Paradise Valley Unified School District reviews superintendent candidates in public discussion

The Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board convened on March 6, 2025, for a regular meeting that focused primarily on the ongoing search for a new superintendent. The meeting began with a summary of survey data collected to inform the search process, emphasizing its value in guiding decision-making as the board moves forward.

The board was informed that the candidate pool includes seven experienced superintendents from six different states, highlighting the quality of applicants for the position. The speaker noted the prestige of the Paradise Valley Unified School District, likening it to a pyramid in educational leadership, and expressed confidence in the caliber of candidates being considered.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the credentials of Dr. Desmond Moulton, who requested that his qualifications be reviewed publicly. The board was provided with his resume, which revealed that he did not meet several of the required and preferred qualifications for the superintendent role. Specifically, he lacked experience as a superintendent, principal, or in any district leadership position, which raised concerns among board members regarding his suitability for the role.

Board member Ms. Christensen expressed confusion about the process and noted that there are currently more qualified candidates within the district. The discussion concluded with no action required regarding Dr. Moulton's application, as the review was conducted in accordance with Arizona's open meeting laws.

The meeting transitioned into an executive session to discuss the components of the superintendent search process, including the timeline and screening of applications. A motion to enter executive session was unanimously approved, marking the end of the public meeting at 8:31 PM. The board will reconvene after the executive session to continue their discussions.