LHUSD Regular Governing Board Meeting May 2026

001Good evening. I now call to order the regularly scheduled session of the Lake Havasu Unified School District for May 14th, 2026. Secretary is called the roll. >> Here. >> We'll now have a moment of silent prayer or private reflection. And then, would you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance? >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> May be seated. All right, good evening. We want to welcome everybody to our board meeting this evening. We have a packed agenda, and uh we just ask that you be patient with us. Um one of the things we did pull this month was our monthly board awards to make room um in our

002time this evening, so we will pick that back up in August whenever school starts back. And uh next week last week of school, and we know everyone here, especially our teachers, are excited. Um it's been a great year. We're looking forward to a great meeting this evening, and we are now going to go for spotlights and recognitions. Please welcome Human Resources to the podium this evening. Thank you. >> Good evening, President Rose, members of the Governing Board, Dr. Stone, Mr. Beckman, community members, and all of tonight's retirees. Tonight, we're gathered to celebrate the incredible dedication, experience, and lasting impact represented in this room. As we send these outstanding individuals into a well-deserved retirement, we are honored to recognize and celebrate the many years of service, which, by the way, collectively is 171 years of service

003to our district and the meaningful difference they have made in the lives of our students, staff, and school community. As you're called forward this evening, please slide all the way down to your left after you've received your award, um and stand so we can take a group photo at the end. Our first retiree is Kathy Schuler. Kathy has been the heart of our accounts payable department for the past 13 years, serving as a one-and-only accounts payable specialist with dedication, accuracy, and care. Often referred to as the queen, Kathy ruled her role with professionalism, kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor that kept everyone smiling. Beyond her work here, she has made a lasting impact through her active involvement with community organizations such as the Chamber, the Lake Havasu City Parent Head Club. Kathy, your hard

004work, laughter, and friendship will be will be deeply missed. On behalf of the entire district, thank you for all your years of service and for keeping the lights through first. Congratulations on your retirement. Lillian Van Pool Mrs. Van Pool has been a valued member of Lake Havasu Unified Elementary and LHUSD teaching for a total of 5 years when including her time as a substitute. During her time with us, she experienced a deeply personal loss of her brother. Through that difficult period, she found strength in the support of our staff and students. This is the moment she shared will not be forgotten. Mrs. Van Pool will be missed, and we look forward to seeing her on campus. We wish her the very best. Lee Nae Mr. Mr. Nae has dedicated 26 years to education, leaving a

005meaningful mark on countless students and staff. Mr. Nae consistently showed up for students in all areas of school, always willing to lend a hand and support wherever needed. His reliability for students will truly be missed. He shared that one of his proudest moments was seeing his three children graduate from LHS. As he begins the next chapter, we hope he enjoys quality time with his family and many relaxing days out on the golf course. Leanne Sanfill I'm sorry, honey. Miss Sanfill has dedicated 27 years to teaching. She is the type of teacher that shapes minds, encourages hearts, and makes a difference. She makes a lasting impact on her students, showing us they come back to visit and remember her kindness, warmth, and skill. Miss Sanfill has been a cornerstone in the success of Jamaica Elementary from

006the very beginning. Her knowledge and pedagogy pedagogy are top-notch, making her a great role model and mentor for all. Every individual who has had the honor of being part of her career is lucky. She is an invaluable member of our school community and will be greatly missed. Mr. Jim McCabe During Mr. McCabe's time at LHS, he has made math accessible, meaningful, and empowering for every student. In special education, he didn't just teach numbers. He built confidence, patience, and resilience. One of his lasting impacts includes creating a placement test that helps incoming high school students find the right resource math class, setting them up for success from day one. His career, creativity, and commitment have changed countless lives. While he may be retiring, the difference he's made will continue to add up for years to come.

007Thank you for everything. You'll be deeply missed. Cindy Thomas. We are honored to recognize our loving librarian upon her retirement after 25 years of dedicated service to the Smoke Tree community. Her connection to our campus campus is deeply rooted as her own daughter attended this school way back in her pre-professional and classy guard days. Cindy has faithfully served generations of students, staff, and families. Known as our school historian, she carries the stories, traditions, and memories that make our campus special. We're grateful for her lasting impact. Her legacy will continue through the book vending machine she recently purchased and donated for our students, inspiring young readers for years to come. We wish her the best as she travels the country spending time with her beautiful grandchildren. Though she is moving on to the next chapter in

008the book of Thomas, she will be back to visit and volunteer in Cougar country. So, it isn't goodbye forever, but good luck, and we will see you soon. Janice Maxwell. Janice is a kind-hearted individual. She puts students before all else, fighting for things that motivated them. She maintains a calm demeanor at all times, showing great patience even in difficult situations. Janice will always be remembered as a fashionista. She set the standard for dressing to impress. Delano Dixon. After a successful career in law enforcement, Dwayne O came out of retirement to bring safety to our campuses and connect with kids. Dwayne O was able to create systems that will have a lasting impact on both Lake Casitas High School and Fender Bolt Middle School. He's always looking for ways to improve and increase the safety for

009both students and staff. Above all that, the connections he has made with students have permanently shaped their lives. >> Sue Blanchard For the entire life of Fender Bolt, Sue has been the face of our school. She has helped generations navigate roller coaster that is middle school. Sue has had a hand in every student registration for every student that has ever attended Fender Bolt. She's the link between home and school, scheduling team meetings for all students, and being and creating the monthly newsletter. Sue's the mastermind who keeps the school covered when teachers are absent and creates the weekly bulletin that keeps us all in line. As the voice of our school, our day begins and ends with her. She leaves a legacy that will be hard to replace. A few of our retirees were unable to

010attend this evening, however, we would like to thank them for their service. Judy Barrett, Have a Seat Pie Elementary, K through 6th grade. Denise McElwain, Have a Seat Pie, P.E. teacher. Greg Mortland, bus driver. We know the work done in the school district would not be possible without the many skilled staff like those we have honored tonight. We are grateful for each of you and your contributions to LHUSD. Thank you and happy retirement. >> All right, congratulations to all of our retirees and thank you for your commitment to this district. We need you to teach them. All right, moving on. Item 2.2, student achievement. We'll give you a moment, those that are leaving to step out before we move right on. >> All right. All right, we're going to move along now to item 2.2.

011Student achievement. Welcome, Ms. Olson. >> President Rose and members of the governing board, tonight we recognize Lake Havasu High School music students who qualified for the Northwest Regional Honor Music Festival. So, I would I am pleased to invite Mrs. Schreiber, director of bands at Lake Havasu High School, to the podium. Good evening. On behalf of our high school performing arts and music department, we wanted to thank you for this opportunity to celebrate the musical accomplishments of our students. Thank you for allowing and supporting the out-of-classroom experiences that we like to provide for our students, and for supporting music in our schools here in Havasu. When you're involved in musical performing ensembles, there's a lot of learning that happens within that environment as well as beyond the walls of the classroom. And it's truly amazing to

012witness. I am so grateful to be a part of that. I always say I have the best job in the world. Our high school musicians are accomplishing lots of amazing things this year, and I know all of us could not be more proud of them. In January Thank you. In January, we took a group of band and choir students to travel to Flagstaff to audition for the Regional Honors Festival. We are extremely pleased to announce that we had eight of those students qualify to perform in the festival. In February, we were excited to host the AMEA Northwest Regional Honor Music Festival right here in Lake Havasu in our performing at the center for the first time in over 20 years. This festival featured about 300 music students from across the region, and we welcomed over

01325 visiting schools. Lake Havasu was well represented. Six students performed in the region honor bands, one student performed in the orchestra, and one student performed in the choir. Students, when I call your name, you're please come up to be recognized and let's form a line up here. First, performing in the bands back in February for our Northwest Regional Honor Festival, we have senior trumpet player Jacob Floyd. Jack Hunt, junior tuba player. Freshman trumpet player Eli Levez. Um and then we have senior trombone player Gabriella Nieves. Unfortunately, she couldn't join us tonight. But, we do have her sister, Grace Nieves, sophomore clarinet player. Lastly for the band is Paisley Sartin, sophomore trumpet. And then we had our the first chair French horn player in the whole region, freshman Mr. Jacob Row. Representing the choir and on

