Catalina Foothills Unified School District named its associate superintendent Denise Bartlett to succeed longtime Superintendent Mary Kamerzell, who is retiring next year.
Kamerzell, who has helmed the district for 27 years, will remain superintendent until June 30, 2024, when Bartlett will take over.
The district governing board unanimously approved Bartlett’s hiring Tuesday to a three-year contract to run from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2027.
Bartlett’s salary as superintendent will start at $175,000. Should districtwide administrative pay raises be approved for the next two fiscal years, her salary would increase by the same dollar or percentage amount. However, this adjustment cannot exceed 3% of Bartlett’s base salary.
Mary Kamerzell
The hiring was based on a 40-criteria, eight-category evaluation process based on nonprofit leadership hiring practices, according to a meeting presentation.
After the vote, Bartlett shared highlights of her 100-day plan, saying the district’s current strategic plan will continue to be the “core” guidance and she will continue work that’s underway.
Bartlett’s plan says she’ll connect with the Catalina Foothills community and raise visibility, including attending district events and facilitating “listen, learn, lead” focus groups to help determine “targeted insights and perspectives.”
“I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to transition into this role under the guidance and mentorship of Mary Kamerzell,” Bartlett said. Board President Eileen Jackson thanked Kamerzell for “visionary leadership.”
All of Catalina Foothills Unified School District’s K-12 schools — elementary, middle and high schools — were graded “A” this year by the Arizona Department of Education. The district has more than 5,400 students.
Kamerzell, who has been with the district since 1996, informed the board when signing her contract in 2021 that it would be her last. According to her LinkedIn profile, Bartlett has been with the Catalina Foothills district for 14 years, previously as an assistant superintendent and a school principal.
She holds a doctorate in education in policy and administration from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.
Catalina Foothills High School Falcons Band performed their Rose Bowl show for parents and friends on Dec. 27 at Catalina Foothills High School.
The band performed their 2023 field show "All Hallows Eve," a parade show and a rodeo roping demonstration. The band will perform at the 134th Rose Parade on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Video by Pascal Albright / Arizona Daily Star
