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Sunnyside reports 13,555 students on day 10; buses, food services and custodial teams note start-of-year strains and initiatives
Summary
District staff told the board the school year began smoothly overall with 13,555 enrolled, but described ongoing issues: HVAC spot problems across sites, a portable chiller at Desert View, about 90 buses with AC and mechanical issues, three vacant mechanic positions and expanded food service initiatives.
Sunnyside Unified District staff told the governing board the new school year opened with about 13,555 students on the district’s day-10 PowerSchool snapshot and enumerated operational issues and early-year initiatives.
Superintendent and operations staff reported the district’s preK–12 students began classes on July 30 and that October-day-10 is the district’s most accurate enrollment snapshot because PowerSchool drops students who miss ten consecutive days. Staff said the district’s overall headcount is down by roughly 43 students from the end of the previous school year; preschool counts include many children not eligible for state average daily membership (ADM) counts.
Facilities and custodial: Staff praised custodial teams and said a district training for custodians will cover safety topics including slip hazards. Operations staff acknowledged ongoing HVAC spot issues across multiple sites; most classrooms are air-conditioned and vendors have been responsive to work orders, but age and parts availability make perfect performance difficult. A portable air chiller trailer is serving Desert View High School while the district pursues a permanent replacement (see related item on JOC authorization).
Transportation: The district operates about 90 school buses, and staff said they have three vacant bus mechanic positions and one certified lead mechanic currently on staff. Staff described frequent, short-term bus outages and AC problems on some buses during hot weather; mechanics worked overtime to restore service and the district expected delivery of two new buses within days of the meeting. The district continues to discuss alternatives for fleet replacement, citing the high upfront costs and infrastructure needs for electric buses and noting propane as a potential interim option because it requires less new infrastructure.
Food services and nutrition: John Oakley, director of food services, reported a smooth start for meal service and said the district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) so all students receive free breakfast and lunch districtwide. Oakley described equipment reinvestments over the summer, a new faculty line at several campuses to encourage staff meals, and planned grill-based meal offerings at middle schools starting soon. The district also hosted a back-to-school event where UnitedHealthcare and the Sunnyside Foundation donated 500 backpacks.
Safety and student services: The district’s security and health offices are still filling open roles; Ryan Powell, security director, and the nurse manager were reported to be providing flexible coverage while vacancies are filled. Student services staff described heat-index precautions taken during the first ten days of school, including reducing or eliminating outdoor recess on extreme days and adjusting athletic practices to avoid midday heat.
Staff and board members said they would continue monitoring class sizes and balancing enrollment across sites as site principals perform seat counts during the early days of school. Several board members thanked staff for the opening-of-school work and asked staff to return with additional staffing and compensation analyses (particularly for mechanics) at a future meeting.
No separate action was required for this report; staff said they will continue to update the board through routine reports.
