The Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9 to review a proposed instructional time model that would allow for a remote learning day on Monday, May 12, the new date for the district’s rescheduled high school graduation ceremonies.
The change is necessary due to a venue conflict that forced the district to move its graduation events from State Farm Stadium to Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. All six of the district’s high schools: Agua Fria, Agua Fria Online, Canyon View, Desert Edge, Millennium and Verrado; will now hold ceremonies on May 12.
To accommodate the updated schedule, the district is proposing to shift all students to remote instruction that day and end in-person classes for seniors on Friday, May 9. The last day of school for all other students remains Thursday, May 22.
The remote learning day would be delivered under a new Instructional Time Model, which allows districts to count nontraditional learning formats, such as independent study, project-based learning and synchronous online interaction, toward required instructional hours.
Arizona law requires public school districts to hold two public hearings before adopting such a model. The district’s hearing will provide the public with an overview of how instruction will be delivered on May 12 and how the plan meets state guidelines.
If approved, the plan would allow students to learn from home using assignments that include videos, written materials, project-based activities and mastery-based learning. Teachers will be available via email, and some synchronous interaction will be included to support students’ progress.
The district states the remote format will not exceed 10% of the total instructional time for the school year, keeping it within legal limits.
Superintendent Mark Yslas said the remote learning day is intended to ensure families and staff can attend graduation ceremonies without disrupting the district’s academic calendar or funding.
“While I understand this may be disappointing, our district remains committed to creating a memorable celebration for our graduates and their families,” Yslas said in a message to families following the venue change.
Under the proposed model, the district would continue to receive full funding for student attendance on May 12.
Visit aguafria.org or attend the school board meeting in person at 1481 N Eliseo Felix Jr. Way in Avondale for more information.
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