Superintendent : Biography

Dr. John M. Baracy

Dr. John M. Baracy was appointed Superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District in 2004. He has been an educator for 37 years, including more than 24 years in Arizona. A native of Detroit, Michigan, he holds an undergraduate degree in business administration and management and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Eastern Michigan University. He received his doctorate from Arizona State University in 1992.

Dr. Baracy previously has served as deputy superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District and superintendent of the Roosevelt and Tempe elementary school districts. He also served in management positions at Eastern Michigan University and at county and K-12 systems in Michigan before moving to Arizona.

Dr. Baracy has won a variety of awards and recognitions from Valley education and community groups, including All-Arizona Superintendent of Large Districts in 1995-1996 from the Arizona School Administrators Association. He was inducted into the Arizona State University Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Phoenix Gazette Hall of Fame in 1993. In addition, he is an adjunct professor at Arizona State University and teaches and guest lectures elsewhere.

Governor Janet Napolitano appointed Dr. John Baracy to the English Language Learner Task Force in 2006.