Governing Board Meeting - 02/24/2026

001The Apache Junction Unified School District's governing board February 24th regular meeting 2025. We will begin with roll call attendance. Mrs. Ross, >> present. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> present. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> present. >> Mrs. Lean, >> present. >> And on present, all board members are in attendance. We have our quorum. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance and remain standing for a moment of silence to the flag of the United States of America and to the stands nationy and justice for all. Item 1.3, adoption of the agenda. Would somebody like to make a motion to adopt the agenda? >> Madam President, like to make a motion to adopt the agenda. >> We have a motion. Would somebody like to second? >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross. >> Yes. Mrs. Williamson, >> yes. >>

002Mrs. Garcia, >> yes. >> Mrs. Le, >> yes. >> And yes, that motion passes 5 to zero. On to item 1.4, board meeting minutes not previously approved. Would somebody like to make a motion on the minutes? >> Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to approve January 27th, 2026 regular meeting minutes, February 4th, 2026 work session. >> We have a motion. Somebody like to second. >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross, >> yes. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> yes. Mrs. Garcia, >> yes. >> Mrs. Link, >> yes. >> And on yes, the motion passes 5 to zero. On to information only items, governing board members report. Would somebody like to begin? >> Mrs. Ross. Um, I went to the um AJ has talent night and um it was really fun to see everyone get

003up and I really admire those students that wanted to put themselves out there. It was a little sevenyear-old that really impressed me that she was up there all by herself dancing and I don't know. I don't think I could do that. So, God bless them. They were adorable. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Um yes, I went to the um art show at the high school and it was really awesome just to see all the work and the projects that the kids have been working on and also just the work that was put into that up. It was It was amazing. So, I really enjoyed that. Thank you, Mrs. Garcia. So, I also attended the AJ Kids idol, Dr. Papalardo, myself, um Chief Pulley, Mayor Wilson, and another girl named Jennifer. We were all judges. And I

004agree with you, Gail. Uh some of the kids, the young girl, every year, she gets up there and she does that and she has a beautiful voice and super bright because I would not be able to say that either. So, um, being a judge is always really fun. I loved it. I feel like it grows every year. So, it was a good time. And that's all I miss. >> I hung out at the high school for a day and just talked to the principal there and discussed going on there. >> Well, it's good that you visit campuses. I So, I've been very busy. So, I did attend the art show. I did see Judy there and as you could see our beautiful art on the wall from our students is amazing. I cannot believe the

005talent that we have. It's the kids really did a great job and the staff putting it together was amazing. Um I did attend part of the talent show and the kids as usual did not disappoint. They were all adorable. Um I had a visit at Fort Peaks Elementary School with Miss Brockman and we walked class and I have to that I sat in on Miss Davis's classroom and they were doing science. And I have to tell you, I was very intrigued. I did not want to leave until the end because they really had me going regarding these flowers that stick to fur and how the seeds get, you know, distributed distributed or whatever. It was really good. I was like, I did not believe Miss Braxman had to pull me out of the classroom. And

006then we went and visited the STEM program where the kids play with these little robotic cars and they have these colored mats and when you put the car on the mat, the mat has like directions. So green is go, pink is make a right, blue is make a left and so you put the car you you stack the mats and then the car would go in those directions. So it was really cool to see the STEM um program and the kids were just having so much fun in there. And then we visited Mr. class which was a math class and when we walked in they just finished a test and they took this test and it's called clever the program and so the program shows immediately how the kids are doing on their test shows

007who's highly proficient who's proficient who's struggling so forth and so I have to say a lot of the kids did very well very well I did tell Miss Broxman that all the get in the green and the blue, which is proficient and highly proficient. I would treat them to a pizza party. So, I'm excited to see how they do. Um, then I was asked to speak at a community meeting and one of the things that I just reported to them were some of the good things that we got going on here in our district like the drone project, the drone the drone technology program development that's been implemented at the high school, which I think is amazing. And um, what else? And we have the portrait of a graduate which is something Dr. Papalto brought