014behalf of Miss Erica Sutherland, who is the choir teacher at Lake Havasu High School, I'd like to recognize Jorge Zuvella, who is a junior who performed with with choir as well. Unfortunately, they both could not be here tonight. They do have a choir concert happening tonight at 7:00 p.m. if anybody would like to go support them and see them. So, let's give them another round of applause. Thank you. I also wanted to say I was able to go to the choir or the band concert on Tuesday and it did not disappoint. They did a really great job. So, very nicely done. >> All right, congratulations. All right, next up item 2.3 student achievement recognition of our civic speed contest. >> Good evening, President Rose, members of the governing board. Um tonight we would like to

015recognize the outstanding achievement of several of our students who recently competed in the civic bee, an event that highlights critical thinking, civic knowledge, and a deep understanding of our democracy. I would like to invite Mrs. Andrea Hollar to the podium, please. >> Good evening, President Rose, members of the board, uh Superintendent Stone, Mr. Becker, educators, students, and families. Thank you so much for the opportunity to share a few words on the behalf of the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce about our involvement with the National Civic Bee. The Lake Havasu Area Chamber is proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the small business and civics competition to our community. This particular competition includes uh students from the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade to learn more about how government works, to

016think critically about issues affecting their communities, and to use their voices to propose real solutions to those problems. It's built around a simple but powerful idea. Informed and engaged citizens build stronger communities, a stronger economy, and a stronger future workforce, which is all of you. This year we are especially proud to recognize the 20 students who earned the the highest score on their civics BSAs. I want to put a note to this is the second year that we've done this competition. The first year we were able to get about 150 submissions. This year we had over 350. So, we're so grateful for that growth. Um these students, all of the students who who submitted essays and who made those top 20, uh took the time to study, reflect, and write about how civic action can

017make a difference. That effort deserves to be celebrated, not just because of the competition, but because these students are practicing skills of leadership, citizenship, and community problem-solving. We had at least two of our students actually go to our local government, to our mayor, and to our uh state parks to actually pursue some of their ideas to see if they could do it whether or not they got the essay competition completed. So, I like that to me is a success. Um tonight, we want to recognize our top three students. So, I'd like to welcome Avery Meza, who was first place, Portland Mockridge, who won second place, and Justin Yang, who was third place. These outstanding students get to uh advance to the state civics bee on June 10th, where they'll represent Lake Oswego at the state

018level. From there, they got get to have the opportunity to continue on to the national level. Um should they win. Or the finalists can earn a significant scholarship support. And we're talking up to a hundred thousand dollars of a of a college scholarship. So it's pretty significant. So on behalf on behalf of the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce, we want to congratulate each and every student who participated. Thank the educators and families who encouraged them because that's exactly what happened. We had a lot of educators and families supporting them in the schools and at home. And um thanking the Lake Havasu Unified School District for helping foster civic learning and engagement. We believe civics education is not just about understanding government. It's about empowering young people to see themselves as leaders, problem solvers, and

019contributors to the future of Lake Havasu. So congratulations again to our students and best of luck to every Courtland and Justin at the state bee. >> All right, congratulations. That is amazing. And we're I'm going to say thank you to Andrea and to the chamber for your partnership. And we are looking forward to She's like, "I'm out of here." Yes. Good night. All right. Up next, item 2.4 is Lake Havasu City Education Association. Please welcome Carol Nowakowsky. >> Uh good evening. President Rose, members of the board, superintendent, assistant superintendent um McKinney, yes, okay. Because I know there is a certain site here that is anxiously waiting to hear. Because I know we are still waiting for our legislators to decide on the budget. Because I know the end of the year is here and we

020have many things to do to wrap it up. Because I know there are many national board candidates making their final revisions before uh submission on Saturday. Um I reflected on my thoughts and decided to keep this short. From the perspective of the association, we are ending the year with many wins. And because I promised to keep it short, I will end it at that. >> Here, here. >> All right. Up next is item 3.1, our first public hearing for instructional time model. Ms. Olson. Welcome back. >> President Rose, members of the governing board. This is the first public hearing to announce that Lake Havasu Unified School District plans to implement an instructional time model for students in grades 9 through 12 who choose to participate in an online learning option. In accordance with Arizona Revised

021Statute 15-808 and 15-901 and as authorized by House Bill 2862, school districts may adopt an instructional time model that allows flexibility in how instructional hours are delivered. This includes the use of remote and digital learning while still meeting all state requirements for instructional time and student membership. Under this model, the Capistrano Unified School District will continue to offer a remote learning option for high school students through the school's PLP platform. This option is intended to provide flexibility for students who will maintain a connection to in-person support. This proposed model will be in addition to the district's existing instructional time model, which already includes opportunities such as dual enrollment and off-campus coursework at the high school level. >> All right, we will now have public for the public. Okay, for for this For to item 3.1,

022we will now open up the public for the public. >> Yeah, just on my end, I'm glad the attendance requirement's going through that. It does seem to be that we're getting a better hand on having the students part actively participating, monitoring it. I know we've had some some growing pains with the online, and I think this is a good opportunity to kind of get the wheels back on it and get it in your hands so that we can improve those scores in the online model. And I think by doing that, you're going to get a better participation on the student education for those students. So, I I I like this going forward. Thank you. >> Agreed. And you know, the the online school or the online platform, there are really good aspects of it. It

023does give flexibility. I mean, there are students who um are like working winners in their households, and really do need to be able to work in addition to going to school. Um you might have circumstances where a teen gets pregnant, or you know, all sorts of circumstances where a student needs to be able to access schooling online. We don't want them to have to choose between fulfilling um the other responsibilities and also graduating. Um and so, this way this is a method of accommodating those needs. But over the years it has felt like it's become a way for kids to get a high school diploma without getting a high school education. And so I do appreciate that we're going to rein that in by requiring more participation where they do actually have to log in

024and have an accounting for their time and that does make me feel better, you know, on graduation day we we do want that diploma that they receive to mean something. >> And a special thank you to Mr. Becker, the administration of the high school and the administration of Havasu Online. We've worked really hard this year to come together many times to talk about what the future of Havasu Online will look like. >> And and I just want to say thank you. We we you and I and Mr. Becker and myself have had several conversations about Havasu Online and how to improve, you know, there there has been some conversation of just rolling it back and getting rid of it. I I was not willing to support that because there there are families that this supports

025and it is needed. But also it's necessary that we are holding those students accountable and making sure that they are receiving the the proper education. So thank you for your work on this. >> Absolutely. Thank you so much. >> All right, at this time we will now move to item 3.2, all call to the public. Um whenever you come to the mic this evening if you signed up for call to the public, you'll come to this mic here and please state your name for the record and you have a total of 3 minutes. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Cara Schmidt and I'm a former Lake Havasu Unified School District student. I grew up in this community and like many of you, I want what is best for our youth both for their personal

026growth and their future success. Over the years we have all had to navigate significant changes in an ever-evolving educational environment. In 2021 my family made the decision to move back to Lake Havasu so our children could grow up with a strong sense of community and connection, something this town has always represented to me. Unfortunately, they can't be here tonight. One's at LA and one's at baseball. I am here today to propose that the Lake Havasu Unified School District allow Empowerment Scholarship Account students, better known as ESA, to participate in district athletics and potentially even elective courses. As you can see on the agenda I will describe several school districts across Arizona already do allow ESA students to participate in these opportunities. Under existing Arizona law, traditional homeschool students, those that are operating on an affidavit

027of intent to homeschool, already have the right to participate in district sports. Given that ESA students are recognized as students of the state of Arizona, I respectfully ask why not extend that same opportunity to them. ESA students are part of a state recognized program that requires multiple layers of approval and ongoing compliance with specific educational requirements, arguably more oversight than traditional homeschool arrangements. Yet currently these students are excluded from opportunities that foster teamwork, discipline, leadership, and community belonging. As parents we recognize that a funding gap does exist when students are not fully enrolled in the district. However, it is very important to note that a traditional homeschool student, that's currently allowed to participate in district athletics, does not generate any funds for the district. ESA students, by contrast, contribute approximately 10% of their state funding.

