Education

The J.O. Combs Unified School District has announced that the Governing Board has selected Mr. Toby Haugen as the district's next Superintendent. He is scheduled to officially step into the role on July 1, 2026. District leaders say the transition will be a gradual one. Over the coming months, Mr. Haugen will work closely with current Superintenden...

Central Arizona College (CAC) is expanding its student support services through a new partnership with BetterMynd, an online counseling platform that connects students with licensed mental health professionals. The collaboration will allow CAC students to access free virtual therapy sessions, further strengthening the college's efforts to make ment...

The Katzberg Institute for Career Advancement has announced a new $300,000 workforce initiative that will fund 1,000 supply chain analysis certificate programs, with half of the scholarships reserved for Arizona residents. The program is expected to benefit job seekers across the state, including residents in fast-growing areas such as San Tan Vall...

Salt River Project (SRP) is now accepting applications for its annual Classroom Grants program, offering up to $5,000 to help Arizona teachers bring innovative learning projects to their schools. Applications are open through February 15, 2026, and San Tan Valley educators are encouraged to apply. Funding Opportunities for Local Classrooms Teachers...

The J.O. Combs Unified School District has announced the four finalists in its search for a new superintendent — the next leader who will guide nearly 4,000 students and eight schools in San Tan Valley.After a months-long selection process, the governing board named the following finalists:Dr. Erika Copeland, Associate Superintendent, Queen Creek U...

High school seniors in San Tan Valley now have a chance to apply for a share of $60,000 in college scholarships being offered by Mediacom Communications. The company's World Class Scholarship Program, now in its 25th year, will award 60 students with $1,000 scholarships each. The funds can be used starting in the fall of 2026 for tuition and expens...

Central Arizona College (CAC) has implemented a new scholarship management system in partnership with AwardSpring, designed to streamline the scholarship application process and make it easier for students to access available funding. With AwardSpring, CAC students can now apply for multiple scholarships through a single, user-friendly application ...

Central Arizona College (CAC) has received full approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to launch a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE), the college's first four-year degree. The 120-credit program is scheduled to begin Fall 2026. "This is the first bachelor's degree to be offered by Central Arizona College," said Patrick ...

Parents and community members often ask: "What can I do to help our local schools?" The good news is there are plenty of ways to get involved right here in San Tan Valley — from volunteering your time to providing classroom supplies. But one of the most impactful (and often overlooked) opportunities is through Arizona's Public School Tax Credit pro...

Voters living in the Florence Unified School District (FUSD) will see two propositions on the ballot for the November 4, 2025, General Election: Proposition 401, a $98 million bond measure, and Proposition 402, a request to sell two district-owned properties in San Tan Valley.Proposition 401 – $98 Million BondThe proposed bond would provide funding...

On November 4, 2025, voters in the J.O. Combs Unified School District will decide on Proposition 400, an $80 million bond proposal aimed at addressing safety, facility, and transportation needs across the district. The Governing Board called the bond election earlier this year after determining that state funding has been insufficient to meet the d...

Parents and community members in the J.O. Combs Unified School District now have the chance to help shape what students will be learning in the years ahead. The district has opened applications for Adoption Committees in two areas — K–5 English Language Arts (ELA) and World Languages. These committees will review instructional materials and recomme...

The J.O. Combs Unified School District is beginning the process of hiring its next superintendent, opening applications this week with an October 3, 2025 deadline.According to the Governing Board, the district is looking for a leader who not only understands education policy but also values innovation, community involvement, and the day-to-day real...

Central Arizona College will cut the ribbon on its new THRIVE (Transforming Hope and Resources into Vaquero Empowerment) Center on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at the Signal Peak Campus, M Building, Room M101B (8470 N. Overfield Road). The ceremony begins at 3 p.m., followed by an open house until 6 p.m. The first 100 students will receive a gift bag. ...

Families in San Tan Valley looking for affordable, high-quality early childhood education may now have help covering the cost. The J.O. Combs Unified School District is offering Quality First Scholarships for the 2025–2026 school year to support enrollment in the District's Kinder Prep program. These scholarships are designed for low-income familie...