NE Valley Times

Brittany Walker and John Andrews have been appointed as the new leaders for Copper Ridge School and Desert Mountain High School, respectively. Walker, who joins Copper Ridge from BASIS and Legacy public charter school organizations, expressed her excitement to enhance the school's culture of academic excellence and student-focused mindset. She emphasized her goal to empower teachers, staff, and students to reach the highest level of excellence. Speaking about her new role, Walker stated, "My mission is to empower our teachers, staff, and students to reach the highest level of excellence in all areas."

Walker also highlighted her commitment to working closely with Copper Ridge parents and community members to meet students' needs and foster effective communication. She will succeed Tim Eyerman as the principal of Copper Ridge, who is leaving the district for a new leadership opportunity out of state. Walker holds Arizona principal and elementary teaching certificates and received her Master of Education from Arizona State University.

On the other hand, John Andrews, who has been an assistant principal at Desert Mountain High School, will now take on the role of principal following Dr. Lisa Hirsch's retirement. Andrews, who started his career at Desert Mountain in 2008, expressed his enthusiasm to continue the tradition of excellence at the school. He emphasized the supportive environment at Desert Mountain, stating, "The warm and welcoming environment of the school, combined with its excellence in academics, arts and athletics, is the perfect place for students, and for me."

SUSD's Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Dr. Milissa Sackos, praised the new appointments, stating, "Mrs. Walker and Mr. Andrews are great additions to SUSD’s already strong team of principals." She also commended the outgoing principals, Mr. Eyerman and Dr. Hirsch, for their leadership that sets up the new leaders for success.

The Scottsdale Unified School District utilized a collaborative process involving the parent, teacher, and staff communities of each school to select the new leaders. With more than 21,000 students in 30 schools, SUSD has been a premier choice for public education for 127 years, serving students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Scottsdale.

Walker and Andrews' appointments mark a new chapter for Copper Ridge School and Desert Mountain High School, bringing a fresh perspective and vision to these educational institutions.