On March 5, the Governing Board of Paradise Valley Unified School District voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Dan Courson as the new superintendent. One board member was not present for the vote.
Dr. Courson has a long history with the district, having served as acting superintendent and assistant superintendent of secondary leadership. He previously worked as principal at Horizon High School and held other roles within PVSchools, including Title IX coordinator and member of the superintendent’s cabinet. In his role overseeing secondary principals, he managed departments such as Athletics, Career and Technical Education (CTE), and Student Services.
Before these positions in PVSchools, Dr. Courson was assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, director of leadership in Deer Valley Unified School District, principal at Horizon High School, and a middle school principal in a neighboring district. He also taught high school English and math.
In addition to his administrative work, Dr. Courson is involved in professional development for educational leaders through organizations like the Center for the Future of Arizona’s Beat the Odds Executive Development Program and the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL). He has taught graduate-level courses at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University for administrative certification programs.
Dr. Courson also serves as an executive coach focusing on systems design, facilitation development, and leading change.
In a message to the community following his appointment, Dr. Courson stated:
“It is with both gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility that I share my appreciation to our Governing Board and to this community for the opportunity to serve as superintendent of the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
Over the past several months, while serving as acting superintendent, I have had the privilege of seeing our district from a broader vantage point. What stands out most is not a single program or initiative, it’s our people. I have seen the dedication of our educators and staff, the resilience and brilliance of our students, and the steadfast partnership of our families and community. That combination is powerful, and it gives me unwavering confidence in our future.
As superintendent, my commitment is clear: we will keep students at the center of every decision while strengthening a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared leadership across this district. When we work together within classrooms, on campuses, alongside families, and in collaboration with the Governing Board and our community, we create the conditions where students thrive.
To our students, you are the reason we do this work. Your curiosity, creativity, and potential drive every conversation and every decision.
To our staff, thank you for your professionalism, your heart, and your steady leadership during this time of transition. You have kept our classrooms vibrant, our schools safe, and our operations strong. I have complete confidence in your talent and dedication.
And ,to our parents ,guardians ,and community ,thank you for your continued trust ,and partnership .A public school district is a promise to the next generation .It is a promise to prepare ,to protect ,and to believe in every child .I do not take that responsibility lightly ,and I am grateful for opportunity to lead PVSchools as we continue make good on that promise .
PVSchools has legacy excellence worth honoring .Even more importantly ,we have future filled with opportunity .Together ,we will continue building learning environments that are safe ,innovative ,and inspiring — places where every child is seen valued prepared what comes next .
It is honor serve as your superintendent .I am grateful for your trust confidence in staff excited work ahead.”
Paradise Valley Unified School District operates under guidance from its board of trustees (official website). The district serves Paradise Valley area in Arizona (official website) with an emphasis on anti-racism policies along with equity inclusion practices (official website). It focuses on engaging students through quality instruction dynamic learning experiences (official website), offers magnet programs community learning centers (official website), specializes public schooling sector (official website).
