A Message From The Superintendent

Greetings,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2009-2010 school year. I am honored to serve as the interim superintendent and continue to carry out the District's mission of guaranteeing higher levels of learning for all students.

As I embark upon this school year, the Governing Board has entrusted me to fulfill four goals. The first goal is to ensure a smooth opening of the school year. A continued focus on teaching and learning is the second goal. The third goal pertains to the budget and fiduciary responsibility. The final goal is to assist the Governing Board in finding a permanent superintendent.

All of the goals are of equal value, but the budget affects every aspect of the school system. As such, a strong emphasis will be placed on reviewing the operational structures of the District. In order to move the District forward and plan for the future, the right organizational structures, processes, policies, and procedures must be in place, followed, and monitored. The District has a duty to the taxpayers and property owners of the community to be conscientious stewards.

The Governing Board and I will continue to maintain our commitment to student achievement. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the successes made during the 2008-2009 school year. The staffs at each school and prior administrations are to be commended. Accomplishments include:

  • The District five-year graduation rate has increased from a ten year low of 58.0% in 1999 to 84.5% in 2008.
  • The District has experienced a substantial decrease in the dropout rate District-wide since 1994. The 2003 dropout rate of 1.0% was the lowest level ever in the District. In 2009, the dropout rate of 2.7% was below both State (3.1%) and County (2.9%) rates.
  • The 2009 District TerraNova scores in Language, Reading, and Math continue to be at or near their highest levels for Norm Reference Testing since 1998.
  • The 2009 AIMS 10th grade Math, Writing, and Reading scores at La Joya Community and Tolleson Union high schools were at their highest levels since the inception of AIMS testing in 2002.
  • The 2009 AIMS test scores at Westview continue to be at or above the State and County averages.
  • The District experienced a 9.0% increase in 10th grade AIMS Math scores and a 6.0% increase in 10th grade AIMS Reading scores in 2009 as compared to 2008.
  • The 2009 District student absence rate of 2.5% continues to be at or near its lowest level in the last nine years.

    • The Tolleson Union School District welcomes and embraces the involvement of parents and other significant stakeholders. The schools are just one part of the equation in the education of a student. Parents and community members must join the educators as equal partners in shaping the lives of our students so they will reach their potential and become responsible citizens and life long learners.

    Thank you for caring about the Tolleson Union High School District and for your support as we prepare the students for the exciting future that awaits them.

    "Together Building an Educational Lighthouse"

    Dr. Margo Olivares-Seck
    Interim Superintendent

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