Press Release

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Exceptional Student Services Department will be hosting a meeting for private school administrators, private childcare providers, and any families of students in private and homeschool settings within Dysart district boundaries to discuss Child Find procedures and the types of services the district is able to provide through Proportionate Share. Proportionate Share is a set of funds set aside specifically to offer private and homeschool students some special education support through the public school district.

The informational meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 5:15-6:00pm, and attendees may join in person or virtually. The in-person option will take place in the Dysart Governing Board Room, located at 15802 North Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. The link for those attending virtually is Dysart.org/ChildFindMeeting20260204. Parents and guardians that are concerned about their child's development should attend to learn about how the Child Find process may benefit their family.

About Child Find Services in Dysart Schools 

The Dysart Unified School District abides by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), which requires that public school agencies ensure all children (from birth through age 21) with delays or developmental disabilities are identified, located, and evaluated to receive the supports and services they need. This includes all children living within the geographic boundaries of the school district – those who are homeless or wards of the state, are attending private schools, or are home schooled.

Dysart Unified School District offers Child Find screenings for students aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years old who may have developmental delays. Suspected delays may be evidenced in the areas of communication, cognition, behavior, as well as in physical, auditory, visual and sensory development. Parents of a preschool child (aged 2 years 9 months through 5 years old) with suspected developmental delays that resides within the boundaries of the Dysart Unified School District, should call (623) 876-7022 (Select option #2) to schedule a free Child Find screening.  For additional information about Child Find for children younger than 2 years 9 months, please contact the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) at 602-532-9960, 888-352-4558, allazeip2@azdes.gov.

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District and Toyota of Surprise are pleased to announce a “Drive for Excellence” partnership that supports education in the community for the 2026/2027 school year. The partnership is focused on providing unique educational opportunities for students, celebrating their successes, and giving them an opportunity to earn a scholarship for post-secondary education. All four district high schools are included - Dysart High School, Valley Vista High School, Shadow Ridge High School, and Willow Canyon High School.

The “Drive for Excellence” partnership involves the following: 

• $24,000 in scholarships for post secondary education - The Surprise Toyota Scholar-Athlete Award is funded by Surprise Toyota and will be given to one male and one female at each high school for higher education purposes.  This scholarship provides a total of eight $3,000 scholarships. Applications will open January 1st and close on March 1st. To apply, seniors must have a 3.3 grade point average (GPA), earn two or more varsity sports letters in a Dysart high school, participate in community service, have good attendance, citizenship, and behavior, and complete an essay question. 
• Student-led Game Day livestream shows for each high school produced on site at Toyota of Surprise - Each show focuses on students, highlighting sports teams, and groups such as the marching band, cheer and pom, and student council. Dysart Student Broadcasting (DSB Live) students produce the entire show from start to finish, including setup, making graphics, running commercials, camera work, on-camera interviews, livestreaming, and post-production work. 
• Each high school received a $1,000 donation - Principals were surprised with a giant check when the partnership was initially announced to administrators. Each school will get to decide how they want to use the funds.
• Exclusive educator discounts - Offered as a token of appreciation for Dysart Unified School District teachers and staff at Toyota of Surprise. 

The first Game Day ran on September 4 (Dysart High School), with additional shows scheduled for September 11 (Willow Canyon High School), October 30 (Shadow Ridge High School) and November 6 (Valley Vista High School). DSB Live’s event schedule, livestream and video links can be found at Dysart.org/DSBLive. 

“To be able to provide this scholarship and hands-on learning opportunity for our students is invaluable, and we are so grateful for the generosity of Toyota of Surprise,” said Dysart Schools Superintendent, Dr. John Croteau.  “This partnership is a perfect example of the great things that can happen when the community gets involved.”  

Larry Tabloff, General Manager of Toyota of Surprise said, “We are incredibly proud to support these outstanding schools and the students, educators, coaches, and families who make such a tremendous difference in the lives of our children. We believe in investing in our community and, most importantly, in the future of our students, the next generation of leaders.”

Toyota of Surprise has also generously sponsored the district’s “Attendance Matters” contest the past two years, supporting a celebration for the winning school that increased student attendance the most throughout the year.

