001[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. Good evening everyone. Welcome to our October regular board meeting. It's October already. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. I love Christmas. So, this is a good time of year for me. Um, want to welcome you to our board. We're glad you're here. uh especially we're glad to see our principles and other staff members that are here. Um I'll call this meeting to order. We'll have a pledge of allegiance by Angela Campbell and then following that we'll have a moment of silence. >> Please stand.
002>> Ready? Begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you all very much. Um, I will uh entertain a motion to approve the agenda. >> I move to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I opposed. Motion passes and item 3.1 approval of minutes. >> I move to approve the September governing board minutes as presented. >> Second. >> I have a motion and a second. I want to make sure that we know it's the September 11th regular board meet meeting minutes and our work session meetings held on the 23rd. Any other discussion? All in favor? I opposed. Motion passes. Thank you.
003Tell Kelly we can hear her. We're glad she's with us. Kelly's on the computer. If anybody has any complaints, that's where all the complaints go to Kelly. Uh item 4.1, approval of financials. Miss Davis, >> this is for theembers. I'll make a motion to approve the financial agenda items as presented. >> A second. >> I have a motion to second. Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. Item 5.1, student and staff recognition. Dr. Farnsworth. >> So, we would like to recognize a couple students and a teacher from Elementary. So if the principal come down, we know people are super busy, so we may have a few absences. There she is. Excellent. Okay. How's everybody tonight? >> Right. >> Good. So, I would like to honor I have two students here
004that I would like to honor first. I'm going to start with Ariana. Um, I'm just going to read off my notes here. So, I just want to say um it's been great getting to know Ariana uh these last couple of years. Um she definitely is a um smiley bubbly person and she's always one that I know who will um always help a friend in need or if there is somebody alone she always includes them. Um Ariana's teacher says uh Mrs. Whipple told me that Ariana is one of them those students you can always count on. She's hardworking, she's respectful, and she's always willing to help. And it's not just her teacher who sees that. Her classmates describe her with words like kind, funny, trustworthy, and even a leader. What I love about Ariana is that
005she's the type of student who quietly sets the tone in a classroom. She does the right thing and she's a good friend to everyone and she truly models what it means to be respectful, responsible, safe, and kind. Lyndon is so lucky to have Ariana and I'm so proud to recognize her tonight. So, I just you have this this fun thing and then I just have this gift for you. So, [Applause] and this is Joseph. I had to get him out of karate class today, which I know is important to him, but I'm glad he's here. Um, this is Joseph's first year at Lynden and in just nine weeks he has already made such a big impact on everyone around him. His classmates describe him with words like kind, respectful, helpful, responsible, funny, and a leader.
006Mrs. Ryder, who's both his music teacher and his karate teacher, she's the one who gave me the excuse, shared that Joseph is an incredibly dedicated student in the classroom. He shows respect for staff and peers, stays focused, and works hard to get every assignment done well. In karate, uh she says he shows heart and control, and that when he doesn't understand something, he simply keeps practicing until he gets it right. Joseph has been such a wonderful addition to our school. He is hardworking, kind, and a great friend. Lyndon is truly lucky to have him, and I'm proud to recognize him tonight. just a little gift. Okay. And um now I would like to recognize Mrs. Farader. Uh for this board meeting, our staff was asked to vote for a colleague who exemplifies Lyndon's vision that
007every cougar deserves the crown. The criteria were steep, modeling excellence and equity in every essential standard and using data to guarantee learning for all students. collaborating through PLC's and creating a safe, innovated, and belonging first classroom. Tonight, we are proud to honor Mrs. Farader. When her peers described her, the words that came up again and again were caring, thoughtful, creative, passionate, resilient, loving, and dedicated. They see her as someone who goes above and beyond, not only for her students, but for her colleagues and for our entire school community. From my perspective, Molly is truly magic in the classroom. When you walk into her room, there's no such thing as I can't. She builds her students up and they believe they can do anything they put their mind to. She takes every child as they are.
