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Gadsden Elementary School District #32 Home

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Our Mission and Vision

Our mission is to ensure high quality educational programs by providing each student with the skills necessary to contribute to our society and to successfully compete in the global economy. We will accomplish this by emphasizing the development of both academic and social skills.

 

Our vision is to create a safe, inclusive, and student-centered environment where every student has equitable access to high-quality, rigorous instruction and opportunities for academic and social growth.  We empowered students to achieve excellence, develop critial thinking and innovative skills, and become confident leaders prepared to succeed in college, career and an ever-changing global society. 

District Highlights
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Donate Now!

Steps in Donating:
1. What is it?
Arizona Law (A.R.S. 43-1089.01) allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $200 for a single individual or a head of household and $400 for a married couple filing a joint return for donations that benefit students in our public school. That's not just a deduction, it's a tax credit-it reduces what you owe in the state taxes, dollar -for-dollar.
 
2. Who can benefit from this law?
All Arizona tax payers are eligible: you do not have to have children within the school district to benefit from this law. You can now donate through April 15 each year and claim your donation on the previous or current tax year.
 
3. What qualifies?
By law, only donations to extracurricular activities, such as tutoring, athletics, band, orchestra, field trips, special programs and more qualify for the tax credit. Donations must be made to the school district, but directly towards a specific activity at a specific school.
 
4. How do I donate?
To make a donations in person or by mail: simply complete and print the form: Tax Credit Donation Form. You may also contact the District Business Office to obtain the form. Your contribution can be delivered in person or mailed, along with your check, to Gadsden Elementary School District #32. 
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esparza

Superintendent's Message

Dear Parents and Community Members,
 
Gadsden District is committed to providing the highest quality of education to all of our students.  Our priority is student well-being and academic success for all students. We provide a nurturing culture for all of our students, our teachers are dedicated, passionate, and committed to excellence. 
Our district promotes parent involvement which is essential in order for students to learn to their fullest potential.  All of our schools have a parent liaison and all of our principals have an open door policy, which means they are able to meet with our parents with any concern.  All of our schools offer after school academic support as well as enrichment programs such as music, dance, art, and different clubs.  We strive to make our students’ learning experience the best possible.
We encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, for the latest information and the monthly Superintendent’s message.  Thank you for your tremendous support of our schools!
 
Sincerely,
Mrs. Lizette Esparza
Gadsden ESD #32 Superintendent
__________________________________________________________________________________________
 
Año Escolar 23-24
Estimados padres y miembros de la comunidad,
 
El distrito escolar de Gadsden se compromete a brindar la más alta calidad de educación a todos nuestros estudiantes. Nuestra prioridad es el bienestar de los estudiantes y el éxito académico de todos los estudiantes.
Brindamos una cultura enriquecedora para todos nuestros estudiantes, nuestros maestros son dedicados, apasionados y comprometidos con la excelencia.
Nuestro distrito promueve la participación de los padres, que es esencial para que los estudiantes aprendan a su máximo potencial. Todas nuestras escuelas cuentan con una persona que sirve como enlace entre padres y maestros que se encarga de comunicarse con los padres de familia y todos nuestros directores tienen sus puertas abiertas para atenderlos. Todas nuestras escuelas ofrecen apoyo académico después de la escuela, así como programas de enriquecimiento como música, danza, arte y diferentes clubes. Nos esforzamos por hacer que la experiencia de aprendizaje de nuestros estudiantes sea la mejor posible.
Lo alentamos a que nos siga en Facebook, Instagram y TikTok, para obtener la información más reciente y el mensaje mensual del Superintendente. 
¡Gracias por su tremendo apoyo a nuestras escuelas!
 
Atentamente,
Mrs. Lizette Esparza
Superintendente de Gadsden ESD #32
 
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early college

Early College Program

The Early College Program provides various alternative student-centered strategic platforms to an early head start for college. The Gadsden Elementary School District No. 32, offers program opportunities through innovative partnerships with our community college, state universities, American College Test [ACT] initiatives, ACT prep programs (American College Test and the Advanced ACT Math After School Tutoring), and with the Center for Talented Youth Program at Johns Hopkins University. 
 
Read more about it: https://gesdecp.wordpress.com/blog/
 
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band

Notification of Public Board Meetings

We post notices of the Gadsden ESD #32 board meetings at the window in our district offices located at 1350 E. Cesar Chavez Blvd. San Luis, AZ 85349. You'll also find notifications on the Governing Board Agendas page, and we also send them to the local media via email. The public may access current and previous board meeting agendas in our Governing Board page. We will post the agendas 24 hours prior to meetings, the board and administration welcome any public comment and participation. Members of the public are invited and welcomed to attend our monthly board meetings. Any individual may comment on any listed agenda item by completing a request form available at each meeting. The board is subject to Arizona's Open Meeting Law, which limits discussion to those subjects included on the agenda for each meeting. 
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2026-2027 Vision, Mission, Goals

District Goals

 
1. Governance & Leadership
During the 2026-2027 school year, district leaders will review school performance data quarterly to monitor key indicators, identify support needs, and implement targeted interventions.  All actions, and follow-up steps will be recorded through district documentation systems. 
 
2. Accountability & Student Outcomes
During the 2026-2027 school year, district leaders will review student performance data quarterly to monitor key indicators, identify support needs, and implement targeted interventions. All actions and follow-up steps will be recorded through district documentation systems. 
 