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District has again received awards for meeting high standards on the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Dysart has received the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) award for the 31st consecutive year, and it is the 22nd consecutive year that Dysart has achieved the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award.

Dysart Schools received the Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting from ASBO for meeting high standards for financial reporting and transparency. By participating in the ASBO COE program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to financial transparency and excellence in financial reporting. The ACFR must inform stakeholders about the financial and economic state of the district, and be a communications tool to engage with the community.

Additionally, Dysart received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the GFOA. The GFOA Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by an organization and its management. In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, an organization must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements.

The awards were presented to the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board at the August 24 board meeting. Dysart budget and financial reports are always available for viewing at Dysart.org/Budget.

About ASBO International 

Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is a nonprofit organization that, through its members and affiliates, represents approximately 30,000 school business professionals worldwide. ASBO International is committed to providing programs, services, and a global network that promote the highest standards in school business. Its members support student achievement through effective resource management in various areas ranging from finance and operations to food services and transportation. Learn more at asbointl.org.

About GFOA 

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources, and practical research for more than 21,000 members and the communities they serve. The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program (Certificate Program) in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual comprehensive financial reports that evidence the spirit of transparency and full disclosure and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites community members to learn about the district and tour several of our schools on Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 8:00am to 12:45pm.

The event will begin at the Dysart district office Governing Board room, where attendees will hear an overview of the district from Dysart Schools Superintendent, Dr. John Croteau. Breakfast and lunch will be served, and guests will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the tour. Attendees will board a yellow school bus for a short trip to a few of our schools, including Asante Preparatory Academy, Cimarron Springs Middle School, and Willow Canyon High School. Patrons will get to hear from the principal at each school, and get a tour of the campus, including classrooms, from students and staff.

All business leaders, neighbors, parents, retirees, government employees, or other interested people are invited to attend.  A limited number of seats are available for the tour, and will be reserved on a first come, first served basis. Interested community members can reserve a space at Dysart.org/tour, or by calling 623-876-7195.

DYSART SCHOOLS — Dysart Unified School District will be participating in the National School Lunch Program and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). As part of this program, Dysart Unified will offer healthy meals every school day. Breakfast will cost $1.50. Lunch will cost $2.75 for Elementary/Middle and $3.00 for High School. Your child(ren) may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Reduced-price meals for breakfast and lunch cost is $0.00 for the 2026-2027 school year. 

Students at Eligible CEP Schools will receive free meals at no cost. Your child(ren) will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch every school day without having to pay a fee or submit a household application. 2nd meals and a la carte items will still be available to purchase at their paid rates. In lieu of a household application please submit an alternate income form at www.schoolcafe.com.

The following 11 schools have been approved to operate Community Eligibility Provision: Countryside Elementary School, Dysart High School, Dysart Middle School, El Mirage Elementary School, Kingswood Elementary School, Luke Elementary School, Riverview School, Surprise Elementary School, Thompson Ranch Elementary School, Valley Vista High School, and West Point Elementary School. As part of this program, meals are provided at no cost to students attending the schools above.

Qualifications for children to receive free or reduced-price meals include: belonging to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, attending a CEP approved site, belonging to a household that receives public assistance, or if the child is homeless, migrant, runaway, foster, or participates in a Head Start or Even Start pre-Kindergarten program. Household size and income criteria are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits if the household does not receive assistance or the children are not in the other categories mentioned above. Children can get free or reduced-price meals if the household’s gross income falls at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart.

Income Eligibility Guidelines

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, we highly recommend applying online at www.schoolcafe.com. Paper applications are available in each school office and can be returned to the school once completed unless the household has already received notification that their children are approved for free meals this year. Applications include a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children and what is required to complete on the application.

Only one application is required for all children in the household and the information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials. An application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Families can apply for benefits at any time. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the Federal Guidelines. Contact Claudia Zamora, Nutrition Liaison at any time to request an application.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, the Nutrition Liaison will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Marydel Speidell at 13825 W. Desert Cove Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379.

When known to Dysart Unified, households will be notified of their children’s eligibility for free meals if they are members of households receiving assistance from the: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR); or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), if the State program meets Federal standards.