008to implement. Um and the new manufacturing company TSMC and how our uh students at the high school are able to um complete 11 or 18week technical training program which makes them eligible to apply for a position with this company. and they would be starting at $55,000. So, I'm excited of all the great things that we got going on in the district. And that's it. I've been busy. I'm tired. Okay. So, let's move on to reports. Dr. Papalardo. >> Good evening, Madam President, members of the board, community members, staff, and students. The reason we're here is because of you. Um, first off, I attended the National Superintendence Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. It's very enlightening. Um, lots of talk about the future of schools, the future of public education in particular, and um, portraits of a graduate

009and ways to incorporate AGI for the next workforce. Um, very excited to say that after a two-year hiatus, our boys wrestling team at the high school got into the state finals. That's way impressive. Way impressive. Great job. Spring sports are about to start. We have 55 students out for track. We have 11 girls on the tennis team. We're going to feel the full baseball and softball team. That's just amazing right now. >> That's fantastic. >> Um, so I'm not going to take much more time about that because I have two special recognitions I want to do right now. The first one, I'd like to have Dr. Paul come up from Grand Canyon University and present hers. Uh, good evening and thank you and thank you for the applause before I even said anything. Madame President,

010governing board members, superintendent, staff, students, and guests. I'm Dr. Cheryl Paul and I'm the assistant vice president of K12 of the strategic alliance at Grand Canyon University and I'm accompanied tonight by my colleague, Mrs. Lori Garcia and we could not be more thrilled to be here tonight. We have the privilege of honoring one of your principles. Each month from the entire state of Arizona, nominations come in in abundance again throughout the entire state of Arizona. We select one principle that is committed to excellence in one of the following three categories. STEM initiatives, character education, or andor innovation that leads to student excellence. Lori and I on behalf of President Mueller and Grand Canyon University are here tonight to honor a leader in the category of STEM, Mrs. Patricia Smith from her Alra Elementary. She has

011served as principal. We're going to have you come up here and stand. We know it's So, you're going to hear some compliments right now. She has served as principal for 13 years in the Apache Junction Unified School District. For over a decade, she has demonstrated visionary leadership, a deep commitment to student learning, and an unwavering belief that all students deserve access to highquality STEM opportunities. We know this to be true. Under her leadership, STEM is not simply a subject. It truly is a mindset. It is embedded in the culture of the school. It is seen in the way students are encouraged to question, to design, to experiment, and to solve problems. It is reflected in the classroom where curiosity is celebrated and innovation is certainly cultivated. We know the following to be true as well.

012Great principles do more than just manage schools. They inspire them. Mrs. Smith, you certainly inspire others. They create environments where teachers feel supported, students feel empowered, and families feel connected. Mrs. Smith exemplifies that kind of leadership through intentional focus on STEM programming. She is helping prepare students not just for the next grade level, but for a future in careers and lifelong success. Mrs. Smith, your dedication, creativity, and vision are making a difference in the lives of students you serve every day. On behalf of Grand Canyon University, it is our honor and our privilege to present you with the February Principal of the Month Award. Ladies and gentlemen, please join us >> and we we would invite the governing board members to come down for a photo. Thank you. Congratulations, Miss Smith. The second um the

013second gift is unbelievable to say the least. Um I had a visit for Mr. John and Mrs. Kim Thurbeck about six or eight weeks ago. They said, "Hey, I heard you have trouble with your gym floor." I said, 'I do and SFD is not going to come through for us. says, "Well, we got a proposal for you. We're going to write you a check to a 5013C." So, we picked four peaks for it to be written to because we're not a 5013C because they're close and they're a PTO. And that a check amount is in the amount of I don't know if I can get it out without >> $138,000 >> to fix that gym. That's an incredible gift. Wow. >> Thank you so much. >> So, John and Kim, you the micro. The floor

014is yours for the moment. >> Do we want to give John the mic? >> I know, right? >> This is true. And we got to make this >> Snow Cap Foundation was founded in 2002 by my deceased and We have been very blessed in business and we decided to take a good portion of the real estate we had in warehousing and put it in a CRT which is a charitable remainder trust. So every year John and I and he's really jumped on the bandwagon we have to give away 1500. Wow. So, John being the old wrestling guy he is and my youngest son wrestled in high school also and was very good. Uh we went to the Mcmmin Invitational tournament in January and went out to a local establishment after the fact and the athletic

