Changes coming to 'poorest-performing district in Pima County'

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Changes are coming to Southern Arizona's second largest school district.

Sunnyside Unified School District superintendent Steven Holmes outlined his plans in his first State of the District speech inside Sunnyside High School on Tuesday, Jan. 26.

He has been on the job six months and just completed his first semester. He was able to get an in-depth look at how the district is doing right now by visiting schools and talking to teachers, staff, and students.

He acknowledged that SUSD is the poorest-performing district in Pima County, something that not only affects students but the future of our local economy. He plans to change that.

"I know we can do better," Homes said in his speech.

"I think most of the changes are internal that are really going to impact staff and how we do the work," he said. "What I'm hoping for is that parents see outcomes."

Holmes said these are his three priorities:

Restore Faith. Holmes wants to earn trust and improve communication. “Every person matters,” he said. “It’s no longer about one person doing all the work.” Holmes replaces Dr. Manuel Isquierdo. Back in 2014, the district bought out Isquierdo’s contract for about a half-a-million dollars, a controversial move that many thought was fiscally irresponsible.
Create Financial Stability. According to Mary Veres, spokeswoman for SUSD, the district needs to reduce its spending by $2 million. That could mean loss of support staff. Holmes wants to create a long-term sustainable financial model. That includes leveraging bond payments and finding ways to prevent students from leaving the district.
Improve Academic Performance. Holmes is not satisfied with the district’s 2015 AzMERIT test results. His plan to help students “meet their potential” includes changing curriculum after going through an “inclusive review process.” That includes building a new literacy plan to improve reading and writing. He also wants to expect a lot more out of students and find ways to improve poor attendance.

"It'll take time. Nothing happens overnight and I know that," Holmes said.

Gloria Lopez was one of the SUSD grandparents who attended the superintendent's speech. She is happy with his plan but worries if the community will "buy into it." She hopes parents take his renewed focus seriously and said Holmes cannot do it alone.

"I know parents are busy, parents are working, you have single family homes, but the thing is they have to be behind their kids," Lopez said.

Holmes agrees it is going to take everyone's help including parents and teachers. He faces other challenges including a teacher shortage and declining enrollment, which means less funding.

Right now, the district has more than 45 certified teacher openings with most of them filled with long-term subs. That is something the district admits is not the most ideal situation.

Holmes emphasized that changes to move the district forward will not happen without including those who will be affected by the decisions first.

To watch Holmes speech, click here: http://www.susd12.org/que_pasa/state-district