SW Valley Times

The half-way point of the school year is upon us, and the Governing Board continues to be impressed by our student’s dedication to learning and our staff and teacher’s dedication to quality instruction, as evidenced by current year growth data.

The half-way point of the school year is upon us, and the Governing Board continues to be impressed by our student’s dedication to learning and our staff and teacher’s dedication to quality instruction, as evidenced by current year growth data. We will visit every school throughout the year and our visits to date have exemplified LESD’s commitment to academic excellence and student well-being. Keep up the good work!

Student success in classrooms is enhanced with support from district administration. The Governing Board wants to ensure you are aware of the following leadership additions and changes:

Deputy Superintendent of Academic Success – Dr. Bridget Duzy. This new position provides additional leadership, oversight, and analysis on the effectiveness of programs related to student achievement, curriculum, professional development, and assessment. In other words, Dr. Duzy looks at our current academic systems to provide support and continuous improvement toward increased student success.

Director of School Safety – Mr. Sergio Banales.  This is also a new position with the primary purpose of supporting the physical safety of students, personnel, buildings, assets, community, and any other physical use of District campuses.  Director Banales looks at our current safety systems to provide support and continuous improvement toward ensuring student and staff safety.

Superintendent Retirement – Mrs. Jodi Gunning: Superintendent Gunning has announced her intention to retire as LESD Superintendent in June 2024. While 18 months may seem like ample time to find our next district leader, we are taking immediate action to ensure a smooth transition. We anticipate launching a national search in early 2023, with a hire date in summer 2023. This will allow a year of leadership overlap for knowledge transfer, relationship building, critical planning, system analysis and strategic plan revision.  

Governing Board – Mr. Ryan Owens: November election results are final. Mr. Owens and I have been elected to the Governing Board with terms set to expire in 2026.  Board members Clymer, Hoenack and Zuidema’s terms will expire in 2024. We are grateful to Dr. Dowling for sharing his educational expertise during his term and wish him well.

Maintaining student success as our focus, the Governing Board commits to continue working together toward increased academic growth, positive relationships, high quality services, effective communication, and physical safety while maintaining accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

We hope every member of our LESD Family has a safe and restful winter break. Happy Holidays to you and your families!

In Service to Students,

Kimberly Moran

LESD Governing Board President

The Governing Board is elected by the voters to represent the community.  We are always open to feedback and invite you to reach out anytime:

Danielle Clymer             danielle.clymer@lesd.k12.az.us

Dr. Dennis Dowling       drdennis.dowling@lesd.k12.az.us (term ends 12/31/22)

Jeremy Hoenack          jeremy.hoenack@lesd.k12.az.us

Kimberly Moran            kimberly.moran@lesd.k12.az.us

Ryan Owens                 ryan.owens@lesd.k12.az.us (term begins 1/1/23)

Melissa Zuidema          melissa.zuidema@lesd.k12.az.us

Original source can be found here.