001All right. Good afternoon. Okay. I call this meeting to order on this Tuesday, April the 22nd, 2025 at 5:00 PM in the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District number 35, Governing Boardroom, District Office 570 Camino, Galindo, Rio Rico, Arizona. Can we please stand for the pledge? Mr. Shadler, can you please come in the house? Thirdly, I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, liy, justice for all. Thank you. Be seated. Okay. Opening items. Subject a uh call. Uh my roll call. Uh Miss Obian present. Uh Mr. Guerrero here. Mr. Mr. Ramirez here. Mr. Beachch absent. And Miss Vasquez, I'm here. We have a quorum. Uh adoption of the agenda. Yes. I'd like to request that we discuss the agenda
002and move items uh rich river athletics and a recession uh prior to the executive session. Any questions? Anybody? Do we have to motion? Okay. Can you have a motion? Motion to approve as amended. Motion to approve. Okay. Okay. Recommendation. Motion to approve as the agenda as amended. Moved. So moved. Second. Second. Okay. And all those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Nay. Eyes have it. Okay. A motion. Motion carries. Thank you. Uh call to the public. Mr. Call to the public. No call. No call. Thank you. Thank you. And let me go back to the other one. And here we go. Uh presentation subject. Uh JOTC recognition. Mr. Verdugo. Thank you. I'd like to invite Mr. Navaro up um to introduce the ROC. Good evening members of the board. We would like to
003recognize uh tonight uh one of our uh students from JROTC. Uh in a couple minutes uh LBC Ro will provide a description of all the things that that Milan has accomplished. The only thing I can tell you I have seen Milan in all of the events. Good afternoon Mr. Berdugo, governing board members, ladies and gentlemen. Uh thank you for giving us this opportunity. My name is Lieutenant Colonel Art Roek. I'm the Rio Rico High School senior army instructor and today we are blessed and have the opportunity to recognize an outstanding cadet student and as well as a human being, Miss Cadet uh Milan Wilkinson. I've known her since October, since my arrival of the program and I can tell you that her dedication to the program, to the school, to the school district, and especially
004the community is evident because of all her actions, she was nominated and was able to receive the president presidential volunteer service medal. So, um Mr. Verdugo, you can please come forward. And and two additional uh governing board members. Miss Wilkinson, please come forward. [Music] Okay. Okay. Miss the clerk. Right there. The veteran. Yeah, she's the veteran. And thank you. This outstanding cadet and student is being recognized for her uh commitment to the community. Because of her actions, she is receiving three medals, the gold medal, the silver medal, and the bronze medal. And I state the presidential volunteer service award is presented to Milan M. Wilkinson. As I stated before, gold, silver, and bronze by Americanore in recognition and appreciation for her commitment to strengthen our nation and communities through volunteer service awarded this year 2025.
005Yes, sir. Well, that's next. Congratulations. It's camera. If we can get her parents to come up here, please and the governor sir the parents video, not a picture. There you go. There you go. Look here. Smile. Get one really quick. Perfect. Thank you. Does the board has any questions for Milan? Sorry. What are your future plans? I'm going to the UFA for nursing. Do you graduate this year? Yes. What an honor. What an honor. What What an honor for us as a school to have produced somebody like you. Really, congratulations to come, Mr. Guerrero. Oh, congratulations. It's amazing. Thank you. Congrats. Thank you for your discipline and your hard work and dedication for representing our community with pride. I have a lot of respect for JOTC in the public schools. Especially since my family gave
006a lot of blood to this country, several wars, fighting the even fighting the Germans in World War II. I lost one uncle in combat and one in the Philippines fighting the Japanese and one he was captured by the Nazis and put in a concentration camp and believe it or not he's still alive at 101 lives up at the Mount Davis Mountain Air Force Base as a dossier. So, I have the utmost respect for the service for JOTC and the public schools and and thank you for everything that all our teachers do as well to put this all together for the kids. So, I'm very grateful and again thank you for your dedication. Yeah, with all the effort of obviously outcior Mr. Sinclair and for Sergeant Moore and also she's she will be the val ball
007valettorian for the graduation. Congrats for later. Save your speech for later. Save your speech for later. Thank you. Says so much speaking. Okay. Okay. Uh moving on. Uh the subject be Rich River ath athletics club recognitions. Mr. Verdugo. Thank you. U like to invite the elementary principles up. Um they'll get each other but they they wanted to recognize Rich River athletics for their contributions to our school district for many many years. I'm going go ahead and turn over to Mr. Chavez. Morn everybody. Good evening Madam President, members of the board. Um, you know, on behalf of all of the elementary principles, I think that, you know, kind of goes without saying the amount of work that goes into the retro athletics club and putting on events for our kids. Um, I know that from its
