Governing Board appoints new principals

The Governing Board approved the appointment of four new principals at its June 7 and 21 meetings.

Cheyenne Traditional School's Assistant Principal Sheila Burnham was transferred to principal at Copper Ridge Elementary School. Desert Canyon Elementary School’s Assistant Principal Sally Norton was transferred to principal at the school. Clay McAllester, who was principal in the Murphy Elementary School District, was appointed principal at Navajo Elementary School. Christopher Sawyer, who was a principal in the Glendale Elementary School District, was appointed principal at Mohave Middle School.

“We are excited to have these new principals onboard for the start of another great school year. They bring with them expertise and knowledge that align with Scottsdale Unified School District’s goals of promoting excelling teaching and learning for all of our students,” said Superintendent Dr. John M. Baracy.

Copper Ridge Elementary School

Sheila Burnham has served as assistant principal at Cheyenne Traditional School for the past two years. Ms. Burnham is filling the position held previously by Dr. Joyce Cook, who has accepted employment in another district.

Prior to he position at Cheyenne Traditional School, Ms. Burnham was the director of the summer school camp at the school, district middle school athletic director, physical education teacher at Desert Canyon Middle School, assistant principal at Desert Canyon Middle School and the boys and girls head swim coach at Chaparral High School.

Ms. Burnham earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education form the University of Arizona, Masters Educational Leadership from the Northern Arizona University, an Arizona Principal Certificate and Arizona Standard Secondary Education teaching certificate.

Desert Canyon Elementary School

Sally Norton has served as assistant principal at Desert Canyon Elementary School for the past two years, which has 686 students. Ms. Norton is filling the position held previously by Darlene Johnson, who has accepted employment in another district.

Prior to her position at Desert Canyon Elementary School, Ms. Norton was a peer evaluator for the district’s Career Ladder program. Ms. Norton has also taught at Cocopah and Desert Canyon middle schools, Zuni, Laguna and Anasazi elementary schools.

Ms. Norton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from the Arizona State University and a Master of Education degree in education leadership from the Northern Arizona University.

Navajo Elementary School

Clay McAllester brings many years of experience when he assumes the position as principal at Navajo Elementary School, which has approximately 500 students. He will replace Mark Haugen, who will serve as an assistant principal at Cheyenne Traditional School.

Mr. McAllester worked as a principal, an assistant principal and teacher before coming to Scottsdale.

Mr. McAllester earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education, social studies from The Clarion University in Clarion, Pa., a Master of Science degree in educational leadership from the Nova Southeastern University in Phoenix and earned an Educational Specialist Degree in computer applications from the Nova Southeastern University.

Mohave Middle School

Christopher Sawyer was selected as principal of Mohave Middle School, which has 615 students. He will replace Clif McKenzie, who was appointed as the executive director of exceptional customer experience.

Mr. Sawyer worked as a principal, assistant principal, math teacher, special education teacher and as a newspaper pressman before coming to Scottsdale.

Mr. Sawyer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Nazareth College, a Master of Education degree in educational leadership from the Northern Arizona University and completed coursework for the superintendency from the University of Phoenix.

These appointments became effective July 1, with the start of the new fiscal year.

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