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University High highlights persistence gains, dual‑enrollment and student honors at Tolleson board meeting
Summary
University High School leaders told the Tolleson board about rising persistence rates, 900 dual‑enrollment credit hours earned last year, $10 million in scholarship offers to last year's graduates, and numerous student and staff awards; the meeting also featured honors for Coach Scott Richardson and Angela Garcia.
Tolleson Union High School District trustees heard a wide‑ranging presentation on University High School’s recruitment, retention and student success efforts and joined in recognizing several staff and student honors.
Principal Vicky Lentz told the board that University High recruits across the valley and has focused on maintaining students as well as recruiting them. She said the class of 2021 had a 45% persistence rate but that more recent cohorts show improved retention (cited 88% and 80% persistence figures for later years). Lentz described a three‑tier instructional and intervention model — tier one effective daily instruction, tier two interventions including RTI and flex time, and tier three supports such as AP support classes and peer mentors.
Academic and postsecondary highlights: Lentz reported that 41% of seniors earned biliteracy seals; peer FAFSA coaches achieved a 97% completion rate where the state goal is 50%; the school offers 18 AP courses and many teachers have AP training; students earned about 900 dual‑enrollment credit hours last year; and last year’s graduating class received roughly $10 million in scholarship offers, the principal said. She introduced Wendy Sepulveda Avalos (student of the year) and noted accomplishments by other students, including semifinalists and scholarship recipients.
Staff and community recognitions included Coach Scott Richardson’s induction into the 2026 National High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and Angela Garcia’s selection as the 2026 Arizona McKinney‑Vento Homeless Liaison of the Year. Superintendent Kayes said Angela Garcia supports 318 McKinney‑Vento students districtwide and coordinates 189 daily transportation routes for those students.
What’s next: Trustees praised the school’s academic supports and community partnerships, and the district will continue promoting University High’s programs during recruitment and upcoming events.
Quotes: Principal Lentz said, “we actually had a persistence rate of only 45%” for the 2021 cohort while emphasizing the district’s interventions that have since raised persistence for subsequent cohorts. Superintendent Kayes noted Angela Garcia’s statewide recognition and the district’s transportation support for McKinney‑Vento students.