008inception, um, 20 years ago, um, it's it's really truly come a long way and, um, you know, you know, it's it's truly been communitybased and really really geared around everybody. um beginning with the inception. Um so the logo was actually designed by Meg's mom. Um and that's something that I know is very very important to us. Um that we that we continue um with with with keeping our our whole community involved in in in what's happening. And um from from the beginning from putting on the lucky clover to that that whole transition into putting on the fun run for our kids, the character counts track me which is happening on Friday. So I invite all of you guys to come on out on on uh Friday at the races will start around four o'clock. So
009if you guys are if you guys are free, come on out and and um cheer on our kiddos. Um they'll be out there uh working hard and competing. um to you know the last couple of years I know that I've I've that I've partaked in in just as a father being able to have my kids be part of the Richard athletics club track uh track club and so that's been the next expansion of of this program. So so this whole program has been very very um personal to me u personal to us as as as the elementary principles to be able to offer these opportunities to our kids. I know that our kids love it. They have a great time. um they're always well well done, very very well organized. Um and and that's because
010of all these people um along with other people like Dr. Lunderville as well that goes out to to these events and helps out as well. So on behalf of all of the elementary principles, we just wanted to say thank you to all of you guys um for all the work that you guys have done and we are we are very very um appreciative of everything that you guys do for our kids. Um, I know that there's some kids in high school that took play that took part in the elementary fund runs. There's kids that are out of high school that took part in the elementary fund runs. Um, and and it's and and and we and we look forward to seeing it continue to grow. So, thank you guys for all you guys do. So
011this is uh um a certificate uh that celebrates 20 years um to and it is presented to Rich River Athletics Club for providing young athletes the opportunity to compete in me fostering good sportsmanship and character. Thank you for all you do um from our district. So thank you guys very much. Oops. It didn't make it. short time. [Music] Yeah. Really? Yes. Does anybody have questions? Miss Fobian, I have no questions. I really have watched the program over these 20 years and really is a gift to the district. Sure is. Thank you, Mr. Derero. No questions, but thank you for everything you guys do. It's appreciated, Mr. Ramirez. Thank you, Steve, for all that you've done over the years. I tell you when you first started a lot of things like Lucky Clover, but I know
012very much a lot of you here have really made big efforts to put this together as well and you've touched a lot of people. I know that for sure. So, and you make a tremendous difference. So, thank you bealf of Thank you, uh, Miti. Just thank you for everybody. I know that. Look at all these people that are here and all of this is voluntary work, right? All of you volunteer for our students, for our kids, for our community. Wow. Thank you. Thank you so very much. And again, I know I remember when you started all of this and you know, the clover and everything. So, congratulations. And it's, you know, my son was running and all that stuff. I just may very briefly add just there were three board members who could not make
013it today. Um, Tony Shatter is actually coaching the middle school team right now. as well as Alex Hicks who you know from high school. Yeah, Alex, Jessica Hume, who you know now works for the county parks and recck. So, I just want to make sure that you were aware of their their support as well. Awesome. Our partnership with this district um from our perspective has has not gone unnoticed at all in terms of facilities and backing and things of that nature. So, we definitely appreciate the the true community pride. And one other thing just before they go that uh they also provide scholarships. So that's something that that I think it goes unnoticed as part of what they do. Uh they do all the the fun stuff, but they also give the scholarships for for
014graduating seniors. So I think that's a big thing. That's a big thing, too. Thank you so much for all your work, for all your commitment to us. Thank you. Thanks for having me. Executive session subject uh county treasure matters. Mr. recommended to go in executive session. All righty. Uh, okay. So, notice is hereby given to the general public that the governing board of the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District number 35 may vote to hold an executive session for discussion or consultation for legal advice with its attorney or attorneys and or for discussion or consultation with any attorney attorneys. uh to consider its position and and instruct its attorneys regarding county treasures litigation, excuse me, and related matters. The governing board's attorneys may participate in person, virtually, or by phone. Okay. Recommended uh motion to
015convey to executive session in conference room 125. So moved. So moved. Second. Second. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed, nay. Eyes have it. we will convey to room 125. Thank you. Hold your to reconvene uh to regular session. So moved. Second. Second. Okay. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Nay. Eyes have it. Okay. We are back again. Uh this one would be now B. Where am I? Superintendent. Superintendent report. Mr. Doug, thank you. Um, just want to uh congratulate all the teams. Uh, our esports uh made the playoffs, made it to the round of 16. So, I want to congratulate them for all of their their efforts this season. Um, lot of, uh, championships possibly coming up. Our baseball team is hanging right in there. They're at