An application is not required for free meal benefits for Assistance Program participants and all of the children in the household are eligible for free meal benefits. If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, or if a household does not receive a notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free meal benefits extended to them. Participants in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals, but they will need to turn in an application including household size and total income.

When known to Dysart Unified, households will also be notified of any child’s eligibility for free meals if the individual child is considered “Other Source Categorically Eligible”, because the child is categorized, as defined by law as: Foster, Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, Enrolled in an eligible Head Start, or Enrolled in an eligible pre-kindergarten class.

If any children were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school about their eligibility through the list above or should submit an income application. Households notified of their children’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits. For more information, you may call the Nutrition Department at 623-876-7075 or e-mail at nutrition@dysart.org.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 

1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 

2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 

3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 6/15/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites the community to a Job Fair on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the district office located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. Walk-ins are welcome, but interested candidates can also register in advance to schedule an onsite interview at Dysart.org/CareerFair.

The Job Fair will feature a variety of employment options within Dysart Schools. Positions range from support staff to teachers. High need areas include paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, bus aides, food service workers, maintenance workers, mechanics, as well as Special Education teachers. 

Interested applicants can also apply online for any open positions at Dysart.org/Careers prior to or at the Job Fair.  Qualified candidates will be able to interview on July 15. Prospective applicants should bring their current resume and be ready for an interview.

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs over 2,700 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  Along with competitive salaries, Dysart offers a comprehensive benefit package to staff, has won many awards for its wellness program, and was named a Top 10 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2023.  Dysart is the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, is a two time Forbes Best-In-State Employer, and has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to work for by both Zippia and TalentDesk. Dysart’s starting salary for a new teacher is one of the highest in the Valley, at over $55,600 when Proposition 301 base and performance funds are included. Based on the Auditor General Report, Dysart’s average teacher salary ($70,153) is well above the state average ($65,113) and that of peer districts ($66,799). Additionally, hard-to-fill stipends are available for SPED, math and science teachers, and employees have additional earning power through employee referrals and other opportunities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 06/04/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - “A” rated Dysart Unified School District (DUSD) proudly celebrates a school year surrounded by top-rated schools, hard-working students and staff, success in academics, arts and athletics, and a focus on fiscal responsibility and transparency.

For the third year in a row, Dysart received an "A" rating from the State of Arizona. Overall, 100% of our schools achieved either an “A” or “B” rating, with 19 schools earning an “A”, and five earning a “B”. Dysart Unified School District was ranked the #4 Unified School District in the state by Ranking Arizona (2025), and all district high schools earned an “A” rating from U.S. News & World Report. Freedom Traditional Academy ranked #13 overall out of 1,359 K-8 schools in Arizona. When looking at subject areas, Freedom moves even higher, ranking #4 statewide in math proficiency and #3 in English Language Arts proficiency. Fifteen of the top 16 elementary schools in Surprise and El Mirage are Dysart schools, and 15 Dysart schools scored in the top 25% statewide. Additionally, for the fourth consecutive year, Dysart was named the Best Public School District in the West Valley in the 2026 West Valley Favorites awards. Also notable is that Dysart High School became the fourth school in the district to be named an Arizona Purple Star School for their support of military-connected families.

Dysart remains dedicated to fiscal responsibility, earning the Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for 30 years in a row. Additionally, the district has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for 21 years in a row. Administrative costs in Dysart (8.5%) are lower than the state average (10.4%), and those of peer districts. Budget details are always available for the community to view at Dysart.org/Budget.

Together, Dysart seniors earned $47.3 million in college scholarships, and graduates also earned 872 Arizona State Seals of Personal Finance and Civics Literacy. Students earned recognition through College Board National Recognition awards, numerous scholarships, including QuestBridge, Dorrance, Dell and Gates, and national writing competitions. Shadow Ridge High School even had a National Merit Finalist.

Students continue to excel in the arts, and Dysart was named the Best Music School in the  2026 West Valley Favorites awards. Students earned 274 AZ State Seals of Arts Proficiency this year, the highest count we’ve seen. Two of the district’s high schools earned multiple top honors at the 2026 Oceanside Sound-Off! competition, including first-place finishes, a second-place finish, Best Musicianship, Best Showmanship, Best a Cappella, and Best Soloist awards. Students also received multiple Best Performer recognitions across several show choir divisions. There were also 23 students selected for AZ All State Show Choir between all four high schools. Shadow Ridge High School was also given the ranking Overall Superior from Arizona Thespians for their rendition of Diary of Anne Frank, and became the first district school selected to perform on the mainstage at their state conference.