008Whether they have an IEP, whether they struggle with behavior, or whether they just need an extra boost, and she adapts. She smiles and she makes sure they feel supported. Her students know that she believes in them, and that belief translates into pride and achievement. We are so lucky to have Mrs. Farader at Lynden Elementary. I am so lucky that my son gets to be part of her classroom and I am proud to recognize her tonight. [Applause] >> Come up and take a picture with us, please. >> And then don't leave without shaking our hand. Okay. Parents, if you guys there's parents here that want to get pictures, come on down. >> One, two, three. >> Grandparents, >> whatever. >> Come on now. >> Neighbors, >> anybody with a camera? She might want to be in
009the picture. >> Joseph, switch sides with Ariana so you can be by your grandma. There you go. >> You want to get another one? >> Yes, please. You hiding over there? >> Perfect. All right, Joseph. Joseph, don't leave without shaking our hands, sir. >> Thank you so much. >> Appreciate all you do. >> Thank you. You're awesome. >> Is Ariana's parents, mom, dad, >> stand up for me, please. >> Thank you so much. We appreciate what you do at home. Joseph's mama here. Just grandma. Okay, grandma. Thank you, grandma. We love it when you guys come and see us. Thanks so much and keep keep up the good work. All right, item 5.2, National Principal Appreciation Month, Mr. Farnsworth. >> So, ev every job in the school district is extremely difficult. Working in public education
010is a challenge no matter what job you you hold. But there are some jobs that are extremely challenging and that's the role of of a building principal. And so if I could have all the building principles come down, I told him there'd be a surprise, but I said keep your expectations low. >> So >> that's what I tell people about me. >> Come on, principles. Reagan, are you able to come down? If if not, >> she can make it. Let me do this. There's >> Kelly. >> So, Kelly, can you see everything? >> I can. >> Okay. >> Bye, guys. Thanks for coming. >> I don't know. You didn't see where >> October is National Appreciation for Principles. >> And so, as a small token of our appreciation, we want to give you a certificate.
011plus a gift card. I'm getting too excited. It's not a big gift card. >> $5. >> And uh but we just I just want to say on behalf of the district and the community, well done. It's very hard to stand in your shoes and go do what you do every day. It's not easy. I know you don't get a lot of credit uh if any credit and you you bear the brunt of a lot of conflict resolution over the over the course of a year, but thank you for what you do for your teachers, for the students, for this community, for this district, and we just want to say thank you publicly for what you do. Thank you. [Applause] >> We'll pretend this is like graduation. [Music] Heather >> Chris should be using last names.
012Mr. Last but not least, if you could line up in front of the school board and get a picture right here. Hold you up. >> Okay. Ready? One, two, three. [Applause] >> Mr. Farnsworth, if it's okay, if there's any board member would like to say anything to and about the principles, this would be a good time to do it. >> Well, I've met with Mr. Marchin in the past and he was just so sweet to have spent two hours of his personal time uh giving me a tour of the school and answering my 101 questions. >> He gave you two hours? >> Yeah, he did. >> He gave me 10 minutes. That ain't like >> not right. So, I just really appreciate what each and every one of you do and uh you know your
013part participation matters. Thank you. >> I know that sometimes I'm a little grouchy a lot of times, but I for one appreciate what you guys do. You don't get enough credit. You really don't. And uh you're down in the trenches. I mean, you're making things happen and trying to keep the peace and trying to keep everybody going in the right direction. And sometimes that's overlooked and I hope that I don't overlook it, but I just wish to thank you for all you do. >> Well said. Would you >> like to say anything? >> Yes, please. I'd like to say thank you for all you do for supporting us and for supporting your kids and our students and we love you and couldn't do it without you. Thank you. >> I also would like to thank
014you not just in the month of October but every month. I know you guys work hard and appreciate all you do for our students and families. I just want to say I'm available to help you spend that card wherever it is. Whatever is I'm sure there's something that I would like. >> Um, in all seriousness, you guys are the best. Um, I look at two of you who were instrumental in uh, one of you, the majority of my kids, I think, and one of you as a instructor, as a teacher, and then as a assistant principal and principal, and I I have a great amount of love for you and what you did for my children while they were here in the district. and then to watch each of you uh grab your roles and
015tackle all the challenges in WI and holy cow Nicholas and Whipple. I just so appreciative of you guys and what you do and I hope sometimes it seems like we've forgotten you and just know that we've we never forget you. You're always in our thoughts. We appreciate you tons. Moving on to 5.3 monthly finance report, Miss Davis. >> Okay. So, um if you look at your screen, you'll see the financial report. Um so, first is the M budget as of 9:23. Not much movement. Um because again, let me remind you that the incumbrances are um uh the purchase orders, but they haven't been um actually paid for yet. So, these are dedicated expenditures, but haven't actually been paid for yet. Um, which again, the majority of that is salaries and benefits, but there's been a
016a few additional expenditures this month, but not a whole lot of movement there. But, uh, we still have a $9.1 million budget balance, which is great for this time of year. Um, so this is the M. And then the next one um is the capital budget. There's been absolutely no movement from last month. So these this is the same amount as last month. So we have 3.5 million left in the budget for capital items for this year. Now that will change based off of the AF AFR which we'll talk about in that presentation uh because the budget balance carry forward will change and probably increase this budget after when we do the revised budget in December. Any questions on the financial report? >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >>
017Item 5.4, principal reports. Dr. Farnsworth. >> I just again want to thank the principles. There's a lot that they do that goes unnoticed and and they don't brag about or talk about or gets documented, but I just their reports and if you have any questions for them. Um, but just Thank you. >> Anybody have any comment? >> Item 5.5, superintendent report. >> So, just a couple highlights on on my report and I think this is a good opportunity to ask the the principles that we're getting into the season of a lot of bands, concerts, assemblies if you could make sure you send me those dates and put those in your reports. I know board members would love to attend different activities and the sooner I know those activities I can send those to board members
018that would be much appreciated. Um just a couple highlights. Um so we do have a monthly safety committee and so Mr. Clark and Frank and myself we did go out to Blue Ridge and walk a campus as a potential um if we ever had to relocate a group of and staff for for whatever reason. That's one of our backups is Blue Ridge Elementary and we met the superintendent over there walked the campus and so that's part of our emergency plan. So I just want to thank Blue Ridge for opening up their doors and walking with us as we looked at potential off secondary off sites. Um unfortunately, you know, we we've had the the deaths of two firefighters recently and We worked very well with Timber Mesa and it was it was great to be
