Higley Unified School District
Superintendent Search
Meet the Superintendent Finalist
David Loutzenheiser
David Loutzenheiser is completing his 26th year as an educator. Mr. Loutzenheiser is a native Arizonan, graduating as the valedictorian from Apache Junction High School in 1992. He played collegiate basketball at Mesa Community College and Colorado School of Mines prior to finishing his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics degree at Northern Arizona University. He additionally has earned a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University and both Principal and Superintendent Certificates from Northern Arizona University.
Mr. Loutzenheiser began his teaching career as a math teacher and basketball coach at Gilbert High School. After nine years in GPS, he transitioned to the Chandler Unified School District where he held various positions including four years as Assistant Principal of San Tan Junior High School followed by two years as Assistant Principal of Curriculum and then five years as Principal of Basha High School. Under his leadership, Basha was consistently recognized as an “A-rated” school by the Arizona Department of Education, an A+ School of Excellence, a Project Lead The Way School of Distinction, and a Civic Engagement School of Excellence. He oversaw the growth and development of the Accelerated Middle School at Basha and spearheaded the Institute of Cyber Operations and Networking program.
In the summer of 2020, Mr. Loutzenheiser was hired as the Executive Director of Secondary Education and Athletics in the Higley Unified School District, the role he currently holds. He is responsible for two high schools, two middle schools, the Higley Virtual Academy, and all secondary athletics. In addition, he oversees the PreK-12 Educational Services, Assessment and Student Information, Information Technology, Foreign Exchange, and Career and Technical Education departments. As a member of the HUSD Leadership Team, Mr. Loutzenheiser has helped develop the core values and strategic plan, update the Portrait of a Graduate, and launched the #higleyhelps initiative. He is an active member of the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s District Athletic Director team and has served as a 6A football region representative.
Mr. Loutzenheiser has served his community as a member of the Chandler Horizon Rotary Club and the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Gilbert Leadership program Class 32. Mr. Loutzenheiser is a proud supporter of public education and strives to provide limitless opportunities for student success. He is very proud of the achievements by the students of Higley schools and looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence.
On the personal side, Mr. Loutzenheiser is the son of two educators as his mother, Kaye, was an elementary teacher and his father, Gary, was a long-time east valley administrator. He has been married to his wife, Sara, for over 26 years and they are blessed to have three children: Thomas (21), Abigail (19) and Ethan (13). Mr. Loutzenheiser is an avid University of Arizona Wildcat basketball fan, and he enjoys attending games with his father and daughter.
Our Community and District
Higley Unified School District is a distinguished district in Arizona with an "A" Rating from the Arizona Department of Education, that serves approximately 13,000 K-12 students at 16 schools located in Gilbert and Queen Creek, including HUSD's very own Virtual Academy. Students succeed on a number of academic markers as teachers prepare learners for limitless opportunities.
Our district is located in the Phoenix East Valley, a suburban community with family-friendly amenities and businesses. The median age of our population is 34 years old, with 74% of the population consisting of up and coming families. The region boasts a small town feel with big city benefits, including access to major airports, arts and culture, dining, shopping, and more.
Hiring Timeline
- November 13: Job Opening Posted
- November 18-29: Community Survey
- December 19: Applications Closed
- December 20-January 10: Application Review
- January 14: Governing Board Review
- January 29 & 30: First Interviews with committee members
- February 19: Second Interviews with Board & Executive Session
- February 26: Public Forum
- February 27: Executive Session
- March 4: Governing Board Selects
Questions can be directed to:
superintendentsearch@husd.org
480-279-7117
Job Summary
The Superintendent serves as the chief executive officer of the school district, providing visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure high-quality education, fiscal responsibility, and a positive, inclusive learning environment. This role involves close collaboration with the School Board, administration, staff, and community to develop and implement policies, programs, and practices that advance student achievement and well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Vision: Develop and promote the district’s educational goals, ensuring alignment with state standards and community expectations. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of district operations, including curriculum development, facility management, financial planning, and human resources.
- Student Achievement: Work closely with instructional staff to enhance student performance, close achievement gaps, and support diverse learning needs.
- Community Engagement: Act as a representative of the district, building strong relationships with parents, local government, businesses, and community organizations. Promote transparent communication and advocate for district interests.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Develop and manage the district's budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and responsibly. Oversee grant funding, partnerships, and fundraising efforts.
- Policy Development and Implementation: Collaborate with the School Board to establish policies that align with state and federal regulations, and support the district's educational mission.
Qualifications
This role requires a dynamic, inspiring leader who can guide the district toward excellence, engage stakeholders, and ensure every student has the resources and support needed to succeed. Candidates should have:
- Master’s degree in Education Administration or related field (Doctorate preferred).
- Arizona State certification as a Superintendent or eligibility for certification.
- Extensive experience in educational administration, with a track record of progressive leadership roles.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to foster collaborative relationships and promote an inclusive, equitable educational environment.
Additional Skills and Competencies:
- Visionary leadership with a commitment to academic excellence and student-centered policies.
- Financial acumen and strategic planning experience.
- Ability to adapt to changing educational trends and technologies.
- Strong ethical standards and commitment to professional integrity.
Strategic Plan
Mission: We empower students to be responsible citizens with the knowledge, skills, and work ethic required for success in their future endeavors.
Vision: An innovative district that prepares learners for limitless opportunities.
Values: Integrity, Connections, Learning Centered, and Accountability.
Strategic Anchors
- Teaching and Learning/Student Success: Maximize the academic and social emotional growth of each student aligned to the district’s Portrait of a Graduate.
- Highly Effective Personnel: Establish a climate and culture that sustains excellence and retains high-quality employees.
- Communication and Community Relations: Engage all stakeholders through transparent, respectful, timely, and consistent communication.
- Finance and Operations: Act as a representative of the district, building strong relationships with parents, local government, businesses, and community organizations. Promote transparent communication and advocate for district interests.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Responsibly prioritize resources to ensure student opportunity and success.
