By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The Marana Unified School District eliminated more than 20 bus stops serving students from the Altar Valley area who attend Marana High School, with the changes taking effect at the start of this school year.
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The district is maintaining two stops for students in the San Joaquin and Bopp areas: San Joaquin & Ursa and Sandario & Snyder Hill Road.
One father, John Unekis, said the nearest remaining stop — at S. Sandario Road and Snyder Hill Road — is about 7 miles from his home, too far for his two sons to walk.
“It seems kind of dangerous for the kids to be milling around on the side of a high speed road waiting for the bus together,” Unekis said. “There are no guard rails or shelters or anything to separate the kids from the traffic.”
Unekis’ sons have attended Marana High for two years after completing eighth grade at Altar Valley School District, which serves K-8 students.
On the first day of school, Unekis said approximately 30 cars were in the drop-off line and 45 students were already on the bus before students from the Snyder Hill stop boarded. He says he hopes the district will consider a larger bus or relocate the stop to a safer location.
In April 2026, Marana High School Principal Caitlyn Kauffman sent an email to affected families explaining the decision, citing financial limitations. The full text of that email reads:
Dear Altar Valley Families,
I am writing to share an important update regarding transportation for students attending Marana High School. I want to ensure you receive clear and timely information about how upcoming changes will impact our Altar Valley community.
Like many school districts across Arizona, we are facing ongoing financial challenges along with increasing enrollment and transportation demands. Following a comprehensive transportation audit, adjustments to several bus routes and services will take effect beginning August 2026.
For Altar Valley families, this includes the difficult decision to eliminate a bus route serving your area. As a result, the following stops will no longer be serviced:
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- S Sandario Rd & W Ajo Hwy
- S Sandario Rd & W Park Rd
- S Sandario Rd & W Sandario Ranch Tr
- S Marstellar Rd & W Valencia Rd
- S Marstellar Rd & W Carolyn Ln
- S Marstellar Rd & W Cactus Ridge Dr
- S Marstellar Rd @ Mama V’s Notary Sign
- S Marstellar Rd & Los Reales
- Taylor Lane Bus Stop
- S Sandario Rd & W Camino Lucido
- Nicos – 15270 W Ajo Hwy
- W Ajo Hwy & S Silver Star Dr
- Chevron – Three Points
- W Ajo Hwy & W Doyle St
- W Ajo Hwy & S Comanche Rd
- W Ajo Hwy & S Antique Way
- S Sierrita Mountain Rd & W Sierrita Vista Dr
- S Sierrita Mountain Rd & W Kestrel Rd
- S Sierrita Mountain Rd & W Guy St
- S Sierrita Mountain Rd & W Viking St (Giant)
- W Scotland St & S Nicole Ave
- S Sierrita Mountain Rd & W Ava Rd
- S Sierrita Mountain Rd & W Cortel Rd
We recognize that this change will have a significant impact, and this decision was not made lightly. Our team carefully reviewed multiple options, and these adjustments are necessary to ensure we can sustain transportation services across the district.
We will continue to provide transportation for students who reside within district boundaries in the San Joaquin and Bopp areas. Bus service will remain available at the following locations:
- San Joaquin & Ursa
- Sandario & Snyder Hill
Students who can access these stops may continue to use district transportation. For families who are unable to reach these locations, you may need to consider providing transportation to Marana High School or exploring enrollment at Flowing Wells High School, as Flowing Wells High School currently plans to continue offering transportation services in your area.
I understand that this news may be frustrating and create challenges for your family. Please know that we value our partnership with you and remain committed to supporting your student’s success. We are here to help you navigate these changes as best we can.
If you have questions or would like to discuss your individual situation, please do not hesitate to contact our transportation department at (520) 682-1055.
Thank you for your understanding and for being a valued part of our school community.
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