Board adopts districtwide grade reconfiguration to K–7 (2026–27) and transition to K–8 neighborhoods

The Sierra Vista Unified District governing board approved a districtwide reconfiguration plan that will make elementary schools K–7 for the 2026–27 school year and move the district toward K–8 neighborhood schools beginning in 2027–28. The board recorded a unanimous 5-0 vote to adopt the plan.

Administration said the action is required to permit the district information management team to complete enrollment and placement changes in the district student information system (SIS) in compliance with Arizona Department of Education requirements. As presented, students entering seventh grade in 2026–27 will remain enrolled at their current zoned elementary campus because of the Joyce Clark Middle School closure; the plan frames a longer-term shift to keep neighborhood students at the same campus for 7th and 8th grades beginning in 2027–28.

Board members thanked principals and administrators for preparatory work and campus mapping to preserve a middle-school experience for older students while aligning neighborhood schools. One board member described the process as difficult but necessary to position the district for better long-term planning and capacity alignment.

The motion was moved, seconded, and approved on a roll-call vote recorded as 5-0.

Next steps: administration will implement SIS and enrollment updates and continue planning for the K–8 transition; no additional dates were announced during the meeting.