Santa Cruz County announced on Apr. 27 that it is developing a Workforce Development Strategic Plan, aiming to expand employment opportunities and improve collaboration among public, private, and educational sectors. The county has partnered with WestEd, a national research organization, to gather perspectives from community members via an online survey and a series of community convenings.
The initiative comes as local education data shows significant challenges in student achievement. In the 2022-23 school year, 74.4% of students in grades three through eight did not pass the mathematics section of the AASA assessment according to the Arizona Department of Education. Similarly, 84% of high school students failed the mathematics portion of the ACT during that period as reported by the Arizona Department of Education. English proficiency rates were also low; 66.4% of third through eighth graders did not pass the English section on AASA according to state data, while 72% of high schoolers failed English on the ACT as noted by education officials.
Recent results show some improvement but continued concern: in the 2023-24 school year, only 18% of high schoolers passed math on the ACT according to state statistics, while just under one quarter—23.6%—of third through eighth grade students passed math on AASA state records show.
Community members are encouraged to complete an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PGHN83X and attend one or more upcoming convenings scheduled for early May at locations across Santa Cruz County. These include sites in Tubac, Nogales, Rio Rico, Sonoita, and Patagonia. RSVP information is available at https://forms.gle/ZVohT9dq4M6QrU4n7.
Organizers say they hope broad participation will ensure that “the Workforce Development Strategic Plan centers on community perspectives that are critical to its success.” The county plans for this effort to result in a comprehensive plan shaped by local voices.
