Our Legacy

Tempe School District No. 3 is officially established, becoming the third school district in Maricopa County.

Tempe schools, which began 20 years before Tempe officially incorporated as a Town, laid the foundation for future educational growth and development, with an initial enrollment of 43 children.

The District began its journey with a vision to provide quality education for all children in the region…a vision that continues today.

The above photo was taken in 1905 from the top of Tempe Butte or “A” Mountain. The approximate population of Tempe in 1877 was 100, increasing to 885 in 1900. 

Possibly the first photo of students attending Tempe schools, this image depicts students in front of a one-room adobe school.

The school, built in 1878, is the District’s second one-room adobe school and was built on the southeast corner of Eighth Street (University) and Mill Avenue. It was 20-feet wide by 40-feet long with three windows on the west and three on the east. Local volunteers built the school, and it was furnished with handmade wooden furniture.

Around 1892, this “modern” two-story, six-room brick building was built to replace the two adobe schoolrooms. It was thought the Tempe Public School, which served both grammar and high school students, was too large, but by the time it was completed, it was completely filled. It was built a foot at a time, as funds became available.

The original Rural Schoolhouse was built in the early 1900s on the site of the current Tempe Elementary District Office. 

Tempe schools saw a period of expansion and growth in the early 1900s. State records of 1904 show that Johnson District No. 29 likely merged with Tempe Elementary School District. In 1907, Tempe citizens petitioned the County to establish a Union High School District, thus marking the beginnings of the Tempe Union High School District No. 213.

The District’s first superintendent, Benjamin H. Scudder served in a joint role, leading both Tempe Elementary and Tempe Union High School districts from 1908-1912.

A teacher and four Guadalupe students pictured in front of the original school bell sometime in the early 1900s. The bell would sound to call the local children to school. This same bell was moved to Frank Elementary School each time it was rebuilt.

Courtesy: Tempe History Museum via Tempe Elementary School District

The teacher at Rural School, Mrs. Garfield Goodwin on her way to school by bicycle, about 1904.

Hats and hairbows are prevalent among the young men and women in this sixth-grade class of teacher Margaret Hughes as they pose for their formal picture taken in front of the old Eighth Street School. The boy on the far right is Carl Spain, who became the operator of Spain’s Garage located on Sixth Street, where the Tempe City Hall building is now located.

In 1915, the first eight rooms of the new Tenth Street Grammar School were completed, making it the District’s third school.

Teacher Lucille Scudder’s first-grade class of 1910 poses (in photo) in front of the Eighth Street School. Miss Scudder, who later married another Tempe Elementary School District teacher, Eddie Scales, is not pictured. She was a daughter of B.H. Scudder, the first joint superintendent of Tempe elementary and high school districts.

F.J. Sullivan, then principal of Tempe Grammar School, became the next superintendent in July, 1912. Sullivan took a leave of absence in early 1914 to continue his education, but he never returned.

One of the original five TUHSD Board of Education members, J. Oscar Mullen, became the third superintendent, serving from July 1914 through June 1918. R.J. Shirley succeeded Mullen, serving as the fourth superintendent for approximately two years.

Arizona became the 48th state in the Union on February 14, 1912, nearly 38 years after the Tempe Elementary School District was established.

Rural School at this time was part of the training school program of the Tempe Normal School, where students were at least in part taught by student-teachers from the Normal School (also known as the Teachers College, now ASU). The Rural School was established as Maricopa County School District No. 13 in 1883 at the northeast corner of what is now Rural Road and Southern Avenue. Rural School remained an independent school district until 1953, when it was consolidated with Tempe School District No. 3. 

The original schoolhouse was likely an adobe building, later replaced by the wood-frame school usually seen in early photos. It served the children of local farm families at grade levels kindergarten/first grade through eighth grade. Some of the students came from as far away as the Town of Guadalupe.

In 1962, a new 24-classroom grade school designed by Tempe architect Kemper Goodwin replaced the historic schoolhouse, and the Tempe School District built their administrative headquarters adjacent to the new school.

In 1982, the school was closed for a final time due to declining enrollment. This last, 1962-built schoolhouse was subsequently demolished. Smith’s grocery store (now Fry’s Food and Drug Store) was built on the grounds once occupied by Rural School, and it remains there today. The Tempe School District still owns the land where the grocery store was built.

Photo courtesy of Tempe History Museum #1999.14.333

Courses at Tempe schools in the 1920s included carpentry and expanded to include physical education for all students.

Boys worked on their carpentry projects in the fenced yard at Rural School.

In the 1920s, physical education became mandatory in elementary schools. 

In this 1925 photo, Rural School student Andrew Morton reads in the window sill.

School buildings received significant updates during this decade. In August 1926, the Board gave the directive to wire the Eighth Street School for electricity. The 10th Street School received a gasoline heater, a new roof, and other repairs in the mid-to-late 1920s.

Before the end of the decade, in September 1929, the Town of Tempe became a city.

Also in 1929, Tempe Grammar School would get its first addition of two rooms, and the first joint Governing Board discussion of possible unification of the three Tempe school districts took place.

Among the students in this 1926 second-grade class at the Tenth Street Grammar School was Elizabeth Hampton (later James), who would go on to become a teacher, principal, and administrator in the Tempe Elementary School District. She can be seen standing in the first row, third from the right, behind the seated young boys.

On March 30, 1926, Claude B. Wivel was elected to be the new principal of Tenth Street Grammar School.

