Daniel O'Brien,
Executive Director of Business Services
Learn about Washington Elementary School District, including Featured News, Key Projects, and The Team.
Washington Elementary School District (WESD) is proud to serve a diverse population in north central Phoenix and east Glendale. The largest elementary school district in Arizona, WESD is comprised of 32 schools (19 K-6 schools, one K-5 school, seven K-8 schools and five middle/junior high schools).
WESD has many achievements of which to be proud:
Great news! During the March 9, 2023 Governing Board meeting, new salary increases were approved for the 2023-2024 school year! Teacher salaries will start at $51,610, including performance pay and a mentorship program*. Occupational/physical therapists will also see a pay increase starting at $71,000. Speech pathologists can earn a starting salary of $71,000. Additionally, the starting salary for psychologists will be $75,000. The Board also approved a three percent salary increase for all employees, as well as one-time stipends. *Denotes completion of the BEGIN program and earning performance pay.
The WESD was proud to open its new Food Pantry with a special dedication ceremony on Monday, October 24 ! Thanks to a $50,000 grant from Thunderbird Charities and a partnership with the HonorHealth Foundation and Desert Mission Food Bank, the Food Pantry will serve the needs of WESD students and families. The pantry is located at Ocotillo Elementary School in the Washington Resource Information Center (WRIC), which is run by Enriqueta DiSanto, Haidi Chacon and Maria Calderas. In attendance at the event were Governing Board Vice President Nikkie Whaley, Governing Board Member Jenni Abbott-Bayardi, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Lori Mora, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lyn Bailey and Ocotillo Principal Mandy Taylor. During the ceremony, Superintendent Dr. Paul Stanton spoke on behalf of the WESD.
Special thank you to Director of Social Services Dorothy Watkins and Director of Food Services Melissa Paulsen who worked collaboratively with the WRIC team and Anne Costa from the Desert Mission Food Bank to make this idea a reality to benefit our students and families!
During its last regular meeting before the summer recess, the Phoenix City Council awarded a $4.5 million grant to the WESD to support HVAC systems replacements and water filling stations at four schools: Ocotillo Elementary School, Palo Verde Middle School, Roadrunner Elementary and Washington Elementary. This program is funded by HUD through the CARES Act and the Community Development Block Grant. Special thanks to the council members who represent the WESD; Councilwoman Ann O'Brien, PHX D1, District 1; Councilwoman Debra Stark, District 3 and Councilwoman Betty Guardado, District 5. The WESD truly appreciates its partnership with the city and our council members.
Superintendent