Dr. Freeman’s professional mission has been to increase opportunity and dignity for families. His experience as a father, teacher and principal helped inform his district leadership. He was one of the most highly recognized and longest serving Valley superintendents in the modern school choice era. As superintendent he focused on an orderly learning environment, instructional improvement, and student efficacy by eliminating attendance area enrollment in favor of choice academies with strategic community partners such as ACEE. The academies are pathways to Kids at Hope Destinations and the community brings resources to learning that enrich the student experience.
As part of that effort, Dr. Freeman worked with the WestMEC and Tolleson Union Governing Boards to bring CTE opportunities and resources to his district community. He served as President of ASA for an unprecedented two-year term, as the Chair of GPEMC for an unprecedented four years and served for over a decade on the Board of Directors for ABEC, where he also served as the policy co-chair, and on the Board of WestMARC, where he also served as co-chair of the education and workforce development committee. He collaborated with legislators in both chambers on both sides of the isle and four different governors to try to improve public school outcomes.
Awards:
2024 School Connect – Changemaker Award
2024 AASA Superintendent of the Year
2023 All Arizona Superintendent
2022 Kids at Hope/ASU Outstanding Dedication to Hope
2021 Raymond S Kellis Leadership Award (ASA)
2019 WestMARC West Valley Inspiration in Leadership Award
2016 ASU Educational Excellence Impact Award
2011 Arizona Distinguished Administrator for Superintendents
2010 All Arizona Superintendent
2002 Arizona Distinguished Administrator (Principal)
