Meet Dr. Denton Santarelli

Dr. Denton Santarelli has served the Peoria Unified School District for more than 35 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, K-12 administrator, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent and most currently as superintendent.  He earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Northern Arizona University. 

Dr. Santarelli is well-known for his contributions to school improvement and his expertise extends beyond the Peoria Unified School District. Throughout his career, Dr. Santarelli has been an on-going advocate for public education by promoting an environment conducive to the social, emotional, physical and academic growth of all students.  

In his current role, Dr. Santarelli was honored with the 2014 American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Arizona Superintendent of the Year Award, 2013 Arizona School Administrators’ (ASA) Raymond Sterling Kellis Leadership Award, 2012 Superintendent of the Year for Large Districts in Arizona, as well as the 2012 AdvancED Superintendent of the Year Award. He has been recognized with the Bernard Stewart Distinguished Service Award, ASA Distinguished Administrators Award, the Alliance for Arts Education Superintendent’s Award and the Arizona School Public Relations Association Superintendent’s Award.