028My proposal is to help offset this gap, which you already have on your agenda, is to offer athletic participation in elective courses to ESA students at a higher participation rate than those in the district. This approach creates a win-win, gives our children the opportunity to participate, belong, and represent the community in which they live, while also allowing the district to recover some of the funding it would otherwise lose. I am hopeful that your consideration and your commitment to putting children first, and your respect for our parental choice, will guide this decision towards a positive outcome for our students and community. Thank you for your time and consideration. >> Thank you so much. Good evening. >> Good evening, members of the board. My name is Shannon Scott. I'm a wife, mother of four, stepmother of one,

029and a homeschool parent here in Lake Travis ISD community. My family moved here in 2022 for a better life for our children. We are not a wealthy family, but we are an engaged family. My husband owns a small business here in town, and much of our family time is spent at local ball fields volunteering, coaching, scorekeeping, and supporting the children of this community. I appreciate that the district is working to create pathways for ESA students to participate in extracurricular activities. However, I am concerned that the proposed fee structure may create participation opportunities in theory, but not realistic accessibility realistic accessibility accessibility for many working families. ESA families often receive significantly less funding per student than traditional public schools, while while still contributing tax dollars to the same system. Yes, ESA families may use ESA funds

030towards these proposed fees, but those funds are intended to support an entire core education program, including curriculum, supplies, therapies, and enrichment. A fee structure this high could realistically consume a substantial portion of a student's annual education budget for a single sport or club. Other Arizona districts appear to be finding more balanced approaches. For example, some districts districts utilize lower participation fees which will enable students to expand athletic and educational enrichment opportunities offered within the district. I strongly strongly encourage the board to explore alternatives such as lower program fees, annual fee caps, and even considering fundraising credits and volunteer options. I completely understand the district's responsibility to protect its costs and maintain program quality, but I respectfully ask the board to consider whether participation remains truly accessible because inclusion only works when families can realistically participate.

031As parents, we teach our children not to exclude others based on differences. That is why it can be difficult for children to understand why opportunities their peers are encouraged to participate in may become unattainable simply because their education is funded differently. Our children are still Lake Havasu children. They grow up here, volunteer here, and look up to the leaders in this community as role models. They are future parents, voters, taxpayers, and community leaders just like you. These programs are not simply extras. They help shape well-rounded, productive members of our community. I respectfully ask the board to continue exploring solutions that make participation truly accessible for ESA families while supporting district accountability and program quality. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to all of the children and families of our community. >> Thank you.

032All right. >> Good evening. >> Hello members of the board. My name is Dexter Sala and I am a homeschooling here in Lake Havasu City. I'm going to be starting high school next year and it would mean a lot to me if I could be able to practice in the school's tennis tournaments and practices without having to give up my wonderful high school resources. >> Hello uh President Olson and board members. Um yeah, I just want to say thank you for taking the opportunity to uh put this on the agenda and uh think about this. Uh we've been hoping for this for a little while as a homeschool family here in Havasu. And I just look forward to hopefully having that opportunity to join the sports programs and uh uh extra extra extracurricular >> extracurricular

033public speaking >> I I don't I don't know. >> I just thank you for your time and that consideration on this. So, we hope that it goes through and thank you. >> All right, thank you. Good evening. >> Good evening members of the board. This is my daughter, Emily. And we're here to talk about sports. >> Okay. >> I'm a local homeschooling kid. homeschool family Um I'm a local middle schooler here. I'm a local middle schooler here. So, we're hoping to get into the middle school sports programs and uh and finally be able to participate Good evening. >> Good evening. Good evening. >> I am looking at the facts and I am going to let you know right now I am a high school education is not one size fits all. Having educational options is

034imperative for families because every child learns differently and every family has unique needs and expectations. Like Odyssey in a rural community with essentially one high school athletic program, unlike larger metropolitan areas, we do not have an abundance of alternative sport programs and extracurricular options. Because of that, we must work together and utilize the local resources we do have to provide wholesome engaging opportunities for all students in the community. Like Odyssey High School athletic program has a long-standing tradition of competitiveness and success, and I know this personally because I've been a part of it. My family chose an alternative educational path because traditional school was not the best fit for our lifestyle and our children's needs. Our children are educated through online home-based home school programs by the Arizona public school system. Arizona is a state

035that supports educational choice and allows home school and alternative education students to participate in public school athletics under the Tim T. Johnson Law. We are simply asking for clarification, consistency, and equal opportunity regarding participation policies and procedures. The benefits of this partnership are many, which means stronger team rosters, more diverse teams, increased community involvement, and expanded opportunities for students who are eager to contribute and compete. We are advocating for our children to have opportunities to participate. From my experience, this group of parents is incredibly dedicated, motivated, and ready to be a positive part of this community. Our students may learn differently, but we are still participating like Odyssey citizens who deeply are invested in this community and its future. Educational choice families bring value to the table, and we are asking for a viable conducive

036partnership that enhances opportunities for all student athletes. We truly believe this can be a win-win for everyone, strengthening athletic programs, building character, increasing participation, and supporting the needs of Lake Havasu City. The home schooled alternative education community has always been a part of this city and it continues to grow. Showing that we can work together and create positive, successful partnerships that reflect this community's commitment to the well-being and education of all of our students children. Choosing an alternative education should not limit their opportunities. They are just as deserving a chance to participate, contribute, and succeed. And knowing that other districts have been able to do the same thing Hopefully I have presented something that I can be proud of. And this is Dana McFall. Hello, my name is Dana McFall and I'm going to light

037my three candles. I would love for me to have the opportunity to represent Lake County High School in our city as part of the golf team. Because we choose a different educational path, there are no other local team opportunities available to me at Lake County High School. I work hard academically and athletically and I should be given the chance to compete and be part of a team with good sportsmanship and represent my community All right. All right, I'm done. All right, I thank all of you. All right, at this time, item 4.1 consent agenda, I need a motion and a second, please. >> Move to approve item 4.1. >> I second. >> Secretary, will you call the vote, please? >> Yes. >> All right, up next, item 5.1 for discussion items this evening is cameras

038in classrooms. Uh this agenda item has been brought by member Tinsley and I'm going to turn it over to her. >> Perfect. I'm bringing this forward as a discussion item focused on student safety, self-protection, accountability, and transparency. The original law that appear to prohibit classroom video cameras when implemented through our proper board policy and privacy safeguards. The question before us is whether classroom cameras could provide a more objective and consistent understanding of what is happening inside the classroom while protecting both students and teachers. Many classrooms already contain adults and students carrying phones capable of recording incidents and arguments often without context. A structured district policy may provide a more consistent and objective approach when serious allegations of riot or arise, sorry, involving student safety, staff conduct, bullying, behavioral incidences, or disputes regarding classroom interactions. This

039discussion is about whether objective video documentation can help protect everyone involved by reducing false claims, increasing accountability, and improving trust when concerns arise. The goal is simply to protect students, protect staff, and give the direct objective information information when serious questions arise. So, pretty much I would like to see if we could do like a pilot program and break it down into phases uh to put cameras in classrooms. >> All right, thank you, member Tanchel. At this time, um I will open up to the board for discussion. >> Yeah. >> And I you know, as I I thought this was all brought ahead. It's a complex issue, right? And there's there's a balancing factor here between as a parent, obviously, being able to observe my child in class, you know, logging in or something like

040a Zoom portal to be able to look in and see how they're doing and my son doing whatever. I mean, on the other side of that, it it does create a pressure in the classroom to the teachers and students of this surveillance state, which I also don't want. And so, I think >> You know, we also are in a district with many schools. We're not a, you know, two middle, elementary, or high school. It's six of the schools all over the place. It would be a large implementation cost to do this. Um, I also have security concerns. Who has access to this? Is there accountability? I mean, people can get into these cameras. Are we going to have people observing our children that we don't want to? And unfortunately, there are offenders who are parents.

