 TEMPE MAN DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES, PAGE 5


westvalleyview.com — the newspaper of Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Litchfield Park & Tolleson, AZ (623) 535-8439


JUST AROUND THE BEND INSIDE news1@westvalleyview.com


Have a news tip? Send it to


50¢ Friday, August 10, 2012


RE-BOURNE? Same movie, different cast — Page 18.


View photo by Ray Thomas


RODEO POLE BENDING RACER AUSTIN BUTLER of Buckeye gives her horse Kidd Simms a little workout after her return from the National High School Finals Rodeo in Rock Springs, Wyo. See the story on Page 8.


Football practice in high gear — Page 11.


PREP WORK


DAILY UPDATES! News Updates and fresh Classified ads posted Monday - Friday at 4:30 p.m. online at


www.westvalleyview.com


Volume 27, No. 35 24 Pages 1 Section


Circulation: 79,389 INDEX


Classifieds .................... 21 Editorials & Letters .......... 6 Obituaries ...................... 19 Sports ........................... 11 9 Days a Week............... 17 Recycle this paper


AIMS scores up in most districts But only 50% of schools meet state average


by Emily McCann staff writer


West Valley schools’ AIMS results, which were released last week by the Arizona Department of Education. However, even though many showed improved scores, only about 50 percent of schools met the state averages.


Pupils in third- through eighth-grade and 10th grade are required to take the AIMS, or Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards, to measure mastery of various subject materials


Improvement was the theme this year for most


as outlined in the adopted state curriculum standards. “We continue to show increases each year with our AIMS scores across the spectrum,” Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal said. “Not only have we made progress this year, but anticipate greater progress in coming years.” Once again, Arizona saw improvement on the science test, with 60 percent of pupils passing the assessment.


increase over 2011 when 76 percent passed. Despite an increase in writing standards three years ago, there was a slight boost in writing scores, from 56 percent passing in 2011 to 57 percent in 2012.


Math scores also increased slightly in 2012, with 60 percent of pupils passing, compared to 59 percent in 2011. The following is a summary of how West Valley school districts performed on the tests:


A total of 77 percent of pupils passed the reading assessment, which represents a 1 percent


Agua Fria Union High School Three of the district’s four schools saw increases in the number of pupils passing each subject.


(See AIMS on Page 2) Avondale ponders pool fence ordinance


by Frank Morris staff writer


When Avondale Councilman Ken Weise heard from a concerned resident that a neighbor’s swimming pool lacked a protective barrier, he urged city staff to learn more about what could be done to prevent senseless drownings. “Each drowning hits the community hard,” he


View photo by Michael Clawson


A LOCK HANGS from a swimming pool gate in Avondale. The city is considering a pool fence ordinance.


said. Weise asked that city staff do some research that would compare Avondale’s pool fence ordinance with those of other municipalities. At Monday’s work session meeting, the council considered options presented by Gina Montes, the Neighborhood and Family Services director, in her council report.


Following state law


regarding various swimming pool barriers ordinance options,” Montes said. “Staff is seeking direction and guidance from council on the formulation of a swimming pool barrier ordinance.”


“This is an information and discussion item


The only ordinance adopted by Avondale related to pool barriers is Zoning Ordinance 706 (A), which states, “Swimming pools shall be enclosed in accordance with the provisions of State law.”


The Code Enforcement Division has the ability to enforce the ordinance upon complaint, Montes said.


(See Pool fence on Page 5)


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24