TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
Tucson Unified School District is facing several challenges and has had a year of unwanted headlines.
Monday night, TUSD Superintendent John Pedicone gave his State of the District Address. Dozens of parents and faculty came out to Tucson High School to hear what Pedicone had to say.
He says his main goal is to re-create TUSD and understands the public perception of the district has to change.
Some of his goals for this upcoming school year is to increase minority enrollment, decrease the high school drop out rate and to get more students to take advance placement classes.
"We're focusing on the right thing and that's student achievement. We're getting students successful, helping students get successful in this district as well as our responsibility to this community," said Pedicone.
He also discussed the future of the nine school that were closed. He says there are plans to lease or use five of the nine schools. For the other four schools, he is still waiting to hear proposals from the Governing Board.
As for the controversial Mexican American Studies ban, he says the decision was made based on state law.
Two big concerns for parents.
"The one that's in our neighborhood is in serious decline. The building is falling apart, there's a lot of vandalism, a little graffiti but more vandalism than anything and no one takes care of it," said Ava Bemer, who lives near Reynolds Elementary School.
"I think it was kind of evasive what he said and that it was the law and finances that was a priority to the school which was kind of uncomforting," said Tanya Alvarez, concerned over Mexican American Studies ban.
Pedicone says he's hopeful that TUSD will succeed and says it will only be possible with community help.
Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.
TUSD Superintendent John Pedicone says his main goal is to re-create the district and understands the public perception of the district has to change.
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