Kyrene Superintendent Named Arizona's Top Educator
Laura Toenjes, who leads Kyrene Elementary School District, is now a candidate for National Superintendent of the Year.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Administration
The Arizona School Administrators named Kyrene Elementary School District Superintendent Laura Toenjes the 2027 Superintendent of the Year, an honor recognizing one Arizona superintendent annually. Toenjes is now a candidate for the National Superintendent of the Year award.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights literacy gains and a district-wide strategic plan at a time when many Arizona districts are contending with declining enrollment. Kyrene's approach offers a case study in balancing academic improvement with difficult facility decisions.
Kindergarten literacy rates increased from 74% to 86%, and first grade literacy has reached 84%. The Academic Progress score has advanced 5%, though the source does not detail how these measures compare across other Arizona districts.
The players
Laura Toenjes
Toenjes is a veteran educator with about 30 years in public education who leads the Kyrene Elementary School District.
Kyrene Elementary School District
Kyrene is a large Arizona public school district that is undergoing a long-term sustainability plan in response to shrinking enrollment.
Arizona School Administrators
Arizona School Administrators is the state professional association that selects the annual Superintendent of the Year honoree.
The details
Toenjes prioritized research-based instruction, smaller early-grade class sizes, targeted literacy training and ongoing educator support. The district also built its five-year plan, Thrive! Ready for the Future, through a community-driven process addressing declining enrollment.
Timeline
End of last school year: the board closed three elementary schools.
Next May: two middle schools and the K-8 Kyrene Traditional Academy will shutter.
February 2027: the National Superintendent of the Year will be announced at the AASA National Conference.
Seasonal Patterns
The AASA National Superintendent of the Year program has recognized district leaders since its founding, and Toenjes's candidacy places an Arizona superintendent in that national pool. The state-level honor is a precursor to the national award announced each February.
For Arizona families, the district's literacy gains and school consolidation decisions directly affect where children attend class. Parents of students at the closing schools will need to plan for new campus assignments next year.
The takeaway
Districts facing enrollment declines can pair consolidation with early-grade literacy investments to protect academic progress. Families should watch school closure notices closely to plan transitions.
What happens next
The National Superintendent of the Year will be announced during the AASA National Conference in February 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on school administration across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ahwatukee Foothills News.