01623 I looked at today. Um, 24 make it. So, hopefully, uh, they'll they'll get into the the playoffs. Uh and we have a lot of our track athletes that are um ready and primed to make a lot of um noise in the in the state meeting coming up in a few weeks. So wish them luck. Um and then again congratulate um your uh for their accomplishment um and also Red River Athletics thanking them for their years and years of of support partnership. Thank you. Thank you very much. Okay, moving on. April governing board members report. Uh, Miss Fobian, thank you. Um, it's, you know, a fast-paced and time of year. I mean everything is happening and you know the military ball was wonderful as always and you know we've been doing some site visits and
017it is so great to get into the classrooms and get to see the interaction with the teachers and the students and seeing all the good things that are happening and um you know the principal reports again just excellent really got the feel of what all is going on and to have all the good things acknledged Ed and just the basic day-to-day stuff that's going on all the time too that we don't really get to experience. So, thank you very much. Thank you very much, Mr. Guerrero. Nothing to report. Thank you. Mr. Ramirez. Yes. I want to say that I'm very proud of you, Miss Vosquez, for going to the school. Mr. Beach filled me in on some of the stuff that went on. I have to say I'm really happy that I'm not going to
018time over that some of the other board members shared that. But no, seriously, Madam President, I was very happy that you went and it's nice how you do this too, uh, Mr. Verugo, because shows transparency and willing to go into brand new room. So, I kind of like that. And um I know from what I heard that there's still a lot to be done in the in the way of enforcing the rules at the school. And that's like I told Mr. Kip when he first took over that's not something that is going to happen overnight. That's something that takes a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication and as and you you really suffer a lot for it having to deal with parents angry parents who when they take the kids bones away
019and things so I don't envy the task Mr. Lopez but confident you're going to go in there and start off tough and Mr. Keno I hope you finish if you're listening any is he here still right Mr. I'll step back before this. Mr. please finish really strong and help Mr. Lopez out so that gets off to a good start himself. And I want to say that today I had a really tough day at at school. Made me think of all the teachers and how hard it is at this time of the year because kids get really squirly. Especially after vacations, four day weekends, three day weekends, four day weekends, they come back and some of them are pretty squirly. So like Mr. Beach always says, "Try to finish strong. Try to hang in there." And
020that advice is also for all the administration that's here as well. So hang in there, be tough, and before you know it, it'll be the end of May. Thank you very much. And thank you for that. Yes, it's been a it's been a really, you know, good experience, you know, that Mr. Verduga has taken us, you know, to all of the schools and and uh and you know, you get to see, you know, we were not, nobody knew that we were coming. So, it was kind of like a surprise, you know, that we came in and we tried to visit every single classroom. You know, some of them we couldn't because of the changes and this and that, but the, you know, for the majority places that we've gone, it's been a really really good
021experience. Plus after that, okay, we have lunch and we have lunch with a lot of the teachers and stuff. And and we ask them, you know, the difficult questions, you know, you know, what are the positives and then if you have any negatives and and everybody's been really good about, you know, sharing, you know, the good, the bad, and the ugly and all that stuff. And that is like really, really good because they know that we're there for them. You know what I'm saying? For for the teachers and stuff. So that's been, you know, that's been really good. Plus, we've had a chance to interact with the students when we go into the classrooms. You know, you kids still, you know, they recognize you, they they remember you and stuff. And then, you know, I'm
022just really, it's been really, really good, you know, to go into the classrooms and stuff. Um, another thing is, and I still have, we still, we're going to go to Mountain View on Thursday. We went today to uh Guatemi. So, we were we've been visiting every sing, okay, before school ends. So, you know, we're still there. So, and we know that right now like the kids are, you know, they they've been testing and they're just, you know, you know, I know and it's the last stretch, of course, you know, we know that, but we hope that all of the kids will, you know, will will end with a, you know, with a bang at the end, you know, like really hard and stuff. So, hopefully, you know, we'll get that. The ball was amazing. I
