001Mhm. At this time I call order regular governing board meeting. First is a pledge of allegiance. Mr. Santa Cruz, can you lead us in the pledge? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for Thank you. Roll call. Governing board president, Ms. Patricia Jimenez. Present. Governing board vice president, Mr. Harry Garwell. Present. Governing board member, Mr. Rudy Santa Cruz. Present. Governing board member, Ms. Maria Hernandez. Present. And governing board member, Ms. Maria Guzman. Present. Thank you. Next approval of April 9, 2026 regular governing board meeting agenda. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Okay, call for the vote. Motion carries. Next approval of March 19, 2026 regular governing board meeting with
002executive session minutes. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion, changes? Hearing none, call for the vote. Okay, motion carries. Next is governing board reports. First is Mr. Garwell. Yes, uh Madam President. Good evening, everyone. Um CASA Vote is an umbrella non-partisan voter engagement and voter registration campaign by Chicano por la Causa Action Fund and Chicano por la Causa CPLC Action is a 501c4, um, a non-profit advocacy organization overseen by an unpaid volunteer board operated independently from Chicano Poder Caucus because it is non-partisan voter engagement campaign. On Monday, April the 6th, the fund actually launched its 2026 non-partisan get out the vote campaign called C Es Vota. I was invited along with many other leaders to gather at the downtown restaurant to start the 2026 effort. And we heard an
003incredible young lady, a 17-year-old Yvette Cabrera, who will be old enough to vote. She isn't right now, but she's already registered when November comes along. And she had some really great, uh, insights. And so, let me just quote what she said. As one, as a group, and as a community, our voices do matter. From our vote, we will be able to pave a better future. Let us remind ourselves that voting is a privilege and responsibility. Cabrera said. Arizona is one of two states where C Es Vota campaign is taking place. The other state is Nevada. Roughly 64% of Arizonans are eligible to vote uh, in 2024. And remember, your vote is your voice. Today, the voting population is almost equally divided, a third Democrat, a third Republican, a third independent. So, it's going to be
004really important that everyone come out and vote here regardless of your party. Monday, I've been invited to join Defending the Vote. Secretaries of State on the front lines of American Democracy is the title of it. It's a timely national conversation on what will take to protect and access to the ballot ahead of the 2026 elections. In this environment we're in today, it's really incumbent on us to be able to go out and make sure that we, in the way that things are being, uh, ran. Now, on a lighter note, on March the 21st, I attended the Phoenix All-City Basketball Tournament. 10 schools from throughout the Valley participated. I'd like to give a big shout-out to Mr. Jeremy Smith at Maryvale High School for hosting the tournaments and to our own Miss Amy Lee and the
005coaches for coordinating this tournament for our teams. The games were very competitive. And our Isaac Middle School and Pueblo del Sol teams showed great champi- sportsmanship towards all the schools from all the other districts. Our IMS team was able to come in fourth place out of 10, which is great. And the victorious and victorious over Alhambra Traditional were the Pueblo del del Sol boys team who won the championship game. So, go Scorpions. With that, Madam President, that concludes my report. Thank you. Next is Miss Hernandez. I just want to welcome everyone. Have no report at this time, President. Thank you. Next is Mr. Santa Cruz. I have no reports, but I want to welcome everybody. Uh I'm glad everybody showed up with this heat coming up, so I appreciate everybody coming. Thanks. Next is Miss
006Guzman. Thank you. I just also want to welcome everyone here tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Next is myself. Um I just want to uh personally thank Mr. Jim Sherman. Thank you for donating your time and your energy and for supporting this a wonderful project that we had. The 20th, correct? Uh February. Yeah, my my dates are off. Um thank you um Marcella uh Jose. Thank you for for the the family. It was um it wasn't hot, so it was really really nice to be out there. Thank you to our partners ABM Chase and Progressive Roofing uh for donating the supplies as well. Um this is a a great uh partnership and seeing uh community members and seeing our parents. Um I can't wait to to see the video, Marcella, that you guys are going to
007um be making of of this is a great thing that we have here in our community. Um you know, we have to continue showing uh the good things that we're doing here at the Isaac School District. And it's just great to see all the partnerships that support us to to continue doing these great things. So, thank you again. Enjoy your M&M's. Um Remember the M&M story? But, thank you again. Other than that, um that's my report. Okay, next is superintendent update, Dr. Lily Mescalero. Madam President, members of the board, Isaac community, April is a busy, busy month of celebrations. In April, we recognize uh the National Autism Awareness Month, which is a time to increase our understanding, uh promote inclusion, and celebrate the unique strength and contributions of individuals on the autism spectrum. Across our
008schools, we are reminded of the importance of creating learning environments where every student feels seen, uh supported, and valued. I want to thank our educators and support staff for their ongoing commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our students and ensuring that all learners have access to meaningful and inclusive experiences every day. This week, we also recognize National Assistant Principal Week, and we have one represented here, uh which is an opportunity to honor the dedication and leadership of our assistant principals and toast us. Yes, let's give Alma Aranda. Our assistant principals and toast us play a critical role in supporting school operations and building that positive school culture. Uh they are often that bridge between students, staff, and families by responding to last-minute challenges, uh supporting teachers, ensuring that each school runs as smoothly as
009possible alongside the principals. I would like to extend that sincere appreciation to our assistant principals and TOSAs for their tireless work, their leadership, but most importantly to their commitment to our students and our schools. I'm also excited to share uh highlights from recent student performances at Mitchell and Zedo, uh where students showcased their talents through Disney-themed productions as part of the Disney Musicals in Schools program. Mitchell Elementary presented Aladdin, uh and Zedo brought The Aristocats um right to life. These performances are a wonderful celebration of our students' creativity creativity, collaboration, uh and our student voice. Through the support from that grant from ASU, our students had that opportunity to engage in high-quality arts experience that build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills. I would like to recognize the dedicated staff members who made these productions possible.