019able to work with with them. Their communication was fantastic and we wanted to do our very best to support them for those two funerals which which I hope we delivered and they were just a very pleasurable experience to talk with them for for the weeks leading up to that funeral. So just want to thank them for for that. Um, I was able to speak last night at the honor society at the high school and we started our strategic planning process. I think I shared that with you. So, we have six committees across the district looking at district identity, our culture, our academics, our continuous improvement, our finance and operations. So, our goal is to go through a series of meetings once a month, come up with a three-year strategic plan, and have that to the
020board either December or January. Those are some of the highlights. >> Thank you. >> I like that. Boots on ground getting to work, not only strategizing goals, but actually putting it into action. So, thank you. Anybody else have any comment? Moving on. 6.1 AFR 2425 presentation. Miss Davis Davis, sorry. >> Thank you. Um so this is the time of year that we do the annual financial report. It's due to the state um October 15th. Um so um you'll see the presentation on the screen in front of you. Um so I'm going to give you that presentation. So first, what is the AFR? It's the annual financial report and it's a package. It's a full package. So it consists of the actual AFR um which consists of maintenance and operation or M um capital grants and
021special revenue funds. So that's the actual AFR itself. And then part of the package is also the school level AFR. So, it gives you the expenditures and the revenue by school. And then there's the food service AFR, which again is a a a breakdown of the food service program. And then the K3 reading AFR, and that one actually has to be submitted by October 1st, which was submitted um on Monday or Tuesday. So, that one has already been submitted. That does not have to be approved by the governing board. Um and then the CTE supplement versus supplant worksheet. So um we cannot overspend the CTE with the with NAVIT with our grants over the M budget from 2013. That's the base level that we go by. So we have to complete that worksheet and that
022goes to the auditors to make sure that we do not supplant and we did not. So that's always a good thing because other than that if it we do then it's an audit finding and then there's the classroom site fund AFR. So we have to put in a narrative there of what did we do for the classroom site fund and how did the the teachers have to earn that money. Um so that is also completed. So the AFR is required by statute and it must be approved by October 15th which I noted but the only ones that the board have to approve is the actual AFR and the school level AFR. All the other parts of the package do not have to be approved by the board. Okay. So how do we prepare the AFR?
023So we we re we review and verify the financial details within the general le ledger from the prior year. So the annual financial report is from the prior year. So this is all for FY25. So it's the M and unrestricted capital outlay revenues. The M expenditures by program function and object code. And then the classroom site fund or Prop 301 revenues and expenditures, >> the capital expenditures, uh the grants, state and federal revenues and expenditures, and then impact aid, which we do not have. So that's not something we do. Um and then special revenue fund revenues and expenditures. and then other district non-financial data which that would include um the capital assets themselves and FTEES. So that also with that preparation so that cons what that consists of is verifying the cash fund controlled funds.
024So making sure that none of them are in the negative. So part of the audit is none of the cash uh funded controlled funds cannot be in the negative at the end of the fiscal year. And then filing completion reports for all our grants. So those don't get um completed until December if the grants end in se in September, which majority of our grants do. So we'll be completing those, but I have to still make sure they're all ready to go before the AFR is completed. Um, we verify the state aid and property tax revenues, uh, making sure that what we received is what, um, the state says we're going to receive. And then we test for sped, maintenance, and effort. So that's thee. So what we spent in sped expenditures last year in in
02524, we can't underspend in 25. So we have to spend more than what we did in 24 or the same. And we did we way over spent more than what we did and that's because we always have either more sped kids um or we just have to just because of the services that we have to provide. So we definitely met that and then the same for um the test for M maintenance of effort for M and O. So what that means is a district must ensure the combined fiscal effort on a per student or aggregate basis is not less than 90% of the preceding fiscal year. So again we have to make sure we spend at least what we did the prior year or more in our maintenance in our M budget. Okay. So this
026is now we're getting to the actual numbers. So FY expenditures maintenance and operations we spent 17.9 million classroom site fund 2.1 capital outlay was 1.5 uh SFB or um this is the um building renewal grant so um we spent 3.9 or 3.3 million which is an actual real reduction from the prior year and we were lucky to have as much as we did, but the state has reduced the amount of money they're giving out for building renewal money. So, but it did provide a lot of uh money that we could not have afforded. And then the federal and state grants was 3.5 million and our special revenue funds is 1.9. So, the special revenue funds, just so you know what that is because it's what does that mean? So that is going to be our
027auxiliary accounts and our tax credit and our student activity. So that's all the students money. And then that also includes the CTE projects again is student um NAVIT. So that's our CTE program. And then our there's a special grant that actually falls under special revenue which is our instructional improvement money. So that's money we do get from the state but it's considered special revenue funds. So that's what kind of makes up that money. It's just kind of like a other revenue, but it's special. So our total expenditures for FY25 was 30 million. Any questions so far? Okay. So then I put together a graph. Now, I do want to let you know that the next two graphs, what you're seeing on the screen is different than what was in your original packet cuz I did
028find an error. Um, this is much better than what was in the packet. So, um, this is by uh function. So, each um what we call would call department. So instruction is um 44% which is 4% more which is a good thing. You always want the instruction to be higher than anywhere else cuz when we get our spending report later next year or this year it'll I think we get in about December January. Um we want instruction to be high because of course that's where the state wants us to spend the money. So for that to have a 4% increase is excellent. Okay. Then we have student support. So this too is a good thing. Um it's 7% which is a 2% increase from last year. And then we have instructional support which is 3%.
