Tucson school district notifies parents of active tuberculosis case at Van Buskirk Elementary

Key points

• Tucson Unified School District issued a letter to parents regarding a recent active tuberculosis diagnosis involving a person associated with Van Buskirk Elementary School.
• The district and Pima County Health Department are working together to identify students and staff who may have been significantly exposed to the bacteria.
• Public health officials will assess potential exposure and contact individuals who may require further information, testing, or other next steps.
• The Pima County Health Department has not classified this situation as an emergency.
• Van Buskirk Elementary assigned Licensed Practical Nurse Melanie Rodgers to assist with parent concerns, and the district emphasized that tuberculosis is treatable and curable.

Background

This incident follows a similar tuberculosis case at Seventy-First High School in Cumberland County, North Carolina, which prompted extensive contact tracing and screening of over 260 potential close contacts in late September 2026. While the North Carolina case involved a high school, the current situation in Tucson involves an elementary school, highlighting ongoing public health vigilance in educational settings.

Why it matters

The notification underscores the importance of rapid public health response in schools to prevent the spread of airborne diseases like tuberculosis. By proactively identifying potential exposures and offering testing, the district aims to protect the health of students and staff while maintaining transparency with parents. The emphasis on the treatable nature of the disease helps mitigate panic while ensuring appropriate medical follow-up.

What to watch

Public health officials will continue to assess potential exposures and contact individuals who may need testing or further information. Parents with concerns can reach out to the assigned nurse at Van Buskirk Elementary or the Pima County Health Department Tuberculosis Control Program. The district will likely update the community as the investigation progresses and any additional cases or exposures are identified.