010At Zedo, I want to thank Heather Ayers, Sonia Fernandez, Crystal Perez, Leon Leonora Nudi. And at Mitchell, I want to thank Gabriela Carillo, Melanie Liddy, McKenzie Sila, and Sophie Steel. Um because your commitment to providing these meaningful opportunities to our students is sincerely appreciated. Just as much as I am appreciative of um the staff members, I also want to thank the principals for supporting this initiative. We are grateful for that partnership and incredibly proud of our students uh and staff for honoring these performances and bringing them to life. As it was mentioned earlier, I'm proud to share that the completion of the first phase of our love the casita project at the heart of Isaac, our community and family resource center, which received a much needed exterior facelift. This project was made possible through the
011generosity of our partners, AVM, Progressive Roofing, and Chase Building Team, who contributed with the paint and the supplies through the exceptional and supplies and also to the exceptional organization and project management of our CFO, Jim Serving, who very calmly led the project and we want to recognize this evening. So, in front of you, you have a really small token of appreciation, your favorite, your M&M's. Thank you for for that work, Mr. Serving. Coordinating that was not easy, but you did it like you've you had done that always. It felt like a classroom teacher. So, in alignment with April as a national volunteer month, this effort is a powerful example of what is possible when our community comes together with a purpose. This project could not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, the
012families from our schools that were represented, the community members, and you see the names up there, the partner organizations, and the staff that showed up from all across the district. Um who gave their time, their energy to bring this project to life, and yes, thank goodness it was not that hot. To each of you listed there that contributed in heart, in spirit, thank you so much. Your contributions reflect that true meaning of what Isaac is all about. So, as we recognize collective efforts of our community in this national volunteer month, I would also like to take a moment to recognize our governing board. Uh your leadership, your mission, your commitment to serving our students and families guide the work we do each day. Your service is both meaningful and impactful and it does not go
013unnoticed. On behalf of our staff, students, and community, thank you for your continued dedication to the Isaac School District. Another important update that I have for you is um our surveys. Uh each year, beginning in February, we conduct our annual perception and satisfaction surveys. This year's results, which you have access as part of your board packet tonight, carry a particular significance, not only because we attempt to elevate the voices of our students, families, and staff, but because they reflect where we are today, giving us a guide light of where we're going, and have that close alignment with our strategic plan. As we prepare for the um upcoming school year, we're transitioning from a year of adjustment into a phase of greater stability and intentionality growth. The insights gathered through the surveys provide a critical foundation
014to our planning, uh highlighting both the strengths uh we build upon and the areas where we we must work uh our efforts and improve uh the overall experience and outcomes for our students. Through the staff survey, staff voices, we learned um in in analyzing our district data, uh we learned that our highest ratings were uh from our district and site leadership and operational staff, we heard strong agreement in relation to their role and being clear with role and responsibilities, being aligned to the strategic plan, knowing where to get support when challenges arise, and also feeling proud to serve as a leader in this organization. From the school, we heard strong agreement with also role and responsibility clarity, the high-quality work that is expected of them, their belief that every student can learn, and a strong
015satisfaction in seeing the impact of their work on students. Some of our lowest ratings areas where we could have opportunity to grow from the district and site leadership and site leadership and operational staff, we heard communication, two-way communication. We also heard timely response is needed as well as increased opportunities for celebrating our staff. From school-based staff, we heard the app queue to our schools and our classrooms are one area where we can grow, building staff morale, and building our awareness of the wellness supports that we provide, as well as opportunities to provide feedback on school operations and services. Our survey also allowed for two-way feedback on customer service, and we would like to highlight and celebrate the schools and departments with the highest ratings in customer service. Those are Esperanza, Sutton, Mitchell, and Pueblo. Congratulations.
016And from our departments, uh teaching and learning, technology, family and community engagement, and safety and emergency preparedness. Across the district in in the comments uh across the district, one message that came through clearly was that our people are our greatest strengths. And hopefully that does not come as a surprise to us. Staff has consistently described schools and departments as places where people care deeply about students, support one another, and work through get together through challenges. The most common strengths uh are listed here, which include teamwork and collaboration, um supportive site and office staff, uh positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, deep commitment to student learning, growth, well-being, as well as a strong sense of family, belonging, and shared purpose. Many responses reflected pride in working alongside colleagues who remain committed. That's specially important for
017us this year. Caring and student-centered even during difficult circumstances. Also across the district, we identified several consistent areas where improvement is needed to better support teaching, learning, and our day-to-day operations. The common areas are listed uh here, which include uh communication and follow-through, um school facilities, uh our behavior systems with student uh discipline processes, uh staffing support, particularly surrounding uh class coverage, more time and support with planning and collaboration and professional learning, and better alignment between expectations, resources, and workload. Staff also shared that they need um uh stronger systems to support special education, our family partnerships, and new staff development. Now, transitioning to our families, what we learned from our families um was they described that we have a district that is caring and supportive as a learning community grounded in strong relationships and a
018focus on student success. Areas of strength, uh they indicated dedicated staff staff, strong communication, safe and welcoming schools, academic focus, and community uh and belonging. Overall, our families view the district as a place where students cared for, supported, and encouraged to succeed. Families were also given the opportunity to help us identify areas which we could grow, and they identified uh some of them as safety and supervision, communication, uh which interestingly enough also comes up as a an area of strength, uh meaning there's still uh there's good growth, but opportunities for us to fine-tune, academic support, staffing resources, facilities and operations, as well as student opportunities. Overall, our families acknowledged progress while identifying key areas where continued focus will strengthen safety, communication, and student support systems. Now, switching to our students, um this year we allowed
019our K uh K2 to take a survey as well, and uh students beginning in second grade to also give us comments identifying strengths and areas of opportunity. And this is what has uh come out of the surveys for students in grade uh grades two through five. Um our students believe that um the or describe their experience as positive, engaging, and supportive. Uh listing uh uh enjoyment and belonging, supportive relationships, learning and growth, uh and safety and welcoming environments. Uh their experience at school uh they experience school as a place of joy, connection, and academic growth. Now, their feedback to us um includes um facilities and basic needs, play and student experience, uh food services, uh student behavior and and school climate, as well as academic learning and resources. Uh our students in grades uh second
020grade through fifth grade are asking for improvements that enhance their daily experience experience, well-being, and a sense of fairness and belonging. Now, let's move on to our middle schoolers. Um they identified uh schools as places where they can learn, they feel supported and connected. They identified supportive adults, learning and growth, relationships and belonging, as well as positive school experience. They recognize that a strong foundation of caring adults and meaningful learning experiences is critical. Their feedback to us includes also areas that impact their daily experience, and that is uh basic needs and facilities, student behavior and school climate, uh student experience and voice, adult-centered interactions, as well as uh systems and operations. Middle school grade students are asking for improvements that strengthen our school climate, responsiveness to student voice, and the quality of daily student experiences.