023also got to go to the ball um with them. and the kids. Oh, they look so good when they're in their uniforms and the little the girls in their, you know, their really pretty pretty dresses and all that stuff. I mean, it was really really good. I got to sit sit next to and Mr. Thelis Thyel Thyel isn't here, but I got to sit next to his son and his son was the guest speaker. Okay. And I mean, let me tell you what eight years does to a student. Wow. Oh my goodness. I mean, he was I remember him from, you know, from middle school and now he's 21 years old and he's a soldier and he's just I mean, he takes his role so so serious. It was it was so good to see
024him and I'm I'm, you know, I'm sorry that he's not here right now so that we could tell him, you know, how how proud, you know, we I felt, you know, just for him to speak and the things he was saying and, you know, and stuff. So, it was really really it was a really really good experience and stuff. And yes, I also love the uh principles reports and the and the and the um the other one is the the one with the discipline reports. You know, I always like to see those, you know, to see and you know, how the kids are doing in the classroom. And you know, thank God we're doing a fantastic job. Thank you to all of our principles and the teachers and everybody and um continue the good work,
025you know, that we're having for the end. Thank you, Madam President. Yes, sir. Have the floor. Absolutely. Go ahead. So, I also want to thank the superintendent for sharing a report from the state legislature about the cell phones. Yes. So, that was really that was really something else. And uh I was happy because I I felt that that would be that would come, but I didn't think they would come so fast. I thought, wow, it's going to take a lot of years before people finally get to that point. But they got there. And what I really like too is that the governing board spent so much time along with the admin administrators and your administration in this room and study sessions having hammering out all that stuff. And so I feel that all that work
026that we did not only with that but with the dress code has made us compliant with the state. And so we don't really I don't think we really have to revisit very much with that regard. uh maybe we might have to bring up a few little fine details, but it seems like we're compliant from all the hard work that we put into it. So again, thank you for the report, Mr. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody? Anybody else? All right, let's moving on. Uh information, discussion, uh subject, uh Rio Rico High School assistant principal for the 2025 school year, Mr. Verdugo. Thank you. Uh so we had um since we hired Mr. Lopez to take over the high school. We tasked him with uh searching for a replacement for assistant principal at Rioa High School. Um
027and they uh put together a committee interviewed some candidates and the person that they are recommending Mr. Aeshkumar. Um so it's it's bittersweet because he is one of our best uh teachers u national board certified teacher. Um and so we're excited um for his next step of moving into a leadership role and he's been in a leadership role running the 21st century after school and doing other things within that campus. But I'd like to invite Mr. Lopez to come up first and then we'll invite Mr. Kumar to even m be brief. Um I can tell you that it's it's it was a process that it was composed of teachers, support staff, administrators and part of the big the process for me has been really listening to the voices at the school that have been there
028for the last two years and one voice was very loud and very clear in that process which was for Mr. Kumar and the commitment that he's made to her school and that came through and all the members of the committee were very clear about that. Uh, one thing that has has really stood out for the committee was not just the commitment that he's made to the to the community, which is outstanding, but it's also the quality of the commitment and the dedication, the commitment to our students. And I think tonight is illustrated by having one of our families who stuck around and they stepped out for pictures and they came back and we reminded them that they were welcome to step outside. I know we wouldn't be here to support Mr. Kumar. And actually the
029parent of one of those students who was honored tonight had has already formally requested for Mr. Kumar to have an hour off next year so he can teach calculus. So that doesn't illustrate the level of commitment and appreciation from our families and students. I don't know what that So Mr. Kumar very excited and very lucky to have you as part of administrative team for school year 2526. Yeah, I was I was about first. No. Yeah, I was going to say if are there any questions? Do we have any we vote for? Yes, let's vote first, I guess. Okay. So, then it would be uh the recommendation action is motion to approve the 2025 2026 uh certified administrator contract for Mr. Nagesh Kumar as the 2526 assistant principal at Rio Rico High School in the amount
030of $86,445. So moved. So moved. Second. Second. All those in favor? No. N. I. Yeah. I. All those opposed? Nay. Okay. Eyes have it. Motion passes. Any questions? I said I twice. Does that count for Mr. Beach? Yeah, I know that. Yes. any anybody. So he's now approved. So we congratulate a little early but yes thank you Mr. Neesh. Would you like to say some few words and then we will bombard you. I really appreciate you guys giving me this opportunity. I've been in the school district for 15 years now and I think I tried to do whatever I could do in my capacity but I I prefer to you know move on to a future where I could make some influence outside my classroom too. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Thank you.