029There's no change from the prior year. administration, which is um the superintendent and board, that's three um that is 2%. Which is just a 1% increase. Not too bad. And then school administration, which is your principles. Um that was a 1% increase from last year. And then central office is 7%. No change there. plant operations, I'm sorry. Central is going to be um the district, my um office, IT, that type of thing. Plant operations, which is going to be your facilities, is 11%. That's a a 1% increase from last year. Transportation, 5%, which is an a 1% increase from last year. Food service 4% again a 1% increase. These are great numbers by the way. 1% increase is fabulous. Um bookstore, no increase there. That's it's a small pot of money. So that's again the
030students money as well. Um facility improvement is 11%. That's an actual um 17% decrease. Again, that's going to be that uh building renewal grant money. So it went way down from previous year. And then our debt service 3%. So that's our bond and that's no change from the previous year. Pretty much stays level um for the most part. Any questions on that one? >> Okay. >> Does the building renewal grant does that ever change? >> So that is based on what we ask for help with and it can only be for the buildings that >> uh provide educational services. So like the district can't do it. Um but again it's only on how much money the state has. So think about all the districts in the state. They have to look at what the prior
031priorities are and where the most need is. >> The size of the district play a role. >> Um it can it can uh but they've they've done a lot for this district over the years. So but there's just no money. Even the money that they're doing this year, there really isn't any. They're really uh backflowing from last year with the money that they got this year. >> Okay. >> So, yeah, they're it's it's bleak. So, it's tough. All right. So, the next slide is actually by what we call object code. So, the expenditure type. So, um the first one again is instruction. So it's 44% which is a 13% increase from last year which is again or I'm sorry yeah 13% sorry um which is huge um great so then um did I oh I'm
032sorry I did not go to the next slide sorry um yeah so salaries is 47% which is a great increase. And then benefits is 16, which is a 4% increase, which you're going to see because benefits go that's going to be your insurance and uh retirement, which always goes up every year. So, um you're expected to see an increase there. Uh purchase professional services uh was 5% which was only a 1% increase. And then your purchase property services again that's going to be the SFB um and that and that was a 17% decrease. And then other purchase services is 4% no change there. Supplies and utilities believe it or not 7% no increase there. So that's great. Capital 3% no increase. And then debt service um 6% again no increase there. So our our expenditures
033for FY25 look really good um at the end of the year. So any questions on this slide? >> The purchased professional services are do those work under contract? >> That's what most of those are. >> So they will most likely not change until the renewal of a contract. >> Correct. Correct. All right. So the uh projected budget balance carry forward um for this year is um your budget our budget was 23.4 four the expenditures were 17.9 which is giving us a 5.5 budget carry forward to FY26 and then the unrestricted capital was 4.5 with expenditures of 1.5 so a carry forward of 3.3 million so but with that being said there's a note so projected uh budget balance carry forward may adjust based on a final budget determined by AD and any audit adjustments for
034the classified um classification of expenditures. So what that means is again once AD gets the AFR they do their analysis they calculate they have their calculations if they find any um issues or there's an adjustment to the budget which can happen after the AFR for the previous year we could either gain budget capacity or we could lose budget capacity for whatever reason then there's also the audit. So we are not done with our audit. If the auditors find um issues with um coding or other things, they could make adjustments and that could change our budget balance carry forward. It's usually um even if there is, they're usually minor. Um I think uh the year before last, I think there was a $56,000 decrease. And then we actually did a change to the AFR last year
035and gained another 20,000. So the difference between the two was a $30,000 decrease. So it happens, but that again that's minor compared to our $23 million budget. Any questions? Okay. So notes about the 25 closeout and impact on FY26. The 25 ending M budget carry forward is approximately $50,000 less than last year. Um again, not too bad. It's still a good carry forward. The FY26 adopted budget is underestimated. This is intentional. Um which allows the capacity to be added to the budget. So if you remember when we did the adopted budget, um the carry forward, it was an estimate because again we hadn't done the AFR. So it was based on anything that hadn't been paid between July and August, which is our incumbrance period. And so it was an estimate. Now we will have
036a better budget carry forward when I do the revision of the budget in December. And then again, the final um expenditures incumbrances weren't finalized like I said. Oh, that I just explained. Sorry. Um, and it also the adopted budget did not have the 2% inflation for the base level and the transportation because the legislature didn't approve the budget on time. So again, that will also be shown on the revised budget in December. So those are the impacts will be seen this year. So the next step upon uh board approval, we'll have to publish the AFR on the AD website by October 15th. And u per our consultant Karen Smith, um she I was going to post it tomorrow. U she said don't do that. She said wait till at least October 14th cuz the um
