J.O. Combs Unified School District is located within an easy commute of Phoenix, Arizona, and serves over 4,400 students in San Tan Valley and the surrounding community. Our rapidly growing district is very proud of its dedicated staff, enthusiastic students and their parents, and our many progressive programs.

Message from the J.O. Combs Unified School District Governing Board

After careful review of all of the facts surrounding the cafeteria incident of May 17, 2013, the School Board of J.O. Combs Unified School District stands behind and fully supports the decisions of the Combs High School Administration. Policies and procedures were followed appropriately. There are many facts which were not initially presented or announced by the media, which fully support the discipline invoked, which involve the suspension of twelve students. Only three seniors were involved, among whom only one may have been eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies. The consequence of suspension prohibits students from being on campus, participating in extra-curricular activities, or competing in competitive events. A suspension received this time of year impacts all end-of-the-year events, including the graduation ceremony.

All of the twelve students involved have admitted guilt to participation in an event resulting in considerable property damage to student yearbooks, senior projects, a guitar, and clothing as well as disruption to administrative schedules including new faculty interviews, special software training, and other meetings. It has caused much angst and disappointment. Those who have compared it to last year's incident of graffiti need to understand that students involved in that incident could not be identified prior to graduation, or they too would have suffered the same consequences. In the end,those students were ultimately identified and turned over to the Pinal County Sherriff's Department. This current incident was planned well in advance, and most students elected to not participate. As such, it was not a simple spur of the moment attempt to have fun; it was a malicious act resulting in damage and loss.

Patricia J. Pinckard, Board President
Shelly Hargis, Board Clerk
Kathy Bourgeous, Member
Rhett A. Homan, Member
Gary F. Kemp, Ed.D. Member

About J.O. Combs Unified School District

As our school district and community grow, we are committed to preserving the 'small school' atmosphere where students and families are known by staff and treated with respect as well as providing educational experiences in which the entire family can participate and be proud. Thank you parents, students, staff, and community. Our combined efforts show in the results, and the results speak for themselves - together we make a difference.

We invite you to use our district website to learn more about our district programs, schools, and successes. For information about employment with J.O. Combs, click on our employment area, or you can visit our school sites, help our district take advantage of School Tax Credits, review the district calendar, and much more.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us directly.