[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6609934,"mediaKeyId","2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4","parentId",2905177,"title","Superintendent highlights scholarships, awards and student achievements","audioSeconds",260,"startMs",1176000,"endMs",1436000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4&start=1176&end=1436","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4/thumbnail_1176000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609934/Arizona/Superintendent-highlights-scholarships-awards-and-student-achievements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609934-49c605eeefd21a12e14933bf7911566b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168582&Signature=B77stmeIiGeG8a6QAOPS9FvKjr1RQnzPtGgyWR870amx~SMyixDppKY8q30T5zQ5PchUXzFE~ZdHtyLebXxWL7XexN4OrjMuTzdT~5cBrQPVZc9Q5LiondNFab7zHt7s156NgqFqKwk5oZ7vDn7ZuD2VGzgb0-hSPC0fr0Q0g8xnZO9rHS6cYJN7qWEs~pJZFcxae8R75aFm5bU-1ptA9XxMPOPSN2~fmwnmS8kHEsAlTYIMeEeEPRW9UxnAVVguY3HBcc3WR0mQPAhij2Zs-Wdc9QxOuSrMsAUIXhGnUxOCm2TFVbaTUdRfsx8rTAINRid-UbcgyqxX-CzhBW7wEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sunnyside Unified District (4407)","date","2025-04-09T03:25:45.927Z","article","Superintendent Gastelum (referred to in the meeting as Mr. Gastelum) used the superintendent’s report to highlight scholarship awards, student recognitions and recent district partnerships.

The Sunnyside Foundation awarded dollars-for-scholars scholarships to 25 Desert View High School seniors and 32 Sunnyside High School seniors, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, the superintendent said. The Victoria Teresa Arias Memorial Foundation awarded a $40,000 scholarship to Sunnyside High senior Prashast Sharma; the superintendent said Sharma will be recognized at a gala this summer.

Other recognitions included a counseling department award from the Metropolitan Education Commission for outstanding community service; a Dorrance Scholarship finalist from Desert View, Sebastian Gonzales, noted as a candidate for a scholarship that could provide $12,000 per year for four years plus enrichment experiences; and Sunnyside band activities including a Disney studio session and recording opportunities.

The superintendent also noted community partnerships such as an in‑school dental program with General Dentistry for Kids that provides x‑rays, cleanings and fluoride treatments, described on the district podcast Somos Sunnyside.

Why it matters: The recognitions represent student achievement, donor support for postsecondary access and local partnerships that deliver services and enrichment to Sunnyside students.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Governing Board Meeting - April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The superintendent’s report recognized dozens of scholarship recipients, a $40,000 memorial scholarship winner, a Dorrance Scholarship finalist, band recording opportunities, a teacher of the month award and a district podcast about school dental services.","taxTitle","Sunnyside Unified District (4407), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",13629,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609938,"Board appoints Cameron Taravati as Apollo Middle School principal",40,5796000,5836000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4&start=5796&end=5836","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4/thumbnail_5796000.jpg","/articles/6609938/Arizona/Board-appoints-Cameron-Taravati-as-Apollo-Middle-School-principal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609938-370e33601b47989247131d77128666cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168582&Signature=Hjj0sIEEySTtKsuf56k3Js583F9mRpJmgPFxxnBmQGTXFpezrjdmQpGgO-oJeFwEF7fPohHs60LkpT7kg~4S2QHqRvWUu7vJgij2JexMxkToGrBkFbCHIa6JP79yhI7xjQB6Ep1-T4QrUBVLkV6awbDQVwthaCSP5~TCjZjciX0z0Skd211MBGu2vd9rcFJw~CncYaQcFYc2yVQp51sIVOPg249ATzKCaCiGtE4GTwRuG0NtXOwBNIYxlwElNLPgP~-n9GEws-Tqo2HGeLst~lq9nldZ7xWvCXSWiFiMAosma9d7v~kUvX9RN1H1J-eoXQRMxkyrbjGsYY2kBEXdNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sunnyside Unified School District Governing Board voted unanimously to appoint Cameron Taravati as principal of Apollo Middle School for the 2025 school year and placed him on Grade D Level 12, a roll‑call vote recorded after executive session showed.

Board member Mister Rodriguez moved the appointment; a second was given but not named on the transcript. The roll call recorded Mister Bustamante, Mister Jaramillo, Mister Rodriguez and Missus Quintero voting \"Aye.\" The board then congratulated Taravati, who was present.

The action followed an executive session held earlier in the meeting under the statute cited on the record. The board made no additional public details about the selection criteria during the roll call announcement.