037auditor general does make some corrections to the uh the spreadsheet which does not affect our approval made sure of that. Um, so we will be uploading it on the 14th of October and then the district, um, it has to be uploaded to the district by November 15th, but it will be uploaded after I upload it to AD. And that will stay, if you notice on our website on business services, we have them all for multiple years. We really never take them off. And with that, I will entertain any questions. It's Kelly again. >> Do you have any questions? >> Thank you. Thank you very much. It looks great. We appreciate you. >> Thank you. >> Anybody else? >> Looks like we're our anticipated carryover. We're still in pretty good shape. >> Yes, >> that's a
038lot of stuff. >> It is. And that's going to help with because if you remember again we did the salary study last year and we have part two of that with creating um salary placement schedules for this year and uh to give raises again this next year. So that will help with that. >> How are we coming along with that study Shay? >> We're just getting ready to have those meetings. Um starting uh we're going to have a committee. We're starting with the teachers. Um I want to say it's this month >> if so. So so we I met with Nikki in HR today and we have a meeting for the first meeting of the teacher salary survey committee >> that's for October 20th. >> Yes. >> And so we were planning on what are
039we doing um and how we're going to approach that. So that's that's starting to ramp up to get teacher feedback and look at the salary schedule for our for our teachers >> and then we'll start the one with the classified >> and then and then Shaye says we're also going to start the one for the hourly employees as well. >> Okay, sounds great. Looking forward to hearing those reports. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> If there's no further comment, I'll entertain a motion. I'll make a motion to approve the district 2425 AFR and SLR as presented. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. Thank you. 6.2 classified personnel resignations, terminations, retirements. Dr. Farnsworth. >> So, you can see the the
040individuals that have been transferred or have resigned. Um, we are I did double check with HR we are sending out the U survey for any employee that resigns and we're looking at that data and so you can see the resignations there. Any any questions? >> I move to approve all classified employee actions as presented. >> Second motion is second. All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. 6.3 Classified personnel employment. Dr. Farnworth. >> Again, you know, as soon as we find out if someone's leaving, we are pretty quick to find a replacement. And so, the hiring committees have been very active and we are recommending the individuals in this item to be approved. >> I move to approve all classified personnel employment as presented. I'll second. >> I have a motion and a
041second. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. Item 6.4, certified personnel employment. Dr. Farnsworth. >> So, we just we just have some um pay for homecoming chaperones and uh I heard it it went well. Lots of kids. If you saw the video, uh, hard anywhere in advance, but I would recommend that you would approve these financial compensation for these. >> I'll make a motion to approve the certified employee actions as presented. >> Second >> motion, a second. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. 6.5 voucher agreements. This yours, Dr. Farnsworth, or is this yours? >> Yes, these are volunteer agreements. So, what what we've noticed over the years >> Oh, I'm sorry. I said voucher. I apologize. I need to go back to high school. >> Volunteer agreements. My
042apologies. >> We when we look at co this usually rear its head when we hire coaches and there are times when we hire employees that are hourly employees to be coaches. And when we look at the Fair Labor Standards Act, there's specific guidance to you're an hourly employee employed by the district and you're coaching, there are specific rules that apply to you for your financial compensation and it's very it gets pretty muddy. And so we've been communicating with our attorney and we have two types of of contracts, if you will, a request to volunteer form and then a volunteer service agreement. So, and this would fit a very specific group. If you work for the district, if you're an hourly employee, we would ask you to fill out these contract forms so you would get
043your coaching stip. It does not apply to salaried individuals like our teachers. It does not apply to outside individuals who coach for us. This is just for current employees uh who are paid hourly. And this it just kind of clears up the the financial compensation with a fairly standard tax. Does this form then cover liability? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. >> I'll make a motion to approve the request to volunteer form and the volunteer service agreement for extra duty volunteer assignments as presented. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second. Any other >> questions or comments? >> All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. Item 6.6, superintendent goals. Dr. Farnsworth. >> I just wanted to bring this back to the board for formal adoption. We looked at this during
044the work session. I brought them back in September to just start having a conversation. And if there's no other suggestions, I would ask the board to adopt these goals. And then of course we're going to review these throughout the course of the year but that we would formally adopt these. >> A lot of forward thinking went into this implementing this setting the steps and setting targets to reach. So it was well done. Thank you >> for trying. >> I appreciate what you do and what the the goals you brought forth and I don't want to beat a dead horse anymore. So thank you. Kelly, do you have any comments? >> I think they're great, too. >> Um, I don't know. Um, I recently took a flight and I read your book on the way there
