Hello, my name is Ramses Lugo, and I am entering my 11th year at Western School of Science and Technology. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative improvements we’ve made across our campus—enhancing both our facilities and instructional practices to better serve our students and community. From the installation of a beautiful athletic field and scoreboard, to the addition of a perimeter fence that strengthens campus safety, to the adoption of rigorous curricula—these changes reflect our collective commitment to excellence.

With that same spirit of progress, I am especially encouraged by the recent proposal to revise our campus mission statement. I fully support the decision to move away from labeling our students as “low income” and from positioning our school as an institution that aims to "transform this community." While well-intended, these phrases carry unintended consequences. The term "low income" can impose a limiting mindset on our students, shaping how they view their potential. It also risks reinforcing harmful stereotypes that do not reflect the resilience, brilliance, and drive found within our community.

This proposed revision is not just a wording change—it is a necessary step in affirming our values. Our school does not exist to change the community, but to work in partnership with it—uplifting and empowering our students to pursue the post-secondary paths that are meaningful to them. This language shift more accurately reflects who we are and what we stand for.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

My name is Veronica Barrick,and I am a new staff member at Western School of Science and Technology. I also grew up in Maryvale, so this work is deeply personal to me. I want to take a moment to recognize and applaud the new mission statement that will hopefully be adopted by the school.

This change is more than just a rewording—it’s a powerful shift in mindset. By removing the limiting language that emphasized poverty and instead embracing a mission grounded in empowerment, community, and inclusion, you have chosen to see our students for their potential, not their circumstances.

When I was growing up, my great-grandmother often reminded me that no matter my circumstances, education is the one thing that can never be taken away from me. That truth has shaped my life—it is the only reason I am where I am today. As someone who walked these same streets and attended schools in this very community, I know firsthand how important language and expectation are in shaping a student’s future. To now work at a school that echoes that same belief, and that extends that promise to every student in our community, is deeply meaningful to me.

The new mission affirms that all students—regardless of income or background—deserve access to a high-quality education that prepares them to excel in college, in careers, and in life. It is incredibly meaningful to me, as both an educator and a Maryvale native, to see our school reject deficit thinking and instead embrace a vision of possibility and excellence for every student.

Thank you for your leadership in making this powerful and inclusive change.

Jay Kaprosy read the Mission Statement 

Mr. Adrian Espana shared an update on Meet the Teacher, Fiesta Bowl & Beginning of the Year Testing.

Mr. Adrian Espana shared the Enrollment Update

Ms. Valeria Escobedo shared the Staffing Updatr

Diamond Financial shared the June 2025 financials