On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) governing board will consider a proposal to fund the $10‑per‑credit fee that Pima Community College plans to charge high‑school students beginning next school year. The district is seeking roughly $105,000 to cover the cost for about 2,000 Tucson students who currently benefit from free dual‑enrollment courses.
Why the fee matters to Tucson families
Dual‑enrollment classes let high‑school students earn college credit while still in school, giving them a head start on higher education and reducing future tuition costs. For students like Ali Al Kinani, a University High School senior who began taking dual‑enrollment courses as a freshman, the program has been a “super engaging experience” and a “trial run of college” that would have been impossible without the free offering.
Sky Saczko, TUSD’s director of advanced learning experiences, emphasized that “we want to make sure that all of our students have access to being able to earn college credit in those courses.” By covering the fee, the district hopes to remove any financial barrier that could keep families from taking advantage of this pathway.
Impact on the district and the community
Pima Community College currently offers dual‑enrollment at 43 Southern Arizona high schools, serving roughly 7,000 students statewide. In Tucson, about 2,000 students would be affected by the new $10‑per‑credit charge. The courses span 44 subjects, from automotive technology and culinary arts to French and calculus, and are taught by high‑school teachers who hold the necessary certification to award college credit.
Funding the fee now is crucial because high‑school course selection begins in January. Early budgeting allows families to plan for the upcoming school year and ensures that schools can build schedules that meet student demand.
Broader context of dual‑enrollment in Arizona
Nationally, one‑third of high‑school students take a dual‑enrollment course; in Arizona, the figure is about one in four, according to 2023 data from Education Forward Arizona, a nonprofit that partners with the business sector to promote high‑quality education.
Other districts are watching the situation closely. The Sunnyside Unified School District reports about 1,000 dually enrolled students, and recent graduates have even earned associate degrees before receiving their high‑school diplomas. Sunnyside families can receive additional support from the Sunnyside Foundation or the Pima Foundation, ensuring no student is turned away due to need.
Marana Unified School District is currently in talks with Pima about potential course charges, while Amphitheater Public Schools expect to address the issue in spring 2027.
What the board will decide
The board’s recommendation will be presented at the meeting in the Catalina High School auditorium, scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Alongside the dual‑enrollment funding request, the board will also discuss proposals to realign the district through school closures and mergers.
Board members and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend and voice their perspectives. The decision will directly affect the ability of Tucson’s youth to access affordable college‑level coursework, a key factor in building academic confidence and long‑term success.
Community response
Parents, educators, and local leaders have praised the dual‑enrollment program for its role in combating “imposter syndrome” among students and fostering a belief that college work is within reach. Superintendent Jose Gastelum of Sunnyside highlighted that the program helps students see themselves as capable of college‑level achievement.
By supporting the funding request, TUSD can continue to provide this valuable bridge to higher education, reinforcing the district’s commitment to equitable access and academic excellence for all Tucson families.
Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.
