David Lujan
In January, Arizona School for the Arts (ASA) announced the appointment of David Lujan as its new executive director, effective February. Lujan, who currently serves as the director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), will step away from that position at the end of January and into the new leadership role in mid-February. The school says that this is a planned transition with ASA’s long-time Head of School, Leah Fregulia, who will continue to work alongside Lujan through the end of the 2024-25 school year to ensure a smooth and collaborative handover.
ASA said that Lujan brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in educational leadership as founding chief administrator of ASU Prep Academy and serving as a school board member for the Phoenix Union High School District from 2002-2010.
Lujan brings more than 20 years of leadership in child welfare, safety and education that includes as director of the DCS, co-founder of Defenders of Children and as CEO of Children’s Action Alliance.
“We are excited to welcome David Lujan to the Arizona School for the Arts community,” said Dr. Heidi Jannenga, board president of ASA. “David’s commitment to empowering young people, along with his vast leadership experience, will be invaluable as we continue to elevate ASA as a top institution for both academic and artistic excellence. We are grateful that David will partner closely with Leah Fregulia during the transition, ensuring continuity and a seamless shift in leadership.”
Fregulia was a founding member and has been at the helm of ASA for 17 years. The school says that her leadership has been instrumental in shaping ASA’s reputation as “a beacon of artistic excellence, academic rigor and community involvement.”
Arizona School for the Arts offers educational and performing arts programs for students in grades 5–12 with an integrated curriculum that nurtures both academic achievement and artistic talent. For more information, call 602-257-1444 or visit www.goasa.org.
