Tolleson highlights career programs and staff awards as report card falls on graduation rate

Tolleson Union High School District Principal (Tolleson High School) told the governing board about career and technical education partnerships that have led to job placements, while warning that the school'wide report card fell from a very high B to a lower B largely because of a drop in graduation rate.

The principal said a recent partnership with Honeywell, Bauco Technology and La Causa produced 10 students who completed a machining-and-work-readiness program; four of those students were hired by Honeywell. "One young man... is making over $60,000 out of his second year out of high school," the principal said. The presentation also highlighted a law program led by Mr. Dorfman, a retired Phoenix police officer, whose students won a local forensics competition and one of whom was hired full time as a police dispatcher.

The drop in the report card, the principal said, is concentrated in graduation rate and is difficult to make up in other categories. "The way that the report card reads is once you lose points and and you graduate it's very hard to make it up in any of the other categories," the principal said. School staff described targeted interventions that began over the summer: "Miss Garcia has been working tremendously with our senior class. It started this summer. She began identifying students who... need [support]," the principal said, adding that seniors receive after-school tutoring funded through Title I and that the school runs a daily "flex" schedule for many students.

Presenters and board members described nonacademic activities and community engagement the school uses to support students. The principal described Chef Michael Klein, named staff member of the year, who runs culinary and community catering activities and takes students to college and community events. The principal also listed students recognized at the meeting, including James Mia Aguilar (college-bound), Jahim Jones (dance/Spirit Line captain) and others who earned honors or program placements.

Board members responded with praise and questions about supports. Member Chapman called the partnerships "exciting" and said construction trades and other CTE pathways are important. Member Del Palacio asked about the percentage of underperforming students receiving targeted support; the principal said seniors identified for intervention attend after-school tutoring and are scheduled daily in the school's flex program. Several board members thanked staff and the families in attendance.

The presentation also reviewed outreach events including a first-responder appreciation day, a Winterfest open campus event for prospective students, a Thanksgiving volunteer breakfast and a trunk-or-treat before a football game. The principal closed by introducing administrative staff onstage and inviting questions.

Board members did not take formal action on the Tolleson presentation; it was presented for information and discussion.