031Good job. We're good. I'm sure you will and we'll be watching you like a hawk. Now any questions? Miss M phobians, I think you have been one of the teachers honored at the 5% banquet. Yes. Every So really, it is it is great to see you getting to move. It's really hard to really but truly congratulations and I know and you know what a privilege to be so well thought of by the committee. Yes. Thank you. Okay, Mr. Guerrero. No questions, but congratulations. Thank you, Mr. Ramirez. Yes. So, I'm I'm very happy for you. I feel that because of your hard work as a calculus teacher, you sort of pigeon holed yourself and made it difficult to take that jump because I I'm going to echo the sentiments of superintendent. It's It's bittersweet. It is
032very on the one hand we're so happy because we know how what a hard worker you are how or organized you are how dedicated you know and and you have a good rapport with people too as we as as evident by those wonderful shirts that it's made of your face all over the community you know probably even further for all you know you know you could be famous all over the state you thank you but uh no seriously they I mean you you really have done such great work as a teacher and now I'm excited to see what you're going to do at the high school and I think it's great. I'm sure Mr. Lopez is excited too. Excellent choice. And uh another thing I think you got going for you is you have the
033respect of your colleagues as the superintendent has mentioned which is a real strength. And so no matter you know whether you have to go in there and be critical of the situation they respect you and that's that's a that's a big plus. You know when you're going you have to go do observations and that kind of stuff. But I'm so confident you you'll do a great job because you're you're such a hard worker too. Thank you really hard. You bring that great work ethic from India. You know, I always talk to all your friends about it. You know, Santosh and everybody about that work ethic and because they would always tell me how hard the kids work, you know, when they study math. And so anyway, thank you so much for stepping up to the
034plate. And uh again, we'll miss you and the math department. We hope somebody fills your big shoes. You should be but I'm excited for you. We'll find somebody for that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much again. Everything that every said everybody said double for me. I mean I know that it's again it's bittersweet because we know that commitment that you have and that the expertise that you brought into your classroom with your students and with everybody. And that is going to be hard to fill, let me tell you. Okay. We're we're going to look for somebody, okay? But it's going to be very hard again. And I just wish you so much luck with everything. You know, it's just, you know, anything you need, we're always here to help you and
035and we're always here to, you know, Mr. Mr. Lopez will guide you and everybody else, you know, and help you out so that you can continue, you know, with your, you know, I mean, you already have everything. You've got your work ethic, you've got your, you know, all of that stuff. You've got that. It's just filling in the little holes that you're going to have, you know, because it's very different from a classroom to, you know, to the whole school. It's going to be very different, you know. But I wish you all of the luck and again bittersweet but congratulations and thank you for everything that you do. Before you go, want to introduce your family? The people that are that you're going to not see as often. Oh yeah. Really? That's my wife Umar
036Gupta. She works at Kodi Mundi as a sixth grade math and science teacher. And that's my daughter Paulo Gupta who is a senior this year going to your way studying math. You won't get to work with your dad. and she got to work with me for three years. She have been our teacher for the last three years. Yeah. So she's happy to go away from me. Yeah. It's a different capacity. Tell them. No, no, no. Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Thank you. On subject uh asurances, Mr. Verdubo. Thank you. I'm going to go ahead and turn over to Dr. Lunderville. Okay, that's this requirement. Good evening, Mr. President or Madam President, members of the board. Um, tonight there are two um forms that were sent to us by the Arizona Department of
037Education. And the first is a FURPA EPA EP assurance. Um, I I want to just explain that that there are some districts who have some strong concerns about both of both of the the acknowledgements that are on the agenda tonight. Um, our district I after consulting with our legal counsel um I do not feel that that we have any issues in terms of FURPA. Um there are four requirements contained within FURPA and that and and a lot of the crux of this comes from um the issues across the country. Their um teachers and school officials are not required to notify parents when their children are choosing to identify as a different gender um or identify as transgender or non-binary. um we have not had that that issue here, nor would we um refuse to explain
038to parents that that their child is making that that request. But just so that um the board is aware, um we would be authorizing um someone, it's either the superintendent or myself um authorization to complete these forms, not in our individual capacity. We're doing so um on behalf of the LEA, which is the local education agency, which is our school district. That way, if there are any um lawsuits or filings later on, either one of us would be individually liable. Um but the four things that that we have to ensure is that all information and records directly related to a student are maintained by an educational agency that um and that parents have the right to review those. So if a parent wants to review their students educational records, we we we give them information
