October 23, 2017
Courtesy of Cave Creek Unified School District
October is National School Principal’s Month. The Cave Creek Unified School District is using the month to recognize and introduce the principals of the schools in the district.
Aaron Bagwell, Desert Sun Academy Principal
Aaron Bagwell, Desert Sun Academy Principal
Mr. Aaron Bagwell is the proud principal of Desert Sun Academy. This is Aaron’s first year with CCUSD. He has been an educator for 16 years. Before CCUSD, he was an Assistant Principal at PUSD and a Math and Social Studies teacher in WESD.
Mr. Bagwell has his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (2009) from NAU; a Post-Baccalaureate in Secondary Education (2004) from Rio Salado and a Bachelor of Science (2000) from Central Missouri State University (Warrensburg, MO).
Aaron and his wife have four children. “As a father, there is nothing more important to me than ensuring my kids continue to grow into successful young adults. I can assure you that we will have the same passion for student success for all students at Desert Sun Academy.”
Desert Sun Academy offers its students French Immersion beginning in Kindergarten, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and Spanish Taught K-6. For more information please contact the principal at abagwell@ccusd93.org or by calling 480-575-2900.
Matt Owsley, Black Mountain Elementary School Principal
Mr. Matt Owsley, Black Mountain Elementary School Principal
Mr. Matt Owsley has been the proud principal of Black Mountain Elementary School since 2011. Before CCUSD, Matt was an Assistant Principal at PUSD from 2008-2011; and a first, fifth and sixth grade teacher at PUSD as well as WESD from 2002-2008.
Mr. Owsley is working toward his Ed.D. in K-12 Leadership at Grand Canyon University. He holds a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University (2006); an M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University (2003); and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University West (2002).
“I was born and raised in Arizona to parents that valued hard work and education. Just like my three brothers and two sisters, I graduated from Moon Valley High School and spent much of my life participating in sports. After graduating from college, I married my high school sweetheart and have been smiling ever since. We have two wonderful little boys, a beautiful baby girl and a golden retriever that keep us extremely busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Black Mountain Elementary offers its students Performing Arts: Dance, Drama, and Music; Spanish Taught PreK-6; and Individualized Learning Model. For more information please contact the principal at mowsley@ccusd93.org or by calling 480-575-2100.
Dr. Matt Schenk, Horseshoe Trails Elementary School Principal
Dr. Matt Schenk, Horseshoe Trails Principal
Dr. Matt Schenk is the proud principal of Horseshoe Trails Elementary School. This is his third year with CCUSD. Before CCUSD, he worked as a teacher and administrator in the Peoria Unified School District. His teaching career spans from preschool through Jr High School.
Dr. Schenk has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Grand Canyon University; a Master’s degree in Education Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University.
“My goal is for every student in my school to receive a high quality education which prepares them to be competitive in a global society. I believe every student in my school should possess the technological skills and innovative thinking necessary to shape the future. I accomplish this by hiring and training fiercely passionate educators with a dedication to personal and professional growth and giving those educators authentic capacity development in the best practices of educating 21st century learners.”
Horseshoe Trails Elementary School is an A+ School of Excellence offering its students Chinese Immersion beginning in kindergarten; an on-site horsemanship and equestrian program and Chinese taught PreK-6. For more information please contact the principal at mschenk@ccusd93.org or by calling 480-272-8500.
Dr. Rodney Egan, Desert Willow Elementary School Principal
Dr. Rod Egan, Principal Desert Willow Elementary School
Dr. Rodney Egan is the proud principal of Desert Willow Elementary School. This is his first year with CCUSD. Before CCUSD, Dr. Egan was the principal for 7 years in Sierra Vista; an Assistant Principal for 3 years in the Florence School District and spent 11 years teaching grades 1, 2, 3 and 5. Fun fact – Dr. Egan did his dissertation research for one of ASU’s doctoral programs at DWES, when the school’s Spanish Immersion Program had just started.
