Mr. Greg Land
Higley Governing Board Member & President
2009 - Present
2004 - 2006
The 2012 – 2013 school year is successfully underway, and Higley has continued
to grow and attract more students. In August we passed the 11,000 mark for student enrollment. The quality of our schools and communities has helped turn our school district into a destination district as we continue to attract more students and highly qualified staff. The State Department of Education has released their rankings, and we continue to excel as one of the top districts in the state. Some contributing factors to our success follow:
Higley Governing Board Member & President
2009 - Present
2004 - 2006
The 2012 – 2013 school year is successfully underway, and Higley has continued
to grow and attract more students. In August we passed the 11,000 mark for student enrollment. The quality of our schools and communities has helped turn our school district into a destination district as we continue to attract more students and highly qualified staff. The State Department of Education has released their rankings, and we continue to excel as one of the top districts in the state. Some contributing factors to our success follow:
- Graduation rate of 94%
- College placement rate of 85%
- Attendance rate of 92%
- Teacher turnover rate in 2011 of 14%. This is improved from 25% in 2007 and surpasses the national average of 18%.
- Higley teachers received salary increases as other districts are cutting pay and positions. Our teacher base pay has increased 16% since 2008.
- Dr. Birdwell received the “Superintendent of the Year” Award from the Arizona School Administrators.
- Board meetings and budgets are posted for public review on our web site.
- We are receiving awards for excellence in financial reporting.
- We saved taxpayers $471,209 through bond refinancing.
- We are leaders in the east valley for new teacher evaluation system, pay for performance, curriculum mapping to common core and accountability processes.
- We offer “parent view” portals and teacher web pages provided to enhance communication.
- A recent survey indicates 78% of our community supports plans to build middle schools.
The people of Higley are the reason for our success. From the Governing Board and Superintendent to the teachers and support staff along with the students, families and community, Higley is team of individuals all focused on the same goal. We are working together, valuing people and supporting learning at all levels as we Connect, Engage and Inspire our students and staff and the entire community.
I am very proud of our growth, improvements and accomplishments. We have a lot to celebrate, but there is still a lot of work to do. We must continue to improve not only what we offer but how we deliver it. This includes everything from curriculum to customer service. Things to look for as we move forward include:
• We are leaders in using technology in the classroom and putting more technology in the hands of students is a continuing goal.
• Increased and improved programs and offerings in middle schools that will allow for strengthening and increasing the programs and offerings in our high schools. These programs include foreign languages, arts and athletics.
• Growth in Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement offerings and participation in these courses that can enable students to receive Associate Degrees by graduation
• On-site preschool and daycare facilities on middle school campuses
• Facilities and fitness tracks for student fitness and health that are available to our community on middle school campuses after school hours
• Enhancements in on-site teacher training and professional development
This is an exciting and challenging time at Higley. Thank you for your support as we continue to grow and improve. It is our community that makes it possible for us to Connect, Engage and Inspire. Thank you.