041And so, we're giving access to individuals who, yeah, they have a kid in their class. >> So, I was going to say that access to cameras for anybody other than like the designated people that are for the school. >> So, the disclosure would be a record keeping of >> It's record keeping. Yes, and I forgot what it was considered, actually. It's on there somewhere. But yeah, it would go actually into, in a way, for the their records, in a way. So, >> And then, what you know, if if we are keeping a record on your student, I believe we have record requests that individuals could be able to access that. >> Yes, they could. But obviously, uh, attorney or whatnot would have to >> Yeah. >> I don't know if you say redact for the

042video as well as compared to papers, but >> Yeah, if their child was in, say for instance, a fight, yes, if one of their child is in that video, they would have access to that. >> And I don't I don't know if I mean >> it. >> I don't know if it would be even if it even if it was on a legal basis. Well, I if your child is in that classroom, we can't I think we can decide if they witnessed it. If they had a fit any form of participation, if we start becoming a partisan, no, you can't have it. Yes, you can have it. I think just really creates a legal issue for the district. >> The only issue that would be legal is pretty much when it has to do with

043audio. You know what the >> Visual representation it is also a consideration. >> We already have them in some classes. We do, but we have them in classrooms where the students are non-verbal and so we wouldn't be able to take an incident report if something happened and get reliable witness testimony. We also have them in rooms where there's a greater risk of injury. So, we have cameras in our gyms and we have cameras in Is it woodshop? Is there another one? Sorry. Yeah. Okay. So. Oh, the weight room. That's right. So, so areas where there's an increased risk of injury if something were to happen we want to be able to review and see exactly what happened and how it happened. And then again, we're taking care of our non-verbal students. So, we already have

044some spaces >> in special needs is it Is it just one of the classrooms or what not for >> It's in the classroom where the students are non-verbal. >> Which would be? Our SDC class. >> Okay. Tomato. Tomato. >> Thank you. >> That's fine. >> How's your day going anything I can help you with? >> Yeah, I was just relaying my thoughts like there was trouble at the institution maybe as well as basketball games and things like that. It wouldn't make a difference we don't request if something went wrong it would be still the same process. There's no difference between a classroom. >> So, let's take this right. So, say there was an incident my child is in a classroom and I want to see what happened that day. Who If I'm a parent coming

045to the district I would You can't You have a recording of my child. We're a public entity. Just like any other public body the protection of the report whether it's on a piece of paper or in a hard drive that is information on my child. That's my child's image. And I you know, and the parents in this case you know, the district already deals with a substantial amount of parent-to-parent interaction frustrated parents. I think all the teachers can speak to that. Now, on top of of that burden you're having the parents have watch them. >> I just I I resonate with your want to be able to watch our children have reliable footage when that that that incident occurred with the fight. I really wish we could have footage other than Tik Toks or whatever

046was out in the that was pushed on Facebook and so no. >> A bathroom or Well, I think it started in the classroom and migrated >> Regardless. It It's I I I think the the location would be that I don't think the benefit would outweigh a lot of the the the issues that it might create. >> I I think >> I know you know I I totally feel where you're at on this and maybe like in the hallways so we can catch incidences or or tighten up places where they are public travel. >> So, we can work together at least on that so maybe put them in hallways or whatnot, but I do wish it was in classrooms. I don't I see what you're saying and obviously you know the legal side and I understand

047>> And I would like to add that >> And I also don't see the >> This claim >> And as a parent side too >> Attorneys know everything. >> There were certain things that did come about, you know? You know, and I I do want people to be accountable for those certain certain areas. I know at my work I know at my work I had cameras to make sure my employees are doing what's right and if a customer came in then we can we can definitely make sure that things are going to stay safe. >> I I think that >> I I I'm here and I the balancing test of that is I want to protect our kids and our teachers. And I understand there's things that arise and and there are incidences and things

048like that. But the the instinct of a governing entity to want to have the thumb on their employees and watch and observe them. I I think with a energy and authority on that employee >> And maybe that's trying to put off the word playing the thumb on employees. It's like I Am I doing anything else? Well, you know, are you sitting Do you take a moment to look at your phone? Do you Did something happen that you didn't catch? Are you going to be blamed for every instance of this because we're human, we make errors. And at the end of the day, I I do believe our our teachers are working hard. I believe our teachers are giving the best that they can. I We've worked now I believe we've had a very successful year.

049And I I think that the the surveillance in the classroom would kind of take us in the direction that our energy in a in a negative direction rather than a positive. Now, always provided increased security on on things that happen when they're not in a classroom setting. I I could be down with that. But I I I do really quail at the idea of having it in a classroom watching what's going on. It just puts that our teachers, you know, the hair on the back of their neck. They There's big brother watching them. >> It happens. I mean, I >> And but I think at the end of the day we need to better our class. >> I've already I've already seen like where we're going and reading general with each person and how they

050feel. So, there's no really reason that we can continue unless maybe we can put them in hallways. >> I think that's I think that's Yeah. >> So, from what I understand though, we need to be able to update some of those facilities and such because they're not It's not fully So, when I was asking some questions, um So, the numbers that I had is that it would cost $1.3 million just to get this project off the ground. Um that would only be video cameras. That would not include any audio. And our current tech infrastructure and our electrical grid would both have to be upgraded, which would be an additional cost because they can't currently support um, 400 extra cameras, which is what it would amount to if we had cameras in every classroom. Um, and

051it just it feels like this, um, creates more problems than it would really solve. I'm not sure if this stems from like a specific, you know, a specific incident or if it's just kind of a feeling that we should have more surveillance, but I, you know, we already have a staff that's trained to take incident reports when something happens. Um, there's usually multiple eyewitnesses and they're just trained on how to get to the bottom of what happened. And also the kind of outmoded idea of a principal just sitting in their office all day while school happens, that is that is not the case. Like your administrators are walking around the school and spot checking and they're in the classrooms a lot. They're a lot more involved than, um, I would say like definitely more involved

052on the school premises than I remember when I was a kid. >> I think, you know, I I feel >> I understand your point. I was I was a kid who I got bullied. There was times when I gave a report and the teacher didn't see it the way I did and I suffered for it. But I think that even in those situations, and those are terrible situations, I, you know, I would seek to resolve those as best we can. I think the ultimate balance is is that we do have to protect our kids and our teachers. And I I do think that the the pressure that the any classroom camera would put on us, we have gone through so much in the last few years. I think this year I think we're on a

053very good direction. I think that might take us in the wrong direction. Just energy wise, community wise, so I I if we want to start off updating and increasing our abilities in in other areas that we do have surveillance, I I I think that's a discussion we could have, uh, but I I think in the classroom that, um, I think it's a non-starter. >> Mr. Member Kern, do you have any feedback to that? >> Well, let's, uh, let's finish. >> Okay. >> Um, I you. For me, I'll give my input. Um I I as well as as Vice President Houston Anderson we were coming from on this and in conversations whenever you brought this agenda item to me, some of the concerns of what's happening in some of the bathrooms. So, I I totally respect

054your your position. Um I I agree that first of all, the cost of this is astronomical. Uh uh what that would look like. But, we do have an obligation to bring safety to our school district. So, I do think there are things that we can do such as cameras in the hallways where there are not. Um we just had an audit a safety audit done and we will uh be receiving that report soon and uh so, the board has that obligation. At the same time, I don't want to create an environment that A gives hackers access um to our students. And we can say that can't happen, but I can tell you um at the nation of Iran hacked our Secretary of State's website. That that happened. Um and it's happened now twice. And so,

055to think that hackers can't access our as great as our security team is and our tech team, um the state has a great team as well and they were hacked and and so, they're always creating new code to to protect, but so so, that's number one. Number two is I don't want to create this idea to our staff and teachers that we don't trust you. Um you already have stressful days and I understand there may be I'm just going to be honest the the few teachers that are not doing a good job and and need instruction from from administrators. And there's that in every industry. It's not just education. And those folks need to be corrected and they're held accountable um and that falls on the administrator administrator of our schools. And the last thing

056that I don't want is our principals constantly because here's what else this would create is parents constantly calling the school, "I want to see what happened in class today." Uh so-and-so lied my son or daughter And I I I agree, but our our >> you just said it though. Some of the teachers are not in a way the same. You got some that are just amazing and you have some that are still trying to get to that amazing part. >> Well, and I and I And like I said, again, I think it's a balancing test because uh We have We have this year done a good job, I believe, of promoting some of them. And I hope those people that we have promoted are creating an environment where the people that in the community that

