Tolleson Union High School District superintendent reports student awards; district revises graduation schedule after stadium booking

The Tolleson Union High School District governing board met and approved the regular meeting agenda. Superintendent Gaius reported on recent student awards across district high schools, highlighted that roughly half of the district's students are enrolled in Career and Technical Education courses, and said the district revised its graduation schedule after State Farm Stadium booked a concert for the weekend of May 17-18.

The superintendent said West Point students earned multiple DECA awards, Copper Canyon students won visual-arts recognitions and robotics honors, and district students represented Tolleson at national leadership events. The district also noted ongoing "future freshman night" events at multiple high schools and said February is National Career and Technical Education Month, during which the district will highlight CTE programs on its social media channels.

The changes to graduation planning stem from State Farm Stadium reclaiming use of the facility for a concert on May 17-18. "Because of that concert, it is going to impact our graduation schedule," Superintendent Gaius said, and added that under the district's agreement with State Farm Stadium the venue can be reclaimed. Gaius said principals and district staff finalized a revised graduation schedule and that emails were being sent to staff and the community; the superintendent did not specify the new ceremony dates during the report.

Board members also received updates on extracurricular achievements: West Point DECA medalists and event winners were named; Copper Canyon visual-arts students received awards, and Copper Canyon's robotics team won the Inspire award at a regional FIRST Robotics Competition, which the superintendent said qualifies the team for the state competition in Prescott. The superintendent named a number of students recognized by programs and competitions, including nominees for the Dean's List Award in robotics.

The board approved the regular agenda by roll call. The meeting continued with member updates and campus visitation reports.

District officials said families and staff should expect direct communications with the finalized graduation schedule; the superintendent said emails notifying the community were sent the morning of the meeting. Specific revised ceremony dates and times were not provided in the public report.