District administrators honored

Michael Hawkins, Shadow Ridge High School Principal, and Jim Dean, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, have recently been awarded the Arizona School Administrators (ASA) Distinguished Administrator Award. This award is presented to exceptional Arizona administrators who have exemplified dedication and leadership towards their students, staff, and colleagues. 

Mr. Hawkins was named by the ASA as a Distinguished Administrator for the Secondary Division. Mr. Hawkins has been the principal at Shadow Ridge High School for 12 years. He has helped make Shadow Ridge a home to a community of learners that inspire student excellence. From the very beginning, this has been the foundation that served to help the school articulate their mission. He has helped lead Shadow Ridge to earning an “A” rating, as well as being named an A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Education Foundation (AEF). Mr. Hawkins is involved in the Dysart Grading Committee, Multi Tiered Support Committee, High School Innovation Committee, Algebra Task Force, and the Dysart Site Administrators Association. He is admired on campus by both students and staff for his visibility, unwavering support, and direct association. 

Mr. Dean was named by the ASA as a Distinguished Administrator for the Education Services Division. Mr. Dean exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, loyal, honest, and positive leader. He fully grasps the simple Dysart focus of Academics, Arts and Athletics. He also understands the full scope of public education thanks to his experience as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and now as an assistant superintendent which he has served for 10 years. He has filled his plate with strategic solutions to make Dysart the destination district for high school students. His leadership contributes to a positive student and employee climate, high morale among students, staff and colleagues, and improved educational programs. 

The mission of Arizona School Administrators is to promote and support educational excellence in school leadership. Arizona School Administrators seeks to honor outstanding Arizona administrators for their professionalism, dedication, leadership, and exemplary contributions to education in Arizona.