Exemplary Principals
The Exemplary Principal Award
Celebrating School Cultures Where Students And Teachers Thrive
Maricopa County has a teacher retention problem. Skilled educators are leaving the profession, citing poor working conditions as a top reason. Pressures from an increased workload, lack of support, and decisions made for them without their input contribute to the problem. Highly skilled, professionally satisfied teachers are critical to children's academic success. However, the teacher shortage leaves too many children without the opportunity to experience a high-quality learning environment.
Teachers choosing to stay in the profession often cite a school leader who creates a culture where both students and teachers thrive as the reason. The Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson annually recognizes such leaders through the Exemplary Principal Award.
Superintendent Watson recognizes leaders who intentionally and strategically nurture school cultures where teacher and student voices set and realize the school's vision. Principals awarded the Exemplary Principal award intrinsically value the opinions, experiences, and preferences of those they lead and consistently leverage those perspectives in decision-making. As a result of these safe and supportive environments, the students achieve academically and emotionally, and the teachers remain in the profession.
2023 Exemplary Principals
For the 2023 Exemplary Principal Award Season, Superintendent Watson recognized seven extraordinary principals across Maricopa County who are building a school community where teachers excel, and students thrive. See the seven Exemplary Principals below.
Holly Medina
West-MEC Northwest — West MEC
“Holly is a results-oriented and collaborative leader who values and includes both student and teacher voices in decision-making. She has created a warm, inclusive, celebratory culture and programming that is both rigorous and inspiring. ”
Kacy Baxter
Franklin East Elementary School — Mesa Public Schools
“Kacy is a mission-focused instructional leader who has strategically and intentionally developed a culture inclusive of both high expectations and high levels of support. She has an unwavering belief in people and possibilities and is a passionate advocate for students, teachers, and the education profession. ”
Kara McDivitt
Chaparral Elementary School — Washington Elementary School District
“Kara is a mission driven leader with an unwavering commitment to student growth. She has created an environment inclusive of high expectations, collective efficacy, and collaborative decision-making where students, teachers, and the community feel valued and inspired. ”
Nichole Basl
Legend Springs Elementary School— Deer Valley Unified School District
“Nichole is a visionary servant-leader who encourages risk-taking and builds capacity in everyone around her. She is a staunch advocate for mental health and well-being and has strategically built an environment of support, trust, and growth with students, staff, and families. ”
Dr. Nicole Durazo
Estrella Vista STEM Academy — Littleton Elementary School District
“Dr. Durazo is a data-driven instructional leader who works strategically to support students and teachers in realizing their full potential. She has created a joyful and supportive environment where relationships, collaboration, and shared decision-making are priorities, and students are at the heart of all decisions. ”
Shirley Mathew
Robert JC Rice Elementary School — Chandler Unified School District
“Shirley is a dynamic instructional leader who has thoughtfully and strategically built and implemented a collective vision for students, teachers, and the Rice community. She is a positive force and has created a school environment rooted in caring relationships, high expectations, trust, guidance, feedback, and sheer joy.”
Tony Galietti
Sierra Verde STEAM Academy — Deer Valley Unified School District
“Tony is a strong collaborative leader who strategically supports students and teachers in discovering and growing their strengths. He values relationships and innovation and has built a culture where teachers feel connected, empowered, and celebrated. ”
Previous Exemplary Principals
2022 Exemplary Principals
Brian Butson, Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary, Queen Creek Unified School District
Grace Stombres, Cheyenne Traditional School, Scottsdale Unified School District
Dr. Julie Case, Festival Foothills Elementary, Wickenburg Unified School District
Luke Jankee, Verrado Elementary School, Litchfield Elementary
Matt Owsley, Black Mountain Elementary School of the Arts, Cave Creek Unified School District
Dr. Michael Cagle, Country Place Leadership Academy, Littleton Elementary School District
Michael Welsh, Union Elementary School, Union Elementary School District
Robert Bickes, Arizona College Prep High School, Chandler Unified School District
Sherry Towns, Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary, Queen Creek Unified School District
Steve Tannenbaum, Williams Field High School, Higley Unified School District
2020
Adrian Walker, Magnet Traditional School
Christine Hollingsworth, Acacia Elementary
Dr. Donna Fitzgerald, Steven R. Jasinski Elementary
Dr. Holly Batsell, Bioscience High School
Jeannie Paparella, Thunderbird High School
Jeffrey Abrams, Franklin at Brimhall Elementary
Jill Helland, Garden Lakes Elementary
Rachel Broadley, Centennial Elementary
Tricia Heller-Johnson, Lookout Mountain Elementary
2021
Amy Hartjen, Dysart High School
Casey Newman, Manuel “Lito” Pena Jr. Elementary School
Felipe Carranza, Encanto Elementary School
Jeffrey Beickel, Bridges Elementary
Joseph De La Huerta, Desert Garden Elementary School
Kelley Brunner, Kyrene de la Colina
Lori Goslar, Michael Anderson Elementary School
Renee Kory, Kyrene Aprende Middle School
2019
Dr. Ana Gomez del Castillo, Kyrene de los Lagos
Nancy Branch, Kyrene de la Mirada
Tony Smith, Auxier Elementary School
Tricia Graham, Canyon Springs STEM Academy
Dr. Linda Price-Barry, West Wing School
Thea Hansen, Carol Rae Ranch Elementary School
Megan Gestson, Irene Lopez Elementary School
Tamara Jagodzinski, Hopi Elementary School
Diana Cameron, Sandpiper Elementary School
Jessica Larsen, Aguilar Elementary School
John Trezise, Hermosa Vista Elementary School
2018
Priscilla Gossett, Madison Heights Elementary School
Eric Gundrum, Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School
Dale Shough, Cheyenne Elementary School
Rhonda Warren, Sunburst Elementary School
Tim Fountain, Gateway Pointe Elementary School
Sarah Zembruski, Trailside Point Performing Arts Academy
Dr. Marianne Lescher, Kyrene Traditional Academy
Heather Anguiano, Hartford Sylvia Encinas Elementary School
2017
Wayne Deffenbaugh, Desert Thunder Elementary School
Amalia Garcia, Luke Elementary School
Kristi Langley-Wells, Sunset Elementary School
Hilary O'Brien, Madison Camelview Elementary
Denis Parcells, William C. Jack School
Jan Stevens, Indian Bend Elementary School
Tim Thomas, Rogers Ranch Elementary School
Tonja Yalung, Kyrene de los Ninos Elementary