Peoria Unified names two deputy superintendents — education and business — in unanimous votes

The Peoria Unified School District governing board approved two senior administrative appointments Thursday, confirming Dr. Teresa Hernandez as deputy superintendent for educational services and Marcy Rodriguez as deputy superintendent for business support services, both effective July 1.

Superintendent Dr. Daniel Summers introduced the nominees and summarized each candidate’s experience. Dr. Hernandez, who has led academic services as the district’s chief academic support officer since 2022, was recommended after multi‑phase screening and stakeholder interviews. Summers credited Hernandez with work on the district’s data dashboard, improvements in early literacy and math, the lifeways Learner Academy and K–12 curriculum efforts. The board approved her appointment by voice vote (5–0).

Marcy Rodriguez, the superintendent said, brings more than 25 years of leadership across Arizona districts in school finance and operations and currently serves as assistant superintendent of business and operations at West MEC. Summers described Rodriguez’s experience managing multimillion‑dollar budgets, compliance with uniform system of financial records and operational improvements. The board confirmed the appointment 5–0.

Why it matters: The two appointments reflect the district’s organizational alignment ahead of the 2025–26 school year. Dr. Hernandez will lead instructional priorities, implementation of recently adopted curriculum, standards‑alignment work and teacher professional learning. Rodriguez will oversee finance, transportation, boundary planning and operational support.

Process and background: Summers said both appointments followed thorough, stakeholder‑inclusive selection processes that included field interviews, reference checks and executive‑level review. Board members praised the candidates’ experience and the district’s internal leadership pipeline. Dr. Hernandez, in brief remarks after the vote, said she is “honored to continue to serve Peoria Unified” and highlighted the district’s recent A rating from the Arizona Department of Education.

What’s next: Both appointees will begin transition work with current department leads and plan for summer implementation activities; the board noted they will review transition and onboarding timelines in future board reports.

Sources: Superintendent’s introductions and the board’s roll‑call votes during the meeting.