Risha VanderWey makes a move

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PAGE – Risha VanderWey, Coconino County superintendent of schools, resigned her position to become superintendent for the Tuba City Unified School District. VanderWey started her new position July 29.


VanderWey was the superintendent of schools for five years and six months. Before that, she was an elementary school principal for Page Unified School District. She has a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, according to her Linkedin profile.


VanderWey will continue her job as county superintendent until a replacement is found.


“Dr. VanderWey was appointed in February 2014 and was elected to a full term in 2016. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors, by statute, will appoint VanderWey’s successor to complete VanderWey’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2020,” according to a press release from the county.


Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler said, “She built a culture of success and has left a positive impact on our students, teachers and staff. We wish her the best in her future endeavors and are happy she will continue her positive impact on educating children in her new role in Tuba City.”


VanderWey founded the Rookie Teacher of the Year Award to honor accomplishments of new teachers. She was an advocate for Secure Rural School dollars to help rural communities.


“It was an honor to serve as the superintendent of schools for Coconino County,” VanderWey said. “I had the privilege to work with many fine teachers and administrative staff to serve the children of the County the best we could with the limited resources we have. While I look forward to returning to the Navajo Nation, an area I care deeply for, I will look very fondly back at my time with Coconino County.”


VanderWey served as principal of Lake View Primary School in Page before her appointment as County Superintendent of Schools in February 2014. She was elected to a full term in 2016.