HUSD News Stories

Higley Schools, Ariz.- Higley Unified School District is celebrating a successful first semester of the 2025–26 school year, filled with impactful learning, competitive performances, and meaningful connections to our community. Students excel in academics, lead service projects, and celebrate victories in athletics and the arts, while teachers introduce innovative programs that challenge our students to reach their potential. The following highlights reflect our strategic plan and the dedication of students, staff, families, and community partners in preparing learners for limitless opportunities: 

Strategic Anchor 1: Teaching and Learning/Student Success 

• Every in-person school in the district earned an “A” Rating from the state! 
• State Assessment scores for HUSD students were the second highest of all districts in Maricopa County, outpacing neighboring districts in the East Valley. 
• Eleven Higley High School Marching Band students made the AZMBA All-Star Marching Band and performed in the Fiesta Bowl Parade. 
• Higley High School’s Troupe 6907 earned 42 Superior blue ribbons across 22 events at the Eastern Arizona Festival of Theatre. Five events received Excellent ratings, and the technical theatre team placed 3rd in a Backstage Challenge event. 
• Higley High School Senior Grant Kellis earned 1st Place at the AIA State Swim Championship. 
• Higley High School Football won the 6A Sportsmanship Team of the Year Award with a perfect score, the first ever for the AIA. 
• Williams Field High School’s Marching Band won the Division II State Championship at the 2025 Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association Competition. 
• Williams Field High School volleyball player Colten Mortensen won gold at the NORCECA U18 Beach Volleyball Championship in the Dominican Republic. He and his brother Grant Mortensen won the AIA Division I State Pairs Championship. 
• Williams Field High School Yearbook won 1st Place for yearbook from the AZ Interscholastic Press Association and was recognized in all 26 annual award categories. 
• Sossaman Middle School wrestler Trenton Mason won the East Valley Conference Wrestling Championship. 
• Sossaman Middle School runner Camryn Kellogg won 1st Place in the 2025 Girls Cross Country East Valley Conference.

Strategic Anchor 2: Highly Effective Personnel 

• Higley High School Football Coach Eddy Zubey was named 6A Central All-Region Coach of the Year. 
• Higley High School teacher Kady Bonacci was named 2025 High School Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Science Teachers Association. 
• Williams Field High School teacher Jennifer Huettl won the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award from the National Society of High School Scholars. 
• Higley Traditional Academy teacher Joanna Auclair was named 2025 Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Science Teachers Association. 
• Power Ranch Elementary School teacher Kristina Sherman was awarded a $2,500 grant from the Fiesta Sports Foundation’s Wishes for Teachers program for her proposal to create hands-on STEM and science resources for students. 
• Chamber of Excellence Awards- Educator of the Year – Elementary Margaret Silva 6th Grade ELA Teacher at Bridges Elementary School, Educator of the Year Taylor Vickers Science Teacher at Cooley Middle School, Support Staff of the Year Award Ethan Haney Paraeducator at Higley High School, and volunteer of the year Rita Baldwin at Chaparral Elementary School.
• Cooley Middle School SRO Ryan Matheson received the Region 7 Exceptional Service Award from the National Association of School Resource Officers. 

Strategic Anchor 3: Communication and Community Relations 

• Schools across the district hosted collaborative events, building cross-campus connections between students and staff across grade levels. 
• The Fall Business and Community Partner Breakfast brought more than 100 partners and educators together to strengthen the community. 
• All schools hosted Veterans Events to show appreciation and support for those who serve our country. 
• Dozens of #HigleyHelps service-learning projects across the district empowered students and nonprofits to improve their community through partnership. 
• All schools celebrated the holidays with events, activities, and service initiatives, highlighting the spirit of the season. 
• The district launched the Higley Minute, a short weekly video series from Superintendent David Loutzenheiser to communicate and connect with Higley families. 

Strategic Anchor 4: Finance & Operations 

• Williams Field High School cut the ribbon on its new Criminal Justice Classroom space, giving students a state-of-the-art facility for career exploration and training. 
• The district received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. 

Looking ahead to the second semester, Higley Unified School District will continue building on these successes. With support from families and community partners, students will continue to bring excellence to every classroom, field, and stage.