Ruth is the one who directly ensures that all items get to the auditors in a timely basis and I I want to um really congratulate him this year because it it was one of the fastest audits I think we've had for the last few years. Um everything went very smoothly and we just couldn't be happier uh with the process of of um the identification of the areas that we already knew uh due to staff turnover. So it wasn't surprising and we've already taken so many steps to ensure that having just people sitting in the seats who are trained and ready to go make a big difference. So um really happy uh with our team and then with our audit team as always great to work with them uh to partner and look for tools to help improve our efficiencies. It's kind of like you, this is interesting because I never had this frame of reference before, but this is our classroom walkthrough for >> our business operations area, right?
you know, the people at the table who made the decisions, they actually took what we said into play, like into my like play and they understood what our day looks like and what these changes make. um that sense of belonging, that sense of representation, that sense of leadership, it's just overwhelmingly like one of the things behind it for for me as a board member. Again, it goes to truly understanding the voices behind the data and um just having the opportunity to know that we are understanding and and it allows for that bridge. Again, we're not going to understand it by sending me over to a classroom and asking some questions as a board member, by Steve being in a place and asking. They're not going to talk to us the same, right? And this is a way to bridge that communication gap. This is the way to bridge the problem that I've seen over and over again where we don't understand why the attendance is down in this way or that way, why some of our students aren't performing like some of their peers, why, you know, certain extracurriculars maybe are doing better.
So it might be best for the employee to go for the insurance instead. So it really it just we can help navigate that's the whole point of navigation. If they call us and say, "Hey, this is a free drug, but I just want to filter through you." >> Great. The benefit if it's on that three generic drug list because they have two because a lot of people aren't just on one script. They're on several. So, you know, like metformin is a great example. A lot of people with more on high dollar brandame drugs are also on like a metformin is a free drug on that list. They can have that attached to that brand. The other nice thing about the system is your employees don't have to use it and it doesn't change their program and it doesn't change anything with the school. >> Correct.
>> There's the success criteria. >> Success criteria. Yeah. >> Yeah. Exactly. They're like a a little less engagement and a little bit more making sure these deposits get in in a timely. >> Always those deposits. >> Thank you guys so much. And thank you, Miss Shapiro, to you and your team. We appreciate it. Okay. >> All right. And with that, I move the governing board accept the audit reports for fiscal year 2425 in compliance with ARS15-914.H. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Oh, I'm sorry. This is a roll call. Miss Ays, >> I. >> Miss Gibson McClean, >> I. >> Myself, I. Mr. Jones, I >> and Miss Marquez I. >> Thank you. Nays. Motion passes. That brings us to 11A. Um board members, we're going to have a quick discussion and then we will have a vote if we want to adopt this Black History Month resolution.
Just there's so many reasons. So, um I just don't want to leave this as something that's just It's like a we're just going to do the same thing that we've done. I really obviously feel passionately that we absolutely need student voices at the table in our discussions and given the power to actually seek out um those voices for feedback. >> Yeah. Thanks for listening. That was long. I I um I looked into thanks Danielle for your perspective there and it's to me it's a little bit of a branding issue too on how we're a branding and also what we've specified for the current role the ambassadors. Okay. So um and I think we have as I think was communicated I think we have the power to kind of change that you know what we want out of this position and I I I think I agree with most of everything you said as far as um it would be an important voice to add to the mix.
>> This is 100% a bolt-on. What does that mean? So, and again, we can have a much larger conversation as legislation in Indiana is aggressively changing how healthcare is consumed both on the federal level and the state level. direct contracting like this is becoming more and more and more common and you already kind of see it how you know how we set it up with Lutheran way back in the day for like a coach Collins or how the clinic looks like or you know other deals that have happened in the past. This is kind of the same thing but except it's focused on pharmacy. So you as a consumer as an employer can work with other local entities to bring in like we're bringing mental health services. So like for several factories are bringing in on-site mental health services. So we have teleaalth for that and so they come in twice a week if they need additional services.
In the past years before the new board, this new makeup of the board, we have passed different resolutions. We had a Black Lives Matter one during the George Floyd institutions and we had a few um of those before. this new board has not made collectively a resolution and what a perfect time um to do it during Black History Month. So, I will go ahead and read. And we want to thank um Copper Shade Education Alliance, which is um our advocacy um and membership um nonprofit that we work with, who helped us um create this resolution to really honor um you know, the the black magic that we have not only across the United States, but here in Arizona specifically. So, I will go ahead and read it and then we can have a discussion. Whereas, Black History Month is observed each February to honor the achievements, resilience, and lasting contributions of black Americans to our nation's history, culture, democracy, and educational advancement.