021As we continue this work, our next steps are part of an ongoing cycle of continuous improvement grounded in multiple data sources including the voices of our students, families, and staff through the surveys. We're actively working with school and district leaders to identify and prioritize needs, ensuring they are aligned to our strategic plan and focused on student outcomes. At the same time, we're analyzing the impact of these priorities on student achievement using both perception data and academic indicators to guide our decisions. This, coupled with intentional alignment to resources, budgeting, and programmatic adjustments, ensures that our investments directly support learning, teaching, and the overall student experience. Through this continuous and responsive process, we're hoping to strengthen our systems and building the foundations for sustained sustainability and improved outcomes that our students deserve. And that concludes my report.
022Thank you. Next, we have new business information, discussion, and action. First is April financial overview, Mr. Jim Servant, Chief Financial Officer, information and discussion. Mr. Servant. President, members of the board, Dr. Mesa. Um I present to you the March 31st budgets and expenditures. Um Um we are for maintenance and operation, we are where we want to be. Um it's definitely helpful that the um right now our uncommitted balance as of March 31st is almost $3 million. Um that means we have no purchase orders against those those budgeted funds so far. Uh things do come up, a lot of stuff regarding maintenance and operation maintenance, air conditioning, um things like that. Some buses start to give up the ghost. Uh they need repairs, but we obviously that's cushioned in by having a budget that we can
023draw against to get those year-end stuff things done. They're popping up due to the heat, but we will be in the positive when we close out the year for 2026. Treasures cash balances as of April 1st, 2026. Again, we're showing very consistent amounts of cash total amounts of cash available. Um which is very positive from that standpoint. It means that our uh financial planning and budgetary control is working um quite successfully with the help of the receiver. And um we'll continue to to do this and and till the end of the year when the treasure and the district roll over their cash balances. Are there any questions? Does the board have any questions? Mr. Sherman, I do. Um on number two, can you give me an update on the Title I? I know that we
024were waiting for the SAMs number um because they were holding our funds because we haven't had any drawdowns. Can you give me an update? Did we get that number yet? What's the update on the SAMs? I'm very pleased to announce to the board that as of this this morning, we received uh notice from the um SAM people. SAM stands for System Award Management. It's run by the federal government including the Department of Defense. And anyone that wants to be a vendor to the federal government has to have a SAM registration. That includes school districts because we get grants. So, they they treat us as a vendor. We have to register. We have to go through a Department of Defense review. Um that's the big the big review that goes through. And they obviously make sure
025that we're in good standing with all the federal agencies including the IRS, including the Department of Defense and the State Department so on. Um, we had a delay that was caused by just people not here anymore. And so getting re- more or less re-registered with new people did take a lot of time. I would like to thank Yasmine Ansari, uh, who is the congresswoman for the third congressional, uh, district. That's That's our congresswoman here. Her office got involved in it. We had a private contractor get involved in it and then several staff people were involved. But as of noon today, we are, um, registered with ADE. Uh, we are in good standing. We're doing some other stuff and, um, we'll be able to proceed on grant drawdowns, uh, within the next 7 days. Which we're
026going to do the drawdown for February and March? Pardon? We're going to do the drawdown for the February and March. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Next we have, um, to consider and discuss a man and desired and if deemable admissible adopt a resolution ordering and calling a special elections to be held in or for the district authorizing the sale, lease, or exchange of the district property. Mr. Jim Servant, chief financial officer information discussion and action. Is there a motion? Move. There's a second? Second. Okay, Mr. Servant. Was Mr. Is Mr. Gill Jim's James Gill on the phone? Yeah, hi Jim. I'm here. Okay, excellent. Um, state statute requires that the district, if you're interested if we're interested in selling district property such as buildings and high value items, we, um, real estate, we have to
027get permission from the voters to do that. It is a complicated process. Obviously, legal counsel is involved and James Gill at his firm, Gus Rosenfeld, is has handled these in the past. The board is voted brought several forth to the voters and this time we're bringing forth the discussions regarding our two campuses that we um are selling which is known as And again, this is This is permission to sell. It doesn't mean we have to sell. It's simply for permission to offer it up for sale uh if we if the board chooses. And it would be the parcel at Moya Elementary School District. And the other one would be the um the school site known as PTCO Elementary. The district is the owner of these buildings. Um there is uh state facilities board is not
028involved in these. These are district-owned buildings. And if the voters elect to do so, then our options and the board's options in the future is to actually um offer them up for sale formally. Mr. Gill, do you have any comments? Yeah, uh thanks, Jim. This is Jim Gill at Rosenfeld, the district's election counsel. Good description, Jim. That was a good summary of the process. As you all know, the district was successful in 2024 when the last went to the voters with a site sale election. The process for this year, this election, would be identical. So, you have before you a ballot as been described. Exhibit A of the resolution describes those two school sites, Moya and uh PTCO. Um and as Jim mentioned, it's not requiring you to do any selling assuming the voters approve
029in November. It just gives you the flexibility uh to sell, lease, or exchange uh either of these properties, either or both in the future. Uh, so this board or or a or a future board will uh, receive at some point uh, some uh, opportunity uh, to move on this uh, and it will be up to that board at the time. So you're not making that decision tonight. We're just giving the voters the opportunity to consider this. Um, we and I don't want to jinx it but uh, I've worked on a fair amount of sale uh, site sale elections and we have not yet seen one sale. So uh, I think uh, voters tend to be uh, pretty understanding of the need to dispose of excess property and they feel like it's a pretty good move