015director was there and the wrestling coach was there. and they were telling us that they could have the wrestling tournament there because the mats were on the floor. I said, "Well, what the heck's going on?" And they told us about the gym floor. So, we are very happy. Come here, Bob. And you know what? Cody and her PTO staff, I really appreciate them. And I bet this is the biggest check they've ever written. Wow. >> Amazing. >> Oh jeez. >> Is it alive? >> We asked one thing of the board. >> I came from South Bin, Indiana, and went to just a westside high school that was really the poorest high school in the whole city. And the gymnasium meant so much to us because there was so much activity in it that I cannot

016imagine a high school not having a gymnasium. >> So I know you probably have a maintenance budget. This floor has to be maintained every three or four years. The top layer has to come off. I mean this is going to take it down to nothing. all the paint comes off and everything and the floor gets repaired and such. So, every three or four years that top layer has to come off and a new layer put down. So, if you run into a problem and you can't do it, Dina, call me. >> I will. >> You know where I'm >> Oh my gosh. >> We would ask that you put it in your budget. >> We will try. We will try. Just as a line item, Jim Flor. >> Yes. >> Every few years. >> We

017are not bashful to say the least. >> Not at all. >> Not Not me. >> Uh I was on the board here for 16 years >> and I loved every year of it. And I love this school district. >> There are >> more people than you would ever imagine out there >> like us that have the means, have the ability to help you. All they need to know is what you need help with. Wow. >> Just get the word out there. When you have a problem, put the word out. People will turn up. Probably not me. We are so proud of all of us. Thank you. I've got a great idea. It'll be a real picture. He's doing Thank you. Madam President, before we start the staff and students recognition, I just want to remind

018everyone about the benefit concert at the PAC on Saturday first six o'clock. Th those proceeds from that concert go to restore the football soccer field at Cactus Canyon High School. Doors open at 5. There'll be food trucks. Hope to see you all there. All right, now we're ready for staff recognition. >> Junior high. >> Madame President, board members, Dr. Papardo, and community. I'm so excited to recognize a few of our employees and volunteer tonight. Um we're going to start with our volunteer. Um this is Carrie Freeman. If she can come up Carrie has been an incredible asset to Cactus Canyon. Um she comes in our front office several afternoons each week. Um she's a smiley face. um happy to be there and helps out in any way that we need her. We have her running

019errands, she does copies. She is the go-to person for anything we need someone to help out with. We appreciate your time and everything that you do for us at Cactus King. Thank you. gonna call up our classified staff. Absolutely amazing individual, Brandy Torp. She is a super hard worker. Um we could not do it without her. She has a dedication to both our staff and students and it's evident in everything she does on our campus. She builds meaningful connections with students, earning their trust and respect through compassion and consistency. She's hardworking. She's reliable. And she goes above and beyond to support our community. Thank you. And our certified staff we want to do tonight is Jamie Burn. Jamie is also one of those incredibly hardworking and reliable. That's something consistent between all three of our

020employees that we're recognizing tonight. She goes above and by above and beyond by organizing and participating in events such as roadside cleanup initiatives, college tours for her students, always creating meaningful opportunities for them to grow and succeed. Our school is undoubtedly better because of Jaime's dedication, leadership, and her heart for service. It's not All right, student of the month. All right, in our favorite students of the month from Cactus Canyon, our first one we'd like to call up is Allison Edwards. So, a few things about Allison. Um, we asked her lots of different questions as she knew she was getting this award. And a few that I want to share with you are, um, we asked her, "What are three words that best describe you?" She says, "Kind, smart, caring." We asked, "Who's a role

021model for you and why?" She says, "My mom." She's a great person and a great personality. Um, and then we always ask what's one goal that they want to currently work towards in or outside of school. And she says writing songs. And it actually lines up very well with she says her dream job is to be a songwriter. So, right in line. A few things from her teachers. Um, she says a few of her teachers say she demonstrates an outstanding work ethic and a very helpful attitude in all class activities. She has consistent positive behavior and willingness to assist others in anything and is a joy to have in class. Um Allison is a leader, a team player, a role model. She's always engaged in lesson and activities and dedicates herself to doing the best

