Chandler Unified School District Superintendent Search

January 29, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHANDLER, AZ — On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board selected Dr. Anna Battle as the district’s next superintendent following an extensive, community-informed search process that included three finalists. The selection is contingent upon successful contract negotiations and the Board’s acceptance of an independent background check.

Dr. Anna Battle is a distinguished instructional and operational leader with nearly four decades of experience advancing student achievement, organizational excellence, and equitable educational systems. She currently serves as Deputy Superintendent for Roosevelt School District (PK–8) in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, where she provides leadership over academics and operations, including human resources, finance, teaching and learning, special education, data and research, technology, student services, transportation, student-wellness, and athletics. Known for her visionary leadership, Dr. Battle effectively managed multi-million-dollar budgets, complex operational systems, and diverse educational programs, maintaining strong relationships with governing boards, community partners, and legislative stakeholders. 

Dr. Battle’s career includes service as Superintendent of Casa Grande Union High School District, K–12 Managing Director/Head of Schools at ASU Preparatory Academy, and Assistant Superintendent of Operations for Tempe Union High School District. She also served as principal at both Desert Vista High School and Tempe High School, where her leadership earned statewide and national recognition. 
An accomplished scholar-practitioner, Dr. Battle holds a Doctor of Education from Arizona State University, has taught graduate-level leadership courses, and authored publications on trust and student advocacy. Her career reflects commitment to leadership, integrity, and community impact.

“Our Board is excited to welcome Dr. Battle and to work alongside her as we continue building on the many strengths of Chandler Unified,” said Governing Board President Patti Serrano. “Her passion for public education, combined with her experience leading school systems, reflects the priorities our community identified throughout this process and positions our district well for the future.”

“Over the past several months, the CUSD Governing Board heard from students, staff, families, and community members,” Serrano added. “That input was invaluable in shaping our leadership profile and guiding both the search process and the final selection. We are deeply grateful for the engagement, thoughtfulness, and care our community demonstrated every step of the way.”

The Governing Board initiated the superintendent search in October 2025 and retained Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to conduct a national search. The engagement phase included focus groups, community forums, and stakeholder interviews designed to capture a broad range of perspectives across the district. The application period closed on January 2, 2026.

Following a comprehensive review of applicants, the Board identified four semi-finalists, who were interviewed in executive session on January 24. Three finalists advanced and, on January 28, participated in school visits, stakeholder meetings, and staff- and community-wide forums.

Dr. Battle will officially assume the role of superintendent on July 1, 2026, following the retirement of Superintendent Frank Narducci. Mr. Narducci has served Chandler Unified School District for more than 30 years and has been superintendent since 2021. HYA will support the district throughout the leadership transition to ensure continuity, stability, and a strong start.

The Governing Board extends its sincere appreciation to students, district staff, families and community partners for their thoughtful participation in this important and consequential process. We also thank all candidates for their time and interest in serving our premiere District. Chandler Unified continues to demonstrate the strength of a community deeply invested in its schools and centering our students. The Board looks forward with confidence and optimism to the district’s next chapter.

 

January 24, 2026

Dear CUSD Community,

The Chandler Unified School District Governing Board is pleased to announce the finalists for the next Superintendent of CUSD:

• Dr. Anna Battle
• Ms. Lana Berry
• Dr. Ibi Davila Haghighat

We invite you to learn more about each finalist by reviewing their biographies on the Chandler Unified School District Superintendent Search webpage.

The Governing Board also invites community members to attend a Community Forum on Wednesday, January 28, held in the Governing Board Room at the CUSD District Office (1525 W. Frye Road). The forum will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:25 p.m., and Spanish interpretation services will be available.

During the forum, each finalist will participate individually in a rotating format. Attendees are encouraged to remain for the full duration of the event. Community members will have the opportunity to share feedback with the Governing Board through an online survey. For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be livestreamed on the Governing Board’s YouTube channel, and virtual participants will also be able to submit feedback.

Following the forum, the Governing Board will review finalist qualifications alongside staff and community input during an Executive Session later that evening on January 28 (or January 29, if needed). The Board is expected to select the next Superintendent contingent upon successful contract negotiations and completion of an independent background check.

Additional updates will be shared on the CUSD Superintendent Search Information Page as the timeline is finalized.

Thank you for your continued engagement and for taking part in this important process for our district.

Staff and Community Forums with Superintendent Candidate Finalists to be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6:00-8:25 p.m. at the CUSD District Office. 

If you are unable to attend, we encourage you to view the community forum which will be livestreamed on the CUSD Governing Board YouTube channel. Chandler USD Governing Board - YouTube. There will be an online tool for livestream attendees to give feedback as well.

Next Steps

Following the forums, the Governing Board will review finalist qualifications along with staff and community input during an Executive Session on the evening of January 28. Following the executive session on January 28 (or 29 if needed), the Board is expected to select the next Superintendent contingent on contract negotiations and acceptance of an independent background check.

Updates will be shared on this CUSD Superintendent Search Information Page as the timeline is finalized.

Thank you for your continued engagement and the time you have dedicated to this important process.

Sincerely,
Chandler Unified School District Governing Board