In 1926, C.B. Wivel also began his role as superintendent of Tempe Elementary and Tempe Union. He would remain superintendent for about seven years through 1933.

In the past and to date, the principal has occupied the school residence (cottage) at 33 East 8th Street, added in their contract at a rate of $25 per month, or $300 per year. 

This included Mr. Wivel, who lived at the cottage. 

As Arizona began feeling the effects of the Great Depression, the new 16-room Tempe Grammar School opened in September 1931. 

First-graders from the school take their class photo with their teacher, Flora Thew (center of photo).

In 1933, schools installed gas and equipment to provide hot meals to students. This marked the birth of the school lunch program for TD3.

After serving as principal of Tempe Grammar School from 1934 - 1937, Harvey M. McKemy became the first Tempe Elementary School District Superintendent in 1938. The previous superintendents served both Tempe Union High School and Tempe Elementary School Districts. McKemy would become the longest-serving Tempe Elementary School District Superintendent, filling this role until 1962.

In October 1913, Flora M. Thew began teaching “first primary” in the “old Baptist Church.” She continued to teach first grade in Tempe for 49 years. Today’s Thew Elementary School is named after her. The school year at this time averaged just six months. 

In August of 1935, the Board selected Eddie Scales to teach sixth grade at Tenth Street Grammar School. This was the start of Scales’ long history with the Tempe Elementary School District. He later became the District’s first instrumental music teacher. Scales served Tempe Schools for nearly 37 years until 1972. He would later have a school named for him and his wife Lucille.

Pictured here, Nelson D. “Pop” Holdeman (among the many dedicated educators who would have namesake schools in the District) was hired to teach eighth grade at the Tenth Street School in August 1936. He later served as principal there. In 1958 he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Business, a position he held until he passed away in 1960. Holdeman was very active in the community, including being Assistant Fire Chief.

Photo courtesy of Tempe History Museum

A rare occurrence in Tempe, Arizona, snow paints the ground and decorates the shrubbery in front of the Tenth Street Grammar School on January 21, 1937.

Photo courtesy of Tempe History Museum

The Rural School football team getting ready to scrimmage where the Fry’s gas station and parking lot are now located.

Rural School first- and second-graders during the 1940-1941 school year. Although the District’s population was growing during this time, the area still provided a rural-like community, evidenced by the students’ bare feet seen in this photo.

The 1940s were a decade of major growth in Tempe’s population from about 2,960 to more than 7,600 by the end of the decade.

From 1941 to 1959, World War II and the restless post-war period would bring still sparsely-populated Arizona - and little Tempe - the first spurts of rapid growth that would be a way of life for decades to come. With the war came military bases, new people, new businesses, and a need for new schools.

Children paid a penny for a glass of milk provided in a federal program. Gasoline rationing forced the reduction of some programs, but learning and growing continued, as you can see in the photo of Mrs. James fifth-grade classroom. 

Sports programs flourished for boys and girls as they participated in baseball, softball, volleyball, swimming, and many other activities.

In 1942, for the first time, TD3 approved the contracts of teachers who were married.

Between 1946 and 1959, Tempe School District No. 3 was standing on the brink of becoming one of the fastest growing school districts in the state. The Board, however, was still focused on running a gradually growing, but still financially limited, school district.

In November 1946, the District acquired the Rohrig District.

The Board changed the entrance age for first graders. Beginning in the 1947-1948 school year, all children entering first grade must have reached the age of six by December 1. 

In November 1948, the Board voted to sell the Eighth Street School site and property to the Tempe Union High School District for $50,500.

Fifth-grade students enjoying physical education class outdoors at Tenth Street Grammar School on a bright mid-November day in Arizona.

Lois Klein was hired in 1949 as a kindergarten teacher; one of the many people who dedicated their lives to the children of TD3. She became Director of Student Services, Special Education, and Data Processing, giving Tempe District the distinction of being the first school district west of the Mississippi River with a computer.

Her skill and creativity was instrumental in helping Superintendent Sam Fees lead the District through troubled times of tremendous growth and desegregation in the 1960s and early 1970s. 

At the beginning of the 1950s, the three Tempe schools had an enrollment of 1,921 with substantial growth on the horizon. 

In the spring of 1951, the Wayne Ritter School, at Tyler Street and Rural Road, was completed and opened with Augusta T. Carminati serving as Principal. 

This photo pictures Manuel Luque, Bus Driver and Truant Officer, in 1952, (photo courtesy of the Tempe History Museum).

In April 1953, the District expanded its boundaries to include Rural School serving grades 5-8 and Guadalupe School, now known as Frank Elementary, serving grades 1-4.

Mitchell School welcomed students for the first time in September 1953.

H. M. McKemy Intermediate School, originally Concorda School, opened in March, 1958. It consisted of 21 general classrooms, five special classrooms, a library, and a cafetorium across the 15-acre campus.

Thew School opened in September, 1958. The school was named after Flora Thew who, after she retired in 1961 at the age of 70, was the longest continuously-employed classroom teacher in Arizona, serving all of her 49 years in TD3 teaching first grade.

Tempe Grammar School Advanced Orchestra, circa 1951

Photo courtesy of Tempe History Museum

In the spring of 1951, the Wayne Ritter School, at 815 Tyler Street and Rural Road, was completed and occupied. Augusta T. Carminati was elected Principal. The campus was located on seven and a half acres and included 21 classrooms, and a “cafetorium” (cafeteria and auditorium combined). Years later, ASU bought it from TD3 and repurposed it, eventually demolishing it around 2007.