In athletics, Dysart celebrated several state championships, including Valley Vista High School’s Girls Basketball and Unified Badminton, and Shadow Ridge High School’s Cheer Partner Stunt. Shadow Ridge Volleyball was selected to receive an AIA Sportsmanship Award, and numerous student-athletes received All-Region, and All-Conference titles. Twenty-seven student athletes were named AIA Players of the Year, seven coaches were named Coach of the Year, and a student was named to the AZ Cardinals Flag Football All-Star Team. 

As the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, Dysart employs more than 3,000 teachers and support staff. The District was named Best Place to Work in the West Valley Favorites competition the past two years, and has long been recognized for its employee wellness program. Dysart is the proud home to 67 employees who have earned the rigorous National Board certification. This year was also highlighted by staff members honored as Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona, an Arizona Economic Education Teacher of the Year finalist, and seven Breakout Teacher Award Honorees by the City of Surprise.  Dysart Schools are always hiring, and openings are posted at Dysart.org/Careers.

Dysart Schools proudly serves the community with a top-rated education. The 2026-2027 school year begins on Thursday, August 6, and enrollment can be completed online at Dysart.org/Enroll.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 5/20/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District will host the annual Summer Feeding Program with free breakfast and lunch for children ages 18 and under from June 1 through June 18. 

Breakfast and lunch will be served Monday through Thursday, at Valley Vista High School, which is located at 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise 85374. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am through 9:00 am and lunch will be served from 12:00 pm through 1:00 pm. Per federal regulations, all meals must be consumed on site in the cafeteria. Meals for adults over the age of 18 are $3.00 for breakfast and $5.00 for lunch.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or Email: Program.Intake@usda.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/18/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - This year Dysart Unified School District students earned 1,146 Arizona State Seals for proficiency in finance, arts or civics on their high school diplomas. Students from each of Dysart’s high schools, including Dysart High School, Shadow Ridge High School, Valley Vista High School, and Willow Canyon High School earned seals.  855 Arizona State Seals of Personal Finance were earned for the 2025-2026 school year, up from the 748 earned last year. Arts seals jumped to 274 from 261. Civics Literacy Seals also had an increase from 4 to 19 this school year.

The personal finance seal is awarded to high school students who achieve a high level of proficiency in Personal Finance, and they receive a seal on their diploma, and a notation on their transcript. Students must meet certain requirements to qualify, which includes a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 in all social studies courses. Participating students must then complete an approved personal finance program, participate in a co-curricular or extracurricular program, complete a college and/or career readiness plan, and pass a personal finance assessment.

The arts seal is awarded to high school students who meet rigorous standards, and have demonstrated artistic literacy and high levels of competency in media arts, visual arts, dance, theatre, or music. Students must meet certain requirements to qualify, which include achieving a minimum “B” average on all approved arts courses, completing a minimum of 4 credit hours of approved arts courses, completing 80 hours of arts-related extracurricular activities, and a senior capstone project. 

The civics literacy seal requires a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 in all social studies courses, and a passing score on the Arizona Civics Test. Additionally, students must meet specific requirements from each of three categories, including 3 instances of Civics Learning, 30 hours of Civics Engagement, and demonstration of civic knowledge through a Written Reflection.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/08/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - With improving student attendance as a top priority, Dysart Unified School District conducted a districtwide “Attendance Matters” campaign the past three years. The campaign incorporates friendly competition among schools through an attendance contest, as well as regular messaging about the importance of school attendance.  The 2025-2026 campaign culminated with Asante Preparatory Academy’s contest win, and a celebratory Barbeque lunch on April 24 followed by frozen treats donated by Toyota of Surprise, along with other donated giveaways to reward the students for their hard work. Special thanks goes to Germain Honda of Surprise, Toyota of Surprise, Peter Piper Pizza, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Uptown Alley, and Elevate Trampoline Park for supporting this year’s contest. 