039every year on how they can do that. Um we also give them the opportunity to do what's called opting out of certain information, which is directory information and things like that. Um, and every parent is required to acknowledge that we provided them with that information. The way that we do that is through our student information system. Um, all parents receive an email and it will not allow them to move forward in parent view until they acknowledge that we gave it to them. We also provide them with information on how they can opt out of certain directory information being released. um along with information on how we can provide um military recruiters with access or opt out individuals who do not want that information released. Um so those are the areas that that we're attesting that
040we follow. I don't have any concerns about completing that form. Um I feel like all of our records are are and our procedures are are in place to do that. So the board would be authorizing myself or Mr. Dugo to sign um and to fill out the form that we provided you with a copy of the form. It asks us questions like when did we notify the parents? I have all of that. I have the date ranges. If they wanted to audit us, they could. Um if we chose not to respond. Our attorneys are not recommending that we do that. they're they're suggesting that we go ahead and complete this form um because it could bring to light the Department of Education deciding to really dig into and and I welcome audits where we're not
041we're fine with that but but it could cause them to create some undue pressure that that frankly I don't I don't think um but if anyone has any questions I'm happy to answer them related to the FURPA um attestation Any questions? Miss P. I have no questions. Thank you. M. Yeah. The only question I have is uh are you at liberty to discuss what some of the concerns were from some of the people they talked to or you said other people had concerns about the form? Other school districts had concerns um mainly and and they they're they're regarding the the next form that we're talking about. um districts had concerns about the fact that an individual was signing, which is why our attorneys sent out a recommendation that we go ahead and go to the
042normally for forms like this, Miss Brown, myself, Miss Padilla, we we just complete them and and attest to them because if we do not, they'll hold our federal grants. Um, but in this case, there was such a level of concern about individuals because they're talking about, and I'll talk a little bit about the Harvard lawsuit on the next form. Um, but there there were so many that that our attorneys issued guidance for all school districts. Um, particularly school districts that have DEI programs. That that's a a concern. And um, we do not currently have any any board approved curriculum or DEI programs. um at the moment. So yeah, that's I mean that those were the main the main concerns with that that was the biggest concern is just is um withholding of federal funds and
043and also putting liability on individuals um which we have no concern to be honest because we don't have any of those programs that uh are other districts um are not complying with federal mandates. So we had those issues. Thank you, Mr. Ramirez. I have no questions. No concern. Thank you. I have no questions either. She's answered it. Okay. So, it's a action item. So, okay. Um, this one right here. I go to the recommendation. Yes. Okay. Uh, I move to authorize the assistant superintendent to complete and submit the Arizona Department of Education's Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, which is Furpa, Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, PR A assurance for the fiscal year 25 and the fiscal year 26 formed to affirm that the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District number 35 understands the requirements
044of FURPA and PP. P R A second. You second it. That's it. Okay. Well, I know you got a vote. Okay. Okay. We vote. All those in Oh, we have a vote. Yeah. All those in favor? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Nay. Eyes have it. Motion passes. Okay. All righty. Next subject is a title four, title six, sorry, certification. Mr. Verdugo. Thank you. I I'll turn over to Dr. as well. Um, this is this is similar to what I described before. However, um as many of you are aware, um the the federal government has issued lawsuits um against Harvard um and its applicability to K12 illegal DEI. Um DEI are divers diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Our district does not have any diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. However, nowhere in
045the document that that you see in front of you does the department define what illegal DEI is or define DEI in general. So, can we 100% confirm that? We can 100% confirm that we do not have a board approved curriculum or DEI program. Can I can we 100% um affirm that there's never any discussion about that in the classroom? not not 100% but it's not something that is in our current lesson plans or um in our standards um and like our standards bank. Um so also initially anyone put from the district was allowed to sign this and they wanted us to upload it I think by August 10th or April 10th. I apologize. Um and then they changed their mind. They gave us additional time to the 24th, but then they issued something saying that
