Superintendent News & Information

Fall 2024

Dear Tanque Verde Community,

As we reflect on the past year, it is with pride and gratitude that I share the remarkable achievements of Tanque Verde Unified School District (TVUSD). This year has been exceptional for our district, marked by outstanding accomplishments that underscore our commitment to excellence in education.

A-Rated Schools: A Testament to Our Collective Efforts

For the second consecutive year, TVUSD has earned an “A” letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education. This distinction is a testament to the hard work of our students, families, and dedicated staff. Our schools—Agua Caliente Elementary, Tanque Verde Elementary, Emily Gray Junior High, and Tanque Verde High—have demonstrated exceptional performance, reflecting our core values of excellence and integrity.

The A-F School Letter Grades system evaluates schools based on academic growth, proficiency in core subjects like English language arts, math, and science, and readiness indicators for college and careers. Our consistent “A” ratings affirm that we are providing a top-notch educational environment where every student can thrive.

Advancing Student Achievement

Our commitment to academic excellence is further highlighted by several key achievements:

1. Third-Grade Reading Proficiency: Despite the challenges of the pandemic, both Agua Caliente and Tanque Verde Elementary Schools have shown significant growth in third-grade reading proficiency. Agua Caliente’s passing rate surged by 25 percentage points, while Tanque Verde Elementary saw a 15-point increase. These gains reflect our strategic efforts in collaborative teaching, data-driven instruction, and re-engagement of students and families.

2. Advanced Placement (AP) Success: In 2023, TVUSD was recognized with a Silver Award on the AP School Honor Roll. This accolade celebrates our district’s efforts to broaden access to AP courses while maintaining or improving the success rates of our students. Our commitment to equitable access to advanced coursework ensures that all students have the opportunity to excel.

Honoring Excellence Beyond the Classroom

Our students and staff continue to shine in various arenas:

• Tanque Verde High School earned notable rankings in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools, underscoring our dedication to high academic standards. Additionally, Finn McGill, a sophomore at Tanque Verde High, has been named a finalist for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) with his innovative project, A-BiRD, which advances bird research through automated recognition technology.

• Emily Gray Junior High School has sustained its excellence with top honors at the Southern Arizona Research, Science, and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) Fair for five consecutive years. Our junior high continues to demonstrate its academic prowess through exceptional science projects and a strong focus on mathematics, which has been showcased in the 2023 Solution Tree case study.

• Our Bobcat Athletic Teams have also made us proud. Emily Gray’s teams secured first-place finishes in baseball, softball, girl’s soccer, girl’s cross country, flag football, and boys basketball in 2023-24 SY. These victories highlight the dedication and talent of our student-athletes and coaches.

Fiscal Responsibility and Recognition

Maintaining fiscal responsibility is crucial to our mission, and TVUSD has excelled in this area as well. We have received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for 29 consecutive years. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to transparency and effective financial management.

A Look Ahead

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we remain focused on our mission to provide a high-quality education for every student, every day. The dedication of our teachers, the support of our families, and the enthusiasm of our students continue to drive our success.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Tanque Verde Unified School District community. Together, we look forward to continuing this journey of excellence and making even greater strides in the coming years.

All my best, 

Scott Hagerman, Ed.D.

Superintendent