Independent Newsmedia

Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson announced that Eric Gundrum and Dale Shough have been named 2018 Maricopa County Exemplary Principals.

Mr. Gundrum is the principal of Sahauro Ranch Elementary, 10401 N. 63rd Ave., Glendale, and Mr. Shough is the principal of Cheyenne Elementary, 11806 N. 87th Ave., Peoria, both in the Peoria Unified school district.

The superintendent annually announces the Maricopa County Exemplary Principal Award to school leaders that:

• Exemplify practices and leadership (during the past three school years) that contribute to improved student learning.

• Involve staff, parents, and community members in developing an effective school culture.

• Have a history of high teacher retention.

Both men are receiving this honor based on their exceptional leadership skills in building a strong school culture resulting in high student achievement and low teacher turnover. They were recommended for the award by Peoria Unified School District Chief Instructional Officer Steve Savoy.

“Dr. Gundrum is known throughout the school district and community as an educator that has consistently demonstrated effective leadership over a long and illustrious career in PUSD. Although an administrator with many years of experience, he is always on the forefront of change and innovative practices,” Mr. Savoy stated. “Mr. Shough is able tonavigate through and above to inspire teachers and students to believe in the impossible. Dale is changing learning on his campus to a blended approach which allows for experimental classrooms, teacher development, and integrated technology in the learning. He is a true leader in pushing the envelope for technology and learning.”

Eight exemplary principals will be awarded by Mr. Watson. Learn more about the Exemplary Principal award and view the other winners as they are notified at mcesa.info/exemplary-principals.

“I am a teacher that ran for County School Superintendent in order to support my fellow teachers in order to improve learning for all students,” Mr. Watson stated. “One way to do that is by celebrating the leaders that clear the way for great teaching to happen. Principals have enormous control over creating vibrant teaching environments and in turn excellent learning opportunities for students. Eric Gundrum and Dale Shough are two of those principals, and I am pleased to present them with this award.”

Interim Peoria Unified School District superintendent, left, and Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson, right, present Sahuaro ranch Elementary School principal Eric Gundrum, center, with one of the county exemplary principal honors in late March.