057you were in can come to you. They can say, "Hey, this is going on. This individual" And I call on you to be the leaders, to not lead with a fist, to not lead, but to encourage, uplift, and to help these people improve. And I I I hear you, but I think the balancing test is let's lean on our leadership to improve the quality, to address what it says because we have promoted from within and I we I hope that culture has been growing here but the communication flows. I know there's instances that would have been solved, but opening up the district to a administrative blow of of constant pressure from parents So, I just I don't think at the end of the day that it would be of any benefit. And I you know,

058I don't want to downsize the counselors. >> No, I don't either. You know, I understand. It's just frustrating when you hear some kid say, "I didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who was first talked to." When you see like a fight break out and a teacher's like, "I'm not dealing with this." And it goes like this. I'm not that person who would take it. I'd be like, "Hey, get up. Hey, guys." You know what I mean? Do something. Or if you have a kid who needs help, no matter what in a way, I don't want to say they're all online, but they all have a computer. And a lot of the time a lot of time, I take that back. I'll strike that one. Some Some people are Some kids are not getting the

059instruction that they should be having. Those teach Some of the teachers need to get up and be like, "Okay, you have a question? I'm going to come over there and I'm going to help you." >> And I think we can >> Rolling in the aisles and like making the kids feel second best. It's not I mean, I'm seeing different things compared to what other people are seeing. And there's a lot of people who come to you about this. >> Yeah. And And you are apparently gifted at both of those disabilities. And I think we are addressing that. We have done a lot this school year this year focusing on our deficiencies to get our curriculum right. And I don't believe that we're going to be letting teachers fly like this when their numbers aren't showing.

060I know some people that are going to be barking up that tree. And so I I >> Can I share my story? >> I am hoping that as we move this way that some of your concerns are addressed by the work that we have already done. >> Yeah. >> And I think let's proceed that. >> Okay. I hear you. >> And I can tell as board president I communicate a lot with um our education committee at the capital with other board presidents at other school districts. And I'm watching You just can turn on the news and see what's happening in some of our districts in the state of Arizona. And we are very blessed in Lake Havasu to have the district that we do. And not the problems that a lot of the other districts

061have in in our state. And so I'm thankful for our teachers, our administrators. We can always strive to do better. Um and whenever there are issues, if I I think that we need to make sure communication is happening. Um I I I would say every teacher in this room constantly wants to improve because they want to be the best. And so we need as a board to make sure that we are providing the essential tools to make sure that is happening. That our administrators are feeling supported as well to implement that. >> Remember we don't have any comments. >> All right. All right. >> I I want to thank you for being a fantastic >> Yeah. >> a person that people can bring their concerns to. And you do listen. You you You to me

062and then the husband finished so I thank you for that and I I just don't I want to hope that you don't throw them down so that you can >> No, it's okay. Difference in opinion is the world go round. >> All right, awesome. All right, any other questions concerns? All right, awesome. Moving on to item 6.1, student achievement ESA fee schedule. Lake Havasu Unified School District fee structures established in accordance with Arizona Revised Statute 15-342, 15-802 and is designed to reflect the actual cost of providing interscholastic athletic programs, tuition-based coursework with ensuring equity, fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability. The structure maintains broad access to resident district funded students and establishes cost recovery fees for students enrolled as non-residents through the Empowerment Scholarship Account ESA program for students to ARS 15-2402 or institution paying students.

063Um, I am introducing this agenda item. This is my item. Um, I believe that in a time when we see this competition between public schools and the home school families and the ESA families that we as a district we have worked really hard as a board to try to set the standard for what education could look like across the state of Arizona and I believe this is another opportunity to do so by partnering with all families in the Lake Havasu Unified School District community. Um, I believe that that is important because while some of these students may not currently attend our district their families are paying taxes that do fund our district and these are opportunities for these families to attain services that they're currently not receiving and um, whenever I sat down with Dr.

064Stone um, and we we looked at this and the heart behind this is that we are here to serve all families. Not just those that are enrolled and we want to partner with those families in hopes that you want to enroll your child, but if you do not, we're still here to serve you because your child matters and all students matter in this community. So, I'm excited to have this introduced tonight and I will now turn it over once again to Ms. Olson. >> Good evening, President Rose, members of the governing board. It's been 20 minutes since I've been up here. Um I've worked uh pretty closely with Mr. Thomas Eubanks over the last month and he's the athletic director for Mesa Public Schools. Um the district's proposed fee structures align to Arizona statute and

065is designed to reflect the true cost of athletics and coursework while ensuring equity, access, and long-term fiscal sustainability. Um Lake Havasu Unified School District students continue to have broad access without public participation is set at a maximum of $100 at the middle school level and a maximum of $200 at the high school level. For non-resident ESA um students who do not generate full state funding, cost recovery fees are proposed as follows. And again, this um is in line with some of the other districts around the state. Uh $515 per sport at the middle school level, $2,050 per sport at the high school level, and for high school coursework, $1,230 per semester for required courses, and $1,435 per semester for electives. Um these ESA tuition-based fees are consistent with those implemented in other Arizona districts including

066Mesa Public Schools, Scottsdale Unified School District, Chandler Unified School District, and Peoria Unified School District. These fees reflect the actual cost of delivering high quality programs including staffing, materials, equipment, transportation, facilities, and safety and ensure we can maintain strong athletic and academic offerings without redirecting funds from core instruction. This model preserves program quality, expands opportunities, and distributes costs fairly based on participation rather than a funding source. Um just I took three different sports. I took I looked closely at football, volleyball, and golf. Um I was my children were athletes growing up and the cost of sports is very expensive. Like I did not even think, like, oh, we have to pay someone to stripe the football field. We have I mean, it's It is expensive. >> The helmets have to be reconditioned for football every

067year. >> To keep kids safe. >> All right. All right. Thank you so much. At this time, I will open it up to the governing board for discussion and questions. >> Yeah, yeah, thank you for bringing this. You know, I think this is a fantastic opportunity for the community. Um again, this We're in a public school. We are meant to be for the public. Um and you know, I played four sports in high school and sports was what got me through education. I probably would not have made it through high school had I didn't have sports. And so, simply prohibiting students from participating in that because they choose to educate their kids in a different way, I I just couldn't abide by that. It absolutely is wonderful that we can open this up. Um my

068one concern is is looking at the fee schedule. And I understand that we are trying to recoup and we will to stay flush as a as a school and and take care of costs, but just looking say you have three kids in middle school and you're a family who needs to feed them. And you have to decide, okay, John, you get to play sports this year, but my other two they don't cuz we can't afford it. And and just it just strikes me as if if we're going to do this I think we as the government agency to the public should bear some of the cost. I understand that they're not at our school and and I guess I say so what? They're part of our community. And I think literally it's an order of

069magnitude greater. It's 10 times greater to play a high school athletic if you're with the NSA coming in rather than being here. You know, does it need to be 10 times the cost? You know, five times cost. Reduce it by half. Just give those parents the opportunity to say, "Hey, you know what? I can actually send my kids to play sports." The cost of groceries, the cost of gas, you know, I would rather us cut the cost and see how many we get and say, "Hey, we can actually we can do this or we can't do this." rather than Hey, yep, we're we're covering all our costs and we only have a trickling. I'd rather open it up to the community to have an overwhelming people joining and wanting to to be partaking in our

070sports in our community and and bringing the community together rather than having a cost prohibited entry limit. Cuz I I I mean, $515, that's a lot. $2,000 to play a sport, that is a lot for a lot of families. I I I don't think my family would have been able to pay that. And I I just I think if we're going to do this, I I I would ask that we cut it in half. Now, I would like to keep track of that and see if if is this something that's viable? But you know, I I that we can sustain that for you know, a semester perhaps you know, half a year for a year. Let's see if we can open this up to the community and the best way to introduce someone to to

071join our district to say, "Hey, come play sports at our school." It's a marketing strategy. Maybe they say, "Hey, you know what? We love the district. Let's send our kids there." So, I just I'm all for this and I think either way I I I'm voting yes, but I would ask this board to to look at it and say, "What are we here for the community? Are we here to recoup costs or are we here to provide the opportunity for our kids to have athletics? We know how important athletics is to just the health and longevity of our students, the learning when they burn their energy, they have camaraderie, they coaching, the mentorship that you get. I think it's invaluable and I and as a public entity that is serving our community, I think reducing