The attendance contest started in September, with two schools competing against each other each week. Schools planned their own activities for their competition to encourage student attendance, with many hosting spirit days, and contests between grade levels or classes. Weekly winners were determined by the highest percentage increase of each school's attendance rate for the week of the contest compared to each school's rate the week prior, so the focus was for each school to improve their own rate the most. After the regular matchups, the top schools entered the “Attendance Matters” Madness playoff period that mirrors the annual “March Madness” college basketball event. The playoffs began with a Sweet 16 tournament with the top 16 schools, then Elite 8, Final 4, and finally it ended with the Championship and one school as the overall district champion. In 2023-2024, Marley Park Elementary School took the win, and last year it was Freedom Traditional Academy.  

Anyone interested in donating to support the upcoming Dysart attendance campaign can email publicrelations@dysart.org or call 623-876-7195.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/06/2026

The 8th Annual Dysart Education Foundation (DEF) Scholarship Awards Dinner was held at the Dysart Unified Support Services Facility on April 23, 2026. DEF funded their largest number of scholarships and students to date of $108,500 to 21 graduating high school seniors from the four Dysart Unified School District (DUSD) high schools to obtain higher education in their chosen fields.

This year’s program focused on “Celebrating Our Students and Their Champions.”  The Master of Ceremonies, Dysart Superintendent Dr. John Croteau, explained the evening’s theme, explaining that “Behind every scholarship recipient is someone who believed in them, encouraged them, and took the time to say, ‘This student matters.’” Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) sponsored and catered the dinner to more than one hundred attendees to guarantee that all donations go directly to students.

Renee Rodriquesz (Dysart High School, Class of 2010) of “Oh Snap Photos” captured the evening, while the Dysart High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), under the instruction of Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Detrinidad, posted the colors. Alumni Samantha Stinebaugh (Valley Vista High School, Class of 2021) sang the national anthem. Courtney Grieshaber (Shadow Ridge High School, Class of 2022), who is now teaching First Grade at Freedom Traditional Academy, was the keynote speaker, and urged the 2026 recipients to continue to seek guidance in their “Champions” and one day look back to be a “Champion” for someone else.

The 2026 recipients received their scholarship certificates in the presence of their families, DUSD principals, counselors, administration, Governing Board, the community leaders and officers from Surprise and El Mirage, and the donors of their scholarships.

Congratulations to:

Barnett Medical-Related Occupations Scholarship, $2,500 

• Brooke Rains, Shadow Ridge High School

Dysart High School Tyrus Timbrooks Memorial, $2,500 each 

• Layla Donahue, Dysart High School  
• Abigail Franco, Dysart High School 

El Mirage Firefighters Charities, $3,000 each  

• Andrea Castillo, Dysart High School 
• Grecia Ochoa, Dysart High School 

• The Randy Sterna Grand Opportunity Scholarship, $7,000
• Nancy Nguyen, Dysart High School 

SFE-Southwest Foodservice Excellence, $5,000 each

• Shannon Maloney, Shadow Ridge High School 
• Lydia Williams, Valley Vista High School 

Subaru Share the Love Scholarship of Surprise, $6,000 each

• Alejandra Flores, Valley Vista High School
• Kenrick Geffrard, Willow Canyon High School
• Eva Perez, Shadow Ridge High School  

Dysart Education Foundation Scholarship, $6,000 each

• Santiago Leyva-Fonseca, Dysart High School
• Alicca Lopez, Dysart High School
• Jacob Blackshear, Shadow Ridge High School
• Jalen Harris, Shadow Ridge High School
• Trenton Mueller, Shadow Ridge High School
• Chase Senft, Shadow Ridge High School
• Aftynn Bennett, Valley Vista High School
• Kayla Vargas, Valley Vista High School
• Ariana McCullom, Willow Canyon High School
• Arianna Prescott, Willow Canyon High School 

The Foundation thanks Western State Bank for their ongoing contributions and everyone who had an impact on this Celebration of Champions. DEF is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1985 whose sole purpose is to enrich and enhance educational opportunities in the Dysart Unified School District through fundraising. Seniors who achieve strong academic results, are active in their communities, and show financial need, can receive college scholarships.

