001Good evening. I now call to order the governing board meeting for March 12th, 2026 for the Lake Unified School District. Secretary, if you would call the role at a moment of silent prayer, private reflection this evening. As we do, I ask that we would take a moment to A moment of silence for the seven soldiers that have lost their lives. stands nationy for all. >> Good evening. We want to thank all of you for being here this evening. Um I do want to address before we get started. Originally um early release days was on our board agenda and after an overwhelming response from the community, teachers and staff have given us a lot of data to look at to take into consideration. This is a very important decision that this governing board will make that
002will affect families, teachers, school, all of those things. So we are actually going to be putting together a committee to work on this item so that we that we are making the best decision possible for this district. So that item has been removed at this time. We'll move forward with governing board. All right, this evening we are starting out with the governing board award for the month of March for our community member of the month and that goes to printing plus please come at this time. Michelle and her family have been an amazing contributor to the Lake Unified School District through the years. Her family grew up here. Her children went to the school district and we are very thankful for the relationship and partnership that we have with us. Next up is our staff
003member of the month. This month our support staff member of the month is Deanna Del. Deanna has been working. Go ahead and clap. Deanna has been working with Tarhar in the district since January of 2022. She has been a resident of the lake of Lake Absu for uh since you were six and a graduate of Lake Unified School District. Diana has served as a manager at Nodless and the central kitchen cook at Thunderbolt is the kitchen man manager and recently promoted as kitchen manager at Lakeu High School. She is kind and the gentlest leader in our food service team. Tahar and LHUSD are grateful to have as part of our team. Next up is teacher of the month and that award goes to Christina Musleman from Starline Elementary. Christina is a Lake Unified School District
004graduate, class of 2021. I'm sorry. Yeah, that is what they was like. Whoa, man. 2001. Somebody put 2021. I was like, wow. Her daughter graduated LUSD in 2022. That would have been awkward. Wow. and is not is um is not an RN in labor is an RN in labor and delivery and her son is a junior at Lake Habsu High School. Christina started teaching in 2004 has been serving um her entire 22-year career at the Lake Unified School District. All her years have served at elementary level with four years as reading interventionist and a total of 18 years in first grade. Since 2011, Christina has been a national board certified in 2020 top 10 Arizona rural teacher of the year, top 10 teacher in the state, and semi finalist for Arizona teacher of the year
005in 2022. Developed and advised clubs on campus, taught love and logic, parenting and educator classes, leader and me workshops, coaching teacher support coach for national board certified teachers in our district, and PLC lead for first grade teachers. And do be nice. Christina stated her dedication to LUSD and her students would not be possible without the support of her family and colleagues. She is grateful to call LHUSD home and we are grateful to have her dedication. And then finally, the governing board administrator of the month goes to Dustin Zampon. Dustin moved to Lake Havsu City 13 years ago from Buffalo, New York temporarily. However, 13 years later, Havsu truly became home. His wife Courtney is a third grade teacher with LHUSD and they are proud parents of two daughters ages three and five. Dustin started his
006career with LHUSD in 2012 as a Thunderbolt science teacher. Over the years, Dustin has taught elementary and high school physical education before moving into administration. In 2019, he became an assistant principal at Lake Absu High School, serving five years in a dual dual role as the assistant principal and athletic director and currently continues to serve as an assistant principal at Lakeu High School. Dustin has been deeply involved in athletics, serving as a coach for Thunderbolt Thunderbolt baseball and football, head coach of track and field at Lake Hapsu High School, and as assistant coach for the Lake Hapsu High School football program. His professional accomplishments include national board certification, certified athletic administrator, LHC News Herald's top 30 under 40 honore in 2020, helping Lake Hapsu High School receive the 2023 AIA Glen Treadway sportsmanship. Dustin a
007sportsmanship award which is the state's highest honor for athletic sportsmanship. Dustin is extremely grateful to everyone who makes us special and firmly believes it takes a village to accomplish great things and he is proud to be part of a district with so much We're grateful to have Dustin and his continued support here at All right, this evening has passed up time so that we can move on to the teacher. At this time, human resources recognition of LHUSD support staff. I also want to take a moment to recognize in the room this evening city mayor. >> Good evening, President Rose, members of the governing board, Dr. Stone, Mr. Becker, our community members, and all tonight's honores. The Lake Unified School District is proud to recognize the outstanding educators and staff members who tirelessly every day to