Um I did look at a couple school districts. Superintendent Kim um forwarded a link to me to Leiden uh district 212 and I went on there. They have uh what they call student um I think they call them student board members. Um but I couldn't find a video on that. I wanted to watch the videos to see the interaction um of the the students with with the board. Um but they do they do have them um they are uh from what I gather they are um uh they have to be recommended by a staff member um for the position and then I think there's you know a process that goes goes with that. So, I didn't get a good feel for the interaction uh from that school district. But then I did look at Asiggo 308 and I was able to watch a couple meetings there and that um their board members well one of the meetings they they didn't they weren't there um for that particular meeting and one of the the regular board members uh gave the update.
[snorts] Great. And they can do tellahalth with our psych team at camera. Um because what we're finding is things like EAP are horrible. Um and not saying that they aren't valid. They're just not meeting the needs of the employers. So we know right off the bat like you know the mental health, muscoskeleletal health, hypertension issues. we can help. This helps curb the cost, but it doesn't fix the root problem. So, as you as an employer are looking to address the root problems through the data that you get from your TPA, you can go to a hospital like a camera and say, "What can you do to help me address uh the mental well-being of my employees, the the you know, we do a lot of screenings for employees, like we'll go to Tony's place, we do the screenings, we come back to HR and say, "Hey, you guys have a great issue with hypertension." Well, part of it is these guys are on the line drinking White and you know you know have the pouches in their mouth like that's not a great way to live life and eat lunch.
And whereas black Americans have made profound contributions in education, public service, science, literature, civil rights, business, and community leadership, including leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Thood Marshall. And whereas Arizona is home to trailblazing black leaders whose work has shaped our state and nation, including Dr. Lincoln J. Ragdale, Senior, Tusky Gman, and Phoenix civil rights pioneer Calvin C. Good. Phoenix first black city council member and longtime advocate for civil rights and community development. Errol Barnett, national journalist whose work informs and elevates public discourse. Michael Bell, former NFL player and Arizona native who has represented the state at the national level, and Justice Maria Elena Cruz, the first person of African and Hispanic descent to serve on the Arizona Supreme Court appointed by Governor Katie Katie Hobbes in January of 2025 and countless educators, public servants, entrepreneurs, and students whose contributions continue to strengthen Arizona's communities and public instit institutions.
Um but the other one I watched um there was the representative there and I think what I found interesting there was she um she gave an update on a specific initiative that they were working on um that they were tasked um from I guess the board the regular board um to kind of work with and give feedback on and get students perspective. So, um I think there was direction given then to them on kind of what to um work on and uh report back to the board. So, um and they did sit at they did sit at the the table here, you know. Um so, that was uh that was interesting to see. Um now, I didn't see much other than when it was time for their comments. I didn't see like much other interaction on the other issues, you know, like when we were talking about the playground or, you know, the rework and the other work at HC Storm.
How can we create education around serving those individuals to make sure they're not dying by 40? >> So you know there are so many things that you as a district can do being self-insured that can help cut off the cause of these issues and not just kind of save money on the back end treatment issues. So something to kind of be aware of and Nick does a great Nick Napier is a excellent resource for that. Is this something we need to like roll out with information to the our employees or is that because Pete will reach out to them. How does how does that work? >> Yeah, it would start the agreement would start March 1st and Melissa and I and Gina and others will be actively working on it. Um Pete's team obviously has, you know, volunteered and will be actively involved in contacting employees.
