Mesa Public Schools board selects Dr. Matthew Strom as next superintendent

The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board selected Dr. Matthew Strom as superintendent effective July 1, 2025, contingent upon successful negotiation and board approval of an employment contract. The board voted unanimously to approve the appointment.

The decision followed a multi-step selection process in which the district said more than 4,000 Mesa citizens participated in surveys and focus groups, and 23 candidates applied for the position. The board identified three finalists after a two-day series of stakeholder feedback sessions, board interviews, written tasks, a public question-and-answer livestream, a student dinner, school tours and a final interview with the board.

Board members thanked the finalists and the community for their participation. The district identified HYA as the search firm and named staff members John Bash, Christine McDuffie and Sylvia Ibarra as part of the search team. The board noted that the selection is contingent on negotiating and approving an employment contract before the July 1 start date.

A motion to appoint Strom was made and seconded on the record; Miss Davis seconded the motion. Ms. Kirby administered the roll call. The transcript records Doctor O'Reilly, Miss Davis, Ms. Kirby, Mrs. Walden and Miss Sears voting in the affirmative; the board declared the vote unanimous.

Board remarks emphasized stakeholder involvement in the selection. In the meeting the board said it "values stakeholder input into these critically important decisions" and thanked students, staff, community members and the search firm for their engagement.

The board adjourned the meeting after the appointment vote. The board did not record additional terms of the employment contract in the public session; the appointment is therefore contingent on future contract negotiations and final board approval.