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Interim Superintendent Terry Romo previews back-to-school plans, new programs and attendance push
Summary
Interim Superintendent Terry Romo told the governing board the first day of school is July 30 and outlined programs, staffing and supports for students, including attendance initiatives, new principals, expanded CTE and a drones program.
Interim Superintendent Terry Romo told the Sierra Vista Unified School District Governing Board that the district's first day of school is scheduled for July 30 and urged families to establish routines ahead of the start of classes.
"Attendance is an issue here. It's an issue in our state. It's an issue across our country," Romo said, urging families to start bedtime and wake routines one to two weeks before classes begin and to ensure children eat breakfast before school. Romo also highlighted district supports for families experiencing homelessness, including help with school supplies and backpacks donated by churches and volunteer groups.
Romo outlined staffing and program developments for the coming year: more than 60 new teachers have been hired; several new administrators were introduced to the board, including Chris Smith, who is taking over at Village Meadows Elementary; Brianna McDaniel, returning as principal at PDS; and Jeanette Paz, a principal recruited from the Tombstone district. Romo thanked the HR team, principals and the curriculum department for their work on onboarding.
On academics and career-technical education, Romo said the district will add two new CTE courses at Buena High School: a fire-science program and a coding course. The district is continuing a dual-enrollment partnership with Cochise College and maintains a partnership with Arizona State University's ASU Prep Global Academy at Sierra Vista. Romo also noted the elementary "Explorers" program will offer art, music, STEM, physical education and library/technology taught by certified staff.
Romo described a new drones program coming to Joyce Clark Middle School, supported in part by a grant from SSVEC; she said equipment is on site and an instructor is completing summer training. She also previewed a dynamic fine-arts season at Buena High School featuring two plays and noted athletic teams are practicing for the fall; Romo encouraged the community and board members to support students at events.
Romo emphasized student safety and school climate as nonnegotiables: "The words they say to children matter. The things, how they make those kids feel, it matters, and we don't hurt kids in SVUSD. It won't be tolerated. It will be reported," she said, describing expectations she shared with new staff.
Nut graf: The superintendent's report reviewed near-term operational dates and highlighted program expansions (CTE and drones), community partnerships (SSVEC; ASU Prep Global), and supports for students and families. School-start logistics and student attendance were positioned as immediate priorities ahead of July 30.
Board response and context: Board members welcomed the new administrators. Mrs. Rochford spoke about raising the district's "standard of excellence" and supporting team goals; Mr. Conroy said he planned to visit schools and meet new principals. Administration invited board members to back-to-school events and welcome-back staff programs scheduled for July 29.
Ending: Romo noted a back-to-school guide is posted on the district website (svusd68.org) and invited board members to attend district events; she closed by stressing supports available to families and the district's focus on safety and student readiness for the new year.
