Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/12/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites the community to a Career Fair on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 3:00-5:00 pm 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/Careers.

The Career Fair will feature nearly 150 employment options, either for immediate openings or for positions for the 2026-2027 school year. Positions range from teachers in all subjects, as well as support staff. High need areas include Special Education, math and science teachers, paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, child care and preschool aide positions. 

Interested applicants can also apply online for any open positions at Dysart.org/Careers prior to or at the Career Fair.  Qualified candidates will be able to interview on March 11. Attendees will also be able to meet with schools and departments to learn more about job opportunities and visit with the Human Relations staff.  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 - 02/10/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District, in partnership with Germain Honda of Surprise, will host the Dysart Festival of the Arts on Saturday, March 7, 2026.  The festival will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, 15550 N Parkview Place, Surprise. The festival is free to attend and is open to the public.

The festival will showcase the visual and performing arts programs from sixteen elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools in the Dysart Unified School District.  The day will be packed with back-to-back performances on multiple stages including various dance troops, theatre troops, choirs, and bands. The elementary, middle school, and high school visual arts programs will host two art showcases including 2D and 3D pieces, as well as a chalk art exhibition along the path of the festival. 

Some of the event highlights include the Arts Experience area that offers multiple hands-on opportunities for attendees to participate in the arts, including dance workshops, bucket drumming, keyboard labs, 3D arts activities, and art projects. Our Adaptive Art Experience offers a hands-on immersive arts experience for individuals and families that may need accommodations or a sensory friendly experience.

This year's festival is proud to host over 50 arts vendors, food trucks and community partners.   These artisans will have their products on display for purchase. Visit www.Dysart.org/ArtsFest for more details or a list of performances, vendors and food trucks.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/06/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District is excited to announce registration is now open for the annual Dysart Spring Camp.  Families interested in signing up their children for camp during Spring Break should do so early, as space is limited. Registration is completed exclusively online.

The fully supervised and licensed Spring Camp will be held March 16 through March 20 at Sunset Hills Elementary School, 17825 W Sierra Montana Loop in Surprise, AZ 85388.  Hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 6:00 a.m. through 4:00pm on Friday, and participation is flexible for family convenience.  The camp costs $190 for five days, or $170 for four days, and is available for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The students will spend the week enjoying fun activities such as arts and crafts, STEM projects, robotics and gaming, as well as the gym and outdoor games.  Sign up today for a week full of fun!

To register for Spring Camp 2026 visit dysart.org/breakcamps.  Current Den Club families can log in to their account and register using the existing accounts link. This camp is open to all children in the community. Children do not need to attend a Dysart school in order to participate.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 02/05/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Boasting a total of 67 National Board Certified employees in the district, Dysart Schools had five staff members earn their National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) certifications this year, and sixteen renewed their certification. National certifications are the highest and most rigorous credentials that can be earned for various professions across the U.S. for teachers, psychologists, nurses, occupational and physical therapists and behavior analysts, and are overseen by their respective organizations.

Dysart staff that received National Board certification for the first time include:

• Emily Allen, Teaching and Learning Specialist at Dysart Middle School
• Dr. Felix Bou, School Psychologist
• Zachary Dominguez, School Psychologist
  
• Andrina Jimenez, Kindergarten Teacher at Thompson Ranch Elementary School
  
• Christie Kearley, STC Teacher at Cimarron Springs Middle School
  

Dysart staff that renewed their certification include:

• Bonita Dalton, Occupational Therapist
• Marissa Elder, Occupational Therapist
• Delia Hoke-McCarthy, School Psychologist
  
• Leigh Ives, School Psychologist
  
• Crystal Lozada, School Psychologist
  
• Jeffrey Marquis, School Psychologist
  
• Cheryl Martin, Teaching and Learning Specialist
  
• Brittney Moore, Behavior Analyst
  
• Jacque Nelson, Occupational Therapist
  
• Zachary Nutongla, Occupational Therapist
  
• Dana Oken, Occupational Therapist
  
• Riley O’Neal, School Psychologist
  
• Jesica Roehm, Special Education Preschool Liaison
  
• Jean Vogel, ELA Coach at Riverview School
  
• Renee Whitmire, Occupational Therapist
  
• Sandra Heide, Occupational Therapist
  

The teachers that earned their certification were recently recognized by the Arizona K12 Center with a special felt pennant delivery in celebration of their achievement through the National Board Certified Teacher program. Dysart awards all staff members who have earned National Board Certification a stipend equal to 5% of their base salary to honor the hard work and dedication it took to reach this achievement. Additionally, Dysart supports staff members interested in earning the certification by arranging cohort meetings and substitute coverage for two professional days for preparation.

