Sunnyside Unified leaders report staffing, facilities and transportation ready for school start; board approves consent items

At a July meeting of the Sunnyside Unified School District governing board, district leaders told members the district is prepared to open schools next week with the bulk of classroom positions filled, transportation routes covered and food service ready, while officials outlined ongoing facilities and cybersecurity projects.

The updates came in a series of department reports from human resources, student services, facilities, transportation, food service and information technology. District staff repeatedly framed the goal as a safe, fully staffed start to the year: “We are ready,” staffing lead Kathy Sheppey said during her update.

Why it matters: The reports affect day-to-day operations for students and families — teacher assignments, bus routes, cafeteria service and building readiness — and include funding and infrastructure items that could require future board action.

District staffing and classrooms Kathy Sheppey (staffing lead) told the board the district recruited 77 new teachers and that 20 of the district’s 21 schools are fully staffed for classrooms; one special-education class still has a vacancy. The district reported 43 long-term substitute teachers on staff (up from 40 last year) and a continuing requirement to keep positions posted until a certified hire is made. Sheppey said site administrators and human resources worked to “fill most of our vacancies,” and that principals adjusted schedules where needed to place certified teachers in front of students.

Facilities and capital projects Facilities staff (Dr. Murato, facilities staff) reviewed summer projects and ongoing needs. Work this summer included gym renovations at Lawfare and Gallego Intermediate, new video boards and sound systems at both Sunnyside high schools, restored or repaved parking lots at five schools (Liberty, Challenger, Gallego Intermediate, Mission Manor and Ocotillo), polished concrete floors at Rivera and Drexel, and auditorium improvements including new stage floors and seating. The district plans a five-year project list informed by an HT Group report and a progressive roofing assessment. Murato noted cooling-system issues at Desert View likely will require major replacement work and that the district will work with the School Facilities Board on high-cost items.

Transportation and vehicles Transportation leadership reported route adjustments over the summer to balance rider counts and eliminate routes with minimal students; no drivers lost jobs as a result. The district ordered three new full-size school buses and one 14-passenger minibus and expects arrivals before fall break. Staffing in transportation includes three new bus attendants hired, six bus drivers in process, three driver vacancies, one mechanic assistant vacancy and four vacant bus mechanic positions. Two drivers are on FMLA; staff said they can cover routes at the start of the year. On fuel systems and safety the district installed a fuel-management system and noted air conditioning and cameras are operational on buses.

Food service and meals John Oakley, food-service staff, said meal operations should be “100% ready on day 1,” with kitchens staffed and new equipment installed over the summer. The district will again operate under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), meaning free breakfast and lunch for all students while the program remains in place.

IT and cybersecurity IT staff member Sonny Castellan told the board the district repaired and reissued Chromebooks, ordered additional iPads for K–1, is implementing a cloud backup service, and secured $575,000 in funding from USAC’s E-rate cybersecurity pilot for advanced cybersecurity services over the next three years. Castellan said the district will also activate an additional cybersecurity service through the Arizona Department of Homeland Security in the coming days. He noted procurement challenges this year for replacement batteries and said old lithium-ion batteries are currently stored in the warehouse pending proper disposal arrangements.

Enrollment, calendars and community outreach District staff said C‑count and PowerSchool registration work continues and final enrollment figures will settle during the state’s count window. Communications staff highlighted a district “newsroom” on the website, the annual KVOA/Channel 4 back-to-school drive at Sierra K‑8 on July 28, and an opening-day event for staff that will include media coverage of a new strategic plan.

Board action and votes at a glance The board approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda by roll call vote, and later moved to adjourn. Roll call votes recorded members Bustamante, Hernandez, Jaramillo, Quintero and Rodriguez voting “aye” on those items.

Quotes from presenters “We are ready,” Kathy Sheppey (staffing lead) said about classroom coverage and staffing efforts.

“Food service should be 100% ready on day 1,” John Oakley (food service staff) said.

“We were awarded $575,000 in funding from USAC’s E-rate for the cybersecurity pilot,” Sonny Castellan (IT staff) said.

What the board did not decide tonight Board discussion consisted of informational updates and routine approvals. No new policies, bond measures, contract awards or ordinance-style actions were introduced or adopted during this meeting.

Looking ahead Staff said they will bring enrollment updates and any remaining staffing or facilities recommendations to upcoming board meetings. Facilities staff warned of potentially high-cost HVAC work at Desert View that will require coordination with the School Facilities Board.

Meeting context The meeting included routine roll-call votes to approve the agenda and consent items and extensive department presentations intended to confirm readiness for the school year. Multiple staff members described ongoing follow-up work (roofing recommendations, battery disposal, HVAC replacements) that may return to the board for decisions or funding.