The Superintendent
Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson
The Office of the Maricopa County School Superintendent is led by elected Superintendent Steve Watson. The office is statutorily responsible to provide services supporting school governing board elections, bond and override elections, appointments, school finance, and maintain homeschool and private school records. The superintendent leverages the office to strengthen teacher voice, increase respect for the education profession, and create resources that expand the capacity of teachers, administrators, and support staff. The superintendent also oversees the Maricopa County accommodation school.
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Steve Watson was elected as the Maricopa County School Superintendent in 2016 (and re-elected in 2020). He ran for office to create conditions for teachers and students to have a more joyful school experience.
His vision to bring more autonomy and creativity back to the education profession resonates with teachers. His passion for providing instructional resources that are inspirational, rigorous, and, yes, fun strikes a chord with parents and community members. His leadership to create processes to consolidate services and partner with businesses that ensure more money is spent in the classroom receives constant praise and appreciation.
As a high school teacher, Steve Watson experienced first-hand the restraints that drive teachers from the classroom and the profession. With teacher recruitment and retention the most pressing issue facing K12 education, Watson is a necessary voice and visionary in the effort to return education to the desirable profession it once was.
Steve is motivated and supported by his wife, Tessa, and their six children. He is inspired by his mother, who raised him by herself as a school teacher and continues to influence his vision and decision making. Steve is grateful for his dedicated staff, who tirelessly work to bring more joy to education in Maricopa County.
Email Superintendent Watson steve.watson@maricopa.gov
Follow Superintendent Watson on X @mcschoolsup
Read and subscribe to Superintendent Watson’s email lists