ASA State Superintendent of the Year - David Verdugo

The AASA National Superintendent of the Year Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead our nation's public schools. Each year, ASA selects a State Superintendent of the Year who then is eligible for nomination to the National Superintendent of the Year Program. This recognition is designed to recognize the outstanding leadership of active, front-line superintendents who plan to continue in the profession.

David Verdugo became the eighth superintendent of Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 in May 2014. He brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, having served as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. Under his leadership, the district and its schools have achieved both state and national recognition.

A steadfast advocate for public education, Superintendent Verdugo’s career spans more than three decades of service and leadership across the state of Arizona. He is known for his steady presence, collaborative approach, and unwavering belief in the potential of every student. His leadership has earned him a reputation as someone who brings people together to create meaningful and lasting change.

Before becoming superintendent, Mr. Verdugo devoted his career to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom—as a teacher who inspired curiosity, a coach who fostered resilience and teamwork, and a principal committed to building strong, inclusive school communities. His leadership style is grounded in integrity, compassion, and a deep respect for educators, students, and families.

Colleagues often describe Superintendent Verdugo as a thoughtful listener and clear communicator who approaches challenges with optimism and resolve. He is driven by a vision of schools where all students are seen, supported, and encouraged to discover and develop their strengths.

Beyond his role in the district, Superintendent Verdugo is deeply committed to community partnership and civic engagement. He actively represents SCVUSD No. 35 through professional and community organizations, including Arizona School Administrators, the American Association of School Superintendents, Rotary International, Nogales/Santa Cruz Government Relations, and the First Things First Santa Cruz Council.

Superintendent Verdugo has received multiple honors recognizing his leadership and impact in education, including being named the 2026 Arizona Superintendent of the Year by the Arizona School Administrators Association, 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the Arizona Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, 2019 ASA Mid-Size All-Arizona Superintendent of the Year, and 2012 ASA Middle Level State Principal of the Year. His continued commitment to serving students and strengthening public education remains a source of inspiration throughout the district and community.

All Arizona Superintendent Award

At the ASA/ASBA Winter Conference, awards will be given to three outstanding superintendents. The awards will be made to selected superintendents representing small, medium and large size districts.

Small (1000 or fewer) - Daniel Erickson

With three decades of service in public education, Daniel Erickson is a seasoned leader known for strengthening school culture, elevating academic performance, and unifying teams around a shared purpose. His career spans six years as a classroom teacher, two as an assistant principal, seven years as an elementary principal, five years as a middle school principal, three years as a Director of Advanced Learning, two years as an assistant superintendent, and now five years as a superintendent/principal across two rural K–8 districts. This breadth of experience has shaped a leader who understands every layer of a school system and embraces the “multiple hats” required in small-district leadership.

Daniel is recognized for transforming school culture through the implementation of the Row the Boat mindset—a framework rooted in purpose, passion, and positivity. Under his leadership, schools have seen notable improvements in trust, morale, and shared ownership as staff and students embrace rowing together in the same direction. He has guided districts through major initiatives, including transitioning to a 4-day school week, which has contributed to improved mental health, stronger family balance, and renewed energy that allows staff to “row with purpose.”

Academically, his schools have demonstrated growth across all levels, supported by research-based instructional practices, targeted interventions, and a culture of continuous improvement. Daniel also prioritizes strong community partnerships, working closely with local agencies, mental-health providers, law enforcement, and parent organizations to create safe, supportive, and connected school environments.

A committed servant leader, Daniel believes leadership is about lifting others, modeling humility, and empowering teams to lead boldly. He is passionate about mentoring emerging principals and new superintendents and serves as a guide for colleagues through the Superintendent Collaborative Network. His work was honored when he was named ASA Superintendent of the Year for Small Districts, a recognition he views as a reflection of his team’s collective effort.

Daniel holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Married for 25 years and deeply committed to public education, he continues to champion joyful learning environments where students, staff, and families feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Medium (1001 to 5000) - Brad Sale

Brad Sale grew up in a small rural town in Northeastern South Dakota. He attended and graduated high school from Northwestern Area School District in Mellette, SD. As a first-generation college student, Mr. Sale attended and graduated from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.

Mr. Sale has served Parker Unified since 1998. Over the past 28 years, Mr. Sale has served in many different roles including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and for the past seven years as superintendent. During the course of his career, Mr. Sale graduated with his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and additional course work for his superintendent’s certificate.

Outside of his Parker Unified duties, Mr. Sale has served in Parker as a volunteer youth football coach, volunteer youth wrestling coach, treasurer at his church, and play-by-play announcer for Parker Broncs Football on KLPZ. Mr. Sale currently sits on the Colorado River Indian Tribes First Things First board, Parker Area Alliance for Community Empowerment (PAACE) board, and the Arizona Western College Board.

Mr. Sale is married to his wife Dawn. They have two grown children. Hayden is an AWC graduate in Radiological Technologies and Ethan is a Machinist Mate Nuclear in the US Navy. Mr. Sale continues to work and reside in Parker, AZ and will continue to serve his community as long as he is able.