CorpusRecord 18229

May 2026 Regular Session Board Meeting

A searchable transcript preserved as part of the Discourse Corpus. Passage numbers provide stable references within this record; verify quotations against the original recording when available.

Source
YouTube / Ajo Unified School District
Date
2026-05-07
Location
Pima County, AZ
Material
Transcript
Extent
2,486 words · about 14 min
Collected
2026-06-05

Transcript

Verbatim source text

001America and to the republic for it stands. One nation indivisible. Mr. Mr. President, members of the board, um we have uh don't have a report for you at this time, but um the first thing I'll be sharing is the awards message. Okay. >> So, we have our last superintendent student of the month um for the year. We have the most adventurous and energetic of all levels. We have the early child of the prek K two kinder classes first and second grade classes. So they always uh are the most spirited and we're looking forward to their presentations tonight. So we'll start first with Miss Leia. She's our prek teacher and she will share first. So uh good evening everyone. Good evening Dr. Zero, Miss Mercy, board members, parents, teachers, students and visitors. So in every classroom

002we see many different personalities. Some student are loud and playful. Some are full of energy and some get upset over small things. But there's always one student who stay quiet all the time, kind and very steady. Today I would like to recognize one of those student. We lovingly call him Ray Ray, but his real name is Antonio Ronaldo Vega. Raring may be quiet, but he has a big heart. Even when others are moving around, playing or getting distracted, he stay in his seat and follow expectations. He does the right thing even when no one reminds him. He is kind to his classmate. Instead of taking toys, he gives away. Instead of arguing, he comely walks away and finds something else to do. That's Ray Ray. He shows respect, responsibility, and is he's always ready to

003learn. Ray Ray is the type of student who leads by example. He may not always be noticed, but he is um but his actions speak loudly. He may not be here today, but I would like to present this to Antonia RONALDO VEGA. IT'S that good evening everyone to our superintendent, principal, um members of the board, fellow teachers and dear parents. Thank you for being here tonight. Before I begin, I have two quick questions for everyone. Raise your hand if you've ever struggled with something at first but improved after practicing and not giving up. Thank you. And raise your hand if you've ever been proud of someone's growth over time. Thank you so much. That simple idea is exactly what Jaden's journey this year has been about. At the beginning of kindergarten, Jaden was a very

004sweet and softspoken boy. He was quite shy and would often stay beside me instead of joining his classmates in playing and dancing. He was still finding his confidence in a new environment. Academically, Jaden also faced challenges especially in reading. Because of this, he joined my afterchool tutoring program. So, I have here my props after school tutoring pass. Now, this little item right here has been very important this year. This is Jaden's tutoring pass. And I have to say Jaden was very eager to graduate from his pass. In fact, one day he asked me, "Miss Pagares, when can I stop going to chewing?" I told him, "You're getting there, but you just need a few more points to move from yellow to green." And instead of giving up, Jaden accepted the challenge. He worked hard. He

005tried his best. And he kept going. What stands out most most about Jaden is his eagerness to learn. He enjoys being challenged and he becomes excited when given the opportunity to improve. Over time, we began to see real growth, not just in his reading, but in his confidence. The once shy boy who stayed by my side is now more willing to participate, more engaged, and more confident in himself. Jaden's story is a reminder that progress doesn't always happen quickly, but with patience, supports, and determination, it always happens. Jaden, we are very proud of Where's Jaden? Jaden, we are very proud of you, not just for how far you've uh you've come academically, but for your courage and your effort every step of the way. And I think tonight we can all agree that this tutoring

006pass has officially done its job. >> Congratulations, JADEN. >> CONGRATULATIONS. Come on up. Everybody get a good picture. We're okay. >> Everybody group picture >> look over there first. >> Ready over here. >> Awesome. Good evening everybody. Um, today it is truly an honor to stand before you and speak about a student who represents the very best of what we hope to see in our school community. When we think about what it means to be a leader, we often imagine someone who stands at front, gives direction, and achieves success. But real leadership, the kind that leaves a lasting impact, is quieter, kinder, and deeply genuine. That is exactly the kind of leader we see in this remarkable student, Marilyn Valenuela. She is in every sense a big sister to her classmates, not because she has

007to be, but because she chooses to be. She looks out for others, notices when someone feels left out, and steps in without hesitation. Whether it's inviting someone to join a group, offering a kind word, or simply being present, she creates a space where everyone feels they belong. Her kindness is not conditional. She treats everyone with respect and compassion regardless of who they are. In a world where it it can sometimes be easier to judge than to understand, she consistently choses empathy. That choice makes a difference every single day. Inclusion comes naturally to her. She doesn't watch or second guessess whether someone fits in. She simply makes sure they do. That instinct is something that you can't teach from a textbook. It comes from a place of sincerity and character and the nature that she came