046the superintendent had to sign. Um, so what the board is approving tonight is authorizing the superintendent in his capacity as as the superintendent, not as an individual to complete and and attest to that form. Um, failing to complete this form will result in what we're considering the the Department of Education will immediately uh suspend funding past that date of April 30th. Um, we miss Rodo and I reviewed all of the attorney's recommendations and we don't feel like we have any concerns um with uploading and completing the forms. That's not the case for other school districts and that's not the case um across the country, but we're confident that by allowing us to do that, we won't create any waves with federal funding. And again, we do understand the the the EI, but we also have
047not practiced that in a sense of our district of that we are merit-based, you know, I think, but we've constantly look to hire the best people no matter what uh ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. Any questions? Missing questions? Mr. Questions, Mr. None. I have none either. Okay. So then we are recommending action is I move to authorize the superintendent to sign the reminder of legal obligations undertaken in exchange for receiving federal financial assistance and request for certification under title 6 and S FFA versus um Harvard on behalf of the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District number 35 as required by the Arizona Department of Education and ackn acknowledge receipt and review of the document. Second. Second. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed. Okay. Eyes have it. Motion passes. All right. Next
048subject. Uh the 2025 2026 uh salary increase recommendation. Mr. Verdugo. Thank you. This is one of the positives. Not that tonight has not been on. is anytime that we are able to um make sure that we are supporting our staff um across the board um I'm happy to do so. So uh tonight the recommendation is to approve a 5% salary increase for all eligible administrators, teachers, professionals, and classified exempt staff for the 20 25 26 fiscal year as presented. Okay. Questions? Miss Ful? No questions. Mero. I had a couple questions. I guess the first question is, is this a yearly thing? You look at this. Yes. Every year. Okay. Every year. And so, um, we had the budget presentation the the previous um and it looks um Miss Brown does a a great job of
049of looking at all of what and again the the whole process begins um probably in November and then culminates with the salary increase and then uh budget presentation um and so that we know how much funds um there is as Mr. Brown presented unknowns, but we're confident with our reserves uh that even if there were issues that that unfunded mandates that the legislature may throw at us that we are confident that this will uh be able to to move forward with this 5% raise. Okay. Um I I guess another question would be uh is this based on a salary wage study or where does the 5% come? Is just whatever is available and go from there or Yeah. And and so we do um look at annually um well I would say annually we look
050at frequently um how we are doing against the market um in in many areas um for instance last year I think was it last year or the year before that we gave almost um a 30% raise to many of our classified staff um because it was not uh meeting the market and so and I think last year was actually was administrators I think last year was the year that we moved all the administrative salaries Um we started with classified then moved to teachers and then actually finished last year with administrators. So I guess it was a three-year process that we try to address each of our groups. Um and so annually we look at at what the salary increase but what other funds are available and what we can uh fiscally make sure that uh
051we will meet. So if the legislature did something um and said, "Okay, this is going to reduce your your budget. We are confident that we have those funds and it's not going to affect any jobs." So which is a good question. Thank you. Y Okay. Thank you, Mr. Ramirez. Yeah. In the past, we used to have these separate though, didn't we? When we voted on them, we had not uh for the the the contracts were were separate. We approved those contracts last board meeting. Um and then this year this is for the salary increase. Yeah. Because I mean 5% is it's not the same proportionately for everybody across the board. So I can imagine some people would be a little concerned about that but you have the money. So I'm all for a raise for
052everybody. That's great that we can do it. So thank you. Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. And I'm all for it too. Okay. Always. always. Okay. Anyway, recommended uh recommended actions. Motion to approve the 5% salary increase for all eligible certified administrators, teachers, professionals, and classified exempt staff for the 2526 fiscal year as presented. Second one, two. Okay. All those in favor say I. I. I. All those opposed, nay. Okay. Eyes have it. Uh motion passes. Thank you. Moving on. Uh subject Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District policies. Mr. Verdugo. Uh nothing that uh we are bringing for but if there is any request from the board to review. Okay. Any any nothing? How about you? Anything to review, Mr. Ramirez? No, I have no thank you. I have nothing either. So there's no recommendation. Yes, that's it.