045and on the way back. I don't know if any of you have had the opportunity to read that book that he gave us. Um there's a lot of the things that he advocates in that book that he's doing for our district and I just and that they're in these goals and I just want to say thank you and keep after it. We're going to hold your feet to the fire. >> So I'll entertain a motion to approve superintendent goals. >> I move to approve the superintendent goals for the 202526 school year as presented. Second >> motion. >> I have a motion and a second. All in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Motion passes 6.7 second read and approval of model policy update 2526. Dr. Farnsworth. So in in the the summary you can see
046there's there's 13 policy adjustments and these are driven from the state legislature that then go to the Arizona Risk Retention Trust who who govern all of our policies and they are suggesting that we make these changes. I have no no reason why we shouldn't. Legal has looked at them in many cases. our law firm UD Doll Shane Lions, they're part of the crafting of many of these policies at the state level. And so for both 6.7 and when we get to 6.8, I would recommend that we would approve these policies as written. >> I'll make a motion that we approve the model policy update of 2526 as presented. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion, a second. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes 6.8. Second read and approval of model policy
047update 2425. Dr. Farnsworth. >> Again, you can see in this model policy adoption there's three specific adjustments or additions to our policy and I would ask that you would adopt those in full. >> I move to approve the model policy update for the 2425 school year as presented. >> Second. >> I have a motion to second. All in favor? I I >> I >> opposed. Motion passes 6.9 school facilities FY26 capital plan. Dr. Farnsworth. >> So every year we need to bring to the school board our capital plan for approval and then we upload this to the school facilities board website and this is another key key metric that we have to meet so future building projects can be approved by by the state on our behalf. So, if we don't have these things for
048approved and uploaded, it's just holding us back from getting potential state funding in the future. >> When we submit these uh and we're not given the money, do we submit it again the next year or >> we submit the capital plan every year? And going back to what Mrs. Davis said, the state has allocated the last couple years about $200 million in projects. They have way more than what they can fund. Yeah. >> And so everyone's in a waiting line. And so what they've come out with is some some key performance indicators like you can't have any outdated uh BRG grants. You can't have anything that's not completed, any reports. You can't have any outstanding building projects. So everything on our end has to be pristine. And then that will qualify you to get in
049the pecking order to get potentially funded if they have the money. So these are dollar amounts for each of the fiscal year future. Um and this is what we expect then to be received. >> So what what page are you looking at? >> I'm on page two. >> So when we punch in our our projected growth which is M. >> Yes. >> Then they go ahead. So that middle column ADM, those are student student numbers. >> Student. Okay. They're not dollar amounts then. >> Those are not dollar amounts. >> Okay. Thank you for clarifying. >> Okay. I'll move to approve school facilities capital plan for fiscal year 26 as presented. Second. >> I have a motion to second. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes 6.10 winter coaches approval. So, as is our
050policy, every every sporting season, we bring to the board of coaches to be approved before the season. And you can see boys basketball, girls basketball, boys wrestling, girls wrestling, junior high wrestling, and junior high volleyball and you can see the stipen amounts and we would recommend that you would approve those on behalf of athletic director. >> I move to approve the winter coaches and volunteers as presented. >> I'll second >> motion a second. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes 6.11 PTSO organization approval. Miss Davis. So, part of our new policies and procedures that Miss Smith put in place last year is every year we have to approve the new PTSO um officers. So, these are the first two that we've received from the schools. So, we ask that you approve the PTSO
051officers for um the junior high and Nicholas Homestead. >> When will we get the rest? >> We're working on that. >> Thank you. I move to approve the PTSO organization officers as presented. >> A second. >> Motion a second. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. 6.12 school properties disposal. Ms. Davis. >> We only have one tonight and it's the bus barn. There's a couple scanners and an oil tank that um are old and not being used. So we ask to you to approve that we are able to dispose of those. >> I move to approve all school property items for disposal as presented. >> I'll second. >> Motion in a second. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Motion passes. 6.13 approval of Benjiou. Does that say Benji? >> Yes. >> Like
052the dog? >> Okay. >> So, uh in in collaboration with Mr. March, the high school principal, he he included me on a conference call that we had with these individuals for this app. It's it's an actual app called Ask Benji. And what it does is it's it's an optin app. So you you have to opt in as a parent and as a student. And it's and Ben, correct me if I'm wrong, it's geared toward 11th and 12th grade students, primarily 12th grade students as they start to transition to life after high school. So, one of the things if they're planning on going to college is they have to fill out federal uh financial aid form called the FAFSA. So, it really gives text reminders to parents and students about deadlines filling out the FAFSA, potential
