Acting superintendent of a west Phoenix public school district steps down

PHOENIX – The acting superintendent of a west Phoenix public school district announced during a board meeting Wednesday night that he is stepping down.

Steve Watson told the Cartwright School District Governing Board he submitted his resignation to the human resources department earlier in the day.

He lauded the district’s accomplishments over the last year, including a teacher pay raise, a balanced budget and a plan to return to a five-day school week in the fall.

“It’s been great to be a part of this process, and at the same time, I think this is a prime moment for me to step away,” he said.

Board President Lydia Hernandez thanked Watson for his service.

“It certainly has been a long year and a multitude of tasks I think that needed addressing, and we certainly have addressed all of the above,” she said.

Cartwright School District faces superintendent opening again

The board hired Watson as acting superintendent in February 2025. He previously served two terms as Maricopa County school superintendent.

Watson replaced interim Superintendent Ema Jáuregui, who was put on administrative leave shortly after she was hired amid questions about the legality of her contract.

Jáuregui had been appointed to replace LeeAnn Aguilar-Lawlor, who retired after serving as superintendent from 2019 to 2024.

Cartwright operates 20 K-6, K-8 and middle schools in the Maryvale section of Phoenix.

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