072that cost is the appropriate call. >> Well, just as a reminder, I mean yes, we are charging fees, but this is also the students who would this would apply to are receiving a voucher >> Yeah. >> for $75, you know. >> I I understand that. >> They're they're receiving some money back from that that don't go to our school, right? >> I I understand that. >> So, I I actually do think it's fair to charge a fee. If we're going to talk about reducing the fee, I guess my request would be that we um table this and put it on next month's agenda with specific numbers. Um just so we have a chance to like really think about the price tag. Um and then the other thing, well, just one point of clarification. So, if

073you are homeschooling, and I know it gets a little bit confusing cuz some people fall under both categories, but if you're homeschooling, meaning that you have a homeschool affidavit filed with the county superintendent of schools, this actually does not apply to you. You would pay what we charge um enrolled students with our district, so be the $200 per sport. This is for people who do receive those ESA vouchers or have their child enrolled in a private school. They're not truly home-They don't have a home schooling affidavit on file, in other words. Um, but yeah, if we're going to talk about reducing fees, I think maybe reducing it down to 75% of these numbers is actually a little more reasonable. I do think that um the costs associated with the courses. So, you Are you just

074talking about sports? Are you talking about sports and the um courses that are needed at high school? >> The courses that they receive are high. I you know I think the probably the likelihood is is that if you're choosing alternative education, it's probably the biggest a biggest drain is you're probably not going to be in those courses. The biggest drain is likely going to be the the sports. I think that's >> Or the CTE. >> But then now the CTE, but those those are specialized. I mean, that's probably aligned with some college tuition. courses. So, I kind of I'm more okay with those numbers. It's really the sports to me. I mean, the sports physical activity, sports, that's the part of childhood, that's the part of growing up. At least that's for me. And just

075to me, it's like, man, we're we're making it prohibited for parents or we're having to choose make a parent choose between which child gets to play a sport. You get to play a sport this semester, but you don't. You get to now and you It's just That breaks my heart. I mean, I'm I imagine a parent having to make that decision. Or say, "Hey, you can't play sports because we can't afford gas and food for this." I mean, >> I think the choice that families make to have their children not go to public schools and everything else, that ESA does cover some of those costs. So, to lower the cost of participation in these sports below what the incurred cost is to the district further subsidizes the ESA and detracts from our the schools. So,

076>> And I And I guess that comes back to what my comment was earlier was is we are serving the public. And the greatest choice you have as a parent is to have the hand in your child's future and the child's education. And I understand you're not wrong. But what I'm saying is is that it is better for us to eat some of that cost to the quality and benefit of Lake Havasu for the physical education, sports participation, to produce a better citizen with the close to his camaraderie and his community. I will take that cost. But I think the district has a responsibility >> is to the Lake Havasu Unified School District. >> It is as a board. >> And but that also includes the community because our students our schools >> I don't

077I'm not talking about the These are to the families who are paying taxes in this community. So, it is to those families. >> I'm talking about the students that will interact with our students. I'm talking about families that are friends and and live with our students. I understand there's going to be a little bit of a cost that we bear. And you know what? I I think it would be important and beneficial to the community that we do that. We are we are a community that we have here. I I want a, you know, a financial analysis on it. And if it comes to the point where we are well, we are actually losing too much money on this. We can address it. But like I said, I would rather have it to the point

078where we are wow, we got so many people coming here. This is wonderful. Hey, we need to pull it back a little bit than say hey, we're going to flat cost. No, you know, no holds barred. And it not happen but had a chance and or basically say, if you're wealthy enough to come here, come on. Poor people, you don't get sports. And that's just I don't feel it's I can't get behind it. I don't think that's right. And I think opening up we are a public entity that is here for the improvement of children. And I think play sports is one of the most important things that we can have our students do. Even more than some of these classes they're taking. Getting out on a ball field, camaraderie, working together, having coaches pouring

079into your life. You were in the Seagulls? I'm sure you played sports. I know I I know you >> A great deal A great number of the men I served with were not into the sports. >> You know, I I had many of coaches. Well, I understand. And I know I had many coaches that changed my life. And and to give them the opportunity to our community for a reduced cost to allow them >> to come here. >> I don't see the upfront money, but at the end of the day we're improving our community, and I think we have the finances You know, whatever happened with Mr. Wynn, we do have finances. >> So, I've been talking to some of the home school families, and they presented this to me about the sports, and then

080I collaborated with David a little bit. So, this would definitely put a burden on some of those families with this cost. So, someone did send me this, and they that ESA sports fees for the district students in Arizona vary significantly significantly by district, often ranging from $150 over to $650 per sport, with some districts charging as much as $1,300 based on local board approvals. As of late 2025 districts like Yuma Union charge 650, but others like Douglas Unified have lower fees like 150, but they're still paying for the uniforms and stuff like that. So, um I just wanted to throw that out there, cuz I've definitely been going back and forth with them. >> So, I I would like to ask um Superintendent Assistant Superintendent Becker if you could just kind of go over the

081analysis of the cost for a student to to play athletics. That way I I would really like us tonight to make this decision, because these families need to prepare for next school year and we we are already in the month of May. So, I I personally not willing to pass this on. I I have every um hope tonight that we we're here to work as a board and have this discussion and make this decision this evening. So, ask the hard questions and we may not always agree on on certain things, but we're here to work together and and do what is right for kids. We're here to serve children in Lake Havasu City and whether they attend the school district now, we cannot tell families we want you to be a part of our community,

082we want you to bring your children to our district and then say, "Sorry." So, um yeah. >> I also want you to know that just because they get vouchers and such, it doesn't mean it goes to the school. They're actually using those vouchers for home school materials and supplies and and whatever else that is. So, it's not like they're getting Vegas trips just because they got like $7,000. They can pay $250 for this. But But that is that is the way it is. I mean, they they they're diverting, you know, at their own choice, they are diverting funds away from the public school system that we would otherwise receive and educating their children in a different system, which is absolutely their choice, but then these are the choices that that they are making as a

083consequence of that choice, right? Do they want their kids to play sports? Is it important enough to them to budget in order to do that? If If they If they want to pay the $200 for the sports, they can enroll their student. You know, that's always an option too. So, we're not really taking options away from parents. We're not saying you now have to pay this. We're just saying this is the fee schedule because this is what it costs our district to run those programs. Our costs are the same whether they participate or not. And so, you know, things like ensuring, um paying for transportation, paying for staffing, you know, all of those things add up. And so, are we willing again, I think Mike put it really well. Like, are we willing to subsidize

084that even further? >> And I would say yes. I think the benefit to the I mean, we get zero dollars from them if they don't pass those tests at all. We get zero dollars from them if they just go away. >> and I would like to point out that our home school students that are that file through this county superintendent's office, they they're not paying their their paying the $200 and we're not getting any additional funds from those families either. So, there's no there's no difference between those families and what we're looking at doing this evening. So, I just want to to point that out that we can't point at one group and say, "Hey, you're about to cost our district a bunch of money." while the other group is doing the same thing. So,

085So, we we can't we can't know. It's not we can't point fingers at one group and then allow another group to do the same thing. That's not right and we're not going to do >> I'm not pointing fingers but I am pointing out a difference. Home schooling is different in the sense that they are not taking the $7,500 in vouchers. So, in other words, they're not already receiving money from the state that they would then allocate towards their priorities. So, their priorities might be curriculum or an online program or paying it for sports or some combination of all of those things. That is, they have chosen to receive that money and then budget it accordingly. We have our budget and our expenses and we should be be budgeting and thinking through expenses in terms of

086our public school students because we are As someone else said, we are the governing district of a public school system. So, this needs to be our priority. >> I think I do not think this is cost prohibitive with the amount of individuals that might be joining, I don't think that the burden would I'm fine with starting with 75%. >> But I do feel that there's a reduction that needs to happen here. That this is a supportable number. >> In our community, that is a substantial number. And I would rather have over participation and us look at this after a semester and say, "Is this viable?" And then say yes or no. And if it's no, I'm not a fiduciary of this of this district. If it's no, I will immediately change this cost. >> You