030on the on any school district's part. So um, but the same rules apply as any other uh, election. Uh, we're not to try to persuade voters. Um, as a as a school district as a school board, we leave it to outside groups to do that. Your role in this uh, governing board is simply to consider putting this on the ballot and then we'll let other groups decide if they want to try to influence voters but that's not for the school board or the school district to do so. Uh, we will uh, if the board approves this tonight, we'll move on to a voter information pamphlet and that'll be the uh, document that's mailed to all voters in the fiscal district's registered electors and that'll provide all the information that a voter needs to make an
031informed decision in November. Um, with that I'll open it up to any questions about um, either the resolution, the election resolution before you or the election process in general. Does anyone have any questions? Mr. Garwell. Yeah, Madam President uh, thank you Mr. Giles for for the overview as well. Um, and again, just to be clear, you know, we're not required to go out and sell these properties. You know, it's just to give us the the opportunity. Uh, however, with in the event that we do happen to go out and sell these properties, um, where do those funds go directly to? What can they be used at? Yeah, the unfortunately the legislature has done a pretty good hand a job of tying your hands. In the old days, meaning probably I guess 10 plus years ago,
032you could use dollars received from either a lease or a or a side sale to put into M&O operating the district, but that's no longer the case. Now the statute requires you to either use these proceeds, you know, sale proceeds or lease proceeds either redeem bonds, um, reduce the secondary tax rate, or for capital expenditures. So, you're kind of in a box there, but it's the same rule that applies to all school districts. Okay, thank you. So, just a follow-up question. Um, in reducing cuz those funds be used to reduce our our debt? Yes. Yeah, that's the that's the redeeming bonds part. So, yeah, you can certainly use um, uh, lease lease or sale proceeds to call in outstanding bonds. Um, you know, subject to the terms of those bonds. Some bonds, um, you know,
033some of your bonds may be callable, others may not be. You know, just depends on the individual or the particular bond. Okay, well, thank you. That's all the questions I have. Anybody else? I have a couple of questions. Um, so, we're not advertising doing anything. Uh, we're just going to put this on the ballot and then have the community vote whether whether they're allowed us to sell it or not. That's how it's going to be. What's the difference between us? Yeah, go ahead. Yeah. Oh, I'm sorry. Well, yeah, okay. Let me address the first part. So, there are um, some notices we have to provide that we have to publish um, and post on your on the district's website. So, we'll work with you on that so the public also gets noticed that way. Um
034but the primary way is by getting um uh the voter information pamphlet and then and then ultimately the ballot in the mail. But I'm sorry, what what was what was your other question? No, are we going to besides advertising when we don't have to go out there use like where is the money going to come out of cuz we have to pay, don't we? To be part of the election, doesn't the district have to pay a portion to have that part of the of of this election? The I mean the actual cost of the election is is covered by the district. That is a district expense for the publication of the pamphlet. What I think you're referring to is is the possibility of a political action committee which is is separate from the board and
035the district. If if one is formed then that would be used. They could decide to raise money for informational handouts and and possibly signs. But the district itself does pay for the publication. And how much is is that going to cost us? Uh we don't I haven't gotten an estimate yet of it. Um it because it's the election itself is in 2026, the cost would be um uh reasonable simply for the fact other things are hitting the ballots in most areas as well being an an even numbered year. What about if the community doesn't want to allow us to sell it? What's what's going to happen? What's the other option? Um that would probably be a financial situation in sense you know, I don't have a crystal ball but essentially that would create a a
036serious financial difficulty for the district. Okay. That's that's my questions. Thank Yeah. And I'm sorry and I I could also add um, in terms of cost, uh, my fee as your election counsel is covered by the trust, uh, under the prepaid legal program. Uh, so there is no cost of direct cost to the district for for my purposes for acting as your election counsel. Um, and uh, you know, I didn't mean to foreclose other ways of getting election information out there. Um, I don't recall what your practice has been in the past, but lots of school districts have a section on their website devoted to upcoming elections. And so you would typically put your pamphlet with the, uh, that'll be the next step in this process assuming the board wants to go forward. We'll get
037started with the pamphlet, but once that's final working with the county, uh, you can put the pamphlet on your, uh, website. You could also put, uh, frequently asked questions on your website that uh, that would be neutral in in, uh, in tenor and tone and and factually based. So not trying to persuade the voters, but just giving the voter another thing to look at, uh, in terms of election information that they they can understand. Uh, what So they understand why the the board has, uh, chosen to put this before the voters. Uh, assuming you you choose to do so. But there are other opportunities short of putting, you know, yard yard signs out, which, obviously, uh, the district cannot do. So if And and I'm sorry, one other thing One other thing I'll add, um,
038there is, um, although the board may not do a pro statement, um, in the pamphlet there will be a section for pro and con statements. The statute doesn't allow you to do so for this type of election as a board, but individual board members may do so as may, uh, uh, administration and staff at the district. So, uh, there's no limit, uh, for this type of election as to how many pro or con statements can be in the pamphlet. So, feel free to do that if an individual board member wants to do so, but the key there is, uh, we're not using district resources to produce a pro statement. Uh, so we're not using district admin time, district email addresses, uh, district stationery, postage, uh, you get it. Uh, you're just doing it on your
039own as any private citizen would. Uh, so you have the opportunity to submit a pro statement, uh, just like anyone else. Or a con statement for that matter. Yeah, go ahead. If I could add something to the discussion on this, um, if the voters did not approve uh, the sale, then there is still an option for the district. And we did it this once before, and that is you can, um, sell to a govern- another governmental entity without the voters' approval. Um, you have that option to the city, to the county, to the state. You can sell the facilities to that, and it doesn't require an election. Well, that's an excellent point. Yes. What did you say, Mr. Um, can can you Second of years, you you don't have to go out to the voters,