008from. Academically, she is equally inspiring. She approaches her work with focus, determination, and a genuine love of learning. She doesn't just aim to succeed, she thrives across every subject. She brings curiosity, effort, and pride in what she does. What truly sets her apart, though, is how she handles challenges. When faced with something difficult, she doesn't immediately look for answers. She first tries to figure it out on her own. She pushes herself, thinks critically, and gives her best effort. And when she needs help, she asks for it with humility and openness. There is no ego, no hesitation, just a pure desire to learn and grow. She is also incredibly aware of the world around her. She pays attention not just to lessons but to people. She notices details, picks up on emotions and stays engaged in

009everything happening in her environment. That awareness allows her to respond thoughtfully and contribute meaningfully. And then there is the joy she brings each day. Every morning she greets her teachers with a smile and often a story or two. Little glimpses into her world that brighten the classroom. She asks questions spark discussion and show genuine interest. In doing so, she reminds every teacher why they chose this profession. She brings energy, curiosity, and heart into the room. And that is something truly special. She's not only a stu strong student but a role model. Not only a learner but a leader. Not only a classmate but a friend to all. I remember one time she told me that she wants to be a teacher like me because she loves helping people and talking to them. So all of

010these reasons are not enough to just to congratulate her and show her all the appreciation that she deserves. Let's all welcome Marilyn balance. >> This is how it look. >> Let's get all the family. Come on. Come on. Everybody >> is first. >> Smile. >> One, two, three. One more. One, two, three. Okay. Okay, one more. One more. >> Big smile. One, two, three. Awesome. >> Yes. Good evening to our respected board members, administrators, families, and especially to our superintendent and beloved principal. Tonight, it is my honor to present our superintendent of the month from the second grade. This student is a bright, deludent, and hardworking young boy who consistently gives his best every single day. He comes to school eager eager to learn, stays focused and always puts great ef effort into his work.

011His determination and perseverance have always truly made him stand out in our classroom. One of his most outstanding accomplishment this year is his achievement in a zela. In fact, he is the only student in our class who reached the proficient level. This reflects not only his academic abil ability but also the dedication, discipline and commitment to brings he brings to his learning each day. Beyond academics, he is also respectful, responsible and a wonderful example to his classmates. He shows kindness to others and continues to inspire to inspire those around him through his positive attitude and strong work ethic. At this time, I would like to proudly recognize and congratulate our student our super superintendent student of the month since kindergarten, first grade, and now second grade. Radono Himenez. You guys, two Sure. Sure. Sure. >>

012Absolutely. Absolutely. >> Being chosen as student of the month made me feel proud and happy. It showed me that my hard work and effort in school are noticed and appreciated. This award encourages me to keep doing my best, stay responsible and continue learning every day. It also made me believe more in myself and reminded me that if I worked hard and never give up, I can achieve great things. I'm thankful to my teachers, family, and classmates for always support me. And according to me, this recognition it is inspires inspires me to become an evangelical student and person. Um, ask the board if you guys would like to continue the tradition. Last year we had our early childhood classes come and take a picture up here with you guys. Students will stand in front and the

013teachers behind you. That good. Teachers, can you get us all set up with your students? You have the students in front of the board. I'll take the picture. You guys can stand behind the board members. It's a real nice finish. Let's keep going. Get in front. >> All right. Right between each board member. There we go. All right. Hold on. Count student of the month. One, two, three. >> Mr. President, members of the board, uh, long story short, that concludes our final superintendent student of the month. I really want to give this group you know uh Miss Aron and myself always give them a lot of flowers every PD but long story short we didn't practice we didn't practice the testimony but Miss and her team must have read my mind because they had their

014student ready to read their testimony. So that just shows this team's always uh we'll take them seven days of the week and twice on Sunday. They're a great team. That's all we have. >> Thank you. And as always, I invite the rest of you all to stay the entire meeting, but if you would like to set yourself up, please feel free to go and have fun somewhere. Congratulations. Okay, next thing up on the agenda here is visitors comments which we don't have consent agenda and I will make the motion to approve the consent agenda. >> I will second. >> If there's no questions for comments for the vote. >> All those in favor say I. I. >> Motion carries three to zero. First up under personnel is to classify an hourly increase for account payable

015for >> Yeah, Mr. President, members of the board, um in in the April board meeting, the administration asked for an increase in hours for Susan Leon for the classified salary schedule. The administration is also requesting an hourly increase to $18 per hour for the time spent in the finance office. The above increase is recommended. >> Okay. I'll make a motion. >> Second. >> Any question or discussion? And not call for. >> All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carries three to zero. >> Next up, we have classified issuance of notice of appointments and contracts for 2627. >> Mr. President, members of the board, the following support staff are being recommended for issuance of notice of appointments contracts for the 2026 2027 school year. You have your names in all the different categories.