After being a dedicated volunteer at Guadalupe School since 1933, Ruby Wood began her official teaching career with the District in 1953, splitting her time between Guadalupe School and Rural School. The last 21 years of her career were spent at Guadalupe School until she retired in 1974. During her final two years, she worked as a teacher, truant officer, counselor, nurse, and Director of Special Education.

Working in Tempe had been a homecoming for Wood, who attended the old Rural and Eighth Street schools as a child and graduated with the first four-year class at Tempe High in 1912. In honor of her long history in TD3, Wood School was named after her when it opened in 1975. 

Located near Ninth Street and University, Mitchell School welcomed students for the first time in September 1953, opening with 12 classrooms, offices, and a cafetorium. Mitchell School closed in the 1980s but in 2024 is the headquarters for Childsplay, a Tempe-based children’s theater group. Mitchell School was named after William W. Mitchell whose grandson Harry Mitchell would serve as Tempe’s Mayor from 1978 until 1994.

Broadmor School was built on a 10-acre site and included 18 classrooms and a cafetorium. When it opened in September 1955, there was only one home south of Broadway Road with the exception of a few farm homes. Roads and homes were constructed soon after, which moved the city south and put Broadmor School in the center of Tempe.

Joe Spracale was hired as a classroom teacher at Broadmor School in 1957. He went on to serve McKemy Intermediate School as assistant principal from 1967 to 1972 and then principal from 1972 to 1991 when he retired. The day he retired, Joe joined the Tempe Impacts Education (TIE) Foundation, serving as a member and president for decades. He remained an active member of the TIE Foundation Board throughout his life.

In 2022, Hudson Elementary was renamed Joseph P. Spracale Elementary School in honor of Joe.

Thew School opened in September 1958 with 19 classrooms and a cafetorium on seven and a half acres. The school was named after Flora Thew who, after she retired in 1961 at the age of 70, was the longest continuously-employed classroom teacher in Arizona, serving all of her 49 years in TD3 teaching first grade.

H.M. McKemy Intermediate School opened its doors to students in March 1958. It consisted of 21 general and five special classrooms, a library, and a cafetorium across the 15-acre campus. Later renamed McKemy Middle School, it served students in grades 6-8. The school closed at the end of the 2010-2011 school year due to declining enrollment. In 2013, it reopened as Tempe Academy of International Studies – McKemy Campus, becoming an International Baccalaureate World School in 2015. It was rebuilt in 2020, and the name changed once again to McKemy Academy of International Studies.

Ira Brogan, for whom Brogan Center was named, fills a film strip order for a teacher. Working out of a government surplus quonset hut during the early 60s, Brogan was delivery man, general maintenance, and locksmith for the district. He and his wife Leonore, who worked in the cafeteria at Frank School, also lived in a trailer at the south end of the property at the district office and acted as night watchman.

Tempe’s population, less than 25,000 at the end of the 1950s, more than doubled during the 1960s. 

To accommodate the population growth, ten new schools were built between 1961 and 1969: Holdeman (1961), New Rural School (1962), Gililland/Mosley (1963), Laird/Shamley (1964), Meyer (1965), Evans (1966), Hudson/Spracale (1967), Scales (1969), Getz (1969), and Curry (1969). In September 1969, District enrollment reached 10,862 students. 

On June 25, 1962, Harvey M. McKemy (pictured here) retired after nearly three decades as head of Tempe Elementary School District. In his 28 years, McKemy managed the tremendous growth in the city and oversaw the construction of six new schools. During his time, he saw the two-school, 10-teacher District grow into a $2-million growing operation.

Sam Fees followed McKemy as Superintendent in 1962 and remained in the position until 1975. 

To accommodate the population growth of Tempe, ten new schools were built between 1961 and 1969. In September 1969, District enrollment reached 10,862 students.

Margie Molina and other media staff filling film strip orders for teachers at various schools.

Holdeman School was built, named in honor of Nelson D. “Pop” Holdeman, a dedicated teacher, principal, and administrator who began his teaching career in the District in 1936. Holdeman also gave untold hours in community service activities for local children.

The original Rural School was rebuilt and welcomed students for 20 years before closing in 1982.

In this photo from the early 1960s, Ira Brogan is seen delivering science materials.

The old and new Rural Schools were open for a combined 99 years. The District Administration Building stands on the old Rural School site. Fry's grocery store was later built on the land where the new Rural School stood.

Sam Fees became Superintendent in 1962, remaining in that position until 1975. During this time of monumental growth, Fees directed the construction of 18 schools. Fees was often seen carrying blueprints under his arm as he trekked around the District, checking on the many building projects underway.

Superintendent Fees was granted medical leave in the summer of 1975, and the Board appointed Robert P. Curry to serve as acting Superintendent for the 1975-1976 school year. Fees was later reassigned as “District Administrator” and also served as director of operations until his retirement in 1981.

Named the Earnest F. and Loring E. Bivins Tempe Elementary School Education Center, the Tempe Elementary District Office was built on the same property as Rural School, just west of the school. In 1991 it was rebuilt as the George M. Sanchez Administration Building in honor of longtime Tempe Board Member and optometrist.

Gililland Intermediate School opened, named after 13-year TD3 board member Clyde Gililland. In 2022, the school was renamed Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School to honor one of the school’s longtime educators. Mosley worked in Tempe Elementary from 1960 - 1989. During retirement, Mosley served as a substitute teacher until she was 80 years old.

