EDUCATION
COACH WAS ACCUSED OF BENCHING DECORUM WITH A STUDENT SHOVE NOVEMBER Sequoia Pathway Academy Athletic Director Brandon Payne was sidelined and placed on administrative leave after allegations of physically assaulting a 13-year-old during gym class. The boy’s mother, Germanni Hernandez, claimed Payne shoved her son into the bleachers after yelling obscenities at him for not sitting down. Witnesses reported Payne admitted to the shove, though non- functioning security cameras complicated matters. MPD launched an investigation, interviewing witnesses with parental consent. Hernandez alleges Payne has bullied her son before, mocking his height. The investigation is ongoing.
MUSD BOARD GOT A NEW LOOK NOVEMBER
jumped from a C to a B, while Maricopa Virtual Academy climbed out of D territory to land a C. Superintendent Tracey Lopeman celebrated the progress but acknowledged room for improvement, especially for two other schools appealing their D grades. PROP 488 PASSED BY A WHISKER NOVEMBER Proposition 488 PAC members celebrating and strategizing. Chairman Chad Whittle emphasized the need to win over skeptics, noting mixed precinct results: Rancho El Dorado showed nearly 55% support, while Hidden Valley lagged at 32%. The bond will fund two new schools, including a $44 million middle school at Sorrento, plus upgrades for high school career programs. Voters passed a $70 million bond for Maricopa schools in a 438-vote squeaker, leaving
COACH WAS CAUGHT DRIBBLING BOOSTER FUNDS JANUARY
The general election brought fresh leadership to Maricopa Unified School District. Three new school board members emerged: educator Shawnté Rothschild narrowly edged past the 18-year-old fresh Maricopa High School grad Nicolas Yendrzeski, while recently appointed Carolyn Lopez retained her seat with the highest vote count. Former board member Ben Owens also earned back his spot.
Former Maricopa High School basketball coach Jason Royal turned booster club funds into his personal piggy bank, pocketing $4,283, according to an investigation by a Mesa law firm. When he was fired, Royal left behind unanswered questions and angry parents after allegedly funneling funds through Zelle and other payment apps while failing to deliver promised team gear. District officials discovered the mishandling of 14 transactions and unapproved fundraisers that violated policy. While the district cannot reimburse the independent booster club, it’s offering financial support to athletes. Meanwhile, Royal’s teaching certification could face review, leaving his future on thin ice.
Marlene Armstrong, former Desert Sunrise Principal, resigned in April after she was accused of sexually assaulting a male teacher.
SUN SET ON DESERT SUNRISE LEADERSHIP APRIL
THE DISTRICT GRAPPLED WITH SAFETY CONCERNS SEPTEMBER
through eight. Backed by $31 million in state funding, construction is slated to kick off in the next year and a half, with doors opening near
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Sorrento Boulevard in July 2026. GOLDEN HAWKS SOARED DESPITE STORMY BEGINNINGS AUGUST
In an unexpected twist, Desert Sunrise High School’s Principal Marlene Armstrong stepped down, leaving parents and students buzzing. The resignation came after she became the subject of a sexual harassment investigation, MUSD confirmed. Sources said the ex-principal molested a male teacher. Phil Verdugo replaced her and has been very well received by students, parents and faculty, the district reported.
Maricopa schools faced a surge in violent threats early this school year, prompting district leaders and police to meet with parents about student safety. Among the incidents: a Desert Sunrise student with plans of a school shooting, a second grader suspended over more gun threats and a bomb scare that evacuated Maricopa High School. MUSD Superintendent Tracey Lopeman assured parents the district was tackling such challenges. Police Chief Mark Goodman emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting. SANTA CRUZ TOOK THE CROWN OCTOBER It was report card season for Maricopa Unified School District, and Santa Cruz Elementary didn’t just pass the test — it aced it. Snagging the only A grade in the district, the school outshone its peers as Arizona’s top pick in MUSD. Meanwhile, Saddleback Elementary
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Desert Sunrise High School’s inaugural senior class marked a milestone this school year, poised to graduate in May as the first cohort from the district’s newest campus. While the journey included challenges — like leadership changes after a sex scandal, teens arrested on gun charges at homecoming and the addition of metal detectors, unpopular among students — the school is celebrating progress. A green- house and new sports facilities highlight the campus’s growth. Principal Phil Verdugo lauded the 255 seniors for their resilience, while students embraced their role in shaping traditions.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL PLANS TOOK ROOT IN SORRENTO JULY
After months of closed-door deliberations, the MUSD Governing Board finalized the location of its third middle school. The proposed 30-acre site, tucked within the rapidly growing Sorrento community, will host a 96,670-square-foot campus for grades six
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InMaricopa.com | January 2025
January 2025 | InMaricopa.com
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