Why it matters: The appointment fills site leadership for Apollo Middle School for the coming school year, a role district leaders said is critical for instructional leadership and school operations.","The Sunnyside Unified School District governing board voted unanimously to appoint Cameron Taravati as principal of Apollo Middle School for the 2025 school year, assigning him to Grade D Level 12.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609943,"Sunnyside renovates automotive shops, pursues electric‑vehicle training with $80,000 in partner support and vehicle donations",698,3349000,4047000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4&start=3349&end=4047","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4/thumbnail_3349000.jpg","/articles/6609943/Arizona/Sunnyside-renovates-automotive-shops-pursues-electricvehicle-training-with-80000-in-partner-support-and-vehicle-donations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609943-3f6271622dacadc457d5571ead26556b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168582&Signature=WTK2s~3LvWhmlyaXZQqX8xXFsmLS6mY60-DSV9CpcWcrfSRtfC6cc~6lMUXRxUPNHbVQGjPOiFtKaf0nkBR~XKA~EtOUoR4NI~oEqOFiCWDU0BGcnQ7K0OOS14LPWSk-d4fQuRAt5UryCS-Psgdo4Pd~7SYJxHCFYhZ3XKI5PJoS-964pE0~p3hTrqjQQ65IHld-H1teriJd8yPhhdy1zqvGlVYHvTBwWnnMlNOkkWxjVoyJ8rL2lH9FGSETHOCMTvaZINwUXft5pecdoh62IOGO1qyxiFJR-hSub8F5beexh58~FvHCl5v~w28Fm1~Mb05sYCCUdS~zI~rtMC8Sow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District leaders and the Sunnyside Foundation presented campus renovations and an expansion of the high school automotive program that will add electric‑vehicle training and refreshed shop facilities, the board heard.

CTE staff and foundation representatives said partners contributed more than $80,000 for equipment, curriculum and instructor training to kick-start EV instruction. \"The donations received have allowed for the purchase of EV related tools, equipment, curriculum, and even instructor training,\" automotive instructor Mr. Ramirez said. Presenters also identified industry partners including Jim Click Automotive and the OSA/Foundation network.

School officials said Jim Click Automotive has donated a 2023 Ford F‑150 that the program will receive shortly, and the OSA Foundation provided a 2021 Tesla for hands‑on learning. The program’s fundraising partners named in the presentation included the Sunnyside Foundation, the Righthouse Family Foundation, the OSHA Foundation, and Tucson Electric Power, which conducted an in‑kind facility assessment and discussed future charging‑station support.

Facility work listed by district staff included interior and exterior painting, new ceiling tiles, privacy fencing, industry flooring, refinished/polished floors, landscaping and illuminated signage to make the shops more visible to the community. District staff said the work was funded through a mix of maintenance-and-operations and capital funds, with donor dollars used for program equipment.

CTE leaders said the program operates multiple class periods with strong industry connections, dual enrollment agreements and certification pathways. \"I not only see a future automotive technician coming out of our program, I see electricians, engineers, and even programmers,\" Ramirez said, describing the career pathways the district expects students to pursue.

The district announced a ribbon cutting for the renovated auto area next week on Wednesday, April 16; two different start times were mentioned during the meeting (4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.), and staff said board members had been invited to attend. District officials said the public relations office will install branding inside the shops to highlight student work and program credentials.

Why it matters: The investment updates existing CTE infrastructure, introduces EV skills that align with industry demand and strengthens pipelines to local employers and postsecondary programs.","District and foundation partners described more than $80,000 in investments, facility renovations and industry partnerships to expand Sunnyside High School’s automotive program and add electric vehicle (EV) training. Donations cited included a 2021 Tesla and a recently pledged Ford F‑150 from a local dealership.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609948,"Sunnyside district reports improved contract signings, ongoing teacher vacancies and expanded international recruitment",820,2247000,3067000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4&start=2247&end=3067","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4/thumbnail_2247000.jpg","/articles/6609948/Arizona/Sunnyside-district-reports-improved-contract-signings-ongoing-teacher-vacancies-and-expanded-international-recruitment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609948-905edbe78120da6eb4de16d6447d7414/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168582&Signature=WmqHJbx28ilQdYXvYUwIhl3LaPfUnukMoPZu~FzZvP9jVmnhWXcwTlQiLvSXByCmI8-R~Fl-VWK-H6SgIOmkQeWduP51AKpbK8j3RQKZhjfI25WLDOoDrUk0KQ5pAfXKHCK9PZZAuKZp0m0PAi2uhC4UJaVS7rQDm~3eyYBw4sogy36q9pG0YuBCm00JponCbrRp6mn4XoJ1Iy4GZuz4AX35nEFEhnoNgNyTa5q0qOG9ELnxYzi5KkuUA5v7djea4ucmZ-~D5W5ymlic-tPfV8~Lc0H0Zp3KaSKi1r1q~TNs-ynF5KuGicQw1rCcUolmP637XTrhodS2emCgsWA8ug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sunnyside Unified School District human resources staff reported progress on contract distribution and teacher recruitment while acknowledging open vacancies across grade spans.

HR coordinator Gabe (last name not specified in the transcript) reported contract signing rates after spring break: administrators 88%, bus drivers 82%, classified staff 96%, PNT (psychologists and similar positions) 95% and teachers (including counselors and librarians) 95%, for a total sign rate the presenter gave as 93% as of the evening’s update.