022she can with whatever task she is given. One of the greatest gifts is her humor and I cannot wait to watch her many successes sure to come. Congratulations, Alison. Our second one we want to recognize tonight is Levi. Levi Kunitar. Um there's a couple of questions that we asked him that we also want to recognize. So Levi says Levi says the three words that best describe him are happy, smart, and funny. Um when asked when his what his role model was or who it was and why he says my brother he's happy and he's most or he's nice most of the time. >> Um a goal for him that he's currently working towards he says he's working towards being a lawyer and that's what he wants to do once he graduates from high school. So

023right in line again um a few things from his teachers. So proud to recognize Levi as student of the month from February. Beyond his outstanding academic focus, he is incredibly helpful and always behaves with the utmost respect. Thank you for making our school a better place through your kindness and leadership. Levi is very cheerful and happy all the time. He does great work and tries very hard. He's very helpful with whatever is asked. Congratulations, Levi. I'll invite up our high school principal Gins. >> Good evening, Madame President, governing board, Dr. Papalardo, friends, family, and colleagues. Thank you for allowing me to come before you tonight and share two of our amazing students at the high school. So, first of all, I'd like to welcome up Anderson Senelli. >> All right, a little bit about Anderson

024is his favorite hobby or activity outside of school is motor sports. His favorite memory so far is freshman science class. Favorite book, movie, or TV show? Impractical Joker. So, we need to talk about that. Yeah, we can get together like senior prank or whatever. Yeah. Okay. So, if you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? North Carolina. One goal for this year was to learn as much as he can in his CTE courses. His dream job, I love this, is American Airlines aircraft mechanic. So, you would be great in our new aviation program. Right. All right. Someone who has made a positive impact on him is Matthew Thcker. And a couple comments from teachers. Anderson is an excellent student. He is an advocate for his own learning strategies and is always on

025task. He completes all classroom assignments and engages well with his classmates. That's from Miss Garcia in Spanish. And Mr. Oberi says, "In your honors algebra class, Anderson consistently shows positive attitude, strong effort, and responsibility in class. He stays engaged, contributes positively to the learning environment, and relates well with both his peers and staff. Congratulations, Anderson. We're thrilled you're a prospector with us." Our next student of the month is Dejanique Allison Brock. She came with a cheering squad. I love it. All right. So, a few things about Dejanique is her favorite subject is history. So, history is so interesting to learn and she loves finding out things that happened centuries ago. Her favorite memory in school so far is she won her volleyball game for pinkout and her boyfriend asked her to homecoming in front of

026the whole gym. That's >> I liked that one. That was good. Okay. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? She would like to have teleportation. It would be perfect to be able to help somebody in need that's far away and in a couple of seconds. Her goal for this school year is to be helpful and determined. Okay, you guys, there is nobody else that shares this with me. So, like we are bonded now. So, her hidden talent or fun fact, she can wiggle her ears. Like, we're bonded now. If you want to do it, no. If you want to ask later, we're going to show you. Okay. Her dream job when she grows up is to be become a journalist or work in the medical field to help save lives.

027Couple of her teachers share. Deja is a pleasure to have in class. She works super hard and is concerned about her grades as well as her effort, energy, and enthusiasm. She is also successful out of class as a volleyball and tennis player. That was from Mr. Powell. And Mr. C, who I think was also your favorite teacher or he made a positive impact on you, he says, Asia is smart and hardworking student who takes her work seriously. She almost never misses an assignment and if she ever does it lives rentree in her head until it is finished. She truly deserves this recognition because she shows the skills, responsibility and positive attitude of someone who truly values education. Congratulations and I'm super happy you're a prospect. I'd like to welcome up Kelly Fant from Desert this