053scholarships uh in the state and and it's from the webinar that I received and Mr. Martin, they've used this in the past. It's a great tool to help the counselors and administration send out text updates really towards our our seniors and their parents like, "Hey, don't forget the FASA deadline's coming up. Hey, don't forget um college scholarship deadline for this is coming up. Hey, make sure you fill out this." So, it's really geared towards helping those students and families who want to go to a college or university after high school. Um, Mr. Merchant, did I forget anything? Didn't we approve >> says it's an optin, right? So the parent actually has to say I agree to get the text messages. I agree. And they can stop at any time. And same with the student. They
054have to opt in to get those text message reminders. >> Didn't we approve something similar to this earlier on? >> We did. So we actually have threeus with NAU, GCU, and ASU, which they are they're actually pushing information out to the seniors for scholarship, entrance exams, entrance criteria because they they all are competing for students like we come to NA, come to GCU. This is similar, but the other ones are just like they're trying to recruit kids to come to their university. >> And this is a new app. And this is an app. So just like, hey, make sure you fill out this for for all colleges and universities. Good. >> So this will be to the benefit of each of the high school counselors who are guiding our kids and encouraging them. And >>
055it's AI driven. >> Okay. >> So it's it's a specifically designed AI tool that will answer specific questions for how to and all that. So, they can text with, it's kind of weird, the world we live in, but yeah, so they can text with this AI bot and it will answer all their all their questions on how to fill the form out and all that. So, >> do we know or have an idea on how many other districts are using this AI system? in in the webinar that we had with Ask Benji, they were quite a few of the Phoenix metro schools were using it. Um I don't recall then about how percentage but there's there's a lot more like relevant material >> and it's free. We don't >> That was my next question actually.
056parents don't pay, the kids don't pay. It's it's completely free. They're getting their money on on the back end from who knows universities or >> Well, I do appreciate that parents are involved and they have to opt in and they also have the option of opting out, discontinuing it by just replying stop uh in the text message system. So, that's good. I'll make a motion to approve the ask Benji Moou as presented. I second it. >> I have a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I opposed. Thank you, Kelly. Sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off there. Um 6.14 gifts and donations. Dr. Farnsworth >> said don't do it again. >> I know. I I heard her. >> Um I again We live in a very supportive community and it doesn't cease
057to amaze me of how much time, money, and effort is donated back to the school district. And you'll see here again, the White Mountain Women's Club is donating 200 $275 to Whipple Elementary. The White Mountain Unified Methodist Church is donating $60 to the Rise program. The Outwest Construction LLC is donating TV and a mini fridge to the high school and then Highline Vending uh and Ohio Prince if I say that right. >> And then Uni Source Energy Services, they've already donated $1,500 for Brad Knight for the high school. So, just want to publicly thank all those individuals. >> Thank you so much all of you. Appreciate your support of our students. I move to approve all gifts and donations as presented. >> I'll second. >> I have a motion and a second. All in favor?
058>> I >> opposed. Motion passes. 6.15 future board agenda items. Does anybody have anything? >> Kelly? >> No, thank you. >> Okay. Um, >> still got time to put future board agenda items on though. So, >> yeah, you can give me a call anytime you want or the superintendent. Either way, call him. >> I ain't calling him. Talk to him all the time. You call him. >> All right. 7 uh one. Uh, we have two folks who would like to address the board. Um uh please state your name when you come up and um remind you have three minutes and uh if you would let's avoid names or anything of that sort. Um >> okay >> Josh Tatum first. Good good evening members of the board and I thank you for allowing me to speak
059tonight. My name is Josh Tatum. I stand before you tonight not because it is easy but because it is the right thing to do. I am here both as a parent and a volunteer coach who cares deeply about the students, their academics, and our athletic program. I believe that when athletics are ran with clear structure, accountability, they can truly complement our school's educational mission. My first request is that we or is that the district conducts a complete review of the athletic department's policies and procedures. As a volunteer coach, there was no onboarding process other than fingerprint clearance, no guidelines, no chain of command, and no expectations were shared with me. A simple coaches meeting before each season would ensure consistency, improved communication, and established accountability from the start. Second, I am requesting a formal review
060of the athletic director leadership and oversight. My concerns include lack of compliance with established policies, inconsistent enforcements and safety of conduct and standards, poor communication with staff, parents, and the community, lack of professionalism, accountability, and oversight. I want to provide one example. On September 3rd, during a home game, the athletic director while acting as a referee unilaterally decided not to allow a point after a touchdown despite AIA ruling requires it. When questioned respectfully, his response was dismissive and confrontational. Even even stating, "Do you know who I am?" This behavior in front of students was unprofessional and undermined the authority of the coaches. Further in September, after a conflict at practice involving two students athletes, the athletic director removed a volunteer coach with without following due process or the grievance procedures outlined in the student athlete