008instill our district's core principles of scholarship, character, and humanity into our students lives, developing developing them into knowledgeable, kind, contributing members of our community. To celebrate their dedication, we invited community members, parents, colleagues, and students to nominate individuals they believe special recognition. In those nominations, each school site selected its teacher of the year and the committee conducted a blind review of the nominees for support staff of the year, rookie teacher of the year, and the district teacher of the year. Results of that process led us to tonight's exceptional honores and we are excited to celebrate them with you. Before we begin, I would like to extend our sincerest thanks to our wonderful community partners who helped make this event possible by generously providing gifts to teacher of the year, support staff of the year, and
009district teacher of the year. Tonight's gifts were provided by Weing's presentations by recognizing our support staff of the year, Mrs. Kennedy Barton from Nautilus Elementary School. Miss Barton made a tremendous impact at Nautilus in just her first year with us. Even in a short amount of time, Kennedy has become an important part of the school community through her dedication, positivity, and willingness to help and whenever she needed. Kennedy works closely with students in small groups, supporting them as they grow and strengthen their reading skills. She is patient, encouraging, and focused on helping every student confidence and make progress. Her students feel successful and motivated as they continue developing as readers. Beyond her work for students is always one of the first to step in and help. Whether assisting teachers, supporting school events, volunteering for extra
010duties, she approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm. Kennedy played a pivotal role in helping with our holiday. Each afternoon can be found outside greeting students and helping them safely into their cars with a smile and positive attitude make a difference in the daily experiences of our students and staff dedication and servant leadership truly reflects the spirit and congratulations. Next, we will recognize a rookie teacher of the year, Mrs. Alderorado from Lake High School. Many people cross our paths each day without leaving a lasting impression. But Mrs. Alterado is someone who consistently makes a meaningful impact on those around her. She has a remarkable ability to brighten one's day with her genuine positivity and uplifting attitude. This positivity extends not only to her students but also to the staff she works with, creating an encouraging and supportive
011environment throughout the school. Her warm and welcoming presence helps foster a sense of calm and belonging for everyone in the classroom. As a special education teacher at Lake High School, Mrs. Alterado works with students who have a wide range of needs and learning levels. She approaches these challenges with dedication. ensuring that each student receives the attention and support. Her ability to recognize and respond to the unique needs of every student helps them grow academically and personally. Mrs. Alado also leads the staff in her classroom with organization and enthusiasm. Her positive energy inspires her team which in turn benefits the students they serve. Through her kindness, leadership and commitment, she has made a lasting high school and the reputation of the high school. Students and families are fortunate to have such compassionate educators every teacher of
012the year celebrations and hear the heartfelt words the principal shared about them. John Aldren Antonio Mr. Antonio's impact goes far beyond the typical influence of a classroom teacher. While many educators focus primarily on their own classes, he has played a significant role in shaping the overall culture they have. His dedication and leadership extend beyond daily instruction, benefiting not only the school community but also broader local. Through his commitment to excellence, he has helped create a positive and environment that produces the desired outcome. Students who have the opportunity to learn from Mr. Antonio's classroom consistently experience meaningful academic growth and personal development cultivates a classroom respecting students to take responsibility for their learning while treating others with professionalism and consideration. In return genu is lasting and farreaching. His work has made a meaningful difference and has
013contributed to the success and reputation district investing in both students and school as a whole. the kind of educator. All right. Mrs. Christina Elementary teacher of the year creates a classroom where students experience both strong support and high expectations. She begins each year by intentionally establishing routines and procedures, understanding that young learners thrive when expectations are clearly modeled through patience, consistency, and clear guidance. She helps students develop confidence in the classroom so they can focus on learning. What really sets Mrs. is her ability to balance warmth and accountability. Students know they are cared for and respected while also understanding that effort and perseverance are expected. She teaches children that mistakes are part of learning but persistence and responsibility are essential to grow. Mrs. committed to meeting the needs of all learners. She dedicates significant time
014engaging and meaningful lessons to ensure instruction is thoughtful and impactful. Her carefully designated lessons make complex concepts visual and accessible helping students build understanding and confidence. She's not only providing innovative instruction for her students but also contributing valuable feedback to support school and district initiatives and students make her truly has brought to life at Thunderbolt Middle School. She used her connection to the community over $20,000 in donations to create a modern workout for her students. This has inspired her students to track their gains. Her influence spreads far beyond the curriculum. Sever's super power is the way that she connects with students. She goes out of her way to reach every child. The nomination came from a student who said it best. She told me that I can do anything that I want to do that.
