March 28, 2021

First week back goes ‘tremendously smooth’ TUSD superintendent says

About half of the district's students returned to campuses for the first time in a year

TUSD bus A Tucson Unified School District Bus.
AZPM

The Tucson Unified School District welcomed students back to campus for the first time in about a year this week.

Despite a few bumps, district superintendent Gabriel Trujillo said that the transition has gone well.

“The first week of school has been tremendously smooth," Trujillo said. "We have had no complaints up in the superintendent's office. We've had nothing matriculating up to the district office.”

About 50% of TUSD students chose to remain in remote learning while 44% enrolled in in-person classes.

The remaining 6% did not make a choice online. Those students were automatically placed in remote learning. Trujillo said some of those students showed up to campuses, causing schools to make adjustments.

The district has also had to contend with transportation issues, facing a 70% reduction in drivers. Trujillo thanked students and families for their patience while the district resolves the issue.

Regarding Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive order that lifts the mask mandates in Arizona, Trujillo said that TUSD will continue to require masks on all school properties.

“So as a school district it's business as usual for us in terms of continuing on with face coverings and masks for our employees and our visitors," Trujillo said.

TUSD plans to return to full time, in-person learning in August.

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