A Message from the Board President
As I have continued to do throughout my tenure, I would like to applaud the most recent
intergovernmental agreements and collaborative projects being pursued by our dedicated and
creative employees (click here for details).
Identifying and pursuing such outside resources will become increasingly important in
the challenging months ahead as we deal with budget cuts and make difficult decisions.
While celebrating the accomplishments of staff, I also wish to recognize the hard work,
commitment, creativity and focused energy of our students, whose success stories are
featured in this and past issues of the Board Report. From academia to athletics, fine
arts to community service, our students have excelled at every turn.
As we enter the summer months, we must reflect on a fruitful and productive year under
the leadership of our new superintendent, Dr. Stan Paz.
In the past several weeks, he has begun the work of assembling a Blue Ribbon Committee
of local business and community leaders. TUSD board members have been paired with the
charter members of this group, whose purpose is to increase community and business support
for the district.
Last week, I had my first meeting with committee chair Bill Estes Jr., and I was so
energized by his obvious commitment to TUSD and to public education.
The other members of the TUSD Blue Ribbon Committee are: Larry Aldrich, president of
the Greater Tucson Economic Council; Bob Breault, chairman of Breault Research; Frank
Dawley, Pima County Juvenile Court judge; Bob Johnston, executive director of the Southern
Arizona Leadership Council; Ed Parker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Tucson;
Tanis Salant, director of the Institute for Local Government; and Toni Cordova, executive
director for TUSD Public Relations.
Board members are pleased that members of the Tucson Education Association have voted
to accept the district's contract offer. We believe that it is a good start toward
increasing rewards for our hardworking employees.
Proposition 301 monies certainly are not sufficient to provide all that we believe our
employees deserve.
However, this agreement includes assembling another joint task force whose job will be
to locate inequities, study our Prop. 301 implementation plan and make recommendations
before we begin negotiations next year.
Finally, graduation at all of our high schools was considered a huge success. Literally
hundreds of teachers from throughout the district participated in the ceremonies and were
warmly acknowledged by students, parents and administrators.
My own experience at Catalina was truly exceptional among the best in my history of
at least 30 graduation ceremonies! Congratulations to all of our graduates, their
families, friends and supportive educators.
Thanks to all who made this year so rewarding and memorable for our students.
Carolyn Kemmeries
Board Report
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