Laird School, named after longtime Tempe Mayor Hugh E. Laird, was built. It expanded in 2009 to a K-8 and was rebuilt in 2016. In 2022, the name was changed in honor of Cecil Shamley, who had served as Laird Principal and Assistant Principal. Shamley worked in Tempe Elementary from 1959 - 1981 in various schools, including Aguilar, Fees, and Gililland.

Meyer School opened. School namesakes Albert and Agnes Meyer were a longtime husband-wife team at the old Rural School. Albert drove the school bus and worked as custodian, while Agnes taught grades 1 - 8 during her 38 years with the District.

Evans School opened, named in honor of H.J. Evans, a jeweler and farmer, who owned the land where the school was built. Evans was built originally as the first “open school” in TD3, with virtually no inner walls. In 2009, Evans Elementary School was repurposed and has served as an alternative school as well as a preschool. 

Veda B. Frank, a teacher and principal at the Guadalupe School for 21 years, died July, 1967. In October, responding to petitions from families living in Guadalupe and the PTA, the board renamed the school the “Veda B. Frank School” in honor of the educator and her longtime dedication to Guadalupe children.

Hudson School opened, named after a Tempe ranching family. In 2022, the school was renamed to honor Joseph P. Spracale, who served Tempe Elementary from 1957-1991 in various schools including Broadmor, McKemy, and Meyer as a Principal, Assistant Principal, and Coordinator.

Guadalupe School was rebuilt and renamed Veda B. Frank School in honor of a teacher and principal at the school for 21 years, who had just passed away. When acquired by TD3, Guadalupe School consisted mainly of 10 surplus barracks-type buildings and the original adobe school, serving grades 1-4. (The adobe building had been the former Valdez Pool Hall in old Yaqui Town and had been renovated in 1929 to hold classes.) It was rebuilt in 2018.

Curry School was built in honor of John J. Curry, member of a prominent Tempe pioneer family. During the Depression, Curry was deputy director of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and helped build many public school buildings. He served eight years on city council and 50 years as a volunteer firefighter.

Getz School opened, named in honor of Charles and Edith Getz, a Tempe couple known for their compassion and community involvement. Edith brought success to fund drives for many organizations including Red Cross, City of Hope, March of Dimes, Cancer Society, and others.

Scales School was built, named in honor of longtime District teachers, Lucille and Eddie Scales, each serving 37 years in Tempe Elementary. Lucille taught all grade levels in the classroom, as well as physical education, art, and served as librarian. Eddie taught sixth grade and music and later served as supervisor of music. Scales was rebuilt and renamed Scales Technology Academy in 2008.

By 1970, the once sleepy little town of Tempe had grown to 25 square miles with 63,550 residents.

TD3 enrollment reached its new record high of 13,540 in 1975, and the building boom that started in the 1960s continued through this decade to accommodate the additional students. The District built 11 schools and a maintenance facility during the 1970s: Carminati (1971), Connolly (1972), Arredondo (1972), Bustoz (1974), Nevitt (1974), Ward (1974), Aguilar (1975), Rover (1975), Wood (1975), Brogan Center (1977), Fuller (1977) and Fees (1979).

Learning centers, equipped with a tape recorder, listening box, and headsets helped children across the District and at Holdeman School (in photo) to develop their reading skills.

Superintendent Fees was granted medical leave in the summer of 1975, and the Board appointed Robert P. Curry to serve as acting Superintendent for the 1975-1976 school year. Fees was later reassigned as “District Administrator” and also served as director of operations until his retirement in 1981.

At a special meeting In May 1976, the Governing Board announced it had selected Dr. Ralph Goitia, then superintendent of Phoenix Elementary District No. 1, to lead the District. Dr. Goitia would serve as TD3 Superintendent for 12 years.

Carminati School opened, named in honor of Augusta T.  “Gussie” Carminati, a veteran Tempe Elementary teacher and principal. Carminati was hired as a primary teacher at Tempe Grammar School in 1930. In 1947, she became principal of the Eighth Street School. She then served as the first principal of Ritter School when it opened in 1951.

Connolly Intermediate School was built, named in honor of Tempe Daily News publishers Francis “Frank” and Irma Connolly, whose newspaper strongly supported Tempe Elementary Schools. Frank also served two terms as president of the Chamber of Commerce and six years on the city council. The Connollys have roots in Tempe originating in the 1880s.

Arredondo School opened, honoring long-time Tempe residents Alejandro and Josefa Arredondo, who inspired their children to work in education. Six of their sons were involved in education, and many of their family members have served or continue to serve in education. Josefa worked in TD3 school cafeterias to help support her family. The school was rebuit in 2017.

Ward School opened, honoring Miriam Ward, a longtime Tempe Elementary teacher, secretary, and principal who served Tempe children from 1930 to 1970. Ward closed in 1982 but was rebuilt and reopened as Ward Traditional Academy in 2004, eventually expanding to include grades K-8.

Nevitt School opened, named in honor of Harold Nevitt, who attended Tempe Elementary Schools. He went on to serve 22 years of public service on the District’s Board of Trustees and Tempe City Council. Nevitt taught for 6 months for Tempe Elementary before leaving to serve in the Naval Corps during World War II. Nevitt was rebuilt in 2018.

