SUSD’s Superintendent Named Arizona’s AASA Superintendent of the Year
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 31, 2024) – Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is proud to announce that the Arizona School Administrators (ASA) organization has named Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel Arizona’s 2024-2025 AASA National Superintendent of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Menzel’s outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to educational excellence, student achievement, and community partnership.
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 SUSD in 2020, Dr. Menzel has been focused on innovation, inclusivity, and academic success. His initiatives have enhanced educational outcomes and create a supportive environment for students and staff.
“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 added, “Dr. Menzel is truly deserving of this recognition, as demonstrated by his nomination and selection by a peer review process. 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.”
Please join us in congratulating Superintendent Menzel and wishing him well in the national competition.
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About the Scottsdale Unified School District With more than 20,000 students in 30 schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for 128 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, X: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.