040I believe. If the property's been what, I'm sorry? Not used for 3 years. Oh, we don't have to go to the voters? I think you can go out. Is that right, Mr. Gill? That's That's That's correct. it's it's If it's been vacant for at least 3 years, uh, we can avoid an election. Right. It was my understanding that that's not the case for either of these properties, but even if it's not the case today, you know, obviously it will be at some point. But just for clarification, if if it does pass, we heard if it doesn't, but if it does pass, that's something that we're further going to discuss whether we the best option is to lease it cuz we want to make sure that we don't lease it to another charter school, or, you
041know, something that's going to hurt our district, or we could lease it. That's discussions that we're going to have in the future, correct? Yes. Yeah, any any any future decision on the use of either of those sites will go before the board. This is just to go out to the ballot to the voters. That's all this is. Okay. Well, thank you for the clarifications and thank you for uh responding to the questions. Thank you for your for your time, Mr. Gill. Okay, so Absolutely. Sorry I couldn't be there in person. No worries. Call for the vote. Okay, motion carries. Next, approve of the 2026-2027 regular governing board meeting schedule. Dr. Lilia Mesa Leyva, interim superintendent information discussion and action. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Okay, Mr. Ms. Leyva. Madam
042President, members of the board and the community, tonight we bring for your review and consideration the approval of the proposed schedule for board meetings for the school year 2026-2027. Uh this schedule ensures timely planning, compliance with open meeting requirements, and cons- cons- uh consistent opportunities for district business and public engagement. I welcome any discussion questions. Does the board have any questions? Have you noticed? Ms. Guzman. So meetings are just once a month? That is a proposal at this time, yes. Okay. Wow, it's about Is that No, it's uh it's never been like that, so I was just like Any questions? Everybody okay with once a month? Yeah, I think just a comment because I think that doesn't preclude us to having any special meetings if we need them. This is simply just to put it
043out onto the public uh domain to say these are going to be the days that we have our meetings. And when I did look at it, it took into account holidays, you know, school closure days, and all that because they're not all on the third Thursday. There's some that are the second Thursday of every month. Or 3 months, I think it was that I looked at. Uh but when I looked at them and cross-referenced it, it was in in conjunction with either uh school closure or holiday, so that we wouldn't impede on those things, either. Just remember, it might be longer meetings, not short meetings. I just did that FYI. Okay, no more questions. So, if you all agree, then call for the vote. Okay, motion Here comes our favorite part of the meeting. Adoption
044of the second reading of policy book section JA through JJBR, Dr. Lily Missalema, interim superintendent information, discussion, and action. Is there a motion? Is there a second? Second. Dr. Missalema. Madam President, members of the board, Isaac community, uh someone asked me today if uh we were close to the end, and this this policy uh book review is going to take us through the end of the school year. Uh so, I'm happy to report that for this agenda item, I bring the second reading, which usually goes faster, uh of the first partial section of uh section J, title students policy policies JA through uh uh JJBR. This is a long section, so we have chunked it in two parts. This second reading encompasses the revisions outlined during the first reading and is now presented to you,
045followed by discussion and possible approval. Uh policies with clarifying language updates uh and updates to the model policy adoption includes um policy JB, policy JBR, policy JF, policy JFABDAR, policy JFB, policy JH, policy JHD, JH HDR, policy JHDEAA, policy JH DEB, policy JICFA, policy JIH, policy JIH EA, policy JIH EB, and policy JII. Policies uh with exhibits to be updated include policy JFABDEB, B, policy JFABDAEB, and policy JICH. Policies and exhibits recommended for removal include policy JIA. And the rest of the policies have no change as listed on the document. And that concludes my second reading of section J. I welcome your discussion. The board have any questions? Okay, hearing none, call for the vote. The motion carries. Next, adoption of second read of policy book section G part three, Dr. Lilia Mesa, interim superintendent
046information discussion and action. Is there a motion? I'll move. Is there a second? Second. Okay, Dr. Mesa Lema. Madam President, members of the board, ISA community, I bring the second reading of the last section of section G titled personnel. This is a long section and we have chunked it in three parts. The second reading encompasses the revisions outlined during the first reading and is now presented to you followed by discussion and possible approval. The following policies have clarifying language updates. Policy GBK, GBKR, policy GBKEC, policy GBKED, policy GBKEE, policy GCBA, policy GCGBR, policy GCD, and policy GDF. The next section has legally um legal reviewed uh policies as well as recommendations and updates. Policy GB, GCB, policy GCQF, policy GDF, and policy GBGDR. The next section has policies or exhibits updated to include legal references
047or web link revisions. Policy GCB, policy GCBA, policy GDF, policy GCCCCEB, policy GCCCCED, policy GCCCCEE, policy GCCDE. The remaining policies have no changes. And that concludes my second reading of uh the completion of section G. Thank you. Any questions from the board? I call for the vote. Motion carries. Next, adoption of first reading of policy book section JJC through JRR. Dr. Lily Mesa Lem, interim superintendent, information, discussion, and action. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Dr. Mesa Lem. Madam President, members of the board, Isaac community, stay with me. Section J, students, are split uh reading in two sections. Tonight, I bring you the first reading of the second part of that policy section, JJC through JRR. As it is the case for all previous uh first reads, I will present
048a summary of all changes followed by the board's discussion and a request to approve the first read for this particular uh section. Policy JJC maintains the current policy. There are no changes. Policy JJE adopts the recommendation from the model policy. Policy JJF maintains the current policy. Policy JJFE maintains the current exhibit. Policy JJG maintains the current policy. Policy JJGR maintains the current regulation. Policy JJIB adopts the recommendations from the model policy and adopts legal references. Policy JJIBR adopts the recommendations from the model policy as well as legal references. Policy JJIBEA adopts the recommendation from the model policy. Policy J J I B E B adopts the recommendation from the model policy. Policy J J J maintains the previously adopted language. Policy J K adopts the recommendation from the model policy and updates to legal references.