The doors are open for volunteers in fundraising, marketing, social media, events, and operational support. Donations from businesses and individuals are always welcome. Visit the tab on our website under Alumni, Friends, & Donors for more information.

DEF’s intent is to engage the community in supporting public education by stimulating community involvement in education. Scholarships are available to apply in January through March of the graduating school year. Visit www.DysartEducationFoundation.org for information and to offer donations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 05/04/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is seeking individuals that live within the Dysart Unified School District boundaries who are interested in becoming a Trustee for the Employee Benefits Trust.  Three positions are available for a three-year term. The deadline to apply is May 25, 2026.

The purpose of the district’s Trust is to provide guidance and support on the district's benefits that are provided to employees. The Employee Benefits Trust has the following powers and duties: Receiving Contributions Paid to the Trust; Providing Benefits and Determining Coverage; Responsible for the Administration of All; and Employee Benefits.

The Board consists of five member Trustees and meets four times a year. All Trustees are appointed by the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board. Interested individuals should review the Trustee Position Summary and submit an Employee Benefits Trust Trustee Application.

For more information, please contact the Dysart Business Services office at 623-876-7018.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/28/2026 

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District will host high school graduation ceremonies for the 2026 senior class on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.  The four graduation ceremonies will take place at the Desert Diamond Arena, located at 9400 West Maryland Avenue, in Glendale, Arizona.  Ceremonies will begin at the following times: 

• 10:00 a.m. –  Willow Canyon High School 
• 12:30 p.m. – Dysart High School   
• 3:00 p.m. –Shadow Ridge High School   
• 5:30 p.m. – Valley Vista High School  

All graduation ceremonies will be live-streamed by Dysart Student Broadcasting Live (DSB Live) students at youtube.com/@DSBLive. DSB Live is a program to provide high school students with the opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience in broadcasting.  The live stream is free of charge, and will allow anyone to watch the ceremony live. The video recording will also be available to view after the event. 

Graduation ceremonies are open to the public. There is no charge for admission or parking, and tickets are not required.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/27/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board voted to place a capital funding measure, Proposition 421, on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The action was taken during the April 13 Governing Board meeting. Proposition 421 represents an estimated $71.4 million capital funding program focused on maintaining safe, functional learning environments and supporting continued growth in the District. If approved by the voters, the measure would fund a series of priority projects across Dysart schools.

The estimated average annual tax rate for the proposed bond authorization is projected to be approximately $0.17 cents per $100 of net assessed valuation for secondary property tax purposes. Additional information about Proposition 421 will be made available to the community in the coming months.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/23/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District annually names staff members as Heroes to recognize outstanding service to the district and the community. This year, 53 staff members received the honor of being named a Dysart Hero, after being selected through a peer nomination process.  Additionally, Smiling Out Loud (SOul) was recognized for their volunteer efforts for many years in the district. There were hundreds of nomination letters this year, truly demonstrating the hard work and dedication of Dysart’s staff. Heroes were surprised with the awards by the Dysart Hero Squad, made up of district administrators and Governing Board members, over the course of several days in March. 

The Dysart Heroes were honored during a ceremony on April 22, 2026 at Happy Trails Performing Arts Center. Dr. John Croteau, Superintendent of Dysart Schools, was the Master of Ceremonies and read excerpts from the nomination letters. A commemorative Hero plaque, sponsored by the Dysart Education Foundation, was presented by members of the Dysart Governing Board.  Attendees enjoyed dinner and a silent auction along with the awards ceremony.