Bustoz School was built, named in honor of dedicated Tempe Elementary employees Joaquin and Ramona Bustoz, who began working for the District in 1935. Together they gave more than 50 years of service to the students of Tempe Elementary. Joaquin worked as a custodian at Rural School and as head custodian at Gililland Middle School. Ramona worked as a cook at Rural and Broadmor schools. Bustoz closed in 2012 but was repurposed as TD3 Professional Learning Center at Bustoz, a professional development center.

Aguilar School was built, in honor of Juan Aguilar who served the District for 37 years, starting as a custodian in 1939 at Rural School. Aguilar went on to work as a head custodian at the Eighth Street School and at Ritter, Carminati, and Arredondo schools. Aguilar Elementary School was rebuilt in 2011.

Wood School was built in honor of Ruby Wood, who began her decades of service at the Guadalupe School in 1933 helping women in the community make clothing and teaching adult education courses. She went on to teach grades 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, as well as serve in several non-teaching roles. Wood Elementary was rebuilt in 2020.

Rover School opened, named in honor of Dr. R. Craig Rover, who served for 16 years on the District’s Board of Trustees starting in 1959. Rover was a professor in the College of Education at Arizona State University.

At a special meeting In May 1976, the Governing Board announced it had selected Dr. Ralph Goitia, then superintendent of Phoenix Elementary District No. 1, to lead the District. Dr. Goitia would serve as TD3 Superintendent for 12 years until 1988.

Brogan Center, which was built adjacent to TD3 maintenance facilities, was named in honor of Ira and Lenore Brogan who had served the District as classified employees from 1960 to 1972. The center serves as a central warehousing and distribution point for the District’s schools. Brogan was rebuilt in 2009.

Fuller School opened, named in honor of Dr. Kenneth Fuller, a dentist who served on the Governing Board for 14 years. Dr. Fuller, who received his pre-dental training at ASU, supported many community activities including serving as chairman of the Community Chest and United Fund.

In 1979, Connolly student Miriam Huish won a District logo contest, and the first Tempe School District logo was revealed.  

Fees Intermediate School was built, named in honor of O.S. “Sam” Fees who attended Tempe Schools, taught at the Tenth Street School, and served TD3 in many roles including as Superintendent. Fees was also active in numerous civic activities in Tempe. The school was renamed Fees College Preparatory Middle School in 2011.

The 1980s ushered in a time of unique developments across the District, including land sales, school leases, and technology.

A contract to build a permanent Getz School was approved in 1980 along with a plan for TD3, Kyrene, and Tempe Union to all use the new school. That same year, the Board authorized the sale of eight acres of land on Vine Street to the City of Tempe. The land had been purchased five years earlier when enrollment was rapidly increasing.

In 1982, the Board approved a plan for the closure of Mitchell, Rural, and Ward schools. All three schools would be leased to various organizations during the decade, including the Jewish Centers of Greater Phoenix, Childsplay, and Arizona State University.

A pilot program was initiated at Meyer, Rural, and Connolly schools to use “micro computers” in classrooms and a learning laboratory for instruction and practice in math, grammar, early reading, spelling, and social studies.

A fun run (pictured in photo) through the neighborhood was Bustoz School students’ way of celebrating the school’s 10th birthday in 1985. Students also used the event to raise money for the American Cancer Society and to spread awareness of cancer prevention.

In 1987, Superintendent Dr. Ralph Goitia announced his plans to retire in June, 1988. The Board began a superintendent search about one year prior and received more than 70 applications. They selected Dr. Agustin A. “Augie” Orci to begin serving as superintendent on July 1, 1988. Dr. Orci had served as associate superintendent for instruction in Clark County School District, Nevada and had grown up in Arizona.

Wood students Tanisha Travis, left, and Novemi Alejandro walk with “Mr. T,” a desert tortoise on loan from the Phoenix Zoo’s Operation Tortoise program. The tortoise lived in the school’s library in the mid-1980s and was cared for by Librarian Patti McDonald who taught Wood students about desert wildlife as part of the program.

A special reunion at Kiwanis Park in 1986 brought together former Rural School Teacher Agnes Meyer, seated, with the old school’s former students. Meyer taught at Rural from 1923 to 1961 before joining the faculty at Holdeman School. Sharing memories are from left, Carl Sedig, the oldest Rural student at the event, and Hondy Arredondo Correa and Joe Correa who traveled from California to be at the event.

Jim Blose, physical education teacher at Frank Elementary School, plays a game with his students. Frank was one of two Arizona schools named as a physical demonstration center by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness, serving for three years as an example to other schools of an outstanding P.E. program.

“Just Say No” was an advertising campaign prevalent during the 1980s and early 1990s as a part of the U.S.-led war on drugs, aiming to discourage children from engaging in drug and alcohol use by offering various ways of saying no.

In April 1987, a new logo was selected for the District, which incorporated a collage of a red apple along with a book and a pencil outlined in blue ink. On it were the words “Tempe School District No. 3”.

In 1987, Superintendent Dr. Ralph Goitia announced his plans to retire in June, 1988. The Board began a superintendent search about one year prior and received more than 70 applications. They selected Dr. Agustin A. Orci to begin serving as superintendent on July 1, 1988. Dr. Orci, who grew up in Arizona, had served as associate superintendent for instruction in Clark County School District. Dr. Orci would remain Superintendent until 1993.

Margie Molina, a media assistant for the school district, carries away memories of Rural School.