028Desert Bus Elementary School. Come on up. This thing and I don't get along. Thank you, Mrs. Gin. Madame President, members of the board, Dr. Papalardo, members of the community, colleagues and families. I am Kelly Fant. I am the principal of Desert Vista. I am honored to present two of our Desert Vistas Mustangs for uh recognition tonight. And our first Mustang is a fourth grader and her name is Evelyn Kokiser. You got to get up, Evelyn. There you go. Okay. Evelyn shared that her favorite thing about Desert Vista is that people help each other here. Math is her favorite subject because she finds it fun, especially subtraction and multiplication with higher numbers, and she was one of the first students in her class to master all of her multiplication facts. She's also a member of our

029brand new leadership club and is currently working on being kinder to others. That's her goal. At school, she enjoys playing a jump rope game called um helicopter. And at home, she loves playing with her Barbies and even designs and makes clothes for them. A skill that I would never have, that's for sure. She also enjoys watching oddballs and playing with her Nerf toys. Her favorite color is purple, also my favorite color. And her favorite food is a special family recipe known as a piggy bank casserole. She refused to share the recipe. She said, "It's a secret family recipe." I'm like, "What's in it?" She's like, "It's a secret." >> Yeah. So, she's she's keeping it locked up. Um, academically, she has s shown steady growth, particularly in ELA, where she's gone from partially proficient to

030highly proficient. So, she's done a really good job there. Miss Smith, who's not able to be here tonight, her teacher says that Evelyn is a shining example of leadership and action. She works incredibly hard, lifts up those around her, and takes pride in helping both classmates and younger students succeed. Evelyn's positive attitude and strong character make her a role model for our entire school community. Congratulations, Evelyn. Our second incredible Mustang is one of our fifth graders, Bryson Bell. Come on up, Bryson. Bryson is um one of our lifetime Mustangs. He's been at Desert Vista since kindergarten. He shared that his favorite part of school is the dedicated teachers because, as he puts it, they don't give up on us. >> His favorite subject is science and he has developed a strong interest in astronomy. I

031just I showed him LOL Observatory just so you guys are aware. Road trip coming up for you guys. Um he enjoys playing football, basketball, and soccer. And he loves jumping on his trampoline at home. His favorite color is orange, which that's unusual. You don't hear that very often. And his favorite foods are his mom's pork chops and chicken. If you haven't had dinner, sorry. He also enjoys gaming, especially survival type games. And academically, Brian uh Bryson's scores are consistently highly proficient. So, he's strong, super strong across the board. Mr. Smith, who is here tonight, no relation to Miss Smith. His teacher states that Bryson is our student of the month for his positivity, curiosity, and genuine care for others. Every single day, Bryson asks me to rate his day on a scale of 1 to

03210, showing his thoughtfulness, self-reflection, and desire to grow. Bryson also truly enjoys figuring out the math and approaches challenges challenges with enthusiasm, and persistence. His positive attitude and love of learning help make our classroom a better place for everyone. We are proud to recognize Bryson as an outstanding role model. So congratulations to you both. And now I would like to bring up Miss Braxma, principal of four peaks. >> Thank you governing board president Kim board members and superintendent Dr. Papalado along with community and family members. I am proud to present to you um two of Four Peaks Elementary students of the month. So, we'll start with uh me inviting Paisley Lagner to join me up front or join us. This is Paisley. She is a fifth grade student in Mr. Shaw's class. She joined the

033Four Peaks community in fourth grade and has quickly become an involved and valued member of our school. Paisley enjoys all subjects except math, she said. However, she says she still does well in math. Uh while math may not be her favorite, she will always do her best in that. Paisley is an active participant in our fifth grade choir and proudly serves as a member of the student council. Looking ahead, she hopes to attend college and pursue a career as an early childhood teacher. We are proud of Paisley's leadership, dedication, and positive contributions to her school. Her teacher, Mr. Shaw, says, "I have to thank Paisley for being an excellent model of self-reflection and drive in my classroom. She knows exactly where she stands with respect to skills and knowledge and doesn't require extra effort from