Yahzid Alcala, Rancho Gabriela 

Alexis Anderson, Asante 

Nicchia Bellitto, Mountain View 

Kathy Berger, Riverview 

Danielle Boore, Willow Canyon 

Amy Brewer, Ashton Ranch 

Aisha Brooks-Austin, Dysart Middle 

Sabrina Byram, Valley Vista 

Stephanie Carr, Surprise 

Octavio Cerda, Willow Canyon 

Angela Cooper, Cimarron Springs 

Maria Cruz, Thompson Ranch 

Santos Cruz, Countryside 

Danielle Danielak-Moehr, Transportation 

Jamie DiCarlo, Freedom 

David Dyb, Kingswood 

Jessica Frohlich, Sunset Hills 

Elain Gameros, Riverview 

Deborah Gunn, Ashton Ranch 

Chanale Gutierrez, El Mirage 

Pamela Hensley, Western Peaks 

Shante Jaquez, Shadow Ridge 

Leigh Johnson, Western Peaks 

Karen Kindem, IT 

Julia Kuettel, Sundown Mountain

Brianna Larson, Shadow Ridge

Melissa Laufer, Sonoran Heights

Kimberly Lawson-Byrd, Thompson Ranch

Sylvia Leija, Valley Vista

Joanne Linduff, West Point

Kathy Lovely, Sunset Hills

Alex Marquardt, Countryside

Charleen Mattingly, Rancho Gabriela

Mike McIntosh, Marley Park

Regina Montoya, Luke

Juliane Pfeiffer, Canyon Ridge

Tricia Parker, Cimarron Springs

Ysella Ramirez, Dysart Middle

Kim Rivera, West Point

Oscar Rodriguez Lopez, Dysart High

Kyl Rucker, Luke

Kimberly Sabidong, Mountain View

Crystal Salazar-Campa, Rancho Gabriela

Abbiegail Schallmo, Asante

Lindsey Serene, Freedom

Leslye Shumaker, Kingswood 

SOuL (Smiling Out Loud), District Volunteer

Trevor Tuttle, Dysart High

Kendra Wayne, El Mirage

Jessica Whynott, Marley Park

Destiny Wiedeke, Canyon Ridge

Jeannette Williams, Sundown Mountain

Terry Young, Sonoran Heights

Juan Zuniga, Surprise

The Dysart Hero Awards were sponsored this year by generous community partners including:

Platinum Sponsors: 1GPA, Chasse, Dysart Education Foundation, Prime Therapeutics, Valley Schools 

Gold Sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield, CORE Construction 

Silver Sponsors: Bel-Aire Mechanical, Brock, Dave Bang Associates, Logicalis, The Brella Group 

Bronze Sponsors: Bluum, Sun Life

A special thanks to our schools and Parent Support organizations for donating silent auction items and to the Dysart Education Foundation for sponsoring our Dysart Hero plaques.

To view photos of the event please visit: Dysart Heroes 2026

Media inquiries or future sponsorship questions should be directed to the Communications and Public Relations Office at publicrelations@dysart.org or 623-876-7195.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/14/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart High School became the fourth school in the Dysart district to be named a Purple Star School in the state of Arizona for their strong support of military families. Dysart High School hosted a celebration ceremony and ribbon cutting on April 13, 2026 to announce the news to the students, parents and staff.

A Purple Star School designation indicates that a school is committed to supporting the unique needs for military-connected children by providing staff and programs to support students during their school transitions or deployment. Criteria to meet this designation include:

• Designated staff point of contact for military students and families
• A student transition program Dedicated web page with resources for military families
• Professional development for staff (70%) that helps familiarize and equip them to support the needs of military students

Currently, Dysart High School has a Student Ambassador program, where students are trained to become leaders within the school community.  Ambassadors play a key role in supporting military-connected students transitioning to Dysart High, organizing quarterly Military-Connected Meet and Greets, and volunteering at various school events throughout the year. Quarterly Meet and Greet activities will take place throughout the year, and in April, the Month of the Military Child will be recognized and celebrated throughout the school. 

Dysart High School’s designation follows Luke Elementary School, which was the first Purple Star School in the state of Arizona and the Dysart district, Shadow Ridge, and Valley Vista High Schools. Dysart High School is an “A” rated school of over 2,000 ninth through twelfth-grade students. To learn more about military support and resources at Dysart High School, click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/13/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Requests for early entrance into Dysart’s kindergarten program for the 2026-2027 school year will be accepted from April 20 through May 20, 2026. Eligible children must turn five prior to December 31, 2026 to qualify. Interested parents may register their child for the Early Entrance Into Kindergarten Screener at Dysart.org/EarlyKinder beginning April 20.

Typically, children must turn five prior to August 31 in the school year for which they are applying to begin kindergarten. However, Dysart Schools offers a readiness screener as an option for those families that want to have their child(ren) screened for possible early kindergarten entry.  The screening, which may last up to 40 minutes, will be administered by a Dysart kindergarten teacher, and parents will be notified of the results within five business days after completion. During the screening, the child will work one-on-one with a certified teacher to take a variety of short assessments.