National Board programs are managed by various industry-specific organizations, including the following: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; National Board of Certification of School Nurses; National School Psychology Certification Board; Behavior Analyst Certification Board; National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy; and the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 01/23/26

DYSART SCHOOLS - For the fourth straight year in a row, the Dysart Unified School District was voted the Favorite Public School District by the community in the West Valley Favorites competition. Dysart is an “A” rated district and won additional accolades in several other categories including Favorite Music School and Favorite Festival for the Dysart Festival of the Arts for the third year in a row. Dysart’s Growing Minds Preschool won Favorite Preschool for the second year in a year, and Shadow Ridge High School was named Favorite Performing Arts School.  Luke Elementary School fourth grade teacher, Bonnie Armstrong, won Favorite Teacher, and Valley Vista High School’s Brandi Harris won for Administrative Assistant/Receptionist. Valley Vista High School Social Studies teacher, Aimee Jensen, was a runner-up for favorite teacher, and Sonoran Heights Middle School band teacher, Deborah Forest, was named a finalist.  The Vista Center for the Arts won Favorite Event and Music Venue for the 2nd year in a row. Additionally, the Dysart Education Foundation, which is a nonprofit that supports the district, won for Favorite Philanthropic Organization.

“To be selected by the community for these awards is truly an honor, and shows the impact that Dysart has on so many people,” said Superintendent Dr. John Croteau. “We have worked hard to achieve an ‘A’ rating as a district, and this is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication our staff put in each and every day to educate our students.”

West Valley Favorites is a contest administered annually by Independent News Media, and solicits nominations and votes from the community. There are a variety of categories covered, including Arts & Entertainment; Community; Food & Drink; Health, Fitness & Wellness; Home & Garden; Professional Services; Shopping & Beauty; and Vehicles & Services.

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Schools will host Kindergarten Showcase events on Tuesday, February 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. so that families can learn more about the free, full-day program. The Showcase is a great opportunity for parents of future Kindergartners to tour the school, meet the teachers, and register their child.  Information on before and after school programs available through Dysart's Community Education Department will be available as well.  

Dysart schools are among the top-rated in the state of Arizona and provide a FREE, FULL-DAY Kindergarten program in a safe, caring environment. The Dysart Kindergarten program follows Arizona state standards, and offers hands-on, real-life activities in the areas of Cognitive, Social, and Physical development. Dysart schools offering full-day kindergarten include Asante Preparatory Academy, Canyon Ridge, Countryside, El Mirage, Freedom Traditional Academy, Kingswood, Luke, Marley Park, Mountain View, Rancho Gabriela, Riverview, Sunset Hills, Surprise Elementary, Thompson Ranch, West Point, and Western Peaks. Parents can learn more about Dysart School’s Kindergarten program at Dysart.org/Kindergarten. 

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open for Dysart Schools. Parents may register their child online at Dysart.org/Registration or by visiting their local school.  In order to register for school, parents must provide a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency.  To determine the school boundary for your residence, please visit www.dysart.org/boundaries. Open enrollment is available for parents who would like their child to attend a school other than their home school. Information on Open Enrollment is available at Dysart.org/OpenEnrollment. 

To begin kindergarten, students typically must be five (5) years of age on or prior to August 31 in the school year for which they are applying. However, Dysart has established a process by which an incoming student who does not meet this age requirement, but will turn five prior to December 31, can be evaluated for possible early entry into Dysart’s Kindergarten program. The application for the 2026-2027 screening will be available in April, for summer screening dates. Learn more at Dysart.org/EarlyKinder.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 01/14/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - The Dysart Unified School District will host a College 101 Night for parents interested in learning about the college acceptance and financial aid process. The event will take place on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Valley Vista High School, located at 15550 N. Parkview Place in Surprise, Arizona.  

College 101 Night will begin at 5:00pm with college booths available to browse. Informational sessions will be held beginning at 6:00pm where parents can choose to hear about a variety of topics. Participating parents will have the opportunity to learn about FAFSA, athletics in college, honors colleges, saving for college, financial planning, and much more. There will be numerous colleges in attendance along with military representatives to meet with parents and answer questions. Food trucks will also be on site during the event.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 01/12/2026

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, February 4, 2026 from 5:15-6:15pm, and attendees may join in person or virtually. The in-person option will take place at the Dysart Support Services building, located at 13825 West Desert Cove Road, Surprise, AZ 85379. 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 01/07/2026

DYSART SCHOOLS - Dysart Unified School District invites community members to learn about Dysart, and tour several of our schools on Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 8:00am to 12:30pm.  

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 Sunset Hills Elementary School, Mountain View School, and Shadow Ridge 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 online, or call 623-876-7196 with any questions or to reserve a spot by phone.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 12/17/2025

DYSART SCHOOLS - “A” rated Freedom Traditional Academy, a top-ranked K-8 school in the state of Arizona, is inviting prospective parents and students to an Open House on Thursday, January 22. The event will begin at 5:30pm on the school campus, which is located at 16066 N. Parkview Place in Surprise. Families are encouraged to RSVP here. 