034myself to maintain her motivation to improve in a time when it excuse me can be struggle to generate and focus student curiosity in the classroom. She leads the way with her questioning and willingness to respect the learning process. He goes on to say that I have extreme fondness for the effort Paisley has put forth this year. She has shown dominance at times with respect to math, the subject she loves, and is continuing to show gains in all areas. She should be especially proud of her growing confidence. And he says, "I hope this award is supportive in that regard." Congratulations, All right, our next student is Nathan de la Cruz Fuentes. Nathan has been a proud Four Peaks Roadrunner since first grade. His favorite subjects are math, reading, and science where he consistently demonstrates strong effort

035and dedication. Nathan plays the violin in our school orchestra and enjoys reading in his free time, especially the Harry Potter series. Nathan aspires to attend college and study architecture with hopes of one day designing a skyscraper. He is a hard-working and motivated student who has earned honor role every quarter for the past several years. He says his one goal is to um achieve placement on the principal's list. So he's working and striving towards that. Miss Chicone, who is his teacher, says that Nathan is a hardworking student who is always focused and on task. He consistently gives his best effort and he is someone I never have to worry about staying engaged. Nathan is truly a pleasure to have in class. Congratulations, Nathan. We are proud to recognize both Paisley and Nathan as four peak student

036of the month. I'd like to welcome uh Pat Smith, our principal at Peralta Trail. Good evening, Madame President, Dr. Papalardo, members of the board community. It is my honor as the principal of Peralta Trail to present two of our amazing Bobcats with this prestigious award tonight. They actually were recognized um during the day at our Bobcat Pride assembly, so they knew what a great honor it is to be here this evening. So, the first student I'm going to call up is from Mrs. Dong's fifth grade classroom, Jackson Shaw. Mrs. Dong shared with me that Jackson is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrates strong academic achievement across all subject areas. Throughout this quarter, he has shown impressive growth by embracing feedback, strengthening his study habits, and turning challenges into meaningful progress. He approaches difficult tasks with

037determination and a positive mindset, persisting until he fully understands the material. Jackson holds himself to high standards, contributes thoughtfully during class discussions, and is a supportive and collaborative classmate. His dedication to excellence truly sets him apart and makes him highly deserving of this recognition. As his principal, I have enjoyed over the past few few years seeing his interactions with his peers as an amazing athlete. We love to talk sports. Even though he's an Ohio State Buckeye fan, I won't hold that against him. Go Blue. Um, but also he's a very supportive friend. He gives me a heart every year when they play against each other. Three words immediately come to my mind when I think of Jackson. Intelligent, respectful, and trustworthy, he carries himself with confidence and integrity, earning the trust of both his teachers

038and peers. Jackson represents the very heart of Peralta Trail Elementary's grow philosophy. He is intentional about improving and learning from mistakes, treats others with genuine respect, rises to challenges with resilience, and puts forth consistent effort in all he does. And he leads not recognition. So tonight, as you can see that little smile that came out of his side of his mouth, he truly does it from his heart and he is so dependable with his character and leading by example. We are incred incredibly proud of the young leader you are, Jackson. So congratulations to you on this welldeserved honor. My next student, I know she was supposed to be here. I don't see Rosie Saluri. Is Rosie here? But I want to share with you why she is being recognized. She's from Miss Adams fifth grade

039class. And her teacher shared with me that Rosie is a remarkable student who consistently demonstrates dedication, kindness, and a strong commitment to learning. In the classroom, she approaches every task with a positive attitude and a willingness to grow. She shows respect to her peers and teachers, works hard even when learning becomes challenging, and takes pride in doing her very best. Rosie is the kind of student who not only meets expectations, but often exceeds them through her perseverance and thoughtful contributions. From my perspective as her principal, it has been a true joy to watch Rosie thrive at Peralta Trail Elementary. She is an outstanding example of what it means to be a Bobcat and fully embodies our grow philosophy. She continues to grow, respect, overcome, work, and lead. And she leads by example through her positive

040character. Rosie represents the very best of our school community and we are incredibly proud of her. Congratulations to Rosie for being recognized as one of our students of the At Mr. Brett Bitterman, the principal of the classical academy. >> Thank you, Mr. Smith. Madam President, members of the board, Dr. Papalardo, um our families and community, um I'm here to recognize two students, one of them not here. Um I asked him if he was going to be here today and he said, "Mr. Brennan, I had baseball." So I can always forgive baseball. Um when it comes to something like this, um just a couple things about Dorian Schwitzer. Um he was a fourth grader in Miss Weby's class. Um he was our school skelling uh spelling bee um winner and he participated in our district spelling