087can bring up these fee schedules whenever you want. >> I would rather have a lower cost of entry and have to increase to bring the bucks into the program and draw people into our district. I mean, we could literally look at this marketing. We are drawing these families into our district. If you're at a private school and you're getting the ESA, you've got a fifth grader at the elementary practice. How many times are you going to do that and say, you say, "You know what? It's easier just to send him to public school." So, we are we are introducing more people to our district, more participation in our town, with our community, and I think that is a worthy cause to incur on the district. And I do think that is a benefit to the

088district. So, I would I think we're at kind of a point I would move to approve this with the amendment of a 75% of the proposed fee schedule. >> Can I add one piece? >> Yeah, and I have a couple questions for you. >> Okay. So, looking at estimated cost for a football team with 50 participants across varsity, junior varsity, and freshman levels, um dividing up the costs among all 50 athletes, it is a approximate cost of $2,400 to play football. So, we are already subsidizing with the 2,000. Pardon? This is just head coach stipend, transportation, officials, helmet reconditioning, shoulder pad equipment replacement, uniforms, uh stadium lights and utilities, field maintenance, athletic trainer, security, uh AIA fees, administrative and facility operations support. >> I would like to know, based on his question, how much of

089the money that's being raised by athletics goes to our commercial some of that cost. >> Well, this isn't a call to the public at this time, sir. Thank you. Mr. Mr. Bethel, could you answer that? So, when it comes to the teams fundraising, they they do, for the most part, pay for new jerseys and things of that nature. There is no way the district can keep up with that. Um athletics is near and dear to my heart. I wouldn't be sitting in this seat if it weren't for athletics. There's no doubt about it. I I started pretty late in college. I was I worked my first basketball camp and made the decision I need to be around kids and and that's what steered me in this direction. So, this is near and dear to my

090heart and a lot of people I came from a college town in Wisconsin. I made more as a head freshman coach in Wisconsin than I made for a head varsity coach here in this town for 12 years. So, the coaches that are coaching are not getting rich by that any means whatsoever. Um to address um number 10 Tinsley's um referencing Yuma, one of our biggest costs at the high school is transportation. We are not on a level playing field with everybody else across the state. Yuma travels across town. Yuma High School plays Cibola. They drive 10 minutes across town. Cibola drives to Gila Ridge, maybe 20 minutes outside of town. Their furthest trip, they travel to San Luis, which is about 30 minutes. They all play each other and then travel to Phoenix maybe a

091couple times a year. To put a dollar amount on the bus that leaves the high school and and I have quite a bit of knowledge about the high school over the next 25 years, half of it was coaching. Every time on average every time a bus pulls out of that parking lot to go to Phoenix is about $1200. That's probably going up because all of us fill our gas tanks every single day or once a week and we we know what pain that that is. So that cost is going to go up for us as a district. So comparing us to a a Yuma we have to be careful with that. The transportation costs like I said we're not on a level playing field and when you look at a high school football team and

092and you look at the numbers and there's a drastic difference between the middle school and the high school and the middle school is about five times what our students pay at this moment. They don't offer the same number of teams or sports that the high school does. So there is a vast difference between the high school and the middle school when it comes to that. Um the middle school and it's just like a college the most expensive team to run on a college setting is football. Football at the college setting also pays the bills. That's not how it works in high school. Um the what we bring in and with people in the stands does not break even with football. We have three football teams that we provide for our kids in our district. So

093that bus leaves a minimum twice a week. So if varsity is at home JV and freshman are on the road. When the varsity team leaves on a Friday there are two buses leaving. So you're looking at just under $3000 probably next year when you're talking gas increase leaving the parking lot. They play 10 games six of them are on the road one year and the others are at home and then we flip flop. And we don't get a choice the AIA places us in our member districts and that's who we have to play. Um so, is it that expensive to play basketball? Probably not, but we also, like I said, football carries the other programs. So, it it does bear some burden on that. I talked about, you know, it was mentioned uh reconditioning of

094football helmets. We pay between 10 and 15,000 dollars every year. The district pays that, not fundraising from kids. Fundraising from kids is the extras. That's the uniforms, that's the travel gear that they vote on as a team to purchase. And and that's where those monies are spent. We do not rely on kids to raise funds to pay for coaches, to pay for transportation, or any of the other things that were on that list. It's specifically the extras. Again, on football, and I keep using that as an example, to buy a home set of uniforms and an away set of uniforms, you're in the $30,000 range of of purchasing uniforms. Each kid that steps on that field, and most of them so, has about $2,000 worth of equipment. Most people only see Friday night and the

095Friday night lights, but we also have two other teams that we fully equip with these same equipment. And just keep them safe. When we recondition helmets, we have a deal going with our our Riddell rep, I think that's who we still work with, who automatically fails a minimum of 10 helmets because they're going to fail. And we can afford to replace 10 helmets at a time rather than three three years down the road, we replace all 99 helmets at the cost of about 400 to 500 per helmet. So, the the fees here may be a sticker shock, but there is a an expense that people really don't understand what it takes to run our athletic program at the high school. The middle school doesn't travel as much, but the high school is a big burden

096burden, and it's a big big bill. And we do rely heavily on tax credits. on tax credits. And we are going to have to do something here in the near future with tax credits and make stronger pushes with that because of the cost of things going up. So, hopefully I've answered most of those questions. >> we appreciate it. Thank you. >> All right. Ms. Olson, do you have any addition? >> I don't know. Thank you, Mr. Record. >> All right. Um further discussion. >> Well, I I I I think I would you know I still like the 75%. I think it's that's it's a fail to start, but I would put on the in the amendment that we do a cost analysis at at the end of the first sports season to see if this

097is viable. >> Yeah. >> So, I would warn you I'm not a voting member by any means, but I would warn coming out and just saying you know 75% or 75% of what's proposed here um without looking at the total cost and then after you look at it after a season, now I feel like you're making a decision and now you're kicking into the sports also. >> Cuz in football season you're talking about >> And and if and if we we do that in the middle of the season, my favorite season is basketball season. Um basketball season stretches from October 31st-ish all the way through February, and now you're making a decision in the middle of the season as well. >> Well, if we wanted a little more time to look at numbers, but we

098didn't want to put it off too much. I mean, maybe we have a special session next week and just have this as the only item. So, we don't really have time to sign it for sports Well, if we're so >> would I I you know I I'm I will accept this um as is. I think that we should be considering a this Is this prohibiting families? And I think if it is, we we need to readdress it. But I I do want it to have this happen and get our parents and families moving in this direction to start incorporating um and it is at all costs. And like as you did say, if we're not saying, "Oh, you have to pay for it." We're opening the door to you. We are we are open and

099as you said, if you have a on-record with the school counselor, you can The school counselor, I encourage you to go do that. Maybe we open up with our thing, "Hey, do people have to go get that so that they can pay the lower cost?" But >> I I And and for me, it's not just about I'm going to ask myself to come back. Um one more time. Um for me, it's not just about sports, but families, we have an amazing CTE program at our high school. Um that I also sat down with Mr. Olson and created this. Families, if if your child is struggling, let's say with math, and you you want your child to take a math class at the middle school or at the high school, you're able to do that. We're

100opening this up not just because of athletics, but because we have amazing educational opportunities in this district and we want you to be able to take those as well as our CTE programs. And so, I would like you to share what we have to offer just in some of our CTE programs um that are credible and that families >> We offer 17 amazing CTE pathways. >> You don't have to name all of them. >> Oh, good. Thank you. And we just possibly added another one this evening. So, yes, they're amazing. There are amazing opportunities that we can offer all of students in Lake Havasu. We just honored civics students. We just honored music students in the past week. We've honored CTE students, math athletes. So, we did And yes, sports are amazing. We we raised

101two athletes in this district as well. Sports are incredibly important. But a classroom experience, the pathways that we can offer this district, that that a home school they they just simply not have the resources to do that, but we can partner with them. So, >> Thank you so much. Thank you. All right, at this time, um if there's no >> have a question right here. Do we I just want to make sure I understand. So, you really picked football in general because that was the most expensive sport? Like for for the 2015 That's the that's the sport you're talking about. >> That's football. >> Yeah, I know, but I'm saying some of the other sports have lost money. >> Yeah, but you have to keep the whole sports program funded. And the bus is the

