During the August 26th board meeting, comments were made questioning my dedication to AJUSD. I want our community to hear directly from me. Serving as Superintendent of Apache Junction Unified School District is not just a job. It is my calling. I am proud to serve this community and remain fully committed to our students, families, and schools.

In just two years, we have accomplished so much together. Families now have more elementary options, the SMES campus has reopened, and every school library is once again filled with students enjoying books. Music has returned across all grade levels, Advanced Placement enrollment has grown from 8 students to more than 240, and Career and Technical Education is thriving with programs in construction, culinary, marketing, and more. For the first time in years, nearly every eighth grader chose to stay with us at AJHS.

Two years ago, every elementary school and our junior high were in school improvement. Today, only one school remains in that status, and the team there is working tirelessly to be released. That is real progress, and it belongs to all of us.

Our schools are now places where students can thrive academically, artistically, and athletically, and where they are growing into their best selves. We still face challenges, as all districts do, but what I will not allow is for the dedication of our staff, families, and community to be dismissed in a public forum.

I believe in this community, I believe in our schools, and most of all, I believe in our kids. Together, we are building the bright future they deserve.

With gratitude,

Dr. Robert Pappalardo, Superintendent