041be our young kindergartenner from Miss Johnson's K1a can you come up please >> I don't even have to speak you can just look at that smile and know that that's why she is being awarded student of the month um she approached approaches each school day with a consistently positive attitude and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. Um, she listens attentively, follows directions with care, and demonstrate sound judgment in her daily choices. Emena treats her classmates with kindness, respect, and patience. And she was so patient tonight waiting for her turn. Love that. Consistently using thoughtful and encouraging words. Um takes great pride in her quality of work and exemplifies strong character both inside and outside the classroom. Um she has a natural curiosity in her learning evident by thoughtful questions and serves as an admirable role model

042for her peers and on a side note she makes or your maybe your mom makes the greatest snacks ever when I subbed in her classroom. Never had a better snack in my life. So you can bring those any day. Um, congratulations. to All right. Thank you. Congratulations, staff and student of the month. We're going to take a 10-minute break. in public on to item wait a minute three consent agenda. Would someone like to make a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to approve the consent agenda. >> We have a motion. Would someone like to second? >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. Mrs. Garcia. >> Mrs. Garcia. >> Yes, >> Mr. Quest. Sure. >> So, if I have

043a question on the consent agenda, >> do I ask it now or do I just say yes and ask it later because it will come up again. >> Um, you could ask it now. >> The only problem is it's somewhat of there's somewhat confidential information in it. Then I would just Yeah, I was going to email Gina, but I didn't. Apparently, I did not hit the send button when I emailed her. So, it's still floating. >> Okay. >> So, um yeah, for >> Okay. Well, I can I can agree to it. It's fine because I like I said, I know that this is going to come up again in a future. >> Okay. So, okay. I I >> Yes. >> And I'm Yes, that motion passes five to zero. >> On to public comments. Mrs.

044Any okay on to information and discussion items 5.1 Grand Canyon University University memorandum of understanding on rise 360 pathway Miss Verna. >> Hi madam president gummy board members Dr. Papado committee members and staff. Um the first one I would like to talk about is a partnership with Grand Canyon University on something called Rise 360. Basically, it's a scholarship program for students who would go to GCU um and have the opportunity to earn a teaching degree in less than three years and return to their community as educators. There's also a small scholarship portion. I believe it's $1,000 a year to help facilitate this as well. And so, this just helps create another pipeline for future educators in our community. >> Any questions, Mrs. Ross? >> No question. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> no questions. >> Mrs. Is

045it just a You said a $1,000 scholarship. Is it once a year for one scholarship? >> It's annual. >> Annual. >> Okay, that's all. >> Mrs. Lane, any questions? >> No questions. >> Dr. Poplar, is anything you would like to add? >> Uh, I think it's a great pathway for students who want to go into teaching. Um, you know, we have a very nice partnership with GCU and they're making that available to us. >> Sounds like a great idea. >> Thank you, Miss Bern. 5.2 intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Education for a one-time funding for robotics program. Mrs. Vera. >> Yes. So, we have the opportunity with AD for a robotics program through the district. Uh we're basically partnering with Gentech again to offer these services and expand the program that we have

046already currently with them at the elementary and junior high going up into the high school as well. After school program, summer programs, uh we're going to work to get as much of this STEM education especially robotics into the hands. So this funding comes through AD. So we have a agreement with them basically to do this program. Answer any questions for you? >> Sounds great. Mrs. Ross, >> no questions. Sounds wonderful. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> no questions. Mrs. So for line five on the agreement, the purchase agreement, the 200,000 that's coming from the contractor. >> So AD will be paying Gent who we already partner with to expand the programs that we already have. >> Okay. So that won't be coming from us. That comes from >> that comes directly from AD. Correct. >> Okay. >>

047No questions. >> I think it's fantastic. I tell you, I sat in on the sun program with the kids and they loved it. It's amazing. Dr. Papler, is there anything you want to add? >> Mrs. Smith will remember the visit that I had with Mr. Representative Blackman to her school a couple years ago and we went to visit kindergarten doing Gen Tech. this is how this $200,000 arose um that he was so impressed with five year olds acting like fifth graders in a gent classroom where they were sharing and making robotic pathways um that he said we need to expand this in rural districts. >> So this is how this came about. So thank you for the tour and so here we go. >> Yes. And I think I really would like to thank Mrs.

