Transportation Directors and Administrators,
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZ DPS) State-Regulated Vehicle Troopers and
Inspectors have recently observed an increasing number of cleaning supplies, chemical products,
and decorations on school buses. This practice represents a serious safety hazard to the students
and staff who ride and operate these vehicles.
Effective immediately, any school bus found to be carrying cleaning supplies, chemical products,
or containing decorations will be placed out of service. In such cases, the assigned Transportation
Director or Supervisor will be required to submit an incident report to the Student Transportation
Unit at AZ DPS.
While some schools have expressed that Minimum Standards do not explicitly prohibit the
transport of cleaning supplies or decorations on school buses, the Arizona Administrative Code
(A.A.C.) R13-13-108(B) clearly states, “any item noted by the Department that could cause
injury or present a danger to a passenger or school bus driver.”
Based on this regulation, the presence of cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, decorations, or
similar hazardous materials on a school bus constitutes a safety violation under the Arizona
Minimum Standards for School Buses and School Bus Drivers. These materials pose risks of
inhalation, chemical burns, exposure during normal operation, and driver distraction, as well as
increasing the danger in the event of a collision or emergency evacuation.
To underscore the seriousness of this issue, last spring, a bus aide sprayed a student in the face
with a cleaning solution on a special needs bus, resulting in criminal charges being filed against
that employee. Supervisors and directors may also be exposed to vicarious liability for permitting
unsafe practices to continue. Continued violations could result in elevated enforcement actions,
including potential findings of child endangerment.
We urge all districts and transportation departments to immediately review current bus cleaning
product storage practices and decorations. Cleaning agents must be stored securely outside of the
bus and used only under approved maintenance procedures. Decorations are prohibited on a
school bus at all times. Your cooperation and diligence in upholding these safety standards help
ensure the protection and well-being of Arizona’s students.
The following is an example notice that can be provided to school transportation personnel:
Drivers, please be advised that cleaning supplies, chemicals, disinfectants, and
decorations are not permitted on any school bus under Arizona Minimum
Standards and A.A.C. R13-13-108(B), which prohibits any item that could cause
injury or present a danger to passengers or drivers. The Department of Public
Safety (AZ DPS) has directed that any bus found carrying such materials will be
placed out of service, and an incident report shall be required. These substances
pose serious health and safety risks to students and staff, and past incidents have

resulted in criminal charges. Please ensure all cleaning agents remain secured at
the transportation facility and decorations are not on buses. Student safety and
regulatory compliance are our highest priorities.
For questions or clarification regarding compliance requirements, please contact the Student
Transportation Unit at the AZ DPS.
Thank you for your continued commitment to student safety and adherence to Arizona’s school
transportation regulations.

Clarification Notice (October 23, 2025)
After receiving numerous correspondence regarding today’s letter on cleaning supplies and
decorations, the following clarifications are being provided:
Cleaning Supplies:
Cleaning supplies may be stored under the bus in a secure container that prevents shifting
and spillage of bottles or canisters. Cleaning products may not be stored anywhere within
the passenger compartment of the bus.
Disinfectant Wipes & Hand Sanitizers:
Disinfectant wipes may be kept in the passenger compartments of buses only if they are
stored in a secure location, away from children’s immediate access under the direct
control of the driver and/or an aide at all times. Hand sanitizers, though not classified as
cleaning supplies, can also be contained in the passenger compartments of buses and
should be monitored due to their potential harm if swallowed or misused.
Seating Labels:
Official school district seating labels do not constitute decorations, provided they are kept
to a reasonable size (no more than 3 inches (H) x 5 inches (L), constructed of magnetic,
paper stock or laminated cards, of tasteful design and appearance, and are not similar in
appearance of or not placed within 12 inches of any emergency exit or emergency
labeling.
Any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this clarification may be directed to:

Student Transportation Unit, Arizona Department of Public Safety

 Attention Junior Parents!

We would like to invite you to a Junior Class Parent Meeting happening today from 5:00–6:00 PM during Parent-Teacher Conferences.

We’ll be sharing important information about the Junior Class, including upcoming fundraising efforts and ways you can support your student this year.

We hope to see you there!

— Junior Class Sponsors

 Community Update

The Elfrida Elementary School Board has accepted the resignation of Principal Justin Price, effective immediately.

The delay in sharing this news publicly was intentional. We did not want to react too quickly, but instead to respond thoughtfully and appropriately. Like many of you, we have been deeply shocked by this sudden change. Mr. Price has indicated that his decision is due to health concerns and has asked that his privacy be respected.