And whereas public education plays a vital role in teaching students an inclusive and accurate understanding of American history, fostering respect, civic responsibility, and appreciation for diverse perspectives. And whereas the Kraton Elementary School District is committed to ensuring that all students see themselves reflected in the curriculum, are valued for who they are, and are empowered to achieve academic excellence. And whereas recognizing Black History Month affirms the district's dedication to equity, opportunity, and the belief that understanding our shared history strengthens our collective future. Now therefore, be it resolved that the governing board of the Kraton Elementary School District hereby recognizes February as Black History Month, and that the governing board encourages schools throughout the district to celebrate Black History Month through age appropriate educational activities, classroom instruction, assemblies, student projects, and community engagement opportunities that highlight the contributions of black Americans, including leaders from Arizona and that the governing board reaffirms its commitment to priv providing a safe, inclusive and academically rigorous environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Um, so I I didn't see that and I just it was just the one meeting. So sample of one there, but um but so I think where where I'm at is I think we I have no problem. I think it's probably a good idea to do it. Um I think we got to be a little bit careful on exactly what issues that they're going to be involved with. Um, and but to Danielle's point is if there's some data here that we need kind of the story behind the numbers, I think they could provide a very valuable addition to uh to that understanding. Um, so I'm willing to kind of look at what we have for the requirements right now and if we want to rebrand it to the board uh student board member um I think I'm okay with that too. But um um but let's just be pretty diligent about how we specify the requirements.
It is a slow roll out. Um, again, I think one of the biggest things to point out to the board as you're considering this is that they did wave fees in the first year. So, I have I have no PEPM in the first year on this, but we will we will re-evaluate. And I can't stress enough that utilization is key to this program being successful. If we do not get our employees on board with this, which they have no reason to not be on board, so I'm hopeful that they will be, but if they do not, our worst case scenario is they'll claw back what is owed to them in that first year. that's in the contract I have no issue with. I mean, they're going to be doing a ton of work. They're going to be offering the service. It's not their fault in my mind if our employees don't take advantage of it.
That is um the resolution in itself and I will leave it up for comments, questions or anything it is that you we want to add. And Miss Gibson McLean, it looks like you have something. Go ahead. Um, so I went to school originally to be a high school history teacher and I grew up in Phoenix and um, my parents grew up here as well. And one of the people that my parents that my father grew up with on the southside and went to South Mountain High School with was a woman named Carolyn Warren. Her father was Morrison Warren. And Dr. Morrison Warren was actually the first city council member in Phoenix. Um, and so I just want to make a correction. Calvin Good is a fantastic public servant who served our city for years. He actually is just the longest serving city council member. And Dr.
Now the other thing is what I saw there is a commitment too for this this role. So, um, these student board members are expected to sit at the table and be there for the entire meeting. Obviously, not for close session and stuff. So, there is an expectation. I think there's a little from where we currently are a little there's going to be a little a big jump actually in expectations and responsibility on what they'll will want. So, it's going to be work and commitment by those individuals and it's going to take probably a certain certain type of individual to um you know fulfill that role. So, um that's going to be another key aspect. We want to make sure we get the right people, set them up for success. Um but I think great leadership opportunity for those individuals. And the other thing, and I've talked to Erin about this, is I think there's a mentorship part of that position too that we're missing out on.
So, our worst case scenario is 25 to $26,000 if I'm remembering right off the top of my head. Um, that's well worth the risk in my mind for a program that I feel is invaluable to our employees. I've had a few questions on, you know, what if I get a cold? What if things like that? I need a Zpack right now. I don't want to run up to Angola. Um, I would say to those employees and I have said to those employees that have brought that concern to me, that's why we have a clinic that is free. You go over there, say, "I have a cold," they'll give you a free Zpack right then. >> Okay. So, I'm kind of hopeful that the utilization of this prescription drug program will feed utilization of our clinic as well. Um, because they're two great services for our employees that are just not being taken advantage of as well as they can.
Morrison Warren was the first black city council member and vice mayor who served from 1965 to 1970. The other reason I know this is because Carolyn Warren's daughter was my eighth grade English teacher at at BPA. And so um I just wanted to acknowledge that. And then also his grandson is a graduate of BPA as well. And so I've known about this family. I've my family has known them for decades and it's like such a small town here in Phoenix. So, if you know um if you're from here, it's like a small big city, right? Um but I just wanted to say also another thing that would be that's great to know about Dr. Morrison Warren is that he's like one of the early pioneers of the Head Start program here um in the state and was on like the very first Head Start uh committee.
And that means they should be leaders within our community. They should be going back to our elementary schools, the middle school, working with, you know, particular student leaders at those schools as well, getting those voices and um um understanding some of the issues there. So I think there's an opportunity for not only for that individual to gain leadership themselves but also to be mentors to some of our younger students. something I didn't touch on and I I know you guys to add in more but just to kind of go back on that um one of like a a really amazing state doing they actually Washington um has like a it's like a student board member like your um IEA but for student board members um but um one of the things that's really recommended is to actually not have it be uh recommended by staff.