048Ross for putting Mr. Blackman on the radar for STEM. I think she really introduced him to it and and helped with getting that that tour going. So, thank you, Mrs. Ross, for that. >> You could take it. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you, Mrs. Vera. >> All right. Moving on to action items. 6.1 Approval of Cactus Canon Junior High 2026 2027 course catalog. Any questions on that? So, um, at the work session, Mrs. Oar explained that the items highlighted in the catalog reflect recent changes. So, if there's anything that you guys want to go over, All I just want to comment is that at the work session all of the course courses that are available are you know just so impressive. I you know to have all of these opportunities and to be

049able to delve into something that you think you might have an interest in at such a young age. I'm I'm just so impressed at what I'm seeing. So thank you to all of the staff that are involved in putting this together. >> Thank you, Mrs. Williamson. Any questions? No questions. I think it all looks looks great. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> I don't have questions. I just I would have to agree. I I'm liking that we're bringing we had a lot of electives and then we took away for funding and we're bringing them back. And I think it's really important for our students to have choices for electives. And so, um, as we grow, I'd like to to look at other electives that we used to have. Um, so yeah, that's that's it, >> Mr. Link,

050>> what everybody else said. >> I agree. I I agree. I think it's great. Dr. Popppler, is there anything you want to add on the uh course catalog? >> I think they've laid them out very nicely. um you can see the changes that have made and the additions they're doing to um get students engaged in wanting to come to school and providing what students want a pathway >> uh to move forward. >> Right. And I think the one thing that was changed is that the Gench is now offered more. >> Genche is at all of our campuses right currently, right? Um which is a very nice thing, >> right? Um, we have in April we have a little surprise we're going to present to you guys about engaging students and you'll hear a little bit

051about that coming in April for you. >> Great. I'm excited. >> All right. Would somebody like to make a motion to approve Cactus County Junior High's 2026 27 course catalog? >> Madam President like to make a motion to approve Cactus Canyon Junior High 2026 2027 course catalog. >> We have a motion. Would somebody like to second? >> Second. Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross, >> yes. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lane, >> yes. >> And on yes, that motion passes five to zero. >> On to item 6.2, approval of Apache Junction High School 202627 course catalog. So, we also went over this in the um work session. Any questions on this course catalog, Mrs. Ross? >> No questions. Again, the same impressive results as with the junior high. And

052again, thank you for all of the things that you're putting together for the students. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> um, no questions. Again, I just reiterate what Gail said. Doing a great job. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> I agree. I like to see think you're doing a great job. Um, glad to see the electives coming back for the students. I think that that's um going to be a good look when our schools are looked at and I am hopeful that we can grow and add more electives to this high school as well. >> Mrs. Lane, >> what everybody else said >> and I just want to say that >> the new addition um to the course is this A3-U program which I think is phenomenal. It's um it's like an aviation aerospace thing that is being implemented.

053So, I'm really excited about this and we will follow up with Mrs. Gin to see how this takes place at the high school and and how it works out. So, we will get a report back from you, Mrs. Gin. Thank you so much. Like to make a motion on the uh Patch Junction High School 2026 2027 course catalog. Madam President like to make a motion to approve the Patch Junction High School U 2026 2027 course catalog. >> We have a motion with somebody like second. >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Garcia. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> And on Yes. A motion passes 5 to zero. On to item 6.3. Approval of Grand Canyon University memorandum of understanding on Rise 360 pathway. Um

054Mrs. just kind of gave us a rundown. Any other questions on that? Mrs. Ross, >> Mrs. Williamson, Mrs. Garcia, >> no questions. >> Mrs. >> No questions. You guys just went too fast. Still mid drink. >> Sorry. Dr. Poppler, is there anything you want to add on the 360? >> No, nothing further for that. >> