001Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Chrisman here? Not here yet. I'll let you know. Okay. Mrs. Olsen, not here. Dr. Soltero. Here. Mrs. Aragon. Here. Mrs. Cote. Here. And Mrs. Venezuela. Here. To the flag of the United States of America. And to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Yes. Mr. Reese, is this a yes? And then I I make a motion to adopt the agenda. I'll second that. Do we have any other votes? All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Yes. Any other votes? I think that passes 3 to 0. And the first item on the agenda is the resolution for the appointment of two new commissioners for the school district. Yes. You want to introduce the new commissioners first? First I'll say a few words about
002the appointments. Uh Mr. President, members of the board, Um I forward this appointment and background checks completed for the position of substitute teacher. So we have another substitute substitute teacher, this is Greg Holmes. Okay. Read. Okay. Look at the economy question on there. Hey Ronnie, I'm sorry. a heart attack here, ladies? Mhm. You know what I can do about that. Okay, I can hear you. Mhm. Uh next up we have uh the personnel approved for extra pay stipends. Mr. President, members of the board, um the following staff members are being recommended for approval to their corresponding extra pay position position. This item is entitled one. High school academic advisors, they are listed. Parent engagement coordinators, they are listed. Child study team coordinator listed. Dual enrollment coordinator listed. Wellness committee listed. Foster care point of contact
003and the community liaison listed. Title two of PLC team leaders listed. Idea basic grant special education differential listed. And funded by NCLB 504 coordinators listed. Okay. Are there any questions for special education? And again, what is this? Extra pay position. Extra pay for the year for the extra work that has been done for the area. And then they're all the same in that they're in the same department or position? It is by by different positions, but every position and responsibility different areas for the most part. We used to start them at the beginning of the year. And then if that person didn't accomplish much, they still would get paid. So, now we pay them the stipend at the end of the year to make sure that that person does the work he said he'd do.
004Do you want to put it on? No. Okay. Thanks for asking. The personnel approval and the summer school roster and summer school enrollment and the number of hours for 2014 June. I understand that the administration is requesting the appointment approval for staff members. And this is below the teacher summer school from June 15th to June 15th to 18th grade 7 to 12. We want a reading elementary school program for kindergarten to grade 4. 4 days a week, 6 hours a day in the staff time, student time. Instructional leaders, summer school teachers, elementary reading teacher. Reading instructional support, security personnel, and paraprofessionals. for the education. Do you have any questions regarding 2020? If I may address the approval of the revised 2020 the support needs of the calendar and the extension. Yes, Mr. President, members of
005the board. We have We had the vice board meeting and uh I did the calendar. If you notice, the key points are The all day teacher and the all day teacher professional development day have been changed from 19th to 22nd. Fall break has moved down from 10 to 12 to 10 to 16, 2026. The one week coordinator days have been moved up to uh 10 5 and 10 7, 2026 right before the following week, which would be the fall break. Okay. Do you have any questions regarding 2020? If we can go on to the next Approval of the superintendent agreement with the FCU. FCU. Mr. President members of the board, um uh ASD ASD or Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind is requesting a renewal of the regional cooperative agreement to provide services to
006the USD. The district's new representative has reviewed the ASD intergovernmental agreement IGA. Any questions for this one? The curriculum and intergovernmental agreement in the intergovernmental agreement in the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind intergovernmental agreement Mr. President members of the board, um Beyond Textbooks and its parent organization Learning A-Z in our school district are requesting a renewal of their intergovernmental agreement to provide services to the Agua Fria Union High School District. The district's new representative has reviewed the attached IGA. Very well worth the $11,000 for the curriculum beyond the online um curriculum uh programs and services are strong base for all grades K-12. Um put the sequence in This is where the the professional development that comes from this are not for the beginning textbook district specific conference. So, this is this is lower.
007Would you say that that's been one of the major contributing factors to the improvement in our school letter grades? Absolutely, Mr. President. But as you saw us the earlier agenda and the PLC team leaders and the leader teams, they they have this as a guide. Other resources that the main the main focus is of the Beyond Textbooks um Okay. I have a question about the online curriculum. Thank you. Any other questions for this one? Which subject areas do you also teach in? I wouldn't say it quits. Almost all subjects. The fourth class is yes. There's a few that's like the normal ones. Mhm. Normal ones. Mhm. It's there, but it's not as meaningful. Yeah. Like the fourth class is really really writing and phonics all of that. Um Yes, history, world history, things like that.
008Very detailed. Anything else you want to add? We have done this before. We have done this before. The first one being the follow-up schools to staff medical and being one of the parents. Yeah. Um Google Analytics is Google Analytics. This program is going to be 2012 to 2013. First annual with companies around Arizona to offer students summer jobs, help with college, and and other opportunities. The attached agreement is attached to the IGA. The district's school representative has reviewed the attached agreement. Okay. Any questions or comments on that agreement? Any comments or questions? There are some additional highlights. Um uh sponsor responsibilities can be a liability section of the same manner. Um insurance up in trail up this place is under the Arizona State Compensation Fund. Um these are the agency's responsibilities at the that meeting
009with the USD. Uh keep work time and attendance records and adhere to all rules and regulations governing programs. The program participants make available time sheets. You have to be responsible for following the time sheets. Um the work experience contract between the sponsor and user agency must include compliance with the as we see with the listed sections 504 um and other important critical policies payment time sheets and paychecks given on page three to the month. Time sheets paychecks mailed. It has information on termination. Um also um conditions of employment, dismissal of participant with cause Some of the reasons listed there are with cause. These are agency responsibilities. So it's pretty pretty pretty detailed and and um covers all the different responsibilities of sides and for the students. The same form we've had for years, right? Mhm.
010Yes. Good. Okay. Any further questions on the move? Mr. Laura do you have any further comments to the board or the commission? Mr. President members of the board, uh this is this is we really want to celebrate this as this is a good news. Um We met on Friday uh Mr. Laura finance consultant along with Mr. Kuteyi Ms. Andrea and myself, the administration recommended to the board the decision to move medical blue uh insurance carriers from United Healthcare to MetLife. In March the administration was given notice that cost to the district and employee with United Healthcare would increase 34%. Costing an additional $142,786 for a total uh um annual premium of $564,000. With the help of the district's insurance broker and finance consultant, the administration decided to move to MetLife saving the district $67,000. Annual
011cost to the district will be $355,000 for the 2016 school year. And they will provide a $400 administration credit prorated per employee that could lead up to a total of $20,400 of additional savings to the district as shared with us by finance consultant, Mr. Tyler Moore, Uh this could result in a rollover of $87,400 to our contingency reserve for '27-'28 to address the potential increase in medical costs for the upcoming fiscal year. So, um we're um very fortunate. Uh we're able to go to a provider for the hospital and the medical and the dental and the optical. And I know up here it's the same with the prosecution as they they all agree that they agree 5%. Is that correct? One concern I have about it is the video if everyone would show up or
012what happened. Um I believe um Tammy will be helping us get all that taken care of and making sure that we have everything up and we can go to the coalition with the staff. Um to be in compliance so we can make sure that we're everything the last few years or so. I'm almost positive it is. I think that's one of the questions because Tammy's been our broker for like 5 plus years now. So, that's one of his things. When we switched from Blue Cross Blue Shield to United, that's one of the first things that she checked to see if um the students were covered. And I'm almost positive it is. I'll go and check with her and I'll let you know in a sec. Okay, good. So, if the coverage is the same. For
013the most part, yeah. She was showing us uh the plan we have right now, bronze, silver, gold, and she was she had a side-by-side Do you have that up there? I did put it on the I wanted it, but they they weren't active to it. Yeah, pretty much everything was still so much very similar. It shows that the employer especially is costing for the employee. So, but she went through it, she walked us through it, Tyler, and we were able to do it ourselves, and so uh it's it's it's good. So, we we operate on this dollar experience. We could go one of two directions. One direction would just be to stay with one provider, and he is willing to do the increases, but it was going to happen. The second way was we would
014switch over to another provider, and in the second year, they would raise their rates up equal to where they would have been, and then we had to switch from that provider to another provider, and so we were switching providers every year chasing the lower rates, right? That's what we were doing. Well, the the employees had incidents where they were no longer allowed to see their provider anymore because that provider did not accept their insurance. And so, that that it's it's saying that you start to we have to look at and say, um was was it worth it, you know? Was it worth it? And but since you're covered on the same insurance, and it and you're going to be affected by it like everybody else, I'm sure you're looking at the coverage as well as
015you know, and making sure that you have the same coverage and and but just that's just a little concern that I have. We probably remember the board. Um I want to give an hindsight and looking back at it, Virginia, when she was at my finance office 2 years ago, she she was able to get her connected health care and address that specific issue with them in the second year. I believe that everyone will know. You you wanted to call the 14% compared to others like Iowa, Wisconsin, Mississippi, Illinois, and so she was able to get working agreement with her so the second one that we have is title 40% So, this is just to see what this is like. The agreement and the title is input about using that savings. So, she was able to
016get ready for the 27 28. What I mean is this this this is impossible. I don't have any venture. So, that's part of the venture but you are part of the venture too. So, it does affect you so My good luck. I don't have any venture. You can move. The next item we have is the report on the football team expense and disbursement. Um yes sir Mr. President and the board um I have some information that I'm going to present but I'm going to give it to you all in sequence. Um The information shared with the community people Um the information that we shared on this last call I don't know. That's all I know. Ronnie, can you move the phone closer to Dr. Soltero? Yes. This one just wanted to mention before I give
017my summary Um Mr. President and the board I know we have some some guests here and where they going to share some information. A long story short, we all didn't communicate on the same page as far as who is going to communicate during the agenda item. Um where they going to talk, where they going to communicate in my report, where they going to talk in the public comment. So, I know we have some people here and I'm just going to ask you to talk to me and share the information. You want to share the information. So, at this time before I give my Keep going. Keep going. >> So, Can I hook up my laptop or is that going to disconnect it? Yeah. Can't hook it up? No. Okay. Okay. I mean, okay. And you're
018learning can I send you a link to this slide? I'm sorry. Can I send you a link to this slide? Yeah, you can email to me. Okay. There's going to be a read this. This This just kind of super quick information about track and field and maybe you want me to go closer to you. Okay. Harris says I'll take it. Okay. Good evening, President, members of the board. Yes. Are we allowed to interact or is that public comment? Um well, it's an issue to the agenda. It's an agenda. Yeah, that's what we were told. It's an issue to the agenda. Yeah, that's what we were told. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today. My name is Sarah and I'm here to respectfully request that the district consider opening the school's track and
019field facilities for supervised public use during designated hours. The track and field are valuable community assets, currently being remained locked and inaccessible outside of school-related activities. I believe that with thoughtful planning, these facilities can safely serve both students and the broader community without compromising school operations, security, or maintenance standards. Why does this matter? First, community health and wellness. Access to a safe, well-maintained walking and running space supports physical activity for residents of all ages. In many communities, school tracks are the only reliable, level, and well-lit places for exercise. Number two, strengthening school-community relationships. When residents feel welcomed on school grounds, it builds trust, pride, and shared responsibility. Opening the track signals that the district values community engagement. The third reason it matters is equity and accessibility. Not all residents have access to gyms, private facilities,
020or safe walking routes. A public track provides a free, accessible option for seniors, families, and individuals with mobility or health concerns. And the fourth reason is grant funding opportunities allowed are allowed when the track and field are utilized as public use facilities. So, this is the proposed structure for public access. To ensure safety, and accountability, and minimal disruption, I propose the following framework for consideration. The limited hours, for example, early mornings, evenings, or weekends when no school practice or events are scheduled. Clear rules and expectations. So, posted signage outlining the permitted activities, the prohibited items, and respectful use guidelines. A limited area access, so only the track and field area would be open, not buildings, equipment, or any or athletic storage. And supervision options could include a monitored self-closing gate during open hours, volunteer community
021stewards, designated rules and restrictions posted, security cameras placed in the public use area, and liability and safety. Many districts successfully open their tracks under standard liability coverage. The board could have consulted legal counsel to confirm that current policies already address the liability concerns. Across Arizona and the country, numerous school districts have implemented similar programs. They report increased community satisfaction, minimal incidents, and improved public perception of the school system. These examples show that with clear guidelines, shared use is both feasible and beneficial. And in closing, I want to emphasize that this request comes from a place of partnership. The track and field belong to the community, and opening them, even in a limited, structured way, would provide meaningful benefits to residents while maintaining safety and integrity of the school. I respectfully ask the board to place
022this item on a future agenda for discussion, and to consider forming a small community committee to explore logistics, liability, and community interest. Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration. I'm happy to provide additional information or assistance in any way that's appropriate. Okay, so that was a good Yeah, thank you. We were here for what was like a 2-minute thing, but since it's an agenda, I didn't connect and expand a little bit more. So, we're obviously you guys know I'm perfectly like tried to work on the track and field for the last 3 years or 4 years. Um cuz we all know it's it's time. Ronnie's a coach, he's got all these boys older ankles. My husband coached and there was a ton of that. Almost every fact is something to be hurt
023because of the field. So, then we took it to the booster club, we formed out and we're like, "Okay, what can we do to help the field?" And as we dove into it more, we realized, "Oh my gosh, this is going to be a big expense." Um and so, for Can I I put next? >> Yeah, that's why You're nice. So, this is our field currently. This is a drone shot of where it was. Um you guys have all seen it, but this is this is the problem. This is what we want to work on. And we've all had lots of great memories there. Good things have happened there. Um Sarah read the problem. The vision for it, what we're hoping is a safe playing field, rubberized track, and new lighting. Just simple, something safe
024where the boys can play or girls can use our soccer team, stuff like that. Um and then we're also hoping for a field that brings our community together. So, like Sarah mentioned, we're hoping for something that the community can use as well. When I was growing up, I got to walk the track with my mom and it was great. Like I loved being able to do that. I know many other people in the community do that, too. Um so, we want that. And here's just some pictures of potential what it can look like. Here's costs as we've as we've dove into it the last four years. We got an estimate for the field. It was going to be 440,000 just to do natural grass. So, that's the installation of an irrigation system, removal of the
025dirt, import new field soil, grading, and then they would actually this company that we were talking to, they would do a hand-over-hand training for the test so that you can properly maintain the field. Um and then rubberized track can remain in the area can range anywhere from 300 to 800,000. Obviously, we want to go cheaper, but we're looking at asphalt for the lower base and if we can go higher, we're looking at 800,000 and that's for the synthetic rubberized track. And that allows like the cheerleaders to be able to do their stunts and stuff without bringing the mats onto the dirt. So, it just creates a better uh more opportunities for these athletes. And then lighting. If you've been out there, you notice awful has really dated lighting and it would really it would really
026improve it. So, those are those are our goals, right? And it adds up to that 1.4 million. Um as we've explored different potential funding opportunities, the one thing we keep realizing is we keep running into the roadblock of we can't get grants unless it is used as a joint facility for both the public and the school. They want to see that that the community can use it if they're going to fund this project. And we tried other routes um just because there are certain, you know, stipulations such as you have to be able to let the community use it. And Dr. Soltero has brought up in the past that you know, I thought of the idea um for argumentative reasons, um but it it has really It's taken us 4 years to find a grant
027because of this roadblock that they they want to see the community use it. And so, what we've come down to as as promising funding options, number one, the land and water conservation fund, which is funded through Arizona State Parks trails. This same grant funded Sierra Vista's, um, track and field. It's beautiful. Um, so it it does track and field. And then, Booster Club would help do a brick or a brick A or pathway fundraiser. And then, we're hoping maybe the school can see what capital funds the district has to put in as well. Um, so we can go through ideas and see if you guys can come up with any more, but Booster Club brick fundraiser. Um, our idea was, you know, cuz the the land and water conservation fund, that one can do up
028to 50% of the grant. So, if the grant is for 1.4 million or if if the total cost is 1.4, land and water would do 700,000. So, we have to come up with the remaining 700,000. And so, one idea was let's do a brick fundraiser where we can sell people's engraved names, we can do a pathway, whatever. We can choose some options of where we do the pathway or we can do tiles, um, and some of these we've talked about the social trail. It has been brought up on the social trail. We can do the performing arts A. And just kind of create again that sense of community. Um, Like what we talked about from the library trail. Exactly. Yeah, I mean we got Who was it that did that? Foothills Canyon. Yeah, Foothills Canyon.
029So, it's a similar idea. And this is kind of like we thought maybe by going to the track by the concession stand we could really find a way to let people or a brick path. So, if people are walking they can see names. Um the other option was was the area outside of the district office. So, we I feel like it's doable, um but we would need to give the business school funds, I'm sure. Um Is this a little video at all? I don't know. I personally love things like that where you just see the community wanting to help and help them out. And I feel like if the community If the community was a part of it, it would make sense to open it up to the community. So, that's kind of our item
030of discussion. Is that something you guys would be open to? Um what are your concerns for it? How How could we safely regulate the track and field where the community could use it without putting the students at risk and stuff like that. I don't know. Do you guys have any questions, feedback, concerns? It feels like a promising grant and I've spoken with the grant manager over it several times. He actually visited the track and field and said there would be lots of funds something like this. But it has to have it has to be able to allow the community to use it. Any other district wide plan out? Ready path. The sleeves. And then the track and the and the warm up Mhm. Any public use was definitely after school hours. >> Yeah. There was
031never any public use during school hours or even in the forest it was always out in the school day on and so that's probably the only time I get I think that's why we brought it up to you guys because like how could we come together and make this work like yeah, let's make this doable. Let's put what we've seen in the past work. You know, using all of it, you know, so after school that's what it was. It's always years for people off and and people are walking I would only see if more than every night people walking around the track but that time it was really open people are making a lot of noise and they're running too and I I would see an occasional person come out maybe more than a couple
032of them you know, once in a while a couple of women but but I would say on an average year we wouldn't hear people or anything like that so so are we opening this up because we think there's a demand for this or we opening it up just so we can get the reaction? That's my question. Do you see what I'm saying? I mean did you sense from the community that they want the football field to walk around or are we just doing this just so that we can you know, we you know, I'm I'm not saying this negatively. I'm just asking the question, right? Seems to me like that you know, people don't don't lack for places to walk in Albany and everyone what they lack is guidance, right? The desire to go on
033but not not a lack of of places to walk. But uh so have we done anything at all or have we done anything at all to ask people Yeah, I I can't I don't have any statistics but But that I have talked to as I kind of asked, "Would you use this? Do you like this idea?" It's all been positive. And they're like, "I would love that." But there is no tracking to the complex, you know? So, yeah, it has been positive. What if allowing Parks and Rec to come and do events on the track, would that be enough of a qualifier rather than have this that's open gate where we could have regulated in the back where maybe Parks and Rec came to that open it up and that would be enough to to
034be able to do um No. It does need to have a sign up like the public is able to use this 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. It does need to have it where it's more open less like just for Parks and Rec. My concern is we just spent Google dollars to protect the students for the school. Right? We certainly don't want to do something that would jeopardize that protection. I I think the number one responsibility of the school board is to protect our kids, right? And then everything else is secondary. So, I've already been lobbied by my daughter in favor of this right. She told me, "Dad, you already got bins up here. You already got bins up here." But you know, that would be a fear that that we would have to look at in
035the district would be protection, right? Yeah. Protection of the kids that preschool right now. Yeah. The the kindergarteners. So, there has to be some way that the school to to make sure that that little kids are protected. What if the after hours We don't know. If you let somebody on campus unless you have somebody to monitor who you have going off of campus, you don't know if they spend the night underneath the stands and then show up at 8:00 in the morning, right? That That's You lay down all fours on the football coach, right? I'm all for the business. >> just talking for the I'm just saying that that that would be one of our fears. After spending all this money to protect the campus, now we're basically opening up part of the campus without
036and you can't expect Jose to only go down there every night or what or go there. So, I got to keep him in go down there. And and clearly picture that the track is empty right every night. So, that I'm just throwing that out there, okay? Yeah. Is it possible to do this program without doing the track? Not with this grant, no. That's That's what's held us up the last 3 years. This grant is not eligible. Oh, I'm sorry. Let me rephrase the question for just Is it possible to just do the field without the track? You're not getting a track either. You know, so it's not like like we have a use for it. I mean, we tried to get a track team last year and nobody signed up. I think I think in
037in my mind if I was a kid you you build a good program, you have a good facility, you have track and field. And it it goes with that dream or saying, if you build it, they will come. Like I I do believe that the skinny track also can get open up opportunities for like cheerleaders or other things to use a good track for training. I think football players I think soccer players I think you know, other athletic programs can can utilize track if it was a safe But I do see a need for both track and field. You could start with just the field but then you risk damaging that while building the track, you know? So, we're trying to just do both of them. So, let me interrupt that. I'm sorry. Yeah. Let
038me rephrase the question. So, you're talking about an artificial turf field? I know. I'm doing I'm saying natural. The artificial turf is be too expensive, and for all those distance to repairs and stuff from Phoenix, it just isn't going to be cost effective to do synthetic turf. So, I was proposing natural grass. Not only is it more affordable, but it lasts a long time. Our field will last a long time if it's properly maintained. So, turf, they say artificial turf really only has like a 10-year span, and then you have to replace it. And I see that. It's expensive. It's like 1 point 2 million just to turf. Well, probably in the same situation to save you water and electricity. >> Yeah. Artificial turf. And then sod, you'd have to have to water it. Yeah.
039And so, under the grant, is there I know some grants have this. Is there a a specification, a qualification that the field has to be maintained to a certain level or you lose the grant? Um, that's a good question. I'm sure it does want to see it maintained. Um, but I I don't know what that entails. Sorry, I didn't try to put you on the spot. >> No, it's okay. That's a good question for you. One question that I can go look at my consultant to get kind of lay out what the situation is. But I can get back to you on that. One question I have is the women related record in the track is that my understanding regardless of the surface of the track, there are other aspects of the track that are
040not up to the modern code, per se, okay? That this would be able to shoot. The problem is the track is way too close to the bleachers. And the fact that we have the curve, but I understand the curve is probably going to be all right with this change. But you still have the track that far from from the bleachers, which is not usable for track use. Therefore, quality women safety for track purposes. I don't know about that. NCAA Okay. NCAA quality miss Right, we'll say. I don't know the quality of the NCAA, but They reported to us that the track was unsafe. I think what he's saying is it's too close to the stands, and then the concrete on the barrier around the I wonder if we couldn't create just like shorter lanes, like
041only be four lanes instead of six lanes, so that there is a distance from where the practice can be. The other track that I think about seems like it's future track. I don't know why they don't I mean, I'll tell you I mean, it could just be a Well, who knows if it's Yeah. It could be a volunteer. Um Those I heard mention that would be like the security and military and stuff on campus. I'm thinking if we were to leave all of them out of the security here, they would need to have a full background check, I think it's that Uh Well, and I'm sure we should clarify. This is just like some ideas that have come to mind, cuz we've had conversations with Sergeant Sarah in the past with his concerns. And so,
042it's been brought up to me about the volunteers. I don't know that that is the best solution. And so, that's why again I would bring it to the board. Could we Could you guys help put your heads together? Could you look at other schools, what are they doing to monitor and keep their school safe while opening up to the public? Maybe it's just cameras. Um I know this gate you can you can open it like it opens at certain hours of the season, or maybe someone has to manually open it. Well, at this meeting I can do that manually and watch this people running in here and even that way they can come in and make their doctor's appointment. I don't know if they're going to like my purchase of code in that door and
043put them or it has to be at my door and then I'll let somebody see them and everything else. But there are gates, like we look at certain gates that will open. You can have them on a timer. They'll open at 4:00 and they'll close at 8:00. >> think 10:00 or 6:00 is good, I think. Yeah. So, I think there's options out there. It doesn't have to be man-run, especially in today's digital life, like we we could probably find something, you know? And And I will say, I love the gate system. I think it's it's a good idea, but it's also not foolproof, right? Like, there have been times where I've gone in line and that gate is open quite a bit. I could go in and I could I could say anything, you know,
044and there's a camera. So, and it's not to like put anyone at fault, really. It's just to say I think we can just try our best, but even if the gate is locked, it isn't you know. So, I Well, then in addition to monitoring who's coming in and going out, you think somebody's monitoring the video? Um getting about that high. You know, I love the way you said it on the old traditional way of doing things. I shut down my office or something. People come in and say like they have to have You certainly wouldn't want drugs or marijuana or anything else that's not one of our programs being brought in by them. Somebody who's not a student here in the group. Yeah. So, if we have cameras, we probably would sense we have cameras
045at night. Yeah. So, like you're seeing and have signs up at one end. I Yeah. I think it's a good idea. So, maybe that fence could help. And in my mind, they also want to be a person there because if the camera sees somebody doing it, the camera can't really get that person and have them do And you know, if they're coming in after school, our school security staff is on the phone. And we have a really good guy there at the time like you know, Paul Churchill at the time. They might not realize that it's Churchill and they're coming around and they might get away. They could run. They could run. But I'm not sure what solution they have now. You know, they have a policy for the clock. Yeah, but it's also just
046something that could be a maintenance issue. You can get forward to Yes. Well, that was just throwing that out there. Yeah. And I mean, you know, what about the reading? You would say Yeah, for the reading national person. And then they're doing stuff like that for the storage security business. You know, what I mean? >> Do we have a staff member during that time when the lights are open? Which day did it open that night? Well, if it's open during like 4:00, if it's open during the practices, I can walk in and I can play. You know what I mean? Like I I just So, honestly, you can't thank you So, this is all open? Yeah, like we were there. I guess I'm talking to the one that's softball field to go into. So, you
047have games? Yeah. Yeah, but like when they get there, they come in and then go right there and then go back. That's fine. Who is doing I guess it's not a perfect system, but I don't know if I'm going to add more of a discussion in this system. Yeah. So, you have to That is great. Somebody I know They would come to the game, so maybe that's kind of a bummer to them. Or if you put them on But but you're right, somebody could come in for a softball game. But I'm not like I I part You can't You can do your best, but for so long the school hasn't been open, so it's hard to move forward through these bumps, right? But I think is it worth Is it worth the inconvenience? Okay. The
048end goal. Could it help our community? Yeah. Could it help our students? Absolutely. Is it Is it worth taking the time to look at all the possibilities of creating a student hub? It's not a perfect world. We cannot have a perfect. But can we do the best we can to keep it safe while also benefiting our community? I think it's worth the time. Like I don't know, am I That's why we're discussing the safety of the students. Yeah. But there are concerns over how you do it and still maintain Yeah. the level of safety that I want to do. Yeah. What are the safety concerns right now? We really appreciate you the the booster club. I I over the years I've seen people create booster clubs and got nowhere, right? And you guys, what you've
049been able to accomplish over the last few years to support the the athletics in the school is just overwhelming. And don't think for a minute that you're not seen and you're not appreciated because you are, okay? You are. And we we appreciate very much what you do for the school. The things that we're saying right now, the way we're we're talking, it's just questions that need to be asked, right? I don't think any of us are against having the football field fixed. None of us are, right? We just want to make sure that we can do it in a way that is safe for the kids, that we can afford, right? So, that's why I'm asking questions like do we have to do the track? Do we have to do the lights? Can we do
050the field? What what can we do, you know, to make the project maybe a little cheaper? And and uh are there any ways that we can look at the community using other than opening up the the fence? And Although the mop the mop line that is over there in the oleanders giving to the more immediate money. And how long is And they have to leave us. What's the point of this if they can't practice? Yeah. No, that that's that's really fair. I mean, I I I get that. Let me ask you a question about the field. What's the duration of that field? My thinking is that the the grant opened it up to the public and then a year within a year it was causing major problems and they had to stop the or you're
051in violation of the grant when you come. Yeah. And only do it for a year and then something we have to pay back the computer. unions. We got to talk money. I don't know the direction, but I think you're right. If in a year you've seen too many problems, you would have to pay that back somehow. So, I should find out the direction of it. If you know that sooner, not later, kind of dealing with putting Right. Yeah. So, Julian, are you The funding is 1,400 for the grass, the field, the track, and lights. They would They would pay up to the $700,000. And then we we as the community or as the booster club come up with the other. Yes. Yeah. And then And I don't know what the school budget is, but I
052think it would look It would help a lot if the school could look at their budget and say, "Can we put $200,000 towards it like we did with the fences? What can we put towards this, you know?" I I think I think it'd be good. But I don't know what the school budget is. And then yes, the booster As we add up the numbers Are there other grants that the school could come up with? It's been a lot of work, but >> And And I just want to add to Yeah. The I feel like if the community is going to support this and had They had supported a lot of this. This is a public tax payer paid school. And so, I feel like we should be allowed to use I want to use it.
053If I did, I want other people to be able to use it. So, while you say like, "Oh, we only see so many people use it." I think more would use it. And I think it'd be a really blessing to our small town. But, we have one of the reasons I'm saying that. Sure. Yeah, and I'm not going to like have to be perfect in I'm saying. But, just yeah, we have to I feel like we got to accomplish something. We're going to do something in the future. I don't know. Is that something you guys would be willing to explore or is it Yeah. It's very vague. Yeah. Okay. >> We just need to know what started off the position and so you know I stopped if there was any reason to and I would
054actually have numbers of how many people swimming in the pool using it. It was a lot of people so that's a good idea. So this is a good We can do that too. and Every position we would have to figure out too then. Who's going to be monitoring the pool and who's monitoring verifying and documenting And the position still would be out there but it would be with students for a period of time class. for the staff Yeah. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Yes. You said he was in the back. Yeah. I just wanted to Okay, Mr. President and members of the board, thank you. First of all, I want to give our our guests here today uh and I thank you for giving your perspective. I believe that we worked in
055our school years with the Minister of Attendance Mr. Cruz. Mr. Innis, right? and and Sarah Lewis In fact, they gave Sarah Lewis a very good recommendation for her new school position, I thought. Yeah, that's right. He was very nice for that. Good job. Long story short, I'm going to give my my presentation and and Mr. Cruz gives some very good very good points and I've I've been just sharing and sharing with you I've shared them with her during the course of the last couple of weeks past year. So I'm going to go ahead and just read what I have here and and just also highlight some some points that she made that that that caught my attention as well. The following provides a summary of the history and efforts by Alhambra Unified School District and
056the community over the past several years to renovate and support our the high school football program. It also highlights the ongoing partnership between the AUSD and the booster club. Community and district contributions to football field program renovation partnership. Summer 2022 AUSD purchased new uh new football uniforms for the Alhambra High School football team and it cost nearly $20,000. Reseeded the football field in the summer of 2023. Facilities team removed the grass and reseeded the field. This involved seven staff members working approximately 4 hours per day several days a week for nearly 2 months. Hours worked for June were about 500 hours and for July for 400 hours. The total cost of their salaries during this time spent on the football field was about $16,576. Football field community clean-up. I I didn't hear a lot in
057in this booster's presentation um get bringing it together and if uh Angeline can show this picture um this was a clean-up on August 12, 2023. More than 50 community members contributed to stadium renovation. Painting the press box, bleachers, concession stand, and restrooms. Participants included student council, AUSD staff members, board members, people from the sheriff's office, and AUSD staff and families. The event was featured on the front page of the Alhambra Progress News on August 16, 2023 on $3,000 is what the district went ahead and and and used as far as for supplies. Great cause and you can see uh you're coming around the lobby, you can see the great press box, pretty builds a community uh spirit. Um the concession stands is is real is beautiful uh everything else looks very very good. Alhambra Unified
058Jack Kiersci Stadium in September 2023. AUSD worked in collaboration. This shows that we have worked in collaboration since we took the court. Uh with local artist H.A. David. The alumni of Red Raider Booster Club paid for the mural of the Alief Comets. Um you can see the picture. So, talking about bringing up school spirit, this community spirit. Uh for many years that Red Raider wasn't present on that stadium. Now it is. And so, that this shows how we work in collaboration together. Stadium lighting, October of 2023, AUSD purchased 50 new stadium lights from Sturdys Electrical. Installed at a total cost of $5,000 during the 2023 season. That helped address the the challenging the challenges as far as with the lighting. October of 2023, and the facilities team worked for a week every day all day
059and cleared out all of the metal debris that was located at the north end zone, last end zone, to move this stuff right now. Uh for that whole week, uh all the facilities team that cost was about $3,700 for the salary. That's what I was looking for. And if Angela can show how it looks right now, I took the picture today around after about 2:30, 3:00. Um She has the picture to pull up today. I know she has it. We're having some challenges getting to There's a picture of it now. And so, you know, yes, I'll be the first to agree that it's not the old Texas stadium or Soldier Field, but from where it was to where it is now and in a few years, I believe it's come a long way. Um The
060multi-sport scoreboard as you can see right there, I need to clean that up. That's an installation July 2024. New scoreboard from the Freeport Grant Athletics. Uh $20,502. Arizona Sports Installation for the installation of the scoreboard, $53,502. I want to highlight that athletics department granted $20,000 to the assistant athletic director at the time when he worked here with the USD and and the booster club. And so uh I wanted to stress that point. We have maybe because we don't agree on on some of the details of of the new football field grant potentially, it doesn't mean we have to work together. Look at all these accomplishments that we've done together recently for the last few years. Total cost is around $60,000 more or less on the athletic program renovations. I just wanted to share that with
061everyone in attendance. And I'll go to safety. Ongoing grant efforts and safety considerations. Um During June of 2025, there was an intruder to the USD campus that was open at the time. This person was on their bike and made it to the cafeteria with a visible pocket knife and a carrying case and sat down to have lunch when there was plenty of students and parents present. This caused a great amount of concern as our district staff notified our SRO and escorted the intruder off campus. This person was trespassed by administration with coordination with our SRO. We started the 2025-2026 school year with our chain link and red wrought iron fences that enclose our campuses. I heard earlier mention not foolproof. I I agree. With the gates, we have more control. We didn't have gates when
062this person came on campus. And so the looks on those parents' faces and the staff members' faces when they realized that we had someone on campus. This was the second time he had come on campus with a visible pocket knife that would be a 3- to 4-in blade. He was sitting down at one of the tables looking. When you go through that and I hear earlier about minimal incidents. I got to share with everyone here I'm just telling you our story. So I'm going to speak with my heart on my sleeve but also share the facts. That's That is a concern and a risk that is very difficult to take and I'm not willing to take that risk. I wish everyone here could see the look on staff members' faces when they had someone and
063at first this person was confrontational. We had to invite this person back in the meeting with Mr. Mondale wearing my office. He still works here at present and our SL. And this person was still arguing with us. He was telling us, "You guys couldn't prove intent." I don't have time to try and figure out the intent of this person with the pocket knife. But it caused it caused a lot of concern with the staff and parents. And we're just very thankful that he decided to take that pocket knife out and walk away. So I I want everyone to to have that in their lives that as well through this process. Throughout the 25-26 school year I have reiterated at monthly district board meetings that LAUSD supports the new backpack bill and wanted to reiterate that
064again. And I've said this with Miss Cruz, Miss Lewis, Miss Moore, Mr. Villalobos, Mr. Ayala, uh Mr. and Mrs. Farmer, President Mosqueda, Governing Board President, Miss Cortina present. I love sports. Sports bring together communities unlike anything else. However, I really believe that the district cannot approve an open campus requirement due to student and staff safety and liability concerns. Recent incidents of school violence in Minnesota, Tennessee, and Colorado underscore the importance of controlling campus access. This is something that I've shared um at district board meetings during the year. Currently the east entrance of the campus is fenced and gated for these reasons. Opening additional access points could introduce safety risks for students, staff, and families. Other local high schools, including Roosevelt and Dallas High School and Lincoln High School, maintain closed campuses. And in my previous
065administrative roles at Lake Harbor Middle School and Dallas High School and Roosevelt and Tony Elementary and Susan Miller Dorsey High School District, all campuses were standard practice for student safety. The next section I It's my obligation, for board policy, as a chief administrative officer, as a professional consultant for this board, I have to share with you the financial and audit considerations. I get the school safety considerations. I get the community involvement, bringing everyone together, and I believe in that. Coming from a small community in the city of South Tucson, but I I would be remiss if I didn't share with you the financial and audit considerations, okay? According to the most recent Auditor General Risk Analysis Report in 2025, AUSD is currently designated as a high-risk district. Improving our internal control practices is necessary to
066move toward a medium-risk designation. Our financial consultant, Mr. Ty Moore, shared that the district receives a state allocation of approximately $270,000 annually for capital projects expenditures. Our capital reserve is meant to support the entire student population. Best practices recommend that portions of this reserve be set aside for emergencies, such as a new bus, which is $250,000, maybe more now, a walk-in freezer for $50,000. If we don't have a a a a a standard working walk-in freezer, we we have a responsibility to close, and then if we close, we don't have students, we don't have any revenue in there. We have allocated membership funding. And HVAC units for $75,000. We must have $400,000 in our capital reserve at all times for this. And you know, and this is just a standard practice in going to the
067law conferences, the Arizona Association of School Business Officials conference that Mr. Jay and I have attended, you have to have this designated reserve already prepared for it, because you have to use it. We had to use capital money for HVAC units the last year. We have to have our units working for us to be in compliance. The School Facilities Board is not allocating funding like this. So, I'm just giving you this perspective. Given our high-risk designation from the Auditor General risk analysis report, the Auditor General advises against districts using capital budget carryforward or reserves for discretionary projects. The Auditor General advises against districts using capital budget carryforward or reserves for discretionary projects. Doing so could result in additional corrective action consequences and risk future funding. For reference, the State Board of Education in March of
0682025 voted to withhold 3% of our maintenance and operations annual budget, $7,700 for the 2025-2026 school year, due to corrective action plan requirements from the fiscal year 2020-2021. You got it. I was in attendance at that meeting. I read my my my comments in the public to the audience. I was not given a chance to to try and do whatever I could to make it table the vote. They voted unanimously, 3% right away. They do that with no problem. Next steps could result in a 10% withholding of annual funding, which could prove devastating to our annual budget, which primarily funds our salaries and benefits for all the personnel. I I want to highlight that. Even though if if this would happen, the money would come from the capital. The Auditor General looks at our audit
069every year. They would see this. They would know that we're under corrective action plan with 3% being withheld. The penalty won't be to penalize us from capital, but it would penalize us from annual. And that's where most of our budget goes towards the salaries and benefits. This would be devastating. I I can't stress that enough. okay? Um we demonstrated collaboration with the booster club earlier and most recently at the January meeting our IT manager Mr. Simon provided us some AI-generated pictures and we can show them right now. See a picture of the way the booster club is in cooperation with the USD to place a memorial and the brick solid piece will be sold as part of the fundraiser to help with the football program and actually funds as my understanding so that the district
070would not have to use funding from the capital budget to help with the matching funds requirement for this football program. When when we left that that meeting in January, my understanding was this is good. The people that are here today along with other booster club members, Mr. Velasquez and Mr. Adams and they were there as well. This was good and I left that meeting thinking this is great. We have the system to help to raise the money and matching funds requirement. We can have this right here. This addresses the concern of the open campus requirement. That was my understanding in January. Ms. Morales had stated, I remember stating after after the January meeting or November meeting, she was comfortable knowing that the west side of campus would remain closed and the booster club actually liked
071these AI-generated pictures and liked the idea of placing the booster club brick memorial at the district office because it is first part of the building. It is visible all the time. Um and what I shared what I shared with the board and what I shared with them challenge of the first the open campus requirement is something that I I just strongly cannot support. But having a great pathway in the quad and the fence and the visibility compared to having a script memorial right here for the open campus is visible there. You're welcome. The people are not voting. The people who aren't voting This the the collaboration between the AUSD and the city of Lancaster. In discussion with our finance consultant, there is another option that will not put our district at high risk with the
072Auditor General's office. The board could pursue a bond election as another option for additional capital funds. However, it's my professional obligation to share with you this would require additional property taxes on both commercial and residential property owners for a number of several years and could prove to be an extremely challenging financial burden for those who own property and those who are electors. And then and then I'm just sharing that I I would not feel comfortable but in any event as a board if the decision rests with me, I would not feel comfortable giving you that recommendation that this is an option because this would be an incredible financial hardship. Next steps, okay? I heard earlier somebody getting hurt um regarding football field. Um AUSD remains committed to pursuing full funding for our new football field.
073The district applied for the T-Mobile Friday Night Lights grant of $125,000, but we were not selected. That being said, our focus right now is on the football field first. And so 2026 T-Mobile grant update, Mr. Quintero, would you please provide an update for the board and everyone in attendance? Yes, sir. Um I remember last year when we applied for this grant that it was towards the end. Um and then last Friday, last Friday, April the 10th, I received an email saying it has opened up for this year. So, um if selected, um a school could win up to $1 million for the renovations. Um and if this is something we want to push through the weekend, put something together, your pictures and your videos um to apply for this grant. So, so we are applying
074for it? I just wanted everybody to hear that right now. Uh uh We're limited in securing our funding for the football field in front Let's get the football field first before we go to the next one. Let's get the football field first. Uh that being said, um we will continue to see great opportunities and partnerships that support the football program while maintaining campus safety, which includes not having open campus requirement and sound financial practices that include not having natural funds as a requirement as well. I shared with you the limited amount we have in our capital. We would It would be devastating to our capital budget to use several hundred thousand for a project like this. If the bank got their cut out of our capital budget and and the auditor general will notice that.
075Um I I want to highlight also um It It's important also to avoid setting a precedent for funding projects for non-district organizations on district property, okay? Such actions could jeopardize the district's financial stability. And this is happening. You know, Mr. Hawkins, you first brought this to my attention a few uh last year when this happened. The case with Isaac Elementary School District were placed in receivership based on the auditor general's recommendations. And Isaac Elementary was at high risk before they went into receivership. So, I just wanted to share this uh hear your comments on it, please. Want to share before we do anything any further. Um A few of the the things I have heard here, just speaking as an administrator for anyone flying a drone over our property, that's safety concern for us. The
076one person that's flown a drone over our property I've looked at Chief Tibbet to work with the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office and like who else is doing drone flying and drones over our property? That just I'm just I'm using your words, uh Mr. Hawkins, the safety is is paramount, so It was used for the people that were Okay. So, I'm just concerned about I'm just sharing with you all of you guys. Okay. Um access I have said and I want to clarify this for everyone for the record. I have said yes all years to access. People who come on campus might Okay. Yes, they can check in but they have to check in. School and district office gates, our facility staff, we have Daniel, Angel, Jose, and Chief are here and they work from 6:30
077to 7:00 in the morning. They can come and walk in the morning and put their kids in the track. They can come and walk next week if they want to. Parents and I believe they don't have to check. Grandparents don't have to be fingerprinted with background checks. But if people who don't want parents or grandparents, my obligation as an administrator would be that if you come on campus, you need to have finger prints. You could keep them safe as well. I don't know how to say Um and so but but the campus is available for people to come right now if you like to check in. And we have the security cameras at the district office that have 24/7 365 remote memory. Right, Chief? If I got it We have that for all years, so
078if somebody comes on who's not supposed to be having them, but by having them come in the morning and we have staff We don't have staff at We have staff there and they're present and we're getting more security cameras starting this week from Mr. Simon Um I heard the $1.4 million annual audit, $700,000 booster club capital, $700,000. And I shared with you right now that we we just simply do not have that amount of capital reserve. And that would be the case. That would concern me that it would be a lot of money or you have to wait that goes fast. I would worry about this one receiving money. And I really don't know a lot of any district that wants to put money to go to this new gym. Um So, question about that
079project still? Sure. Has anybody approached you before about this project? Yes. What about this project? Some of the other projects at the school. They They've given grants to the school that's funded other projects that too, presidents. So, and they said they couldn't fund the whole pool um because Agua isn't making money for them. They will fund the Marinsky field because Marinsky's currently not funded. Agua's a little tougher to get funding for something like that. So, they have like 150,000 they can give to all of Agua projects. And so, I think 65,000 last year went to the school for the playground. And then this year it went to baseball field fence, other things that were never needed, you know. If I can just share a few points before I close up. Yes, to your question, Mr.
