Selfless acts of service are commonplace across our district. But, this story sets the bar above the rest. Warning: you may need to grab tissues for this one!

Sycamore Elementary School music teacher Katie Savage’s husband, Isiah, was in need of a kidney. At only 34 years old, he was in kidney failure. After struggling to find a match, Katie shared a letter on Facebook seeking a kidney donation that Principal Ken Graff shared with Sycamore staff. Right away and without question, Heather Wallace, Sycamore 5th grade teacher, filled out the forms, got testing done, and was determined to be a match as a donor. 

The transplant surgery took place at the end of September, and both Heather and Isiah are recovering well!

Mrs. Savage says, "It was really surreal honestly. When I wrote the letter, I wasn't expecting the response that I received. I expected to wait for a long time to find a donor. I was surprised by the amount of comments, likes, and shares in the first place, and then I had a few people tell me they filled out the info and I just couldn't believe how much of a community it became. So, the fact that it was someone I work with and someone who is a friend was amazing."

Isiah is also a VUSD grad! We sure have a great community!

The critical nature of school board elections that are determined every two years is often lost amidst the noise of the signs, ads, and mailers. Those elected to serve on the Vail Unified School District Governing Board will have a tremendous daily impact on the lives of those who live, work, or have children in Vail. This group of five elected community volunteers serve to set the direction and tone for our district. Decisions about budget, raises, hiring, curriculum, safety, and more all run through the Governing Board. 

Our ability to freely choose for whom and what we vote is a cherished freedom as Americans. It also takes a bit of time to be an informed voter. Finding information about local governing board races may take some digging. To help with that process, I’ve compiled some important information about governing board candidates that is published on the Pima County School Superintendent website, critical dates, and voting locations. 

I hope you find it helpful. I also hope you take the time to exercise your right to vote. 

Below are statements from each of the five candidates who are running for the Vail Unified School District Governing Board. The statements are pulled directly from, and listed in order of, the ones published on the Pima County School Superintendent website. View the link HERE.

If you live outside of the Vail School District, you can also find Governing Board Candidate statements for the district where you live on the same link.

Oct. 25 – Last day to request a ballot by mail 

Oct. 29 – Recommended deadline to mail back your ballot 

Nov. 1 – Last day to vote early in-person 

Nov. 2 and 4 – Emergency voting. Voters can drop off their completed ballots in their signed affidavit envelopes at any Early Voting location, Ballot Drop-Off location, or Election Day Vote Center. Find locations at www.pima.vote.

November 5 – Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vail Pride Day nominations for rookie, support staff, teacher, and volunteer of the year close this Friday, October 25th. Click below to submit your nominations!

We conducted a test of our emergency contact systems on August 15th. If you did not receive a text during that emergency test, please start by texting START to 98900 to opt in. You can also verify that your phone number is correct by calling the school office. If you did not receive an email, please call the school office to ensure your email address is correct in PowerSchool.

Further, if you have not completed your Returning Student Registration, please do so now. To complete this registration, go to the PowerSchool Parent Portal, select the student you wish to register (each student needs one done each year), select returning annual registration 24-25, and fill out. 

Be sure to check out VAIL EVENTS for upcoming events across Vail including District and Community Events. You’ll find information about fall and Halloween festivals across Vail including some haunted houses, trunk or treats, and even a 5K opportunity! Click on the link to find out more about events and activities happening in Vail in the upcoming months.