053That's it. Okay. Next subject. F purpa purpose and prioritize topics and possible dates and times for future board meetings. Mr. Verdu, yes. So, um just a reminder that we only have one meeting in May due to all the events. Uh but um I've mentioned to our staff that if there is a need for hiring or any other we may have a telephonic meeting, but I would notify the board well in advance of that. Um so we only have one meeting in May and then our first meeting um in June is June June. Okay. Any questions or any additional topics? Any additional topics that anybody wants to do? Miss Phobian? No, I'm fine. Thank you, Mr. Guerrero. Thank you, Mr. and I have none either. So, we will be moving on. Next uh subject is the
054consent agenda. Approval of the consent agenda. [Music] Okay. Uh, any matter on the consent agenda will be removed from the consent agenda and discussed as regular agenda item or items upon the request of any board member. Any anybody want to remove anything? Miss Phobian? No. Mr. Guerrero, Mr. Ramirez? Yes. Number three. Hold on. One. Number three. All righty. Number three. I have nothing. We move on. Okay. So then a motion to approve and accept and ratify the consent agenda with uh eliminating number three uh as presented. So move second. Second. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed? Nay. Eyes have it. Motion passes. Uh Mr. Ramirez number three. Yeah. a question for the superintendent about the the ACR for retired teachers. What is it? So that the ACR is so that's the
055retirement uh that we have to pay for u employees. So, um, ACR, so when you're a retired or part of the your teacher retirement, so is required to pay, um, into the system and Yeah, I know what it is. I'm curious. Is it a flat rate for every all the districts? And it's the same rate difference from district to district. No, it's the same rate for all districts. I was wondering. Yeah, but um one of the things that the board has approved and and Miss Brown and I were talking about this um recently um is that our district when we hire a retiree, we absorb that cost and some districts move that cost into the u to the retiree, we actually pay that as part of the benefits. I'm glad you mentioned that because that's
056that's a hell of a selling point for district 35. what that means. And and again, it is um again the support of the board because we know that recruiting and retaining teachers is an important piece of of any school district and we really have a lot of board support for supporting teachers and high quality retirees uh that come back. Um like tonight, there was two teachers that were on there that have retired um are coming back and they're uh being placed at their current uh placement. So, and again, we absorb the ACR cost. I'd like to see us get that out there uh you know publicly is what what could we do to get that out there more than what we're we've done thus far because I think that's quite a selling point for a
057lot of teachers never know we get some pretty good ones if they knew about it because I don't think everybody knows about that and and again one of we're one of the districts that uh pays that ACR because again most people transfer it to and also only give um and I I know some neighboring districts like 80% or they start at uh 10 year maximum and we and if we believe you're a high quality individual will give you all of your years of experience um from that was the case when I was here before I was on the governing board. I noticed that of course right away but I think that a lot of people don't know about that. So, would it be even worth our while to an ad out in the paper at
058a at a real good time when people are thinking about that? Some of it is on the on our news on our website, right on the district website. I know that it's there. I think if we put it in the in the Ngalas International, it might really a lot of people would read that. You know, we we can work with Audra to to put something together and say if you're thinking about retiring, come and work for SCB35. Well, but that message really needs to be pounded away at, you know, so because I think if you put that out there that district absorbs it, it doesn't come out of your paycheck. Yeah, that's big for a lot of people because that's that's almost that's almost a double or it's a big increase because when you're a
059regular teacher that you pay your retirement and the district pays our portion. Um, and then when you retire, you no longer pay your portion. the district just absorbs that big chunk of change. That's a lot of money paycheck. Yeah. And especially that if the teachers if the retired teacher stays with us for a long period of time, you know, five years, whatever, eight years, 10 years, you know, it's a big one. Yes. Again, this we thank the board for the support because that's something that will allow us to to recruit those high quality teachers that are retiring but still want to continue to work. Thank you, sir. Thank you. All righty. Okay. Okay. So then now we have the recommended action. Uh motion to approve and accept and ratify the consent agenda number three as
060presented. So moved. Second. Second. All those in favor say I. All those opposed nay. Eyes have it. It was approved. And we are adjourned. I adjourn this meeting at what time is it? at 652.