015This is just one of the many examples. Congratulations. Mrs. brings kindness, patience, and creativity into her teaching at Jamaica Elementary School, making learning both meaningful and enjoyable for her students. She takes the time to build strong relationships with each child and works hard to ensure that every student feels confident and comfortable. Her encouragement and support help students grow not only academically but also personally beyond the classroom. Mrs. Anie is always willing to lend a helping hand and support those around her. Her compassion and dedication make a lasting impact on the Jamaica Elementary School family. We are incredibly grateful to have her as part of our school and are proud to recognize her as teacher of the year. Mrs. Montiel is the kind of educator who truly embodies what it means to make a difference in
016the lives of students every single day at elementary. Morgan consistently goes above and beyond to connect with her students both academically and personally. She takes the time to understand each child's individual strengths, needs, and challenges, and thoughtfully adjusts her instruction to ensure every student feels supported and capable of success. Through her patience, encouragement, and high expectations, Morgan builds confidence, confidence, and resilience in her students while inspiring, genuine. In her classroom, students feel safe, valued, and motivated to do their very best. Morgan is also an incredible colleague. She is supportive, approachable, and always willing to share resources, ideas, and strategies that strengthen the entire team. Her positive attitude and professionalism foster collaboration and create a welcoming, supportive environment for everyone around her. Morgan plays a vital role in making a better place for both students and
017staff. dedication, reliability, and commitment to help create a culture where students feel excited, supported, and proud to be part of nominated. Mrs. James is a dedicated kindergarten teacher who has served scholars and families for the past 13 years out of her 20 education at Brown Academy. During her time, Mrs. James has inspired young learners through her patience, creativity, and commitment to building a strong foundation for the scholar academic success during elementary and beyond. In her classroom, Mrs. fosters a nurturing and engaging learning environment where she believes that kindergarten is a critical year for sparking curiosity and love of learning. She works to ensure that every scholar feels supported and encouraged to grow. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her scholars make her an important part. Mrs. James is married to Tim James and mom
018and Mrs. James family and professional oral grande classical family would like to congratulate Mrs. James at the 2026 Jolene. Tonight, it is a pleasure to recognize an educator who truly represents the heart of Smokeree Elementary and the spirit of Cougar country. We are proud to celebrate Jolene Cole is their teacher of the year. Jolene is the kind of teacher every child deserves. She brings incredible patience to her classroom and takes the time to ensure that every student truly understands the lesson. Even more importantly, she creates an environment where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and keep trying. Julian cares deeply about each and those who may need a little extra support. And she works hard to make sure every student feels valued, loved, and capable of Jolene also brings that same kindness and
019professionalism to her colleagues. She is supportive, collaborative, and always willing to lend a hand. When challenges arise, Jolene approaches them with honesty and respect, focusing on solutions and what is best for students. Across campus, Jolene is someone who quietly steps in to help wherever she is needed. She supports students, staff, and the school community. Through her patience, compassion and dedication, Jolene helps make smoke a place where all students can grow, learn, and bright. Rachel is a purpose-driven student centered nationally board certified teacher who exemplifies genuine commitment to students and their learning. She's a champion for student leadership and models the seven habits daily. Her classroom is a shining example of what leader and me means in action. As a gifted endorsed sixth grade teacher, she connects real world learning for students with continuous community connections,
020relevant challenges, and opportunities for students to explore their potential potentials. Mrs. Sheret is always looking for a way to get her students to impact the community. She recently had her students present ideas for grant money as part of her participatory budgeting project in alignment with the Center for the Future of Arizona. She knows it isn't just to visit the city, have coffee with the mayor, or invite entrepreneurs and scientists to join the class. It is about connection over content. Mrs. Sharett's teacher leadership has brought so many innovations and community partnerships to our doorstep. She has coordinated visiting authors, coordinated field trips locally and across the state, and never stopped advocating for access to the highest quality experiences. Her impact from the classroom, our school, and across the state as Community share fellow is a beacon
021of what it means to be a true lifelong learner and a vision of what education can be. Congratulations Mrs. Sharet for being nominated for Sky Teacher of the Year as well as district teacher of the year. While we are incredibly proud of all those who have been recognized tonight, we do select a district teacher of the year to represent us at state level. Mrs. Shet was selected by a committee of previous winners and blind screening of candidate qualifications. She will receive a station good package inclusive of weekend stay at the Linder Bridge, watercraft rental, facials, movie tickets, and a whole bunch of other things. We will now welcome Mayor to the podiumclamation followed by meeting. >> Good evening everyone. President Rose, Vice President Houston, members of the governing board. Thank you so much for inviting
