On Dec. 4, the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board selected Dr. Matthew Strom to be the next Superintendent of Schools, pending contract negotiations.

Dr. Strom will succeed Dr. Andi Fourlis, who announced her retirement effective June 30, 2025, after a distinguished career dedicated to student achievement and community engagement.

The Governing Board has selected Hazard, Young, Attea, & Associates (HYA), a nationally recognized search firm, to assist with recruiting, engagement, screening, and consulting.

The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board has announced its three finalists for the next Superintendent of Schools following a special board meeting on Monday, Nov. 25. The finalists will participate in a series of interview activities over Dec. 3 and 4.

• Dr. Anna Battle, Deputy Superintendent at Roosevelt School District

• Juan Ceja, Deputy Superintendent at Tolleson Union High School District

• Dr. Matthew Strom, Associate Superintendent at Mesa Public Schools

Timeline

• October 29 - November 8, 2024 – Community survey open

• November 12, 2024 - Leadership profile of ideal superintendent (based on survey results and focus group feedback) given at Board Meeting

  • Leadership Profile

• November 19, 2024 – Deadline for superintendent applications

• November 25, 2024 - Special board meeting to select finalists and give leadership profiles of finalists

  • Virtual Meeting Link

• December 3-4, 2024 - Special meetings for finalist interviews and possible selection

  • Finalist Live Q&A (Dec. 3 at 7 pm)

Press Releases

• Mesa Public Schools Governing Board selects Dr. Matthew Strom as next superintendent

• Three finalists named for next Superintendent of Schools

• Mesa Public Schools begins search for new superintendent

• Dr. Andi Fourlis Announces Retirement After Years of Service to Mesa Public Schools

Community Survey

Mesa Public Schools invited all stakeholders, including parents, students, educators, and community members, to participate in an online survey to share their vision for the district’s next leader. The survey was open Oct. 29 - Nov. 8 and gave stakeholders an opportunity to share perceptions of the school district and the importance of various characteristics found in effective superintendents.