As Superintendent—and as someone who has been working closely with Mr. Price to build a positive working relationship—I reached out personally. He shared that he is following the advice of his doctors and focusing on his health. Members of the Elfrida Elementary School Board have also reached out and received similar messages of care and commitment to his well-being.

Mr. Price is not only an administrator; he is an alumnus and valued member of our community. His contributions as principal are appreciated, and we wish him strength and healing as he focuses on his health.

At this time, I am serving as Acting Principal of Elfrida Elementary while continuing my role as Superintendent at both Elfrida Elementary and Valley Union High School. The Elfrida Elementary School Board has approved a search process for an interim principal. In addition, because of the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the two districts, the Valley Union High School Governing Board also has the ability to weigh in on this decision.

I want to acknowledge the frustration that staff, parents, and the community may feel with the leadership changes. I hear you. Please know that this sudden resignation has an impact on students and staff at both schools. However, I am confident that we are all united in keeping students at the center of our decisions.

I believe in participatory leadership. That means I am listening—to staff, to parents, to the boards, and to the broader community. Ultimately, the school boards and I will make a decision together, one that reflects what is in the best interest of our students and staff.

In the meantime, please feel encouraged to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth Hawkins

Superintendent

Elfrida Elementary

Valley Union High School

4088 W. Jefferson Rd.

Elfrida, AZ 85610

520-559-8964

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."  Albert Einstein

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Completion of the 2026 – 2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a required part of your student’s senior year. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for financial aid for both college and trade school programs, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

FAFSA night will take place on Monday October 6^th, 2025 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. A FAFSA advisor/expert will be there to answer any questions you may have. Pizza and drinks will be provided.

If you and your student are unable to attend our FAFSA night, the 2026 - 2027 FAFSA can be completed at home at your convenience. If the application is completed at home, please provide your student with some type of proof of submission so your student receives the proper credit.

Thank you for supporting your students’ future opportunities!

If you have any questions please email Mrs. Essary at kelsey.essary@vuhs.net

Kelsey Essary and Angie Terrell

** If you have questions about completing the FAFSA please visit the following website or contact the financial advisory below:

 https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out

Valeria Garcia

(520) 417 - 4042

Elfrida Community Blood Drive is right around the corner on August 13, 2025 in the Elfrida Elementary Cafeteria from 12PM - 5PM. Each pint of blood donated helps one NHS Senior receive a scholarship, and the more pints = more $$$$. Sign up now online or walk-in the day of.

Welcome to the 2025–2026 School Year!
From Elizabeth Hawkins, Superintendent & Principal of Valley Union High School District

Dear Valley Union Families, Students, and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! My name is Elizabeth Hawkins, and I am deeply honored to serve as both the Superintendent of Valley Union High School District and Principal of Valley Union High School. It is a true privilege to join a community so rich in heritage, pride, and potential.

I have been in education since 1996. As the daughter of a military family, I had the opportunity to live all over the world—an experience that instilled in me a deep respect for diversity and community. My professional journey includes nine years in the classroom, five years as a building administrator, and fourteen years in district-level leadership roles that include Educational Technology, Curriculum, Policy and Procedure, and Professional Development. I’ve also worked closely with Special Education and Career and Technical Education teams. My experiences span inner-city schools, suburban districts, juvenile justice programs, and remote villages in rural Alaska.

I first discovered Elfrida when my parents—longtime snowbirds—introduced me to the stunning landscape of Whitewater Draw, one of their favorite places in Arizona. I was immediately captivated by the beauty, peace, and promise of this region. So, when my family and I began exploring relocation, this area quickly rose to the top of our list. My husband will be retiring from Worthington City Schools and joining me here next year, and our son, currently a sophomore in college and an avid runner, is looking forward to exploring all the outdoor opportunities Arizona offers. We’re thrilled to now call this community our home.

My educational philosophy is simple: “If I feed the staff, the students will grow.” I believe that when we empower and uplift our educators, we create the conditions in which students can truly thrive. I am committed to fostering a positive, collaborative culture where staff, students, and families feel valued, supported, and inspired.

I’m also excited to share that we are pursuing a partnership with Farm to School, a program that will connect our cafeteria with local farms and food producers. This initiative will provide fresh, local foods to our students while also supporting local agriculture and reinvesting in our community.

Please know that I am here to serve—with openness, transparency, and availability. I welcome your ideas, concerns, and input as we work together to build an even stronger Valley Union, moving from good to great.

Here’s to a fantastic school year filled with growth, connection, and opportunity!

Warmly,
Elizabeth Hawkins
Superintendent & Principal
Valley Union High School District