The Early Entrance Into Kindergarten Screener will be offered on June 2-4 and July 7-8, and screening will take place between 8am and 4pm, depending on the day. There is a $60 nonrefundable fee for the screener. Screenings will take place at the Dysart district office, located at 15802 North Parkview Place, in Surprise. Details on the program are available at Dysart.org/EarlyKinder, or by calling the Academic Services Department at 623-876-7173.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/08/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is preparing to destroy archived special education records from the 2021-2022 school year and will begin this process in July 2026. Special Education records, including placement records, referrals, evaluations, testing data, etc. are maintained for four fiscal years after a student’s final enrollment in a special education program. Final enrollment in a special education program is defined as the last day a student is enrolled in a special education program and is no longer receiving services. Parents, guardians, or eligible students have the right to review and/or receive a copy of these records before July 2026. Please contact ess.records@dysart.org or 623-876-7023 prior to July 2026 to review records.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/03/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is hosting a career fair for those interested in becoming a K-8 teacher or Exceptional Student Services (ESS) teacher through the district’s paid on-the-job Educator Preparation Program (EPP), called Ready2Teach. The EPP Career Fair will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the district support services facility located at 13825 W. Desert Cove Rd., Surprise, AZ 85379. Walk-ins are welcome, and advance registration is not required to attend the job fair. Prospective applicants should bring their current resume and be ready for an interview.

The Ready2Teach program prepares individuals who already possess a non-education bachelor’s degree, to receive a Classroom-based Standard Elementary Teacher Certificate or a K-12 Special Education Certificate without going back to school or paying tuition. Participants will receive paid, job-embedded training, mentorship and coaching in the classroom, and will be provided with everything they need to obtain their certification at the end of the two-year program. Interested applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and be able to obtain a valid fingerprint clearance card from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Dysart Schools is an “A” rated district that employs over 2,700 staff members at 26 schools and two support sites.  Along with competitive salaries, Dysart offers a comprehensive benefit package to staff, has won many awards for its wellness program, and was named a Top 10 Healthiest Employer by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2023.  Dysart is the largest employer in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage, is a two time Forbes Best-In-State Employer, and has been recognized as one of the Best Companies to work for by both Zippia and TalentDesk. Dysart’s starting salary for a new teacher is one of the highest in the Valley, at over $55,600 when Proposition 301 base and performance funds are included. Based on the Auditor General Report, Dysart’s average teacher salary ($70,153) is well above the state average ($65,113) and that of peer districts ($66,799). Additionally, hard-to-fill stipends are available for SPED, math and science teachers, and employees have additional earning power through employee referrals and other opportunities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 04/02/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Willow Canyon High School will be the newest school in Arizona to offer a U.S. Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program. The program will launch for the 2026/2027 school year at the school campus, located at 17901 West Lundberg Street, Surprise AZ 85388, and was approved by the Dysart Governing Board at the March 30 meeting. Students in grades 9-12 will be eligible to enroll in the program, which consists of up to four levels of leadership education instruction.

“We are extremely proud to expand our JROTC offerings through a partnership with the Marine Corps,” said Dr. John Croteau, Dysart Schools Superintendent. “These programs provide valuable opportunities for the students in our community, and it is a great honor for Dysart to be chosen through the Marine Corps’ rigorous selection process.” 

This will be the second JROTC program in the Dysart district, as an Army JROTC program has been in place at Dysart High School for many years. Both programs are offered through Dysart’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department, and include classroom and field experience, as well as clubs for associated competitive teams.  

About Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps  The Marine Corps JROTC program is one of the Marine Corps’s contributions to assisting America’s youth to become better citizens. The program produces successful students and productive adults, while fostering in each school a more constructive and disciplined learning environment. The mission of the program is to develop character and citizenship in the youth of America.  Objectives include: Give students an appreciation for the origin, advantages and responsibilities of citizenship; Develop an understanding of leadership skills and the advantages of strong moral character; Promote in the students an understanding for the need and application of national security; and Develop in students a sense of pride and personal discipline.