– Tribune Photo

Pictured above, Connolly Computer Club members show off the MacIntosh computer they won in a national competition. 

Throughout the 1990s, the Technology Strategic Plan Action Team implemented numerous Bond projects designed to bring modern technology into the schools and District.

Both the District’s new office and the Smith’s (Frys) market next door were completed and opened in the summer of 1991. Disappearing in their wake were the Bivins Education Center and the “new” Rural School, which had stood on the site. The new District office was named the Sanchez Administration Center in honor of former 15-year Board member, Dr. George M. Sanchez, a popular, well-respected, and skilled eye-health care practitioner who treated his patients and their families with respect and kindness.

The non-profit TIE (Tempe Impact Education) Foundation was formed in October, 1990 and continues to support and fund the needs of District children and teachers to this day.

Three Superintendents led TD3 during the 1990s. Dr. Augie Orci retired in 1993. Dr. Mary Ann Lawson took over serving as Superintendent for five years from 1994 to 1999. Dr. John Baracy, who had served as Superintendent in the Roosevelt Elementary School District guided TD3 into a new century, serving as Superintendent from 1999 to 2004.

A TD3 student conducts a Phoenix Symphony group during a special learning experience. Students wrote poems to suit the music that the Symphony musicians later played for them in a school concert.

Carminati became the first elementary school in Arizona to be connected to the World Wide Web in the early-1990s, and by the end of the decade nearly every classroom had access to the internet.

Gail Dick, certified personnel assistant, was just about the last person to leave the old District Office before it was torn down in 1991.

The new District office was named the Sanchez Administration Center in honor of former 15-year Board member, Dr. George M. Sanchez, a popular, well-respected, and skilled optometrist who treated his patients and their families with respect and kindness.

Over the years, the TIE Foundation has hosted many fundraising events. The community turned out in the 1990s for “Picnic in the Park” and “TIE Walk-a-thon” in Kiwanis Park where student groups like “Los Mariachitos” of Frank School performed.

Dr. Mary Ann Lawson took over after Dr. Augie Orci retired in 1993. She served as Superintendent for five years from 1994 to 1999. 

Dr. John Baracy, who had served as Superintendent in the Roosevelt Elementary School District, guided TD3 into a new century, serving as Superintendent from 1999 to 2004.

The new century marked a time of rebuilding and repurposing for several schools within the Tempe Elementary District. By 2004, enrollment increased by 1,500 students to a new all-time high of 13,800.

After a renovation, Ward School was reopened as Ward Traditional Academy in 2005 serving students in grades K-8.

Thew and Holdeman schools were rebuilt in 2008 and continue to serve K-5 students. Scales Elementary was also rebuilt in 2008, and the school reopened as Scales Technology Academy (pictured above) committed to excellence in education and technology integration.

The District’s oldest remaining school, Broadmor, was rebuilt the following year, 54 years after opening its doors in 1955.

The Brogan Center was rebuilt in 2009 and serves as the District’s Transportation, Facilities Management, and Nutrition Services hub.

In 2009, Evans Elementary School was repurposed and has served as an alternative school as well as a preschool.

Similar to the previous decade, three Superintendents led the staff and students of TD3 between 2000 and 2010. Dr. John Baracy, who had joined TD3 in 1999 left for another opportunity in 2004. Debra Gomez, who had been serving as an associate superintendent, led TD3 for one year, before the Governing Board hired Dr. Arthur Tate to serve as Superintendent for six years through 2011.

Debra Gomez, who had been serving as an associate superintendent, led TD3 for one year as an interim leader.

The Governing Board hired Dr. Arthur Tate to serve as Superintendent for six years through 2011.

Scales students break ground for their new school.

Voters passed a $65 Million Bond in 2005 to pay for five new buildings: Scales, Holdeman, Thew, Broadmor, and Brogan Center. Bond proceeds were also used for design plans for Aguilar School.

Scales Elementary was the first of these projects to be completed in April 2008. The school reopened as Scales Technology Academy committed to excellence in education and technology integration.

OUR ROOTS
Scales Technology Academy, then known as Scales School, opened in January of 1969. The school was named in honor of longtime District teachers, Lucille and Eddie Scales, each serving 37 years in Tempe Elementary. Lucille taught all grade levels in the classroom, as well as physical education, art, and librarian. Eddie taught sixth grade and music, and later served as Supervisor of Music.

NEW ERA OF EDUCATION
Scales ushered in a new era of education in 2008, when the school underwent a complete rebuild. During this time, the school was reimagined to Scales Technology Academy, placing an extra emphasis in technology integration.

Just before celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2008, Thew Elementary School was rebuilt. For students in this K-5 school, the 2007-2008 school year continued in the current school building, while the new school was constructed on the fields and parking lot. The old school was torn down during the summer, so the playground and parking lot could be built and ready for the first day of school in August.

THEW ROOTS
Thew Elementary originally opened in September, 1958 with 19 classrooms and a "cafetorium" (a combination of a cafeteria and auditorium)  on seven and a half acres. The school was named after Flora Thew who, after she retired in 1961 at the age of 70, was the longest continuously-employed classroom teacher in Arizona, serving all of her 49 years teaching first grade in Tempe Elementary Schools.

The same year as Thew was rebuilt, Holdeman School was rebuilt. The 2007-2008 school year continued in the current school building, while the new school was constructed on the school campus. The rebuilt school was complete and ready for the first day of school in August.