3. Community Engagement & Representation
During the 2026–2027 school year, the district will strengthen family and community engagement by creating opportunities for families, students, staff, and community members to participate, share feedback, and contribute to district decisions. Participation data, meeting records, and documented feedback will be used to monitor engagement activities and evaluate how stakeholder input informs district priorities and initiatives.
 
4. Safe & Effective Learning Environment oversight
During the 2026–2027 school year, the district will support safe, welcoming, and effective learning environments by monitoring school conditions, strengthening safety practices, and using data to identify and address areas for improvement. Quarterly reviews of safety information, school climate feedback, stakeholder input, and documented actions will be used to evaluate effectiveness and guide continuous improvement efforts.
 
5. Continuous Learning 
During the 2026–2027 school year, the district will provide professional development opportunities and promote the use of effective instructional practices to enhance student learning. Regular reviews of professional learning participation, teacher feedback, and instructional practices will be used to identify needs and guide ongoing improvement.
 
6. Financial Stewardship & Transparency
During the 2026-2027 school year, district leaders will maintain responsible fiscal stewardship by monitoring financial resources, ensuring transparency, and aligning expenditures with district priorities and student needs. 
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students

District Policies

Our district policies can be found on the ASBA Policies Website.
 
Our policies are categorized as follows:
A. Foundations and Basic Commitment
B. School Board
C. General School Administration
D. Fiscal Management
E. Support Services
F. Facilities Development
G. Personnel
H. Meet and Confer
I. Instructional Program
J. Students
K. School/Community Relations
L. Education Agency
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From the Wild West to the Nation's Best

Upcoming Events

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Recent News

Gadsden Elementary School District to Participate in School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program for the 2026-2027 School Year

Gadsden Elementary School District to Participate in School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program for the 2026-2027 School Year
Gadsden Elementary School District #32 will be participating in the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program. As part of this program, Arizona Desert Elementary School, Cesar Chavez Elementary School, Desert View Elementary School, Ed Pastor Elementary School, Gadsden Elementary School, Rio Colorado Elementary School, San Luis Middle School, San Luis Preschool and Southwest Junior High will offer healthy meals every school day.
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El Distrito Escolar Primario de Gadsden participará en el Programa de Desayuno Escolar y el Programa Nacional de Almuerzos Escolares durante el año escolar 2026-2027
El Distrito Escolar Primario de Gadsden #32 participará en el Programa de Desayuno Escolar y el Programa Nacional de Almuerzos Escolares. Como parte de estos programas, Arizona Desert Elementary School, Cesar Chavez Elementary School, Desert View Elementary School, Ed Pastor Elementary School, Gadsden Elementary School, Rio Colorado Elementary School, San Luis Middle School, San Luis Preschool y Southwest Junior High ofrecerán comidas nutritivas todos los días de clases.

Gadsden Elementary School District #32 Superintendent Reappointed to Yuma Regional Partnership Council

Gadsden Elementary School District #32 Superintendent Lizette Esparza has been reappointed to the First Things First Yuma Regional Partnership Council as an at-large representative for a four-year term beginning July 1, 2026. Through her continued service, Esparza will help support regional efforts focused on early childhood development, health, learning and school readiness for children from birth through age 5. Her reappointment reflects GESD #32’s ongoing commitment to strengthening partnerships and expanding opportunities that help young children build a strong foundation for future success.

La superintendente del Distrito Escolar Primario de Gadsden #32, Lizette Esparza, fue reelegida como representante general del Consejo Regional de Yuma de First Things First para un periodo de cuatro años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026. A través de su servicio continuo, Esparza contribuirá a los esfuerzos regionales enfocados en el desarrollo, la salud, el aprendizaje y la preparación escolar de los niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 5 años. Su reelección refleja el compromiso continuo de GESD #32 de fortalecer alianzas y ampliar oportunidades que ayuden a los niños a desarrollar una base sólida para su éxito futuro.

Open House Schedule for the 2026 - 2027 School Year

Open House events are coming to schools across Gadsden Elementary School District #32!

Join us to meet teachers and school staff, visit classrooms, receive important information and help your child prepare for a successful start to the 2026–2027 school year.

And remember, the first day of school is Wednesday, August 5, 2026!

We look forward to welcoming our students and families back to campus!

Southwest Junior High named in Top 10 shortlists for World’s Best School Prizes 2026

Southwest Junior High School has been named to the Top 10 shortlist for the 2026 World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity, making it one of the first Arizona schools ever shortlisted for the prestigious global recognition. The school was recognized for its early college-preparation model, which expands access to higher education for students in a border community where many families face financial barriers. Through strong academic support, college-level learning opportunities and a commitment to helping every student succeed, Southwest Junior High has become a leading example of educational excellence in Yuma County, the State of Arizona, and the United States.

Southwest Junior High School ha sido nombrada en la lista de las 10 mejores escuelas del mundo por World’s Best School Prize 2026 en la categoría de Superación de la Adversidad, convirtiéndose en una de las primeras escuelas de Arizona en recibir este prestigioso reconocimiento internacional. La escuela fue reconocida por su modelo de preparación universitaria temprana, el cual amplía el acceso a la educación superior para estudiantes de una comunidad fronteriza donde muchas familias enfrentan barreras económicas. A través del apoyo académico sólido, oportunidades de aprendizaje a nivel universitario y el compromiso de ayudar a cada estudiante a triunfar, Southwest Junior High se ha convertido en ejemplo destacado de excelencia educativa en el condado de Yuma, del estado de Arizona y los Estados Unidos.
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