061parent code of conduct agreement. Neither the assistant coaches nor other parents were interviewed before this decision. Meanwhile, the student and parent involved in the altercation who violated the code of conduct face no disciplinary action. This inconsistency sends the wrong message to the students and undermines the fairness and accountability. These are just a few examples, but they point out a larger issue, a lack of clear leadership, accountability, and alignment with the district's policy. I'm not here to criticize for the sake of criticism, but to ask that we hold our athletic program to the same standard and professionalism and fairness that we expect from our classrooms. I respect I'm like two sentences and I'll be done. Thank you. I appreciate it. I respectfully ask this board to one review the athletic department policy and procedures for accuracy
062and compliance. Two, evaluate athletic director's compliance, leadership, and oversight. Three, ensure the due process and the student athletic code of conduct are applied consistently to all parties. I also want to thank you all for your time and commitment to our students. >> Thanks, Josh. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate it very much. >> Appreciate you guys. >> DJ, >> you're up fast. podcast. Good evening, guys. Uh, I don't want to take away from any of the thanks that everybody's gave you tonight because I think that's really awesome, especially being a member of the public myself. Good evening, board members. My name is DJ Brimhol. I've been at Cougar since I was 10 years old. I served this community as a firefighter and I've spent more than eight years coaching football program along with other sports. I've
063been fortunate to win championships here and in other places as a player and coach and now my kids continue to be part of the same tradition throughout my life. Sports have taught me teamwork, discipline, accountability, and how to be a good human. As a coach, I've always tried to instill those same values in my players. This is why I'm here tonight. This is not about reinstatement for this season. It's about fairness, accountability, and the example being set for our students, our athletes, our parents, and our community by actions of leadership. Each of you has a folder in front of you that contains emails, witness logs, parent letters, and policies referenced in my statement tonight. These are provided for your review and investigation. I'd like to address four core points tonight. First, in a span of
064just two weeks, I was given four different explanations for why I was removed. For explanation in two weeks show it wasn't about policy. It was about avoiding accountability. Number two, selective enforcement. Other coaches in the junior high and high school programs who also were not board approved have coached and continue to coach all season without issue. that was singled out while others in the same situation remained. This is not equality and it's and it is not consistency. Ignored misconduct. Students fought, bullied and used derogatory remarks with no discipline. A parent entered the field yaring and cursing in front of athletes and faced no accountability. Yet I I was a coach who enforced unity and was the only one disciplined. This shows kids and parents that if you throw a biggest fit, even when you're wrong,
065you get what you want. Leadership failures. The superintendent admitted oversight, then tried to shift responsibility, and ultimately ended the conversation by saying, "This will be my last conversation with you." The athletic director avoided accountability, mishandled parent complaints, and even came into the field during a game to dictate play, telling us we could not attempt a field field goal during a point after touchdown, which violates our AIA rules. When question, his response was, "Do you know who I am?" Again, I work with the community every day. That's not what we should be doing. This issue is bigger for me. If policies are ignored for one coach, they cannot be ignored for they cannot be ignored for any coach, athlete, or parent. I'm respectfully asking the board for three things. A written letter clearing my name. Accountability
066for the superintendent and athletic director for their contradictions and avoidance. Consistent enforcement of our policy so every athlete, parent, and coach is held to the same standards. Our program cannot cannot claim integrity when policies are ignored and coaches who model unity are punished. It is broken and remain broken until fairness is restored and leadership is held accountable. Thank you. I appreciate you guys. I I really do. I work in this community. I love this community and and as you guys know, like this is my home. I want to give our boys a good place and our and our daughters a good place to live and many of them I've coached with and taught and fought in battle with. Thank you very much for your comments. Um for myself, um if if we have anybody out
067there that's not been board approved, that needs to be remedied immediately. Um and then also I have a question. Here at a four, parents were not allowed at practice because of these type of incidences. Is that still our rule junior high, high school? >> I don't know. >> Can I face the board there where you guys could ask questions? >> No. >> Thanks, though. But I'm I'm curious. >> I'll find out. >> Would you please find that out? because my understanding and unless un unless we rescended it, we've had these issues before and that was the reason why parents weren't allowed at practice because >> they end up taking over. So if you'll if you'll check on the fair inconsistencies and and then the parents at practice and then obviously we need to address the
068issues that have been brought before us. >> Yes, >> absolutely. >> Please. >> Okay. At this point we have some business that we have to take care of in executive session. So, right now we're uh I'm going to entertain a motion to enter executive session and we'll be there as long as we are and when we come out we'll just uh adjourn. So, if you want to stick around for the adjournment, we'll see when we come out. If not, we'll see you next time. Thank you all for attending. I'll entertain a motion to >> enter executive session. >> I move to one day session. I'll second. >> I have a motion to second. All in favor? >> I. Thank you. [Music]