049Policy J K R maintains the current regulation. Policy J K R B maintains the current regulation. Policy J K E A maintains the current exhibit. Policy J K E B maintains the current exhibit. Policy J K E C maintains the current exhibit. Policy J K A maintains the current policy. Policy J K B maintains the current policy. Policy J K B R maintains the previously adopted language. Policy J K D adopts the recommendations from the model policy. Policy J K D E A maintains the current exhibit. Policy J K D E B maintains the current exhibit. Policy J K D A maintains the current policy. Policy J K E adopts the recommendations from the model policy and adopts legal references. Policy J K E E maintains the current exhibit. Policy J L updates the legal
050references. Policy J L R A maintains the current regulation. Policy J L R B adopts the recommendations from the model policy with the exception of the language in reference to high school as it is not applicable. Policy J L A maintains the current policy. Policy J L C maintains the current policy. Policy J L C A maintains the current policy. Policy J L C B adopts the recommendations from the model policy and legal references. Policy J L C B R adopts the recommendations from the model policy. Policy JLCBE adopts the recommendations from the model policy. Policy JLCC adopts the recommendations from the model policy as well as legal references. Policy JLCCA maintains the current policy. Policy JLCD adopts recommended language from the model policy and updates legal references. Policy JLCDR adopts recommendations from the model
051policy. Policy JLCDE maintains the current exhibit. Policy JLD maintains the current policy. Policy JLDA adopts the recommendations from the model policy and adopts updates to legal references. Policy JLDAR maintains the current regulation. Policy JLDAC maintains the current policy. Policy JLDB maintains the current policy. Policy JLDBEA maintains the current exhibit. Policy JLDBEB maintains the current exhibit. Policy JLDBEC maintains the current exhibit. Policy JLDBED maintains the current exhibit. Policy JLF adopts recommendations from the model policy and adopts updates to legal references. Policy JLF R maintains the current regulation. Policy JLFE maintains the current exhibit. Policy JLH maintains the previously adopted language. Policy JLI maintains the current policy. Policy JLIA maintains the current policy. Policy JLIB maintains the current policy. Policy JLIBR maintains the current regulation. Policy JLIF adopts recommendations from the model policy and dates to legal
052references. Policy JLIFR maintains the current regulation. Policy JLIFE maintains the current exhibit. Policy JN maintains the current policy. Policy JO maintains the current policy. Policy JP maintains the current policy. Policy JQ adopts recommendations from the model policy. Policy JQR maintains the current regulation. Policy JQEA maintains the current exhibit. Policy JQEB maintains the current exhibit. Policy JR adopts recommendations from the model policy. Policy JRR adopts recommendations from the model policy. Policy JREA maintains the current exhibit. Policy JREB maintains the current exhibit. Policy JREC maintains the current maintains the current exhibit. JRE maintains the current exhibit. JREF maintains the current exhibit. Policy JRCA maintains the current policy. Policy JRCAR maintains the previously adopted language. Policy JRD maintains the current policy. Policy JRDR maintains the current regulation. Policy JRE maintains the current policy. Policy JRR adopts recommendations from
053the model policy. And since I cannot scroll anymore, I think that's the end of this first read. Are there any questions from the board? Okay, call for the vote. The motion carries. Connects adoption of first read of policy book section JJC through JJR Dr. Lilia Mesa Aleman interest of superintendent. I'm so sorry. I'm just done saying Dr. Mesa. G is discussion and possible action regarding employee request to leave of absence Ms. Silvia Carrizosa executive director of employee relations information discussion and action. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Ms. Carrizosa. Good evening president. If you notice the motion is a little different than the agenda title. May you please reread the motion? I'll read it from Oh, discussion and possible action regarding employee request of leave of absence Ms. Silvia Carrizosa
054executive Are you referring to that one? The one from from the details the subject? Cuz I usually read it from here. Next I usually read it from here. Oh, okay. So once again discussion and possible action regarding employee request to leave of absence Ms. Silvia Carrizosa executive director employee relations information discussion and action. Possible action regarding employee Vanessa Sezma request for leave of absence. Okay, so there was a motion. We said a motion correct? Who made the motion? Who said a motion? Who is the said second? Ready. Second. Okay. Okay. Good evening Madam president, members of the board, Dr. Lilia and I as a community. This item is a request for a one year unpaid leave of absence of a 40 classified staff member specifically our district office receptionist. This request is being brought to
055you tonight in accordance with our governing board policies regarding extended leaves of absence. Policy is GCC C, professional support staff, professional support staff leaves of absence without pay. This employee has served the Isaac district for 15 years and is currently an employee in good standing. Given her long-term commitment and positive performance history with the district, we are bringing this request forward for your consideration tonight. The employee provided a statement to the board. At this time, I will allow with the board's approval for Yuvia to read the statement that was provided by the employee. Madam President, members of the board, as Ms. Carisoza mentioned, I will be reading a statement on behalf of Ms. Vanessa Sesma. Good evening, members of the board, interim superintendent, cabinet members, and Isaac community. I apologize for not being able to
056be here in person, but appreciate the opportunity for someone to speak on my behalf. My name is Vanessa Sesma, and I am the district office receptionist. I am here to respectfully request an extended leave of absence due to my serious health complications. Recently, I have been dealing with a significant illness that required many surgeries, and I am currently in the hospital once again due to a complication from my last surgery. I am hoping to be in the early stages of recovery soon. While I am deeply committed to my responsibilities, my doctors have advised that I need additional time to heal properly and avoid additional complications. Returning too soon could jeopardize both my recovery and my ability to perform at the level that this district deserves. I also want to share that the human resources department
057informed me that my health benefits have been terminated effective March 31st, and I need to apply for Cobra benefits, which leaves me responsible for very high out-of-pocket medical costs. This has added a significant financial burden on top of an already difficult situation. I have dedicated many years of many years of service to this district and it has been truly an honor to contribute to our schools, district office, and community. I care deeply about this district and my role within it, which is why I want to ensure that when I return, I am able to give my full strength, focus, and dedication. Once again, I respectfully request an extended leave of absence due to my health complications. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter, Ms. Vanessa Cespedes. Thank you, Yuvia. Uh good morning,