HOLDEMAN'S ROOTS
Holdeman Elementary opened in 1961, named after Nelson “Pop” Holdeman who began his career at Tempe Elementary Schools' 10th Street School in 1936.

In 1957, Holdeman was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Business, a position he held until he passed away in 1960. Along with his strong dedication to Tempe Elementary Schools, Holdeman gave much of his time to other community activities including Boy Scouts.

The District’s oldest remaining school, Broadmor, was rebuilt the following year, 54 years after opening its doors in 1955.

All four schools rebuilt during this decade were constructed with separate cafeterias and gymnasiums, as well as added technology to enhance teaching and learning, including SmartBoards, ceiling-mounted projectors, document cameras, and wireless Internet connections.

BROADMOR'S ROOTS
Broadmor Elementary, known as Broadmor School back then, opened in 1955. It was named after the housing development that would soon go up around the school. Broadmor originally had 18 classrooms and a "cafetorium" (combination of a cafeteria and an auditorium) across the 10-acre lot.

The Brogan Center was rebuilt in 2009 and serves as the District’s Transportation, Facilities Management, and Nutrition Services hub.

In 2010, McKemy Middle School student Anjali Nair won the Arizona State Spelling Bee and represented our state at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC. One of the ways the District celebrated this accomplishment was by sharing a bookmark with all TD3 students celebrating our spelling champion. 

The work of repurposing and rebuilding schools continued through this decade bringing new schools and opportunities for students.

McKemy Middle School was closed at the end of the 2010-2011 school year due to declining enrollment. In 2013, the school was repurposed and reopened as Tempe Academy of International Studies – McKemy Campus, becoming an International Baccalaureate World School in 2015. It was rebuilt in 2020, and the name was changed once again to McKemy Academy of International Studies.

Bustoz Elementary School merged into Fuller Elementary School and Meyer Elementary merged into Hudson (Spracale) Elementary School at the end of the 2010-2011 school year. Bustoz was repurposed as TD3 Professional Learning Center at Bustoz, a professional development center for teachers and staff.

Fees Middle School transitioned to Fees College Preparatory Middle School in 2011. That same year, Aguilar School was rebuilt. Laird (Shamley) School, now serving K-8 students, was rebuilt in 2016. In 2017, Arredondo School was rebuilt. Also that year, Meyer School was remodeled and reopened as Meyer Montessori in August. 

Frank School, which was originally built in 1929 and rebuilt in 1967, was rebuilt once again in 2018 (pictured here) along with Nevitt School. The rebuilt Frank Elementary School incorporated the architecture from the Guadalupe community in which it was built and included a bell tower containing the original Guadalupe School bell, which was originally rung to alert the local school children that it was time to come to school.

Superintendent Dr. Arthur Tate left the District in 2011 for another opportunity. The Board hired long-time TD3 leader Christine Hoddy Busch as Superintendent in 2011.

In 2011, Superintendent Dr. Arthur Tate left the District, and the Board hired long-time TD3 leader Christine Hoddy Busch to serve as Superintendent. 

After ten years as Superintendent and nearly 35 years in education, Christine Hoddy Busch retired. 

In 2011, Aguilar School was rebuilt to better accommodate the learning experiences of 21st century students. 

Aguilar Elementary School originally opened in 1975. The school's name honors Juan Aguilar and his wife Concepcion. Mr. Aguilar worked in Tempe Elementary Schools for 37 years (1939-1971) as a custodian and head custodian for a number of district schools.

McKemy Middle School was closed at the end of the 2010-2011 school year due to declining enrollment. In 2013, the 15-acre campus was brought back to life, reopening as Tempe Academy of International Studies – McKemy Campus. As part of it's commitment to world mindedness, the school became an International Baccalaureate World School in 2015.

Laird School, now serving K-8 students, was rebuilt in 2016. In 2022, it was renamed Cecil Shamley School, honoring a man who was employed in Tempe Elementary from 1959-1981 in various school locations including Aguilar, Fees, Gililland, and Laird in positions including Assistant Principal and Principal. It has been reported that Shamley was the developer of the Kindergarten Readiness Program at Laird School.

OUR ROOTS
Cecil Shamley School, then known as Laird School, originally opened in 1964. As a sign of the times, the opening was delayed to October of that year due to chalk boards not being installed in classrooms in time for the start of the year.

NEW BEGINNINGS
The 1960s era school went under a complete rebuild in 2016 to better serve the needs of 21st century learners. Changes for the school continued in 2022 when the school was renamed Cecil Shamley School, in honor former Tempe Elementary School employee, Cecil Shamley.

Shamley was employed in Tempe Elementary from 1959 to 1981 at various school locations including Aguilar Elementary, Fees College Preparatory Middle School, Mosley Middle School (formerly Gilliland), and Shamley School (formerly Laird) in positions including Assistant Principal and Principal. Then Principal Shamley and Counselor Susan Edwards developed and instituted the Kindergarten Readiness Program at Laird School, which was later adopted by other schools in Tempe, across Arizona, and in other states.

In 2017, Arredondo Elementary School was rebuilt. 

Arredondo Elementary originally opened in 1972. The school’s name honors longtime Tempe residents Alejandro and Josefa Arredondo. Mrs. Arredondo worked in Tempe Elementary cafeterias and all six of her sons have worked in education.

The original building was fully renovated during the 2016-2017 school year, transforming the campus into a state-of-the-art facility with modern classrooms, common spaces, and outdoor learning areas. These enhancements not only provide a safe and welcoming environment but also promote collaboration and innovation among our students and staff.

