CLARKDALE-JEROME ADMINSTRATION

MEET

SUPERINTENDENT MATT SCHUMACHER

Dr. Matt Schumacher has spent most of his public education career in the Verde Valley, first as a middle school social studies teacher in Sedona, and then as a middle and elementary school principal in Cottonwood. Serving in these roles has been a tremendous source of pride and joy both with helping students reach their potential and working with the many talented teachers he learned from and then empowered to be their best.

Born and raised in Reading, PA, Schumacher holds a B.A. in History/Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh (2004) and an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from NAU (2005). After a year of teaching government and economics in Tucson, he returned to Northern Arizona where he earned his principal certification while teaching middle school social studies at Big Park Community School. In Sedona, Schumacher was recognized as Sedona Rotary Teacher of the Year (2013), served on the school's Crisis Response and AdvancED (now Cognia) accreditation teams, and led an annual trip to Washington D.C. After transferring to Cottonwood Middle School in 2015, he completed his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix (2020) focusing on the impact of school configuration on adolescent wellbeing.

Schumacher’s leadership with the district’s implementation of Capturing Kids’ Hearts saw Cottonwood Middle School earning “showcase” status, one of only 350 schools nationwide. The school reduced discipline incidents by 78%. The State Senate Committee on Education also recognized him for his elective program in preparing students for post-secondary success. Schumacher’s recent roles include serving as the Director of Operations for Cottonwood-Oak Creek District and as a board member on the Yavapai County Education Technology Consortium.

Matt and his wife of 16 years Diane have two children, Emmett (8) and Scarlett (6). Diane is a middle school math and science teacher in the Cottonwood-Oak Creek district. Their children are active in Little League, AYSO and the family's love of outdoor activities. When not on campus, you can typically find Matt outside enjoying the beautiful year-round weather of Northern Arizona on the Verde River, mountain biking, or enjoying live music.

"I am thrilled to lead and work alongside this dynamic educational team at Clarkdale-Jerome District. I look forward to partnering with our Rams families and communities to build upon the sound foundation already here, always focused on our vision ‘Every Students, Every Day, Preparing for Tomorrow.'  We can accomplish much more when we work together! I couldn't be prouder to join this team and work with the students, staff, communities, and educational network as a Clarkdale-Jerome Ram."

Click here to contact Superintendent Schumacher

... and PRINCIPAL MADISEN WESTCOTT