058board members, Madam President. Um to provide context with for board discussion, this employee is no longer in paid status, having exhausted all accrued and personal leave. Consequently, the employee has transitioned to Cobra, as mentioned in her letter, for health insurance coverage, meaning there is no ongoing district contribut- contributions towards salary or benefits. So, from a fiscal standpoint, this means there's no cost to the district currently if you were to approve her leave of absence request. We also, as a district, recognize a receptionist's role as a primary point of contact not only for our families, but of course for our staff, and we must ensure that the front desk remains fully operational. Therefore, therefore, we intend to fill the current vacancy to maintain service levels. Upon the employee's return, if approved, the district will assess its
059current staffing requirements and placement needs at the time to determine an appropriate assignment. Uh we recommend that the board approves this unpaid leave of absence for a year. I'm happy to answer any questions the board may have. Board, have any questions? No? Yes, you got it, Will. So, the only question I have is, you know, because it's going to be an unpaid, which I understand has no, you know, fiscal impact. Um but as far as the staffing levels, you know, does that impede anything? Does that, you know, impact us as far as the performance of the department that she's in? You know, how does that uh relate to uh getting to the staffing levels that are required in order for the operation to continue to go on? A great question, Madam President, Governing Board Member
060Gerwel. As stated, obviously we want to continue our high levels of operational commitment here at the district level because this is a receptionist position. Currently, it's been placed with a temporary placement staffing placement, excuse me. Our goal, as I stated, is to fill fill that role so that it we continue to provide high levels of customer Excuse me. Customer service. Therefore, we will work on backfilling this position. And upon Miss upon this individual's return, then we will assess the needs of the district. So, the plan is to backfill that position because it is a high needs position. Okay. So, have we taken this type of action before or is this the first time we've done this? You know, is this a precedence? You know, cuz I'm I'm I'm not I'm not familiar with we've done
061this before. That's a great question, Madam President, Governing Board Member Gerwel. So, we are following what policy dictates here. I don't have in front of me right now. I can definitely research that for you, but I can tell you we're definitely definitely following policy. I cannot at the moment tell you if this has been done in the past. Okay. I mean, I think the question too that I would have is basically because you're going to fulfill fill that position. And if the board approves a one-year leave, then it doesn't guarantee she will have the same position, but we guarantee that we would find a position for her. Is that correct? That's correct. Is that your question, Mr. Gerwel? I'm not sure if that's No, actually it just, you know, as far as trying to figure
062out what the precedence is, how do we determine in the future you know, which employees you know, we grant the the leave of absence and which ones we don't. You know, because again, we're just laying the foundation. This is going to be the basis. You know, so I want to make sure that we understand and I understand the policy parts of it. You know, but how do we determine which ones we do and which ones we don't do without, you know, having any kind of biases or prejudices or any of those kind of things, right? Because we're all humans. It's a valid point. And so, you know, that's always my concern and you know, could become perhaps a legal challenge sometime in the future if, you know, one employee decides that hey wait a minute,
063you know, you did this once before, but now you're not allowing me to do it. So, you know, what's the precedence and you know, how do we work around that? Again, these are hypotheticals, but at the same time, you know, these are personnel matters and and most of the time we try to make sure that we keep them, you know, direct so that, you know, we don't have this ambiguity and then get into a situation in the future where we're having to defend our decisions, you know, were made previously. A great point if I may and then I know Dr. Lee wants to speak. I would say obviously it's discretionary leave and it's evaluated depending on the role, right? And so every situation, I believe that would come forth or has in the past or
064maybe in the future would be based on on the specific role, on the specific need. But I get what you're saying, Mr. Gerwel. Like I said, I can look at what's been done in the past, but Dr. Lee, did you want to add? Madam President, members of the board, Mr. Gerwel, I think that opens up a great opportunity for us to establish a standard operating procedure, which is, you know, the the next phase, which ongoing phase as we update our policies, but definitely the next iteration of the work. Okay. Yeah, cuz I I think that's what I'm really getting to, you know, do we have an SOP right now, standard operating procedure that really delineates, you know, how we make these decisions, you know, not just predicated on our our feelings at that particular point
065in time or that individual. You know, I want to make sure we're staying fair and and true to our staff in in every aspect of it. So, that that's really the purpose of my questions. Sure, no. Thank you. Well, um we have our legal counsel here. I mean, I I understand your point, which you make good a good point. Um what kind of I In my time that I've been here, I believe we have never done this in my that I remember. Um so, if we uh depending, you know, what we we do in the future, um somebody else comes and and cuz you know, if we allow once, you allow twice. Um what can we do? Like, do we I mean, are we putting any standards? Are we looking at I mean, of course,
066you know, you can't prevent when you get sick. I mean, what what can we do as a district? I mean, we also want to be compassion and and and help and you know, as we can, but we also, like you mentioned, you know, it's it's like an area of We're opening for more things to come and approval, you know, to save my spot. So, as Well, what do you advise our counsel? Those uh those are all very good points. Um the And this is discretionary uh for the the uh board policy, but the policy can be changed. If you decide you want to do it differently, you can create a new policy. But at the point that it is right now, your policy allows you to make this decision. Uh but then you could go
067in and change it if you decide that maybe you'd prefer to set different rules uh regarding this. Uh currently, it does allow it. Um and it is an a very unusual request. I mean, it's been gone for a year without any pay, but just to be able to come back and work for the district when they get back. And from my experience, now, yours is a lot smaller district than I worked with in Gilbert, but there's always a um attrition that happens with every school year, and there's usually a spot that's available. It's not unusual to have a position for someone to slide into that was doing a good job before. And so, I'm not sure there's a lot of risk with that because it's not unusual to have a places for them to work.
