As the San Carlos Unified School District enters its second year under the leadership of Superintendent Shawn Pietila, the district is poised to build on the successes of programs instituted over the past decade by multiple leadership groups.
From San Carlos Apache cultural programs to mentorship of students and their families, to leadership training for teachers and administrators, SCUSD is building and maintaining infrastructure to ensure successful outcomes and a safe environment for its students.
“One of my commitments as Superintendent is to continue improving communication and creating opportunities to celebrate the great work happening across our district,” Pietila said. “Whether someone works directly with students or supports our schools behind the scenes, every role in SCUSD contributes to student success. Our District is stronger because of the dedication of the people who serve our students every day.”
With the opening weeks of the 2026-2027 school year in the rearview mirror, the work to serve an increasing student population is well underway.
The District currently has 1,331 students enrolled throughout the district.
Rice Primary and Intermediate schools, led by Principal Marthalean Talkalai and Associate Principal Isaiah May, and Principal Zaffine Magana and Associate Principal Paul Fine, have 255 and 321 students, respectively. San Carlos Middle School, led by Principal Nick Ferro and Associate Principal Kori Bullock, has 312 students; San Carlos High School, led by Principal Navdeep Rajput and Associate Principal Annama Joseph, has 392 students. The San Carlos Alternative School started the school year with 51 students.
“While enrollment is an important measure for a school district, these numbers represent much more than a count,” Pietila said. "They represent students who walk through our doors each day and families who trust us, but most importantly, they represent opportunities to make a difference in every student's life."
Organized around the concept of Shilgozhoo, the Apache word for “I'm happy,” the district has worked to create an atmosphere that allows students to succeed outside the walls of the school, while maintaining a cultural identity to give them a point of reference for their lives.
For students, the Cultural Success Coaching Program offers a safe space and gives troubled students an outlet for their frustrations as well as material support during the school year, from clothing to food to hygiene products. Parents receive support through the Parent Educator Program, and the district partnered with Complete Vision Care and the San Carlos Healthcare Corporation last year to provide glasses to 787 students.
SCUSD has also increased its dual enrollment offerings thanks to partnerships with San Carlos Apache College (SCAC), Gila Community College (GCC), and the Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT), so high school students can earn college credits to get a head start on higher education opportunities.
For teachers, staff, and administrators, the district has partnered with Kids at Hope, an organization with a foundational belief that “all students can succeed, no exceptions” by redefining stereotypes, in order to train educators how to create an optimal environment for student success.
Additionally, the district has focused on developing leadership from within the district and community when applicable, in order to further cement students' ties to the San Carlos Apache community.
Pietila said his administration will continue the work begun in his first year of leadership with a focus on professional development throughout the system.
The district will also work to increase student safety and wellness, including training and certification for automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in partnership with Fiesta Sports Foundation, Judy Ferreira, and Kaili West.
Throughout the year, Pietila and his administrative staff will work with the SCUSD Governing School Board to enhance current programs and create a three- to five-year plan that will serve as a roadmap to future success for students, parents, staff, and administration.
The district will also focus on ways to enhance student achievement, attendance, safety and wellness, as well as strengthen relationships and cultural pride to increase opportunities for every student.
Thanks to stability in leadership, the district has seen an increase in graduation rates, improvement in state proficiency letter grades, and increased teacher retention and support.
Pietila says the district's success is the result of the dedication teachers, administrators, and staff show to students and their families.
“No one person can do this work alone,” he said. “When we work together, encourage one another, and keep students at the center of every decision, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.”
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