016District Office of Finance, School and ESS Office, the Education Support Services Office of Cafeteria, Facilities, Instructional Staff, the above list of classified support staff is recommended for issuance of notices of appointments. >> Okay, I have a motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Second. And if there's no question or discussion, call for the vote. >> All in favor say I. >> I. Motion carries three to zero. >> Next up, we have extra pay position for the 2627. >> Mr. President, members of the board, the following staff members have expressed an interest in the corresponding extra pay position for the 2627 school year. You have their title and each staff member. It is recommended that the staff members listed above are approved for the corresponding extra paid position employment. Make that motion. >> Second question or

017discussion call for the vote. >> Say I. >> Motion carries three to zero. >> Mr. President, members of the board, the ESS director Anthony Delara has requested additional hours for himself for the month of June to finish ESS required reports. The administration has approved up to four days at six hours a day or 24 hours total to be worked within the month of June. There you have the information as far as Mr. Dara and the rate per hour and how many hours a month he rules. The approval of the employment of Anthony Dara for up to 24 hours during the month of June is recommended. >> Okay, we have a motion. >> I'll make the motion. >> Second discussion or question. All those in favor say I. I motion carries three to zero. >> Next

018item, approval of classified employment for the June 172. >> Yes, Mr. uh President, members of the board, during the April board meeting that the board of teachers and support staff to work during June 11th and June 15 and 18 for grades 7 to 12 and move on to reading MLWR program. The administration is requesting an additional parent professional, Amanda Abula, be approved. The approval of the employment of Amanda during June summer school and Moana program is recommended. >> I'll make that motion. >> I will second. >> Any questions? >> All those in favor say I. I. >> Motion carries three to zero. >> Next item business is classified performance payout. >> Yes, Mr. President, members of the board, uh, pay per ARS 15-977, classroom site fund revenues are allocated to support teacher compensation. The district

019will distribute classroom site fund monies as performance pay to eligible certified teachers in accordance with the district's approved classroom site fund plan. For this distribution, eligible teachers will receive performance pay and per teacher based on approved performance criteria in compliance with state requirements. All payments are subject to proper documentation in alignment with allowable uses of classroom site fund monies. Um and and Miss our principal went through this as as did Miss uh Cotay, our assistant business manager, and we also shared it with Mr. Moore, our finance consultant, and and and I looked it over as well. So it had all the different details were looked at and so the attached payout to the corresponding certified teachers is recommended. >> Okay. >> I'll second question say I >> I motion carries three to zero. >> Next

020item approval of intergovernmental agreement. >> Mr. Mr. President, members of the board, Puma Jed or the Puma County Joint Technical Education District has submitted his 2627 IGA to APA Unified for approval. Um, approval of the attached Jed IGA for the 2627 school year is recommended. >> Okay, I have a motion. >> I will make the motion. >> I will second that motion. There's no question. >> All those in favor say I. I. >> Motion carries three to zero. Next item is approval for governing board policy 961 to 98. >> Yes, Mr. President of the board. Um we went through the first reading on Monday during the study session. So to stay consistent, I will just um we did receive this ahead of time since it's pretty and we'll we'll go over the next uh 300

021pages in the next two meetings. So, I'll just stay consistent with past uh uh protocol and just read the policy number and the title and that'll count for the second reading. And if there's any discussion, we can do it after going through this the second time. Um, policy advisory number 961, deleted policy GA, personal goals, priority objectives. 962 policy GB general personnel policies 963 policy GBA equal employment opportunity regulation GBA equal employment opportunity exhibit GBAE equal employment opportunity 964 policy GBAC Indian preference and employment 965 deleted policy GBV staff involvement and decision-m 966 policy GBA staff ethics new regulation GB ethics including conduct to exhibit GB B AE ethics and code of conduct 967 policy GB AA staff conflict and interest exhibit GB AE staff conflict of interest 968 lead policy GB staff conducted regulation

022GBR staff conduct immediate exhibit GB staff conduct 969 GB staff conduct with students 970 policy GVC gives to solicitation by staff members 97 Everyone calls GB drug free workplace GB R drugree workplace exhibit GB drugree workplace delete exhibit GBE drug workplace 972 deleted policy GBA non-medical use or abuse of drugs or alcohol 973 deleted policy GBC alcohol use by staff members 974 GB spoken by staff members 975 GP staff use of digital Communication electronic devices 976 deleted policy GDFA staff use of digital wireless communications or electronic devices while operating motor vehicle 979 new policy GBGA health regulation GBG health new regulation GBG health new exhibit GBGA health will exhibit GBGE health policy GBG staff Personal security and safety deleted regulation. GBGR staff personal security and safety 979. Deleted policy GBGC employee assistance deleted exhibit GBGC

023employee assistance 980. Deleted policy GBGCA wellness programs. Deleted regulation GBGCAR wellness programs 981. Deleted policy GB GCB staff health and safety. We need to exhibit GBGCB staff health and safety 982 policy GBG workers compensation regulation GBGR workers compensation and exhibit GBG workers compensation motion for approval of government board policies 961 to 98 second >> question say I motion carries three to zero Okay. Recovery board action. >> Yes. Does anybody on the board have anything like the next agenda? I have notes for Caroline for the ones. Guess there's nothing else to add then. >> Don't be too excited. >> Is it off? >> Do we vote to go into executive session or to recess to executive session or is it just by president? I forget. >> No idea to get it. >> Okay. Never mind. Ignore

024me. >> No, but you did.

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