HUSD News Stories

Higley Unified School District is starting the second semester of the 2024-25 School Year strong after a successful fall season with much to celebrate. From academic excellence and innovative programs to outstanding performances in athletics and the arts, students and staff have demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent. Here are some of the highlights from our first semester, through the lens of our Strategic Priorities: 

Teaching and Learning/Student Success: 

• Higley Unified remains an “A” Rated district. With 11 of 14 K-12 schools earning an “A” rating from the Department of Education, it’s a testament to the hard-working teachers, staff and students who continue the premiere quality of education people expect from HUSD.  

• Eight high school students were recognized as Commended in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, with Higley High’s Cassidy Berg recognized as a Semifinalist National Merit Scholar.  

• Four students from our district competed in the Chinese Bridge Mandarin competition, with Higley High’s Carson Wengert placing second globally.  

• Higley High’s football team made it to The Open as one of the top eight teams in the state, with three players nominated for the Ed Doherty Award.  

• Higley High’s Thespian Troupe 6907 received the Award of Distinction for the second year in a row at the Arizona State Thespian Festival and achieved Gold Honor status for the sixth year in a row. 

• Williams Field High School (WFHS) Cheer won State Runners-up in Game Day Cheer at the AIA State Cheer Championship and qualified for Nationals in Orlando. 

• WFHS Marching Band won first place in their division at the ABODA State Championship. 

• WFHS Yearbook Team won 19 out of 24 awards at the Arizona Interscholastic Press Association Conference.  

• Sossaman Middle School’s Spartan Wrestling team finished second at the East Valley Conference Championship. 

Highly Effective Personnel: 

• Higley High teacher Don Goss was a recipient of the 2024 Yale Educator Award.  

• Williams Field High Athletic Director Darrell Stangle was named the AIA 5A Athletic Director of the Year. 

• San Tan Elementary Principal Ray Mercado was named GCU’s September Principal of the Month in September.  

• Chaparral Elementary Principal Kristine Hanson was invited to represent their newly certified Lighthouse School on the state level. 

Communication and Community Relations: 

• Across the district, students participated in service-learning initiatives through #HigleyHelps and have impacted their communities with dozens of projects including food and supply drives, Veterans Day celebrations, community event volunteering, and more.  

• Administrators and #HigleyHelps volunteers enhanced relationships with partners and explored new opportunities at HUSD’s Fall Business and Community Partner Breakfast, attended by more than 130 guests. 

Finance and Operations: 

• Major projects including a new track and field at Williams Field High School and a new scoreboard and marquee for Higley High School were completed this fall. 

•  Renovation projects at schools throughout the district including renovation of the gymnasium at Centennial Elementary, bathroom renovations at Higley High and the Higley Performing Arts Center, as well as flooring, weatherization and HVAC systems at several sites. 

• The HUSD Finance Department was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International and the Government Finance Officers Association 

These highlights are a testament to the educators, staff, parents and students in the Higley Unified community who work hard every day to prepare learners for limitless opportunities. To learn more about the latest news and highlights from HUSD, click here.