Scottsdale Unified School District hires new superintendent

PHOENIX — The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board approved a contract to hire Dr. John Kriekard as the district’s superintendent, it was announced Thursday.

Kriekard came out of retirement to become the district’s acting superintendent in May 2018 and will serve through June 30, 2020.

“I am pleased the Governing Board unanimously voted to hire Dr. Kriekard as superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year,” Patty Beckman, board president, said in a press release.

“Dr. Kriekard’s experience and considerable esteem for SUSD students and community make him the ideal candidate for this role. I believe in his leadership and look forward to our continued relationship.”

Dr. John Kriekard will serve as SUSD superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year, after the Governing Board voted unanimously to extend his contract. We look forward to Dr. Kriekard's continued leadership! pic.twitter.com/6Auj2Q3QA3

— Scottsdale Unified School District (@ScottsdaleUSD) February 13, 2019

So far during his time with the district, Kriekard has overseen reviews of its hiring processes and helped update employee handbooks, according to the release.

He has worked as a principal, assistant principal and assistant superintendent for Scottsdale Unified and was also superintendent for the Paradise Valley Unified School District, the release stated.

“SUSD is my home,” Kriekard said in the release.

“It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to continue implementing significant initiatives we have undertaken these past nine months. … This community deserves the best.”

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