NE Valley Times

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 20, 2024) – The assistant principal’s challenge was to hide nearly 500 elementary school students and more than 70 teachers and staff from their principal for 30 minutes. The purpose was to surprise him with a special celebration for being named a 2024 Maricopa County Exemplary Principal. The chosen hiding place was the school’s multipurpose room.

Hohokam Elementary School Principal Chuck Rantala had no idea what awaited him when he entered the room on a recent afternoon. Inside, students, staff, family members, Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson, Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel, and top district officials were gathered.

Watson congratulated Rantala on his selection: “Chuck is a strengths-based and human-centered leader who inspires all those around him,” Watson said. “He has created a culture at Hohokam where students, staff, and the community feel valued, connected, and celebrated.”

Rantala admitted to being completely surprised by the festivities organized by Assistant Principal Maggie Finan and other insiders. Teachers learned about the event a day in advance; students were informed just 20 minutes ahead of time.

“The whole thing was just incredibly humbling. Humbling and surprising,” Rantala stated afterward. “I was stunned for many days.” He was particularly moved by the presence of his parents, Peggy and Chuck Jr., who traveled from Charlotte, Michigan.

“I’m pretty good at what I do,” said Rantala, “but they’re still my parents and I’m still their kid, so for them to see that I am appreciated and admired means a lot.”

Rantala began his career in education at SUSD’s Mountainside Middle School in 1995 as a classroom teacher for 12 years before becoming an administrator in 2007. This year marks his 18th year in SUSD’s Coronado Learning Community. He holds degrees from Albion College in Michigan and Northern Arizona University.

“Mr. Rantala is a true servant leader,” noted Supt. Menzel. “He puts the interests of kids and staff first, and you can feel the positive energy on the Hohokam campus as a result of his leadership.”

For more information about Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), visit www.susd.org or follow them on social media platforms including Facebook (@ScottsdaleUSD), X (@ScottsdaleUSD), Instagram (@ScottsdaleUnifiedSD), LinkedIn, and YouTube.