In about two weeks, families and staff at ten Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) campuses will learn whether their schools are recommended for closure or consolidation, Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo announced at Tuesday night’s Governing Board meeting.
Timeline and next steps
Trujillo said he will meet in person with principals and faculty of each school slated for possible changes during the week of Oct. 19. After those meetings, families will receive a detailed letter outlining the recommendations and an invitation to attend an on‑site school forum with the superintendent.
The district has set three key dates for the process:
- Oct. 27 – Governing Board meeting at Palo Verde High School, moved to accommodate a larger public audience for comment on the recommendations.
- Nov. 17 – Legally‑mandated public hearing where community members can also provide input.
- Dec. 8 – Final Board vote to approve any closures or consolidations.
A virtual community forum is scheduled for Oct. 7, 5:30‑7 p.m., with registration available online.
Reason for closures
The district attributes the need for closures to a sustained enrollment decline over the past three fiscal years. Lower birth rates in Pima County and a growing number of families using Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) to homeschool or attend private schools have reduced district revenue, prompting the consolidation plan.
Data from the Arizona Department of Education show the largest percentage drops at Booth Fickett Math/Science Magnet, Cragin Elementary and Sahuaro High School.
Community engagement
Over the past several weeks, TUSD held three in‑person community meetings, drawing more than 300 attendees, including staff and local residents. The district will continue to solicit feedback through the upcoming virtual forum and public hearing.
Related audit findings
The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) recently faced two audits. A forensic financial audit uncovered millions of dollars in uncollected revenue and payroll issues, while a performance audit highlighted procedural lapses in the school’s relocation, staff background checks, and communication with families. ASDB has responded, agreeing to implement recommendations for most findings and stating that no fraud or intentional wrongdoing was identified.
Other local education news
In neighboring Sahuarita Unified School District, former Walden Grove High School cheer coach and registrar Denise Montano has been charged with four felonies, including fraud and forgery, after an auditor‑general investigation alleged she diverted more than $12,000.
Additionally, Tucson School for the Blind instructor Kasey Hopper, who is legally blind, has filed paperwork to run as a Democrat for Tucson’s Ward 2 City Council seat in 2027, challenging community organizer Ethan Rigel in the primary.
What’s next for families
Families of the ten schools under review should expect a letter with specific details on the recommended actions and an invitation to discuss the proposals directly with Superintendent Trujillo. The district emphasizes that the process is designed to be transparent and to give the community ample opportunity to weigh in before any final decisions are made.
Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.
