EDUCATION
Current and future Buckeye Union High School students photographed on the front steps of the school.
The performing arts center at Youngker High School in the Buckeye Union High School .
WHAT’S NEXT FOR BUCKEYE SCHOOLS? Superintendent talks growth, funding and community
BY DILLON ROSENBLATT
I N A CANDID CONVERSATION, BUCKEYE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT Superintendent Dr. Steven Bebee reflected on his 30-year career in education, the district’s achievements and the challenges it faces after voters rejected a critical bond measure in November. As the district plans for future growth and another possible bond proposal, Bebee outlined efforts to address voter concerns and continue supporting the district’s students and staff. A lifetime of education Bebee’s 31-year educational career spans teaching, leadership and mentorship. “I taught for eight years before becoming an assistant principal, then a principal, and I’ve been a superintendent for seven years now,” he shared. A Prescott native and graduate of Prescott High School, Bebee earned his doctoral degree from Grand Canyon University and also teaches graduate-level courses in educational leadership. “It’s a way to pay it forward to the next generation of school leaders,” he said.
Why Buckeye? Bebee joined the Buckeye district four years ago after researching its schools and the community. “What stood out to me was the small-town high school feel,” he said. “All three of our schools have strong community ties, and I’ve met so many families with multiple generations of Buckeye graduates. That’s special.” The bond measure and its impact The district’s $80 million bond proposal would have funded upgrades to existing schools and construction of a new high school to address overcrowding. However, it failed to pass. Bebee cited several factors, including voter demographics and confusion over the bond’s tax implications. “A large portion of our voters are over 55, and many don’t have children in school,” he explained. “Even though we showed that the bond wouldn’t increase taxes, the ballot language can be misleading.”
InBuckeye.com | Winter 2025
Winter 2025 | InBuckeye.com
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