HR staff also quantified vacancies by level. Presenters said preschool staffing was fully filled; elementary vacancies were reported as 27, middle school vacancies 15 and high school vacancies 12. The district said it is prioritizing certificated hires first and will place substitutes where necessary while vacancies remain open.

The HR team described multi‑pronged recruitment: district job fairs (99 attendees at a recent fair), targeted outreach to University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University students and alumni, and partnerships to place student teachers and pathway candidates in Sunnyside classrooms. The HR team also said it is doing personalized onboarding visits for pathway students and student teachers to improve retention.

On international recruitment, HR reported 27 international teachers currently employed in the district, primarily in hard‑to‑fill positions: 11 in math, 4 in science, 2 in English language arts, 7 in special education and 3 in regular education. Staff said the district assists with visas including J‑1 and H‑1B pathways.

Board members asked about the district’s pipeline options and cited past examples from other districts. HR said district teams will continue university outreach, regional job fairs and parent‑facing pathway information sessions to encourage classified staff and parents to consider teacher pathways.

Why it matters: HR officials said filling certificated positions before students return is critical to ensure classrooms have assigned teachers. The district described steps intended to improve onboarding, retention and diversity of hires.","District HR presented contract-signing rates and a snapshot of vacancies. Presenters reported that 93% of employees had signed offers as of the evening and outlined recruitment steps, university partnerships, job fairs and a 27-person international teacher cohort in high-need subjects.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6609953,"HDR Foundation funds All Kids Bike program at Rivera Elementary, supplies 24 balance bikes and five-year support",460,1489000,1949000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4&start=1489&end=1949","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2905177-cce683cfb9f5a2055820e72462ab0bc4/thumbnail_1489000.jpg","/articles/6609953/Arizona/HDR-Foundation-funds-All-Kids-Bike-program-at-Rivera-Elementary-supplies-24-balance-bikes-and-five-year-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609953-7888321eb426c11b12e4b162bd063976/orig.mp4?Expires=1771168582&Signature=QNof6ZKi8pfnT23BsmdJ-soqIfyTkckpCT7z4WKziLy8OFG0w1iUvyQdxacWodzIufxzYxpT8ViqAYHdox5PVqEhpLuULIyhtIPCoq0EJzrMj~4n2Ktt2ooNVvBBIk~ZDMHLvfsKtUKemFKFCS57wnB0z~l-PSrFoZJGkT71qyWPOo5nOxxrdgYLksUzMYBcGDaReExllZXOLol0r1Y3-YpWX2CHK6avZdXHnzcTxhlVHVp2IqbqI8WdH0BhkRxjiYipXhIbWbq-Vhd6DX5~MH2h5XXYyJSbxPH7egDYLnVI4e~t0uPeDFTEz6GbGQE1QjI0aTSWoX94pE2Hk91AxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The HDR Foundation donated equipment and a five‑year support plan to the Sunnyside Unified School District to establish the All Kids Bike program at Rivera Elementary, district officials said at the board meeting.

The donation included 24 Strider balance bikes, 24 pedal conversion kits, 24 adjustable helmets, an instructor bike and a five‑year support plan, presenter Michael Barton said. Barton identified himself as representing HDR and said the gift came from the company’s employee-driven philanthropy.

The program aims to teach kindergarten students bike balance before introducing pedals, a method presenters said shortens the learning curve and builds student confidence. \"This gift is from the employees of HDR,\" Barton said. \"We raised all the money internally to fund this foundation.\"

Rivera staff who spoke during the presentation described immediate classroom impact after equipment delivery. A Rivera teacher said the display moment—lifting a parachute to reveal the bikes—produced strong student excitement, and that within minutes some children were already riding. \"The smiles is worth every penny,\" the teacher said, describing early sessions run in a gymnasium.

District staff and partners described the donation as part of a multi‑partner grant that included HDR Foundation, Pima County District 5 and the Sunnyside Foundation, and credited the Strider Education Foundation for the equipment model. Presenters said the program will teach bike safety and help students who lack access to bikes at home.

The district invited HDR representatives to receive letters from the kindergarten classes and planned to display the students’ notes in donor offices, the presenter said. Organizers also discussed plans to expand bike clubs and the need for additional bike racks if demand grows.

Why it matters: district officials said the program addresses equity and childhood physical activity, giving young students a structured way to learn a practical transportation skill and to be more active during the school day.","The HDR Foundation, in partnership with the Sunnyside Foundation and Pima County District 5, donated equipment and a five-year support plan to launch an All Kids Bike program at Rivera Elementary that organizers say will teach kindergarten students how to ride and practice bike safety.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent highlights scholarships, awards and student achievements

Board appoints Cameron Taravati as Apollo Middle School principal

Sunnyside renovates automotive shops, pursues electric‑vehicle training with $80,000 in partner support and vehicle donations

Sunnyside district reports improved contract signings, ongoing teacher vacancies and expanded international recruitment

HDR Foundation funds All Kids Bike program at Rivera Elementary, supplies 24 balance bikes and five-year support