068Um, and I don't see persons being from a probability stat situation, I don't see many people asking for a year off unpaid to come back in a year. I don't I don't see that being coming a really That's my personal view though. Um, but the policy allows for it now. And if you don't like the way the policy is written, we it could be changed. Thank Thank you. Any further questions? Miss Hernandez. Um, yes. Uh, being an ex-employee, I know that this has existed in the past. I personally went through it myself. So, um, I I do believe that uh um I was uh given the amount of time, and I returned before. Of course, I I was able to uh get well fast enough that I returned back, but I was given up to
069a year. And um and I'm grateful um and pleased that the district took uh my hard work and dedication in this district as uh someone to to um support a time that I was passing through that was very difficult. So, um I do believe that uh you know, that this is a way of showing our good workers also that, you know, we are uh there when we never know what the future brings. We do know that things happen. And um so, um you know, I just I I just hope that, you know, she can get better sooner and return sooner. Any further Any further questions? Okay, call for the vote. Okay, motion carries. Next, do I have a motion to approve the whole consent agenda? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Okay, call for
070the vote. Motion carries. Next, we have um call to the public. Request to address the governing board. Miss um Vera, do we have any call to the public? Madam President, this evening we have one request to address the governing board. I did not see her earlier. Do we have Miss Veronica Gámez? No. That concludes the open call to the public. Thank you. Next, we have information um enrollment average daily membership and average daily attendance for your some of ADM enrollment 4,624, average daily membership 3,859, average daily attendance 3,790, enrollment 4,173. Calendar parent advisory pack meeting Monday, April 27th at 5:00 p.m. Isaac School District office. Our next Governing Board meeting will be here held here at 5:00 p.m. April 23rd here at the District office. Okay. Next we go into executive session. A motion for
071possible action to convene to executive session pursuant to ARS 38-431-03A-1 and A-3 discussion or consideration of employment assignment appointment promotion demotion dismissal salary disciplinary of or resignation of a public officer of a public body and legal advice with the attorney of public body director of federal grants contract. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Second. Okay. Call for the vote. The next Okay. And next we have I need another motion and possible action to convene to executive session pursuant to ARS 38-431-03A-1 and A-3 discussion consideration of employment assignment appointment promotion demotion dismissal salary dis- disciplinary resignation of public officer of the public body of legal advice with attorney of the public body interest superintendent contract. Is there a motion? Is there a second? Second. Call for the vote. Motion carries. So now
072another motion to go to executive session. No more, that's it. It's a motion to okay, I'm sorry. Okay, let's go. Thank you. Mhm. Motion to recommend to regular session. I move. Is there a second? Second. Okay, call for the vote. Okay, motion carries. Specific items and district businesses, discussion and possible action regarding director of federal grants contract for the 2026 2027 fiscal year, Dr. Lilly Mesa, interim superintendent. Is there a motion? I'll move. Is there a second? Second. Okay. Mr. Mesa, I think we all unless you guys have any further Uh so, Madam President, could could we amend the motion to say that, you know, um we would uh go ahead and consider the renewal? Because that's what the original one was in the previous one. Cuz here we're talking about possible action, and I
073think, you know, we're it would be unfair to continue with possible action. So, I would Yeah, I mean, but on on this, correct? So Okay. So, Mr. Gerol, can you just state, and then we'll just and then we'll just vote on that. Um so, do we need to rescind the previous motion? Since it was moved and seconded. Yeah. So, we just Okay, so, who who first? You? Okay. I did second. Did second. So, now we're going to So, I have a motion to amend um the agenda. Right. Well, first we're going to rescind it, correct? So, now I just need to rescind the the first motion, which is discussion and possible action regarding director of federal grants contract for the 2026 2027 fiscal year, Dr. Lilly Mesa, interim superintendent. So, I'm going to read it
074to you uh miss Yeah, they can just say yes. Yes. Okay. So, Mr. Garwell, since you you want to make the motion. Okay, since you I think that was Rudy and Mhm. Maria that did it. Yeah, huh. Yeah. It wasn't me. Okay. Did you You agree we're going to resend it because we're going to change the motion. Okay, so my vote. Okay. Um So, I move that we um take the recommendation for a renewal for the director of federal grants contract um for the years 2026-2027 fiscal year. Okay, is there a second? Second. Okay, so now if there's no further questions, um we're just going to call for the vote. Did it come out? Oh, there it is. Um and just for the record, um I want to explain my vote. I want to be
075clear in my position. I respect the receiver's authority and understand the intent to move forward by strengthening systems and communication. However, I cannot support this contract at this time. We have seen a continued pattern of concerns including lack of communication, gaps in following through, and ongoing complaining issues even after feedback and opportunities to improve. I am not comfortable continuing to excuse outgoing issues by pointing to the past when the same problems are still happening today. At some point we have to focus on current accountability and measurable results. This is not about disagree disagreement for a sake of disagreement. This is about ensuring that we're putting our district and students and our funding in the strongest possible position. So, for those reasons, I will be voting no. The motion carries. Next, we have possible action and
076approve Oh, I'm sorry. So, now next we have possible action. I need a motion to guide legal counsel to continue negotiations with um Miss uh Dr. Lily Mesa Salema. Uh uh for current interim superintendent. Is there a motion? So moved. Is there a second? Okay, any further discussion? No? Okay, call for the vote. I thank you for your patience that President. Um May I please have the motion repeated? I apologize. I moved I did the first. And then Ward No, Harry did the second. I did the second. Thank you. It should be open now. Okay, motion carries. Okay, and at this time, if I don't hear any objections, meeting adjourned.