Prop. 488 Passes by a Whisker, and Now Comes the Homework
A $70 million bond for Maricopa schools squeaked by in November with just a 438-vote margin, leaving Prop. 488 PAC members both celebrating and strategizing. Over dinner at 347 Grill, Chairman Chad Whittle emphasized the need to win over skeptics, noting mixed precinct results: Rancho El Dorado showed nearly 55% support, while Hidden Valley lagged at 32%. The bond will fund two new schools, including a $44 million middle school, plus upgrades for high school career programs.
Close Votes and New Faces: MUSD Board gets new look
November’s ballot results also brought fresh leadership to Maricopa Unified School District. Three new school board members emerged: educator Shawnte’ Rothschild narrowly edged past Maricopa High grad Nicolas Yendrzeski, while incumbent Carolyn Lopez retained her seat with the highest vote count. Former board member Ben Owens also earned a spot. With voter turnout at 75% countywide, the election spotlighted education’s importance and the challenges of mobilizing community support for schools.
Santa Cruz Takes the Crown, Others Play Catch-Up
October brought report card season for Maricopa Unified School District, and Santa Cruz Elementary didn’t just pass—it aced it. Snagging the only A grade in the district, the school outshone its peers as Arizona’s top pick in MUSD. Meanwhile, Saddleback Elementary jumped from a C to a B, while Maricopa Virtual Academy climbed out of D territory to land a C. Superintendent Dr. Tracey Lopeman celebrated the progress but acknowledged room for improvement, especially for two schools appealing their D grades. With mixed results across the board, the district eyes steady gains as both staff and students strive for excellence.
Report, Don’t Repost: Maricopa Grapples With School Safety Concerns
In a tense September, Maricopa schools faced a surge in threats, prompting district leaders and police to meet with parents about student safety. Among the incidents: a second-grader suspended after allegedly making a violent threat and a bomb scare that evacuated Maricopa High School. MUSD Superintendent Tracey Lopeman assured parents the district is tackling these challenges through communication, training, and drills, while balancing the psychological impact on students. Police Chief Mark Goodman emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting. With safety at the forefront, officials are leaning on partnerships with families to prevent incidents before they escalate.
Golden Hawks Soar Despite Stormy Beginnings
Desert Sunrise High School’s inaugural senior class marks a milestone this year, poised to graduate as the first cohort from the district’s newest campus. While the journey included challenges—like leadership changes, a homecoming incident involving a gun, and the addition of metal detectors—the school is celebrating progress. An agricultural facility and standout seniors like Daisy Arroyo, future speech pathologist, and Nathan Alarcon, aspiring computer scientist, highlight the campus’s growth. Principal Phil Verdugo lauded the 255 seniors for their resilience, while students embraced their role in shaping traditions. The first graduates of DSHS aim to leave a lasting legacy.
Middle School Plans Take Root in Sorrento—Finally
After months of closed-door deliberations, Maricopa Unified’s Governing Board finalized the location of its third middle school. The proposed 30-acre site, tucked within the rapidly growing Sorrento community, will host a 96,670-square-foot campus for grades 6 through 8. Backed by $31 million in state funding, construction is slated to kick off within the next year and a half, with doors opening by July 2026. Positioned near North Sorrento Boulevard, the new school is a strategic step to keep pace with Maricopa’s expanding population, ensuring future students won’t be crammed into classrooms like sardines.
Principal Bows Out—Sun Sets on Desert Sunrise Leadership
In an unexpected twist, Desert Sunrise High School’s Principal Marlene Armstrong stepped down in April, leaving parents and students buzzing. The district was tight-lipped about the details, citing confidentiality. Acting Principal Phil Verdugo filled the role for the remainder of the year.
Parents reportedly received an email from Superintendent Tracey Lopeman, sparking curiosity over the abrupt leadership shift just two years into the school’s tenure. While the district focuses on “uninterrupted, high-quality education,” the community is left wondering what’s casting a shadow over its newest campus. Desert Sunrise remains a beacon, but questions linger about the turbulence at the top.
Foul Play: Coach Caught Dribbling Booster Funds into His Own Pocket
Maricopa High’s former basketball coach, Jason Royal, turned booster club funds into his personal piggy bank, pocketing $4,283, according to an investigation by a Mesa law firm. Terminated in January, Royal left behind unanswered questions and angry parents after allegedly funneling funds through Zelle and other payment apps while failing to deliver promised team gear. District officials discovered the mishandling of 14 transactions and unapproved fundraisers that violated policy. While the district cannot reimburse the independent booster club, it’s offering financial support to athletes. Meanwhile, Royal’s teaching certification could face review, leaving his future on thin ice.
Sideline Rage: Coach Accused of Benching Decorum with a Student Shove
Sequoia Pathway Academy’s Athletic Director Brandon Payne was sidelined in November and placed on administrative leave after allegations of physically assaulting a 13-year-old during gym class. The boy’s mother, Germanni Hernandez, claims Payne shoved her son into bleachers after yelling obscenities at him for not sitting down. Witnesses reported Payne admitted to the shove, though non-functioning security cameras complicate matters. MPD has launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses with parental consent. Hernandez alleges Payne has bullied her son before, mocking his height. The incident adds another black mark to the school, following a former coach’s violent threats earlier this year.
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