080Gaddy, this is just for the social studies specialist. You asked how we open it up to get the grant. My understanding is this. There's other grants out there where you don't have to have a local matching fund or the district needs matching funds. So, that's what we're going to be looking over. I have a superintendent colleague somewhere in Arizona who was able to get a grant to fund their field out of the capital improvement money. And he shared with me hundreds of thousands of dollars of water we could save through the deal as a district for for the water line down to the main city. So, I'm just sharing that this is something that we should really look at. And so, uh You guys stated in the Frankie in the the AASA with the school
081superintendents association code of ethics, the educational leader makes the edu- education well-being of students the fundamental value of all decision making and students stand by our safety of the students and staff and families has to be top priority at all times. We will continue to our value this position with you. We are good at that right now. We just want to put where we don't have any problem and we're not using any funds. We're using the Can I just clarify something since we're on the same topic still? Just to make it clear, the the grant doesn't require the school to put any money. It just we have to come up somehow even with volunteer hours that will count towards the matching requirement. So, if Booster Club was prepared to hey, let's do the brick fundraiser
082to come up with the matching, it would just alleviate the the burden on community members if the school could put towards some. They'd be happy to put in whatever it is that you guys decide to do, but it's not a requirement of the grant to get it. And then secondly, it is an open campus. I don't I don't like that word because you're right that that to me brick raises red flags. It's a controlled environment and so we we want to have a fence up still and just control access. That's that's what we're going for, not open campus. Hey Ronnie, yeah, I was going to ask you couldn't really hear you. Yeah, can you hear me okay? Yep. Good. Yeah, can you hear me now? Yep. Okay, I was listening on YouTube to see if
083I could hear it better, so I heard perfectly. Um Are you Did you already have your thing or is that all the comments on that last Yeah, I just did my comments. Um I I appreciate the booster club putting the information presenting to us. I really appreciate the administration, you know, especially Dr. Soltero with all the walking on the campus safety-wise, you know, beautifying the campus and everything. Um I And I really appreciate everybody listening to what they had to say. I just wish it wasn't buried into another agenda item of reports because when I had asked, it was supposed to be a standalone agenda item. Um but I do appreciate everybody's work on this and I think the community involvement is fantastic. And I think it deserves deserves us to look at all the
084options that we could find. I mean, I'm not saying we're not going to do this. I appreciate the booster club finding this information for us. I do agree with Dr. Soltero that there could be other options we could do. Um and I just appreciate everybody's input on this. Um my only concern was that I did not get my standalone agenda item as I had asked for initially. Okay. Is there anybody else who wants to talk? All right, then the next person to talk is to ask the possible new hire to introduce himself. Do we have anybody else who wants to talk? I have one Okay. It doesn't have to be this meeting, you know, it could be the next one, but I would love to look at reviewing the board's own policy on agenda items
085because I feel if a board member asks for an agenda item, if there's any change to that like they're going to put it into another agenda items as reports that board member should be consulted before that. I'd like to have a little discussion on that and how we can fix that as board policy because like tonight I'm not upset but I feel a little bit I asked for this agenda item but it was not its own standalone agenda. Well, I know where you're coming from on that. This one wasn't a standalone because we had issues here and all the different time on it but I definitely understand your concern and we can have that discussion uh at the April meeting you know maybe do do the idea. I put a bike on that. We open
086up the field to softball games and football games. We kind of open up the campus and and there is a possibility that someone sprays after one of the events and spray across the campus and maybe we need some extra security funds. If they went from the gym to the cafeteria and then play the Olympic anthem to the event. Because this is a future event that we do. Yeah, absolutely. I don't know if it should be or not. I don't know if this is worth having an agenda or not because but I just I just I think you made a good good point but yes, we are opening up the campus on these events and and there is a possibility that that somebody Mhm. There's a strong possibility out there, right? There is a possibility that
087somebody could get you know I just did a night and then the next day I know sports are affected in this stadium but you know one thing was saying about this football field is somebody might come in and spray. Well, after after eating a man, somebody can come and say that. Mhm. And so I don't know if even if you know what the cost would be, you know. I think cheaper than that maybe it's better over on that one. All over that then. Do you really want to do that? I just wanted to point out that after we posted it in a student council matters, they overnight field trip, um that we're going to have to put on the Wednesday meeting, but it's not on we need to come on the first session, but we'll
088be on the Wednesday meeting, but it won't be on the study session, so I just wanted to point that out. Okay. When did you do that? Uh has been posted on the No, there are no other no other all right here. I I just want to say uh Dr. Satello, you have brought a new renewed interest and pride to the My wife and I 7 years ago came to walk the football field and I felt like I was in a horror movie. There was a three-legged javelina on this field kicking up eating. There was a crow or a buzzard sitting up on top of one of the lights that was on. And we walked around and left and said, "We're not going back." So, the field looks so much better and you have you have
089made that that happen. And we appreciate it as the booster club. We're not we're not kicking dirt in your face and saying, but we we just feel like that you take that to the next level. Sure. We we need that. That's why we're here. I to I would like to add it's not just me, we have a great team. Oh, yeah. We have a great team and the facilities are back there. Yeah. They they do great work. Yes, we have a great Okay. Are there any other items? Make a motion to approve. Second. All right, all those in favor say "Aye". Aye. Aye. The motion carries 4-0. I can't just sit there and let Lonnie lie to me.