The Marana Unified School District (MUSD) announces the selection of Ms. Vanessa Scafede as Principal of Picture Rocks Elementary (PRE) School. 

The MUSD Governing Board members voted during their regularly scheduled March 9, 2023 meeting in favor of hiring Ms. Scafede for the role. Ms. Scafede will assume her position as Principal effective July 1, 2023. The position is currently held by Ms. Mary O’Hara-Perkins, who is retiring after 22 years of service at MUSD, and of those, six years as principal of Picture Rocks Elementary School.

Over the past few weeks, the Principal Selection Committee comprised of teachers, support staff, parents, principals, Senior Staff, and Governing Board members, has paper screened and interviewed candidates for the principal opening at PRE. From that process, four quality candidates were chosen to proceed with the interview process. At the recommendation of the Selection Committee, two finalists were recommended to move forward with a final interview with Governing Board President Dr. Lopez and Superintendent Dr. Dan Streeter.

Ms. Scafede has been with the District since 2007 and currently serves as Associate Principal of Ironwood Elementary School. In that role, she has ensured quality instruction and professional learning and collected and used data to set school goals while supporting the Principal through assigned duties and responsibilities. She also mentored new elementary Associate Principals in MUSD and served as a member of the District’s Elementary Discipline and Social & Emotional Learning Committees. Prior to serving the Ironwood Elementary community, she was the Associate Principal for PRE.

Ms. Scafede is excited to return to the Picture Rocks community as the Principal.

“I’m eager to bring my experience, knowledge, and passion to a school that holds a special place in my heart. I look forward to re-connecting with the staff, students, and families that make up this wonderful community, and working together to create a school culture that fosters growth, learning, and success,” Ms. Scafede said. “Let's make this school the best it can be!”