PV Schools hosts highlighted 'Kids for Wish Kids' student fundraising in which high schools run events and then donate to the Arizona Make A Wish Foundation; Connor Hutchinson said some fundraisers have raised "over $10,000." Examples mentioned: Pinnacle, Horizon High School and Shadow Mountain High School. Contact pvschools.net for more information.
Paradise Valley Unified District Finance Director Connor Hutchinson told the PV Schools podcast that Arizona public school tax‑credit donations are dollar‑for‑dollar reductions on state taxes that let donors direct funds to eligible school programs (extracurriculars, nursing supplies, shade structures, etc.) and that donors can choose the tax year to apply the credit. Visit pvschools.net for the district donation page.
A district committee recommended consolidating middle-school tiers, adding buffers between tiers, and increasing elementary instructional time by 10 minutes; the plan is intended to improve route reliability and reduce private transportation costs, and will return for board action after further community feedback.
Multiple members of the public told the Paradise Valley board that a music teacher played a sexualized song for students and criticized the district’s response; callers also raised separate safety concerns (a child sprayed with Lysol) and alleged retaliation and bullying against the family that reported the song.
At its January meeting the Paradise Valley board elected Tony Pantera president (4–1), named Dr. Amanda Lim president pro tem (unanimous), approved policy JLC (third reading) unanimously, ratified vouchers by resolution, accepted gifts and donations, and approved an elementary leadership travel request 4–1.
After a lengthy presentation and floor debate, the Paradise Valley Unified School District governing board voted 3–2 to defer consideration of proposed community education fee increases to the end of the year and refer the matter to a study session, citing insufficient time for review and concerns about impacts on Title I families and staff.
This transcript records a student STEM presentation (Student Space Flight Program) rather than a civic public meeting; no civic articles will be generated.
North Canyon High School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme emphasizes small classes, Theory of Knowledge, research projects and community service; the district also offers a K–12 IB continuum with Quail Run Primary years and open enrollment information on school websites.
Paradise Valley Unified District completed a two‑year, systemwide review and received full Cognia accreditation in June 2025; the district says the recognition covers preschool through 12th grade, includes district operations, and includes periodic six‑month and three‑year checkpoints through 2031.
Hosts announced no school Nov. 26–28, thanked education support professionals and substitutes, highlighted state swimming champions, and aired a student video from North Ranch Elementary honoring teachers during American Education Week.