022me. I love a good celebration and who better to celebrate than those of Lake School District. I'm so glad to be a part of this. But uh we are here today as the Lake Unified School District teacher of the year day in honor of Rachel Sheret March 12th 2026. So you have your own day. Yes. Uh and it's today. Whereas education is the foundation of a thriving community and dedicated educators play a vital role in shaping the future of Lake Habsu city by inspiring young minds, fostering curiosity and preparing students to become engaged citizens. Whereas Rachel Shere serves as a sixth grade gifted teacher in the Lake Unified School District and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic, social, and emotional growth for her students, emphasizes the importance of meaningful relationships and positive connections within
023the classroom and the community. Whereas Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Central Michigan University in 2015 and later completed her master of science and curriculum instruction from Western Governor's University in 2024. while also earning her gifted education K12 endorsement, achieving national board certification in 2021, one of the highest recognitions in the teaching profession. And since joining Lake Unified School District in 2016, Rachel has consistently earned highly effective evaluations and served in leadership roles, including team lead, site instructional coach, opposition, one site level coordinator while inspiring gifted learners at Starlight Elementary through innovative project based learning opportunities. And whereas Rachel connects students to their organizing the campus science and engineering fair in partnership with the Arizona science center coaching teams for Lake Unified School District map challenge in national 6 and leading
024the school's kids city municipal simulation program that introduces students to the principles of local government and civic engagement while also partnering with organizations such as the center for the future of Arizona State University STEM acceleration project and the community share national educator fellowship to expand meaningful real world learning opportunities for students And whereas Rachel's teaching philosophy of connect before reflects her belief that strong relationships, respectful communities, resilience, and civic responsibility are essential to student success and lifelong learning. And in recognition of her outstanding leadership, innovation to education, and unwavering dedication to her students in the Lake City community, Rachel Shared has been named the Lakeu Unified School District teacher of the year. Now therefore, I tell she the mayor of Lake City, Arizona to hereby proclaim today, Thursday, March 12th, 2026, as Lake Unified School
025District teacher of the year day in honor of Rachel. And I urge all citizens to join me in congratulating Rachel on this outstanding achievement. So again, a big a big congratulations to Rachel for what she's doing in this community and educating young minds. All of you are partners in Lake Havisu City, educating the young minds of our community to take our future jobs. We really appreciate what you're doing. Quick story about Rachel though is uh we had uh Arizona Town Hall came to Lake Hatu City and Rachel decided that it would be important students to participate in this program. Now, we like youth voices in the program. It's very very important. Uh but Rachel brought her entire class and it was a youth program that a few adults attended. Uh which actually gave a really
026great flavor. But that's the type of innovation that Rachel just goes right outside the box and tries to find and discover for her students. And then going to your school sites and your classroom over the years, you coming to us for coffee with the mayor. It's been a real pleasure to work with you in this community. Congratulations. Yeah. Thank you to all the honores. All right. At this time, we will give about two minutes for anyone that is not staying for the rest of the meeting to be able to hug your loved ones, friends, and years often children special everything about each other are my questions. Is she on special education? John reported no special Dr. Olsen who previously was a certified school psychologist and special education director and school following this hiring decision. district
027lost four school psychologists and an unpaid 98 years experience. in their field and surrounding areas. One of the sites still multiple teachers also positions choosing to work in regular analysis. How frequently are mandatory trained provided to staff after the incident involving several nonverbal fragile children being properly restrained which was at Jamaica injuries action behavior stating district services. What happened to the previous letter to parenting in the family of the preschool program special. What qualifications does coordinator have over the program children disabilities? Oh, I'm so sorry. One more. >> Good evening. >> I came to see what I was going to learn, but sitting next to me. Someone said, "Why don't you remind everyone about memorials? I had the pleasure of working It was my pleasure. >> Thank you so much. We'll move on to item
0284.1 consent agenda. I need a motion and a second to approve agenda. Secretary >> there is no discussion items this evening. Moving on to item 6.1 Lake Habasu High School principal recommendation. As you know, in our previous board meeting, um, our now assistant superintendent, Scott Becker, was promoted to and hired as the assistant superintendent school district. Mr. Becker will be finishing out his year at Lake High School. And this evening, we will be announcing to you right now who will be taking this place. It is my pleasure this evening to recommend Miss Amy Barney as the next principal of Lake High School. Miss Barney brings a strong background in education and leadership with experience as a special education teacher, math teacher, assistant principal, and currently as the principal of Thunderbolt Middle School. Throughout her career,
