The Chandler Unified School District Governing Board approved a significant restructuring of its senior leadership team during the Aug. 19 meeting. The district created a new chief of staff position and appointed Kevin Mendivil to fill it.
Mendivil sat at the dais for the first time in this capacity, taking the seat previously held by Lana Berry, who served as the district’s chief financial officer since 2013.
Superintendent Anna Battle introduced Mendivil, noting that the board had approved the recommendation for the new title. Mendivil brings prior experience as a superintendent, having led the Tempe Union High School District for five years. He and Battle both previously held roles within Tempe Union’s administration before competing for its top job in 2018.
Board members Claudia Mendoza and Kurt Rohrs confirmed that Berry submitted her resignation. Rohrs explained that the restructuring separates district leadership into two distinct focuses: one role addressing external matters and another handling internal operations. He noted this model mirrors changes implemented by Mesa Public Schools the previous year.
When asked for a new organizational chart or specific details on the roles, Stephanie Ingersoll, the director of marketing and community relations, stated the structure is still being finalized. She could not provide further information at that time. Mesa Public Schools eliminated five assistant superintendent positions in August 2025 to create two chief-level roles as part of a cost-saving effort.
The administrative changes come as both Chandler and Mesa face declining enrollment, which impacts state funding. The Chandler board previously eliminated approximately 100 positions in the winter of 2026 and required cuts to additional administrative posts.
