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Former Scottsdale, Higley superintendent pleads guilty to misdemeanor in fraud case

gavel in front of a statue of the scales of justice
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Denise Birdwell has entered a plea agreement with a misdemeanor charge in a case brought against her by Arizona.

Birdwell, who was a superintendent in both the Higley and Scottsdale Unified school districts, was originally indicted on 23 felony counts, including fraud and conflicts of interest.

She was a superintendent at the Higley and Scottsdale Unified School Districts. Birdwell’s original indictment only covered her time at the Higley Unified School District.

Police said she hired someone unqualified for a position and was accused of accepting thousands of dollars in unreported payments from builders and contractors.

As part of her plea agreement, Birdwell pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge. The agreement calls for probation and $2,500 in fines plus penalties.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to correct what the original indictment covered and what she was accused of.

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Nate Engle was an intern and reporter for KJZZ from 2024 to 2025.