029she has demonstrated a commitment to instructional leadership, student achievement, and fostering a supportive learning environment for all students. Miss Barney has a strong focus on supporting teachers through data informed decision making and strengthening systems that support student success. While serving as principal at Thunderbolt Middle School, she has implemented a consistent discipline matrix that increased instructional time for students and established tier three intervention structures to better support learners need. These efforts have helped improve outcomes and create more structured supports for students and staff at Thunder. Miss Barney has also demonstrated a strong commitment to collaboration and program alignment across grade levels through partnerships with the career and technical education programs at Lake High School. She has developed opportunities for middle school students to explore potential career pathways. This work supports informed decision making by students as
030they transition into high school coursework and future preparation. Her experience shaping policies and procedures at the middle school level positions her well to support a smooth transition for incoming freshman and strengthen alignment between the middle school and the high school programs based on her leadership experience instructional focus and commitment to supporting students and staff. I am delighted to make this recommendation as the governing board president this evening for Miss Barney to serve as the next principal of Lakeu High School. I will now open it up for comments or questions from the governor. You are awesome. You have school. I will explain. >> Oh yeah, sorry. We're ready to go. I need a motion and a second. So, um, Miss Barney has become an exceptional leader in this district and she walked into a situation at
031the middle school that was not ideal for any principal. Teachers were stressed out and student achievement was low. and the middle school. We are now watching student achievement come up and they are almost out of state and we believe that's going to happen this school year under her leadership. So we are so thankful. She's committed to this district. She's committed to student success. She's always available and this is an amazing recommendation. She has experience at the high school and I've personally shared with her she is one of those leaders that very much congratulations Item 6.2, human resources. All right. Um, tonight procedures regarding benefits that will go into effect. This is a new procedure which follow which allows weeks of paid parental leave for qualifying eventifying events include birth of employees child of an employee
032who has given birth to a child have adopted a child of a foster child with adoption or guardianship to the age of 17 adoption of a new spouse's child is excluded from this policy and we also have the six weeks of must run concurrently with any taken. We have procedure personal leave. This procedure is being updated to include three additional days of personal leave for all employees. Personal days are not used. They convert to sick days. And we have procedure 4302F. This procedure is being updated to include five days of all employees per year for an instate death or immediate family. Employees are also eligible to use earned paid sick time or vacation leave up to five additional work per Second has been a member of the Northern Arizona Employee Benefit Trust since 2020. The
033trustes met in February to review the actuarial data at their annual benefit renewal meeting. There was a significant increase in cost shared businesses were informed that the continues to remain below the book of businessmen were adopted annual benefit 10.1% increase for the HS 9.2% increase for dental envision. Both plans are available to employees and their qualified dependent is recommended that LHUSD continues to cover 100% of the employee premiums for HS district employ. savings account. Changes for the 26 27 school year include an increase to the federal savings plan requirements $1,700 for employee only. Yes. All right. Up next. Student Achievement Appalade. >> President Rose, members of the governing board. Tonight I'm presenting the academic calendar for the 28 and 28 29 school years for your consideration. The Unified School District has historically adopted academic calendars
034two years at a time. Each year the administration convenes a calendar committee made up of multiple stakeholders including governing board members, administrators, teachers, administrative assistants, and counselors to gather input and feedback on the academic calendar. The committee met in January to review options and provide recommendations. The committee is recommending that we continue with the current calendar structure for the next two school years. One of the recommendations is that school continue to begin on a Thursday rather than a Monday. Starting later in the week allows teachers time to focus on establishing classroom routines, expectations, and procedures before beginning full academic instruction the following Monday. This approach has been especially helpful for our kindergarten students, giving our youngest learners time to acclimate to the school environment during those first two days. The calendar also maintains a teacher
035work day immediately following winter break. This allows teachers time to prepare for the second semester without needing to complete that work during the break. In addition, the calendar includes a testing break in April following the completion of AASA and ACT testing. Historically, there are typically no additional days off between spring break and the end of the school year. Under this calendar, students will attend school for 180 days and teachers will work 188 days. Early release days will be added to the calendar once they are approved by the governing board. If you notice, there are three on there. Those are for parent teacher conferences at the end of each discussion. will not know we're going to get being done early >> graduation. We figured out >> I was like I feel the same way. First of
036all, thank you to those who have served on this calendar and this is something second. Yes. First of all, Dr. >> Much of this is information. Beyond that, I would just like to congratulate all of our winners this evening. That was amazing. This is always Very similar. Congratulations to all the teachers that were nominated from each site. District at this time item 7.2 governing board members discuss Yeah, I've got one. Um, so it does everybody working on campus background check. So I prop Yes. Yes. I would like to congratulate all of our teachers and amazing work. We're very thankful for you. Happy spring break. Yes. Yes. Have a wonderful evening.