Higley Unified holds public finalist forum; board to name superintendent March 4

Higley Unified School District hosted public finalist forums where three finalists for the district superintendent post — Dr. Bridal Copeland, David Lotzenheiser and Dr. Randy Millerwein — presented their backgrounds, priorities and answers to community questions. The district collected public feedback through a short online survey that opened the evening of the forums and was scheduled to close the following day at noon; the governing board will consider the survey results ahead of a March 4 vote to name the next superintendent.

The forum format gave each finalist 20 minutes for an introduction and 25 minutes for questions drawn from staff, students and community survey responses. Dr. Bridal Copeland described her 27-year career in public education and highlighted school-opening experience, career-path academy work and safety partnerships with local police. David Lotzenheiser, the district’s executive director of secondary education and athletics, emphasized continuity and relationships, and warned of a steep near-term enrollment decline: "This year, we are gonna graduate 300 more seniors who are leaving us than we have kindergartners coming in," he said. Dr. Randy Millerwein, a district-level administrator who has previously worked in Higley, stressed team leadership, humility and taking ownership of district problems.

Why the forums matter: the board’s selection will set leadership direction for the district as it faces enrollment and budget pressures, carries implementation of safety and curriculum policies, and seeks to retain teachers and community support. Candidates repeatedly raised similar themes: student success and career readiness, safety and law-enforcement partnerships, transparent communication with parents, and strategies to attract and retain teachers. Several finalists also referenced recent local funding efforts: one candidate noted an override renewal did not pass and called for renewed community outreach.

During question-and-answer sessions, finalists offered specifics about their priorities and experience. Copeland cited having led planning and programming for new high schools with career-path academies and a safety education video watched "twice a year" that she said reduced threat-related discipline incidents. Lotzenheiser described programs he helped create, including career-focused pathways and an Institute for Cyber Operations and Networking, and said continuity of the current district leadership team was a reason he wants to remain in Higley. Millerwein described his leadership philosophy — "I have to earn my title" — and emphasized building relationships with industry and higher education partners to expand student opportunities.

The district asked attendees to use a QR code to complete a short survey; staff said results would be available to the board before its executive session the following day. The board will publicly announce and vote on the next superintendent at its March 4 meeting.