | Phoenix Suns - nba.com
Listen to Superintendent Watson’s Interview on KMLE Country 107.9 discussing recent school closures
Governor Doug Ducey And Superintendent Kathy Hoffman Announce School Extension through April 10th
Governor Doug Ducey and Superintendent Kathy Hoffman Announce Statewide School Closures News Release Video
Superintendent Steve Watson Appoints Kathy Ring to Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board
April 16, 2020
(Phoenix, AZ) - Today Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced the appointment of Kathy Ring to the Governing Board of Creighton Elementary School District in Central Phoenix. Ring replaces Carla Rivera-Cruz who resigned in January. Read the full release. Photo.
Superintendent Steve Watson Appoints Two Members to Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board
March 9, 2020
Today Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced the appointment of two members to the Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board. Mr. Jamie Miller replaces Mr. Paul Jensen who resigned on January 8th, and Ms. Suzanne McEvoy fills the vacancy of Mr. Jeffrey Turbitt who resigned January 30th. Read the full release. McEvoy photo. Miller photo.
Maricopa County School Superintendent Recognizes Exemplary Principals Around the Valley
June 4, 2019
“These…annual awards presented to individuals who are not just extraordinary principals, but are catalysts transforming schools into models for every aspiring principal in Maricopa County.” Read the full article.
Maricopa County School Superintendent teams up with Amazon to open STEM Resource Center
April 2, 2019
Teachers from across the Valley got a sneak preview of the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s STEM Resource Center, a new facility offering teachers and schools within Maricopa County free STEM materials provided by Amazon. Along with the materials, the center offers training to integrate new approaches to lessons in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Read the full release.
Maricopa County Superintendent Announces Candidate Filings
August 9, 2018
Thursday morning, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced completion of the filing period for local school governing board candidates. In total, XXX candidates filed petitions and paperwork with the Office of School Superintendent to seek office. Elections for the 140 available seats will now be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. Read the full release.
Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School Principal Receives Award
March 29, 2018
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson is pleased to announce that Mrs. Heather Anguiano has been named a 2018 Maricopa County Exemplary Principal. Mrs. Anguiano is the principal at Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School in the Chandler Unified School District. Read the full release.
Kyrene Traditional Academy Principal Receives Award
March 29, 2018
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson is pleased to announce that Dr. Marianne Lescher has been named a 2018 Maricopa County Exemplary Principal. Dr. Lescher is the principal at Kyrene Traditional Academy in the Kyrene Elementary School District. Read the full release.
Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy Principal Receives Award
March 29, 2018
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson is pleased to announce that Ms. Sarah Zembruski has been named a 2018 Maricopa County Exemplary Principal. Ms. Zembruski is the principal at Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy in the Laveen Elementary School District. Read the full release.
Gateway Pointe Elementary School Principal Receives Award
March 28, 2018
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson is pleased to announce that Mr. Tim Fountain has been named a 2018 Maricopa County Exemplary Principal. Mr. Fountain is the principal at Gateway Pointe Elementary School in the Higley Unified School District. Read the full release.
Sunburst Elementary School Principal Receives Award
March 28, 2018
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson is pleased to announce that Ms. Rhonda Warren has been named a 2018 Maricopa County Exemplary Principal. Ms. Warren is the principal at Sunburst Elementary in the Washington Elementary School District. Read the full release.
Two Peoria School Principals Receive AwarD
March 27, 2018
The Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric Gundrum and Mr. Dale Shough have been named 2018 Maricopa County Exemplary Principals. Dr. Gundrum is the principal of Sahauro Ranch Elementary and Mr. Shough is the principal of Cheyenne Elementary, both in the Peoria Unified school district. Read the full release.
Madison Heights Elementary School Principal Receives Award
March 26, 2018
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson is pleased to announce that Mrs. Priscilla Gossett has been named a 2018 Maricopa County Exemplary Principal. Mrs. Gossett is the principal at Madison Heights Elementary in the Madison Elementary School District. Read the full release.
Superintendent Watson Accepts Donation of Electronics from Amazon
February 15, 2018
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson is excited to announce he has accepted a donation of electronics from Amazon to be distributed to schools in Maricopa County through the following channels:
1. Teacher giveaways conducted through social media, conferences, and various events. Teachers will be alerted through the Superintendent’s monthly email sent to all public and charter school teachers, Maricopa County School Superintendent Facebook page, and Twitter feed. (Facebook/mcesaaz & @mcesaaz)
2. Donations directly to CTE, STEM, and engineering programs. Items will be distributed to programs currently working with MCESA, and to all other teachers on a first come, first serve basis. (We have reached capacity for requested items.)
3. Watson Challenge Boxes consist of various electronics with a written challenge for a class or club. For example, a box could contain a battery, various LED lights, and a drone. The challenge would be to create a lighted landing pad and land the drone on the target in the dark. (We have reached capacity for the challenge boxes.)
For inquiries, contact info@mcesa.maricopa.gov
Superintendent Watson Appoints Augustine Bartning to MCCCD Board
January 29, 2018
Monday, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson appointed Augustine P. Bartning to the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board. Read the full release.
County Superintendent Watson Appoints Governing Board Member in Pendergast Elementary School District
January 5, 2018
On Friday, January 5, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced the appointment of Alan Gaugert to the governing board of Pendergast Elementary School District. Read full release.
Superintendent Watson Appoints Two Members to Liberty Elementary School District Board
December 20, 2017
On Wednesday, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson appointed two members to the Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board. Mark Aguire replaces Thad McCloud, who resigned on Nov. 10, and Connie Krogulecki-Crowley fills the vacancy of Regina Simmons, who resigned on Nov. 13. Read full release.
Teachers Design Ways to Bring Joy Back to Teaching
November 8, 2017
Human Centered Design is used to create new technologies, develop next-generation business thinking, and bring clean drinking water to Sub-Saharan Africa. Thanks to the Maricopa County School Superintendent, it is now being used to increase joyful teaching experiences for teachers. Read full release here.
Superintendent Watson Makes Appointment to Higley Unified School District Governing Board
November 6, 2017
Friday, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson appointed Richard Thornock to the Higley Unified School District Governing Board. Richard Thornock fills the vacancy that occurred when Allison Ford resigned her position on October 26. Read full release.
Maricopa County School Superintendent Donates Surplus Technology to Teachers
August 8, 2017
MCESA has asked the County Board of Supervisors to exempt the agency from the surplus policy through December 2018. The intent is to streamline the donation process by avoiding a vote every time the agency wants to donate supplies. Read news story.
School supply drive will provide donors with entrance to Maricopa County Home Show
July 5, 2017
One in five children in Maricopa County lives in poverty. An opportunity in July will allow people to help students in need and earn free entrance to the Maricopa County Home & Landscape Show. Read full release.
Superintendent Watson Appoints Newest Governing Board Member to Liberty School District
June 7, 2017
Wednesday, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson appointed and swore-in Kathy Lynn McNamara to the Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board. Read full release
Read past news
For media inquiries, contact 602-689-0581 or superintendent@maricopa.gov