Arredondo celebrated the school's 50th anniversary in February 2023, welcoming members of the Arredondo family and former staff members to campus for the school-wide festivities.

On August 21, 2017, people across the United States witnessed The “Great American Eclipse.” 

Students were able to observe the solar eclipse, as the moon blocked the sun, creating a unique and awe-inspiring spectacle. Many schools, including those throughout TD3, organized viewing events for students using proper eye protection to witness the historical event.

NEW BUILDING FOR A NEW ERA

More than four decades after first opening, Nevitt Elementary was rebuilt in 2018 to better serve the needs of 21st century learners. The new school was rebuilt around an expansive courtyard used for outdoor learning activities.

OUR ROOTS

Nevitt Elementary School opened in 1973, named after Harold Nevitt. Nevitt, a Tempe native, attended Tempe Elementary Schools as well as Tempe High School. He continued his studies locally, attending what was then called Arizona State Teachers College, now Arizona State University. Nevitt taught for six months before joining the Naval Corps during World War II. He continued to serve the Tempe community for 22 years, first on the Board of Trustees and then Tempe Community Council.

Before it was Frank Elementary, Guadalupe School became a pillar of the Town of Guadalupe when an old adobe building was renovated to hold classes for the first time in 1929.

Originally part of the Rural School District, Guadalupe School officially became part of Tempe Elementary Schools in 1953 after the community lobbied Tempe to annex to Rural School District.

The school changed its name to Frank Elementary in 1968 to honor Veda B. Frank, who passed away that year. Frank had worked in the District as a teacher and principal for 21 years. 

HONORING THE PAST WHILE ENTERING THE FUTURE

Frank Elementary School was rebuilt in 2011 to better serve the needs of 21st century students. In tribute to the school's deep roots, the original bell that, for over 100 years had signaled the beginning of the school day for the Guadalupe community, was incorporated into the new school campus when it was rebuilt once again in 2018.

OUR ROOTS

The acreage that currently serves as the home of McKemy Academy has held many titles in the history of Tempe Elementary School.

Originally Concorda School, the school first opened in March of 1958, consisting of 21 general classrooms, five special classrooms, a library, and a "cafetorium" (a combination of cafeteria and gymnasium) across the 15-acre campus.

Along its history, the campus was renamed McKemy Middle School, in honor of Tempe’s longest serving superintendent, Harvey M. McKemy, filling the role from 1938 to 1962. Due to declining enrollment, the school was closed following the 2010-2011 school year.

NEW LIFE

In 2013, the 15-acre campus was brought back to life, reopening as Tempe Academy of International Studies – McKemy Campus. As part of its commitment to world mindedness, the school became an International Baccalaureate World School in 2015.

Yet another transformation was in store for the school. In 2020, the campus underwent a complete rebuild, ushering in its new era as  McKemy Academy of International Studies.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Wood was rebuilt in 2020 to better serve the needs of 21st century students.

Wood Elementary School opened in September of 1975, named in honor of Mrs. Ruby Wood.

After being a dedicated volunteer at Guadalupe School since 1933, Ruby Wood began her official teaching career with the District in 1953, splitting her time between Guadalupe School and Rural School. The last 21 years of her career were spent at Guadalupe School until she retired in 1974. During her final two years, she worked as a teacher, truant officer, counselor, nurse, and Director of Special Education. Working in Tempe had been a homecoming for Wood, who attended the old Rural and Eighth Street schools as a child and graduated with the first four-year class at Tempe High in 1912.

During this decade, Tempe Elementary School District celebrates 150 years of community-inspired education. 

Since 1874, when the Tempe Elementary School District became the third school district in Maricopa County, we have focused on our mission of inspiring excellence… Every Child… Every Adult… Every day. Details of our upcoming sesquicentennial celebrations will be posted on our website!

School construction continued with a newly rebuilt Wood Elementary opening in 2020 and Gililland (Mosley) Middle School opening in 2022.

After ten years as Superintendent and nearly 35 years in education, Christine Hoddy Busch retired. The Governing Board hired Dr. James Driscoll in 2021 as Tempe Elementary School District’s 11th leader.

The Governing Board hired Dr. James Driscoll in 2021 as Tempe Elementary School District’s 11th leader.

Under Dr. Driscoll’s servant and transformational leadership, the District has taken on initiatives reflective of the new district-wide five-year strategic plan launched in 2022.

The future of elementary teaching and learning has pivoted quickly under his leadership, establishing high standards for educators, implementing a unique learning framework, setting goals and measuring results aimed toward revolutionizing instructional planning, and empowering students to be future ready. 

OUR ROOTS

Mosley Middle School, then known as Gililland Middle School first opened its doors in 1963. During that school year, Tempe Elementary Schools reached its highest enrollment to date (at that time) – 6,883 students.

A NEW ERA

In 2022, the school was renamed Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School in honor of former Tempe teacher, Geneva Epps Mosley. Mosley worked in the District as a teacher from 1960-1989 in various school locations including, Frank Elementary and Gililland Middle School. It has been reported that Mosley was the first African American teacher who taught at Gililland Middle School. Mosley continued to work as a substitute teacher until 80 years old and now resides in Tempe. 

The new name was quickly followed by a new building. Students entered the 2023-2024 school year with a new, state-of-the-art campus, specifically designed to meet the needs of 21st century learners.