The Florence Unified School District is looking to transition to a middle-school model for the 2025-2026 school year.

Discussions began early in the 2023-2024 school year about the possibility of such a drastic shift in the current district K-12th model. In late November, an exploratory team was formed to analyze and exam the possibility of a middle-school model approach.

In early January, FUSD sent out a survey to families and staff soliciting feedback on the proposed transition from the existing elementary K-8 school model to either a sixth-through-eighth grade middle school or a seventh-through-eighth grade junior high school model. 

The goal is for FUSD to make this transition in the most fiscally responsible way and not put the financial burden of such a shift on the community. The district would consider making this change by utilizing existing school buildings in the Florence and San Tan Valley communities. FUSD would convert two or three of its existing K-8 schools into either middle schools or junior high schools that would then feed into each of its three ninth-through-12th-grade high schools. 

The survey results from parents and staff were overwhelmingly in support of FUSD shifting to a middle-school or junior high model. Survey results from parents indicated that 56.3% “strongly agreed,” with 23.8% “agreeing.” Staff support for such a shift was even greater with more than 76% of the staff saying they “strongly agreed” with the transition to either model. 

When asked which model parents and staff supported the most, 49.2% of the parents opted for the middle-school model, with 34.2% choosing a junior high approach. Only 16.6% of the parents who completed the survey chose to keep the current FUSD K-8 model. 

Of the staff members who completed the survey, 59.9% opted for the middle-school model with only 33.3% choosing a junior high model. Just 6.8% chose to keep the current FUSD K-8 model. 

At the February school board meeting, Assistant Superintendents Denice Erickson and Thad Gates, along with the Director of Human Resources Toby Haugen, presented the survey data and the proposed middle-school plan to the FUSD Governing Board Members and members of the community.

“Based on the survey responses, our team will continue to explore options for three regional (sixth-through-eighth grade) middle schools, each feeding into one of our high schools. One in Florence, with K-5 on the lower campus and (sixth-through-eighth grade) on the upper campus, one at Walker Butte and one at Mountain Vista Academy,” Gates said.

Part of the planning process will include an analysis and consideration of facility needs on each of the proposed campuses, as well as revising boundaries for students with considerations to home location, peer groups and transportation, as well as extracurricular activities including vertical articulation with current high school academics, electives and special programs.

Additionally, the exploratory team discussed and considered staffing needs and the changes that would occur with a shift to a middle-school model. The plan is for FUSD to accomplish this goal by utilizing current facilities and personnel within the current budget without requesting financial support from the community. 

One of the primary advantages of a middle-school model is its focus on addressing the unique developmental needs of pre-adolescent students. Research has consistently shown that the middle-school years represent a critical period of cognitive, social and emotional growth. By creating a separate educational environment, tailored to the needs of this specific age group, schools can provide more targeted support and guidance during this pivotal stage of development. 

Additional benefits of a middle-school model approach would include:

• Increased elective and fine arts programs that support and feed into high school.
• Increased extra-curricular programs in sports and student clubs.
• Increased honors, enrichment and intervention level courses in core academic subjects.
• Increased continuum of special education services and support for elementary and middle-school age students.
• Smaller student populations on each campus.
• Improved transportation experiences for all students.

As FUSD moves forward with the transition to a middle-school model, parents, staff and the community are encouraged to attend and participate in the scheduled informational community meetings and provide feedback to help shape the implementation process. Community meetings are scheduled every Monday in April:

• 6 p.m. Monday, April 8 virtual
• 6 p.m. Monday, April 15 at Florence K-8, 460 S. Park St.
• 6 p.m. Monday, April 22 at Walker Butte K-8, 29697 N. Desert Willow Blvd., San Tan Valley
• 6 p.m. Monday, April 29 at Mountain Vista Academy, 33622 N. Mountain Vista Blvd., San Tan Valley

It is the goal of the exploratory committee to gather all feedback from parents, staff and the community and approach the Governing Board Members at the May board meeting with a recommendation for final approval. If the proposed middle-school plan is approved, FUSD would move to complete the transition for the start of the 2025-2026 school year. 

FUSD will be creating a dedicated landing page on its website specifically for the middle-school model shift that will include information about the proposed plan, FAQs and contact information for anyone who wants to provide feedback. 

“It is an exciting time at FUSD. Together, we can build a brighter future for our students and create a learning environment that is conducive for all students to succeed,” said FUSD Superintendent Chris Knutsen.

Rita Ann Ezzai Reznick is the director of public relations for the Florence Uniied School District.