102same bus for whatever. >> But they have bus issues no matter what. >> I yeah, we got somebody that doesn't have to something. But at the at this Hearing Mr. Becket, I mean it is >> It's just hard to see because we have parents just come to us right here and said this is going to be hard, but they would really like to be able to do this. >> And I I'm on the board and as we go forward and we're looking at I look at the numbers of how many are able to do it. And if you can't do it, please let us know because I And I I do think that we will look at this cost and see whether or not we can reduce it. And I and I think we look

103at fundraising opportunities as well for those families. Um I I think that that is valuable for our teams. And um so >> Can they do volunteer time, too? I know for an exchange. Cuz that was something that one of the parents brought up. >> Okay. >> All right. At this time, I will close this item for discussion and bring it for a vote. I need a motion and a second to approve item 6.2. Um I'm sorry, item 6.1 and I'm going to make the motion to approve as is and I just need a second. >> I second. >> All right, call for the vote, please. >> Yes. >> Just with comment that we are I want to address this as we go forward to to look into if we can reduce this cost to families

104to bring them on board and hearing the concern of my superintendent who knows this district, who knows sports. As an administrator of the district, I do need to take that into consideration. So, families, I I hear you, I understand you and I I want to open this up to you. This is a door that we're starting with. It doesn't mean this is the only time it's going to open and if we can improve it. With that, I say yes. >> And I would like to explain my vote. We have the opportunity tonight to partner as a community in a in a time when communities are divided, especially over the ESA discussion. We have the opportunity to show Arizona that public education and home schooling ESA families can partner together and do what is best for

105kids and I'm excited tonight that we are joining other school districts in the state of Arizona that have done that same thing and so I vote yes. And it passes. All right, moving on to item home school families, ESA families, thank you for being here. All right, item 6.2, business services. Good evening. >> Hey, good evening. I will make this quick because I know all of you are waiting patiently to find out the announcement of our Governing Board principal. I'll talk fast. No, I'm not going to read it. Okay. In May, Arizona school districts are required by law to revise and drop their budgets to ensure expenditures are properly properly aligned within the correct budget categories. Tonight's presentation is part of that required budget revision process. The purpose of the revision is to accurately reclassify

106expenditures between M&O and unrestricted capital outlay. We are moving $2.8 million from M&O from M&O back to capital outlay where it was originally funded from the state. This adjustment better aligns expenditures with the allowable uses under Arizona school finance guidelines. The revision supports continued planning for district facilities, technology, transportation, and equipment needs. This is not a reduction in district resources or spending authority. Our overall budget capacity remains the same. It's not changing. The only change is where expenditures are being placed within the budget category. And the district does not expect any over expenditures in any funded area as a result of the revision. >> All right, is there any questions from the governing board? All right. Now then, at this time I need a motion and a second to approve item 6.2. >> I make

107a motion to approve item 6.2. >> I'll second. >> If you'll call the roll, please. >> Yes. >> In a moment, the other half of you have all been waiting for. Item 6.3, Governing Board Oral Oral Grande Classical Academy Principal Recommendation. This evening, we are pleased to recommend Christina Musselman as the principal of Oro Grande Classical Academy, Christina is a proud Lake Havasu High School graduate, class of 2001, and has dedicated her entire 22-year educational career to the Lake Havasu Unified School District. She has served students at the elementary level as a first-grade teacher, reading interventionist, instructional mentor, PLC lead, and teacher leader. Her commitment to literacy, student achievement, and relationship building has made a lasting impact across our district. Christina earned national national board certification in literacy in 2011 and renewed her certification in

1082020. Let's copy. She has been recognized as an Arizona Master Teacher, LHUSD Teacher of the Year, Mohave County Teacher of the Year, Arizona Rural Teacher of the Year finalist, and Arizona Teacher of the Year finalist. Throughout her career, Ms. Musselman has demonstrated strong leadership through mentoring teachers, facilitating professional learning, leading family workshops, and supporting national board candidates across Arizona. She has also created opportunities for students through campus clubs, leadership initiatives, and programs that promote kindness, character, and student engagement. These roles have prepared her to transition into administration. Christina holds a bachelor's degree from UNLV and master's degree from NAU. Her dedication to students, staff, and the LHUSD community make her a great fit to lead Oro Grande Classical Academy, and I personally recommend Christina Musselman for approval as principal for the 2026-2027 school year. >>

109All right. So, um I will open this up to the board for discussion before vote. >> Well, just very quickly, some choices up here are hard to make and some are incredibly easy, and this was an incredibly easy one. >> I agree with you. >> All right. >> The staff secretary will call the um Sorry. First, I want to make this motion to approve item 6.3 and name Christina Mosqueda as the next principal of Oral Grande Elementary, and I need a second. >> I'll second. >> Joe Clark, please. >> Yes. >> I want to explain my vote, please. Um we made a decision, um this board, that we wanted to promote from within. Um we believe that we have amazing leaders in this district, and we fixed what the issue was um as far as

110people not a- applying to become administrators and to move on to the next level. And Ms. Mosqueda, whenever we came on, took the opportunity to sit down with myself, other board members, and had the tough conversations about partnering and working together. Um we didn't agree on everything, but she is an amazing leader in this district, and I'm very thankful for the relationship that we have built together professionally to do great things for kids, and that is her heart, to put children in first, and to partner with families. And so, tonight, I vote yes. Congratulations. All right. Moving on to item 7.1, superintendent um super- assistant superintendent of elementary system. >> Yes. Thank you. Christina, congratulations. Very well deserving. This time of school year is is a fun one for administrators. It's fun for all staff.

111There's a lot of celebrations that take place and recognitions. Um last week there were 121 high achieving elementary students who were recognized at their evening of excellence. Um Miss Barney's crew didn't fall far behind behind honoring um another 101 junior high students at their evening of excellence. And then on Monday of this week LHS held its evening of excellence where the graduating seniors were the recipients of $2.1 million in scholarships. Um a large portion of that comes from our community scholarships and our community is so awesome in in giving back to our kids. And and want to thank them for that as well. Um and then next week um in my eyes is the greatest it's graduation. It's the end the end for not just high school teachers that are teaching kids, but those kids

112got there because you elementary people sitting here and the junior high teachers. Thank you. All right. Item 7.2 governing board members, if you have any. Mr. Ramont? >> I was able to go to the counselors advisory meeting a couple weeks ago and I have some good news to share for that from them. Um some of it was embedded in the consent agenda, but we did add a new class of sports medicine and class that's hands on and they'll be working with current staff to learn that skill. Um that's going to operate at the high school. And then also we have an internship program in partnership with AC at work. Um and that gives students paid during their internship and then they also earn credit. So it's a win-win and then they are able to partner

113with local companies. So construction is a big one, graphic design, HVAC, law, public safety, welding. And so they get paid to learn and it's a way of us developing some homegrown talent. So I didn't want that to get lost in the shuffle and there's a lot on tonight's agenda. And then the other thing the counselor's goal for the year was to reduce chronic absenteeism which they define as 18 plus absences. It was at 40% last year and they were able to reduce it all the way down to right around 20%. So I'm really PROUD OF THAT. >> NUMBER 10, SIR. >> OH, YES. SO THERE'S BEEN SOME TALK throughout the community and I just wanted to make something clear. There is no current contract between the city and the school district for anything about fields

114and that's the current talking. >> All right. Any you finished? All right. Um first I want to take a moment this evening to close to honor Mr. Becker. The next week will be his last graduation as the principal of Lake Havasu High School and he will be coming here on permanently as the assistant superintendent and Ms. Barney will be stepping into that role. And so I just want to take a moment to to thank you for your service as the principal to this community and you're going to do an amazing serving in your new role as assistant superintendent. And Ms. Barney, you're going to do amazing as the new principal of Lake Havasu High School. And we are very blessed. So would you please give them A HUGE HAND. THANK YOU. >> AND I WANT

115TO THANK all of our teachers for an amazing year. >> Yeah. >> You have been incredible. We are thankful for you. Enjoy your summer with your families. Take vacation, go do fun things, make new memories, and we will see you next school year. Moving on to item 8.1, I make a motion to adjourn, and I need a second. >> I second. >> Roll call, please. >> Yes. Have a great night. Meeting is a