The Arizona Department of Education grant will place off-duty police officers in the majority of MUSD schools, enhancing campus security for the 2026-27 school year.
Marana Unified School District (MUSD) is significantly expanding its on-campus law enforcement presence this school year, thanks to a $2.4 million grant from the Arizona Department of Education. The funding will grow the district’s School Safety Officer (SSO) program to cover 10 schools, placing off-duty police officers on the majority of campuses across Marana and surrounding areas.
The expansion comes as districts statewide prioritize school security. MUSD officials say the SSO program has been effective in building relationships between students and law enforcement while providing a rapid response capability in emergencies. The grant allows the district to extend the program to more elementary, middle, and high schools, though specific campuses were not listed in the announcement.
“This grant is a direct investment in the safety and well-being of our students and staff,” said a district spokesperson in a news release. “Having trained law enforcement officers on campus provides peace of mind for families and helps us maintain a secure learning environment.”
The SSO program is separate from the district’s broader emergency preparedness efforts. MUSD also reminds families about its SpeakUp Safety Tip Line, which allows anyone to text or call (520) 518-4181 24/7 to report threats to student safety. The district has also outlined communication protocols for school emergencies, including real-time updates via ParentVUE and other channels.
Other Back-to-School Updates
In addition to the safety expansion, MUSD is rolling out several other changes and reminders for the 2026-27 school year:
- New ParentVUE App: The current ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps will be retired on July 21, 2026. Families are urged to download the new and improved versions to stay connected with grades, attendance, and school alerts.
- Healthy Schools Act: Arizona’s new law restricts certain food ingredients in school meals. MUSD schools participating in federal meal programs will no longer serve or sell foods with banned ingredients. Families can expect updated menus and nutrition information.
- Free & Reduced-Price Meals: Applications are now being accepted for the 2026-27 school year. Families must reapply annually; one application covers all children in a household.
- Chromebook Insurance: The district offers a $30 annual insurance plan for student Chromebooks. Students receiving free or reduced-price meals qualify for a waiver, but families must sign up at their home schools.
- New Buses: Four new charter buses have been added to the fleet, providing climate-controlled travel for athletic competitions, field trips, and other school activities.
- Meet the Teacher Events: Elementary and K-8 schools will host open houses at the start of the year, allowing families to meet teachers and tour classrooms.
Recognition and Opportunities
MUSD also celebrates recent achievements: Gladden Farms Elementary was named a National Gold Star School, and Estes Elementary’s LEAP and Preschool programs earned a 5-star rating from Quality First, Arizona’s top rating for early childhood programs.
The district is also hiring special education teachers, offering emergency certification or post-bachelor’s programs for those with a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, MUSD is nominated for Best Place to Work in the Arizona Daily Star Readers’ Choice Awards; voting runs through August 9.
Families in need of support can access the MUSD Family Resource Center, which provides food, clothing, basic necessities, and referrals through community partnerships.