Dr. Egan has a BA in Elementary Education from Utah State University; a Masters in Elementary Education from NAU; and a Doctorate in Education Leadership, Supervision and Policy Studies, D.E.L.T.A. doctoral program from ASU.
“My wife Miriam and I are raising 5 children who range in ages from 10 to 23. Two of my children are still at home. We just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. My hobbies include singing, acting, playing sports, and the outdoors. Yes, I am an Eagle Scout (certificate signed by Ronald Reagan for history enthusiasts).”
Desert Willow Elementary was the first public Spanish Immersion school in the State of Arizona, a school that others have modeled their program after. DWES offers its students Spanish Immersion PreK-6. For more information please contact the principal at regan@ccusd93.org or by calling 480-575-2800.
Mr. Bill Dolezal, Sonoran Trails Middle School Principal
Mr. Bill Dolezal, Principal Sonoran Trails Middle School
Mr. Bill Dolezal is the proud principal of Sonoran Trails Middle School. This is his ninth year as principal of STMS. Bill led math, science and social studies classrooms from 1999-2006 at Sonoran Trails Middle School. In 2006 he spent two years as an Assistant Principal in the Dysart School District. He returned to CCUSD in 2007 and began the year as Desert Arroyo’s Assistant Principal and took over the Athletic Director position at Cactus Shadows in October. In 2009, Bill returned to his “home,” Sonoran Trails, as principal.
Mr. Dolezal has a Bachelors from University of California at Irvine, teacher’s certification from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT and Masters from University of Phoenix.
“Some of my priorities that lead to student success at Sonoran Trails include: 1. Ensuring the physical and emotional safety of everyone at Sonoran Trails; 2. Remembering that the people (both adult and adolescent learners alike) are the most important and valuable assets we have as an institution – and treating them as such; 3. Hiring and retaining the best staff with the necessary persistence and passion for both their content and this age group; 4. Providing opportunities for our students in and out of the classroom that give them a competitive edge for the future; and 5. Helping students successfully navigate socially, emotionally and academically through these transition years in order to be successful in high school and beyond.”
Sonoran Trails Middle School is a World Language School of Excellence. The only public school in the state that requires its students to take a World Language (Chinese, French or Spanish) as a core class. STMS also offers its students 1 to 1 technology, a wealth of clubs and athletics and a Sci-Tech Action Lab. For more information please contact the principal at bdolezal@ccusd93.org or by calling 480-272-8600.
Dr. Steve Bebee, Cactus Shadows High School Principal
Dr. Steve Bebee
Dr. Steve Bebee is the proud principal of Cactus Shadows High School. This is his ninth year as principal of CSHS. Dr. Bebee’s 22-year educational career includes teaching in the classroom K-12, building level administration 7-12 and district level responsibilities in a variety of economically diverse settings.
Dr. Bebee has his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (2015 Grand Canyon University); a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with Distinction (2002 Northern Arizona University); a B.S. in Physical Education/Social Studies (1992 Grand Canyon University); and an A.A. in General Education (1988 Yavapai College).
“As a school leader, I am extremely proud of the partnerships I have forged within our school district and school community resulting in a successful shared vision of continuous improvement with students as a central focus. This collaborative effort is best evidenced by the successful implementation of the educational pathways that exist for all students at CSHS. In conjunction with the Governing Board and the dedicated staff that I work with, we have fostered a commitment to curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet the needs of all of our students.”
Cactus Shadows High School is a World Class High School for the 21st Century offering it’s students Advanced Placement; International Baccalaureate®; CSHS E-Learning; Early College (Puma Connection); Dual Enrollment; and a wealth of clubs and athletics. For more information please contact the principal at sbebee@ccus93.org or by calling 480-575-2400.
Julia Scotto
Executive Assistant to
Dr. Debbi Burdick, Superintendent & Governing Board
Cave Creek Unified School District
480.575.2016 Phone/480.575.2092 Fax
jscotto@ccusd93.org
“You are what you do, not what you say” – C.G. Jung
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