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Steve Estatico is in it for the long haul.
And he’s in it for his kids.
“There was only one factor when deciding to apply for this position,” he said. “I wanted my daughters to graduate from Superior High School and their education means more to me than anything else.”
Estatico is the new Superintendent of Schools at Superior Unified School District. He’s also on the Superior Town Council. Busy man.
“I always wanted to run for office,” he said. “I was a government teacher. If I thought that my being a member of the Town Council would negatively impact my job as Superintendent or Superior Schools in any way, I would resign tomorrow. I do look at it as an opportunity to build partnerships and relationships with not just the Town but other organizations as well. I believe that we can do some good things together. I am also fortunate to have a school board that allows me to hold this position as well.”
Estatico’s arrival in Superior came about in a case of “who you know.”
Estatico was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, a small town just south of Pittsburgh. He was actually working with former SUSD Superintendent Dr. Krempasky’s brother-in law on a job in the summer as a carpet/tile laborer. Krempasky was visiting and Estatico gave him his resume. Estatico was interviews by Krempasky and another administrator from Superior. Estatico was offered the job and the rest, he said, is history.
Estatico taught in Superior for 10 years, serving as Athletic Director and Dean of Students. He coached football, wrestling and golf. Most recently, he served as principal at High Desert Middle School in Globe, a position he held for nine years.
“I have been in Superior since August of 1996,” Estatico said. “I am married to Sonia who is from Superior. We have three daughters, Marisa, Marlee, and Mira. They are excited most of the time and are supportive all of the time. They know that this is who I am. This is what I love to do. Plus they also keep me humble. It is a bonus that I get to see them every day.”
Estatico wants to see the district grow and succeed.
“We have some great people working in our schools,” he said, “but we definitely have some things we need to work on. I feel I can bring a different perspective to the table. I can build relationships with people. I know what quality instruction looks like, and I can help guide us in the right direction.”
His goals for this year center on building relationships with staff, students, parents and community organizations.
“We all need to connect with each other and support each other,” he said. “It’s all about the team. Another goal is to get us all headed in the same direction. What we teach and how we teach needs to be aligned K-12. We need to identify what our goals are and work together to achieve them.”
He continued, “A third goal would be to hire the best people, train them on our practices, and then keep them here. My next goal would to make sure that the Superior Unified School District (SUSD) is fiscally responsible. We are operating on a very tight budget. In order to maintain what we already have we will need to look at every aspect of our operating budget and ensure that we are working in the most efficient way. Finally, my last goal is to have fun because when it comes down to it, that’s what life is all about! We are off to a great start!”
Estatico added, “While coaching softball in the summer, I heard this statement over and over. ‘Once a Panther, Always a Panther!’ I can’t think of anything better than that!”
We wish Mr. Estatico all the best in his new endeavor and challenge of being the SUSD Superintendent!
Nina Crowder is a resident of Mammoth. She volunteers in several local organizations. She covers events throughout the Copper Corridor and Superior Town and School governance.
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