Prospective families are invited to learn about why Freedom Traditional Academy is the premier school of choice in Surprise. Participants will be able to choose from a variety of informational sessions, including Q&As with the principal and a student-parent panel, as well as sessions on student activities, STEM, gifted programs, curriculum details, acceleration options, and arts and special area classes. 

About Freedom Traditional Academy 

Freedom Traditional Academy is an “A” rated tuition-free school that serves kindergarten through eighth grade students, and also has a preschool program on site.  Freedom ranks #3 for English Language Arts, and #4 for math proficiency among 1,359 K-8 schools in Arizona according to the recently released state accountability labels. The school also touts the highest test scores among any other schools in Surprise and El Mirage for the fourth year in a row. Freedom offers a highly-performing academic program that features accelerated options, Saxon math, Spalding reading, and Spanish at all grade levels. Freedom focuses on civic values and patriotism in a traditional, structured atmosphere. Arts, athletics and extracurricular activities are also offered. Learn more at Dysart.org/Freedom.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/18/2025 

DYSART SCHOOLS - Valley Vista High School became the third school in the Dysart district to be named a Purple Star School in the state of Arizona for their strong support of military families. Valley Vista High School hosted a celebration ceremony and ribbon cutting on November 17, 2025 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, Valley Vista 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 Valley Vista, 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.  

Valley Vista’s designation follows Luke Elementary School, which was the first Purple Star School in the state of Arizona and the Dysart district, and Shadow Ridge High School. Valley Vista 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 Valley Vista, click here. 

For Immediate Release 11/12/2025 

DYSART SCHOOLS - “A” rated Dysart Unified School District invites the community to a Career Fair on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Dysart District Office located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, 85374.  

The Career Fair will feature a variety of employment options within Dysart Schools for immediate openings. High need areas include teachers, paraprofessionals, often referred to as classroom assistants, child care and preschool aide positions, maintenance positions, bus drivers and aides, as well as food service workers. Interested candidates may walk in between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Interested applicants can apply online for any open positions at Dysart.org/Careers prior to or at the Career Fair.  Attendees will also be able to meet with schools and departments to learn more about job opportunities and visit with the Human Resources staff.  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  - 11/10/2025

Dysart Unified School District voters approved the 2025 budget override continuation for the district, but declined the bond measure.  Dysart is thankful to everyone in the community that took the time to vote in this election, and showed support and commitment to local schools and students.  

The continued override funding will allow Dysart to keep serving this community with the very best educational opportunities. The override ensures Dysart can retain highly qualified teachers and staff, continue to provide math and reading support, maintain manageable class sizes, and continue funding for Arts, Physical Education, Athletic programs and full-day Kindergarten. Overrides are approved for a term of 7 years, but can be renewed in year 4 or 5 to maintain a consistent level of funding. An override has been in place since 2000 to support student needs in Dysart. 

“Dysart could not do what we do without the support of our community,” said Dr. John Croteau, Superintendent. “As an A-rated district, we take our responsibility to educate seriously. Public schools are the backbone of our community, as we train our future leaders and workforce every day. We appreciate the trust our community has shown in us, and we look forward to continuing the great things that are happening in our schools and across the district!”  

The failed bond would have funded much needed facility renovations at each site, school bus replacements, safety and security improvements, construction of a new elementary school in the Northwest Asante area, and land for a new high school in the Northwest Asante area. While Dysart will continue to seek additional funding sources to cover capital needs, and work hard to apply for funding support wherever possible, the capital plans are on hold until a funding source is secured. The last bond that was approved in Dysart by voters was in 2006. Details on the district budget are always available at Dysart.org/Budget.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/4/2025 

DYSART SCHOOLS - Freedom Traditional Academy will be accepting enrollment applications for the 2026-2027 school year beginning Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Dysart.org/Enroll. Freedom is an “A” rated Arizona school, and touts the highest test scores among any other schools in Surprise and El Mirage for the fourth year in a row.  

Several upcoming events are planned for parents who would like to learn more, see the campus, and have their questions answered. First, a Future Kinder Night is scheduled at 5:30 pm on Thursday, December 4 for those with incoming Kindergarten students. Additionally, the school will host a Prospective Parent Open House at 5:30 pm on Thursday, January 22 for prospective K-8 families. Both events will be held on campus at 16066 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374. 

Parents interested in enrolling their K-8 student(s) in Freedom Traditional Academy for the 2026-2027 school year can complete an enrollment application online at Dysart.org/Enroll. Enrollment assistance is also available at the school office during regular business hours at 16066 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, or by calling 623-523-8650.  

The Early Bird Application Deadline for those wanting to be included in the first round of application reviews is Sunday, December 7, 2025.  After this date, applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed based on space availability. 

