Winner blends passions for both science, music

Tucson High Magnet senior Cathy Tran may be an award-winning science researcher, but don't be fooled. The 18-year-old can rock the steel drums, too.

Refugee from war-torn Somalia has ultimate goal of being doctor

When Aden Abdi first arrived in the United States at 9 years old, he and his family had hopes of a better life, education and success.

Education notes

Area teens honored at Intel science fair

Saguaro National Park fires volunteer over graffiti report

A Saguaro National Park East volunteer was fired from his job as a mounted trail patrol for contacting the news media about vandals painting graffiti on saguaros and boulders along one of the park's scenic trails earlier this week.

5 teams from Magee Middle School to compete in Odyssey of the Mind World Finals

For the 10th year in a row, Magee Middle School students will put their creative problem-solving skills to the test in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals.

Illegal sale of property is alleged in Tucson Unified School District

TUSD's Property Control Department is under criminal investigation for allegations that employees have been selling district property illegally for six years.

Civil-rights complaint vs. TUSD settled

A civil-rights complaint regarding TUSD's treatment of Latinos has been resolved through a voluntary agreement with the district.

C.E. Rose, Desert Willow, FW High earn A+ honors

Three Tucson-area schools have earned the A+ School of Excellence distinction.

TUSD reverses decision on requiring 'culturally relevant' course

The Tucson Unified School District is backing down from requiring freshmen to take a "culturally relevant" course in the fall.

TUSD votes to lay off nearly 200 amid emotional pleas

The Tucson Unified School District Governing Board approved the layoffs of nearly 200 teachers, librarians, counselors and other certified employees Tuesday night.

Tucson Unified vote tonight may cut 187 jobs

The Tucson Unified School Distrct Governing Board will vote tonight on whether to issue pink slips to nearly 200 teachers, librarians, counselors and other certified employees.

Teacher Jaramillo 'radiates excitement,' wins award

Erickson Elementary School teacher Nora Jara-millo wears many hats.

Many TUSD programs won't get deseg funds

Many programs that once received desegregation funds in TUSD will no longer see that money under a new plan set to kick in next school year.

TUSD may spend $84.5 million on desegregation plan

The Tucson Unified School District may spend as much as $84.5 million on a plan designed to bring its schools into racial balance.

Education Notes

Tucson students named Flinn Scholars

TUSD plans new class to replace MAS

Freshmen at three TUSD high schools may be required to take a "culturally relevant" course in the fall as part of the district's effort to retain students.

Employee groups help TUSD bridge $17M deficit

TUSD has found a way to close what was once a projected $17 million budget deficit with the help of some recommendations from employee groups.

More kids in TUSD could be held back

Tucson Unified School District could see a jump in the number of students held back a grade next school year if the Governing Board approves a new promotion and retention policy now being considered.

4 Tucson high schools score among top 10 in Arizona

A Basis Tucson charter school is ranked second-highest in the nation and its Scottsdale campus is ranked fifth, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Students from outside Tucson Unified flock to University High

More than half of the freshmen who will enroll at the prestigious University High School live outside Tucson Unified School District.

Search firm for superintendent allays TUSD's fears

Amid concerns about whether Sunnyside's Manuel Isquierdo was properly vetted for a job in San Antonio, the search firm that is now charged with finding TUSD's next leader worked to alleviate the district's fears.

Search firm makes concessions, keeps TUSD's contract

Amid concerns about whether Sunnyside’s Manuel Isquierdo was properly vetted for a job in San Antonio, the search firm that is now charged with finding TUSD’s next leader worked to calm the district’s concerns.

Tucson Unified will allow charter school to lease closed site

Acknowledging TUSD has to be more open-minded if it's going to dispose of its vacant school sites, the Governing Board agreed to lease the shut-down Rogers Elementary to a charter school.

Education notes

Free McDonald's food for AIMS test takers

Education foundation marks 30 years of helping Tucson Unified students

Thirty years ago a group of local leaders came together with one common goal - to support the students and teachers of Tucson's largest school district.

Model school in TUSD is struggling

A new TUSD school, opened in 2011 with high academic expectations, is grappling with improving its performance.

Search firm that botched Texas schools chief hiring now looking for Tucson Unified's next boss

The search firm hired to find TUSD's next superintendent is the same one that recruited Sunnyside's Manuel Isquierdo to lead a San Antonio school district.

Tucson police seek help finding woman who steals Hondas

Police seek help finding woman who steals Hondas

Tucson police: Strip club workers sold drugs to customers

Police are investigating workers at a Tucson strip club after receiving a tip that employees were selling cocaine to customers.

TUSD enlists outside firm to find applicants for top job

The TUSD Governing Board has selected an external firm to conduct its search for the district's next superintendent.

TUSD board won't renew 23 administrators' contracts

The TUSD Governing Board decided not to renew contracts for 23 principals and assistant principals as a result of budget cuts and poor performance.

8 Pima County teens take culinary honors

Eight Pima County JTED students won scholarships at the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program final competition.

Principals at 4 Tucson Unified schools may lose jobs over their schools' performance

The Tucson Unified School District is recommending that contracts not be renewed for four principals in charge of schools that are at risk of being labeled failing.

TUSD recommending 4 principals' contracts to not be renewed

The Tucson Unified School District is recommending that contracts not be renewed for four principals in charge of schools that are at risk of being labeled failing.

Tucson Unified looking at closing unused classrooms next

Schools that have managed to steer clear of the TUSD closure chopping block may now be subject to having classrooms shut.

Sunnyside schools chief Isquierdo will lead San Antonio district

The superintendent in charge of Tucson's second-largest school district is resigning to take over a district in San Antonio.

Scottsdale 6th-grader wins geography bee, moves to nat'l finals

A daylong competition that tested the skills of 100 young Arizona geography whizzes came down to a tiebreaker between two boys - one from Scottsdale, the other from Tucson's Wilson K-8.

TUSD approves superintendent search

The hunt for TUSD's next superintendent is on, as the Governing Board approved the recruitment and hiring process Tuesday night.

TUSD to begin national search for new superintendent

The hunt for TUSD’s next superintendent is on, as the Governing Board approved the recruitment and hiring process Tuesday night.

Education Notes: Benefit walk/run is Saturday at St. Gregory

Benefit walk/run is Saturday at school

10 special TUSD audits are ended

Tucson Unified School District appears to have finally corrected long-standing deficiencies, including insufficient instructional hours, improperly classifying English-language learners, questionable use of federal funds and not following exceptional education requirements, state and federal…

Pedicone will leave TUSD in June to foster 'stability'

In what he said was an effort to bring stability to Tucson's largest school district, TUSD Superintendent John Pedicone unexpectedly announced his resignation Wednesday - more than a year before his contract expires.

Pedicone resigns; TUSD to launch immediate search for new leader

Saying he never planned to be a long-term leader for the Tucson Unified School District, John Pedicone submitted his resignation today.

Tucson Unified assistant superintendent to depart

The assistant superintendent in charge of TUSD's preschools, elementary and K-8 campuses has submitted her resignation.

Education notes

Seniors to participate in leadership confab

TUSD slows charter-school timetable

Charter-school plans have been scaled back for two TUSD elementary schools.

Outsource option gets brush-off from TUSD

Despite facing a $17 million district budget deficit, the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board voted Tuesday night against exploring the possibility of outsourcing various functions.