About Freedom Traditional Academy 

Freedom Traditional Academy is a tuition free school that serves kindergarten through eighth grade students, and also has a preschool program on site.  It offers a highly-performing academic program that features accelerated options, Saxon math, Spalding reading, and Spanish at all grade levels. Freedom focuses on civic values and patriotism in a traditional, structured atmosphere. Arts, athletics and extracurricular activities are also offered. Learn more at Dysart.org/Freedom.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 11/03/2025

DYSART SCHOOLS - With the top-rated schools in the area, the “A” rated Dysart Unified School District is proud to offer our community a choice in school enrollment. Dysart will begin accepting open enrollment applications for the 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.  Parents or guardians who would like their child to attend a school outside of their residential attendance boundary for the 2026-2027 school year, must apply for open enrollment online at Dysart.org/OE. 

Overall, 100% of Dysart schools are “A” or “B” rated based on state accountability labels, many of which out-rank our local counterparts. Additionally, Freedom Traditional Academy has the highest test scores of any school in the cities of Surprise and El Mirage. Dysart schools have been recognized both nationally and internationally with AdvancED Accreditation, and are dedicated to serving the needs of all children with high quality academic coursework, before-and after-school programs, and services for the entire community.   

Open enrollment allows parents the opportunity to request that their children attend a Dysart school outside of their residential boundary area. This includes all Dysart elementary schools, middle schools, Freedom Traditional Academy, and high schools. Information about Dysart Schools academics, arts and athletic programs can be found at Dysart.org. Open enrollment applications can be submitted online at Dysart.org/OE beginning Wednesday, November 12.  

Parents whose students are currently open enrolled at the school of their choice will not need to reapply. The priority open enrollment period ends January 4, 2026. After this priority period, submitted applications will continue to be accepted and will be reviewed on a monthly basis as capacity becomes available. 

Parents needing access to a computer to complete the open enrollment application may visit any district school or the front lobby of the Dysart District Office, located at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ 85374, during regular business hours.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/22/2025 

DYSART SCHOOLS - Nicholas Snyder, a senior at Shadow Ridge High School, has been named a Semifinalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.  Nicholas is a third year engineering student who aspires to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Only the highest scoring students in the state are named Semifinalists out of over 1.3 million high school juniors that take the PSAT/NMSQT test each year. Only 16,000 students, or less than one percent of all high school seniors in the U.S., advance to be Semifinalists, and these students can submit an application to be considered for Finalist and compete for one of 6,930 National Merit Scholarships that will be awarded in the spring.

“This impressive accomplishment is a perfect example of the academic excellence we focus on in Dysart,” said Dr. John Croteau, Dysart Schools Superintendent. “We love to see our students excelling, and are thrilled to see where the future takes him!”

About National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 300 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/20/2025 

DYSART SCHOOLS - Students entering high school in the 2026-2027 academic year, and their parents, are invited to attend an incoming freshman meeting on Thursday, November 6 from 5:30-7:30 PM to learn about high school expectations, unique programs, and the process for registration and class selection. These meetings are designed to provide incoming freshmen with an overview of the academic programs available at Dysart Unified School District’s four high schools and explain the process of registering for ninth-grade classes.  

Future Freshman Night will take place at the following schools at 5:30pm on Thursday, November 6: 

• Dysart High School - 11425 N. Dysart Road, El Mirage
•  Shadow Ridge High School - 10909 N. Perryville Road, Surprise
•  Valley Vista High School - 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise 
• Willow Canyon High School - 17901 W. Lundberg Street, Surprise 

Students and parents will learn about high school classes, course selection, unique and career-related programs, core curriculum, and graduation requirements. Attending Future Freshman Night motivates eighth graders to remain focused on their true academic goal – completing high school and beyond.  

Dysart offers four “A” rated high schools to the community. Visit Dysart.org to learn more about our high schools academics, arts and athletics. To view school locations and residential attendance boundaries, visit Dysart.org/Boundaries. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10/10/2025

DYSART SCHOOLS - As part of Dysart’s education and safety efforts, a Drug Information Night is being hosted on Wednesday, October 22 in partnership with local law enforcement. The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. at Valley Vista High School’s Media Center, located at 15550 N Parkview Pl, Surprise, AZ 85374. 

The Drug Information Night is free to attend, and open to the public. The presentations will contain information about the misconceptions and risks associated with drug use, including vaping and opioids. Information will be shared about health risks as well as potential legal ramifications, and resources where individuals can receive support. Additionally, attendees can learn about warning signs to watch for, and come away with information they can use in conversations with their students and family members.

For Immediate Release - 10/08/25

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 30th consecutive year, and it is the 21st 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 October 6 board meeting. Dysart budget and financial reports are always available for viewing at Dysart.org/Budget. 

About ASBO International 

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.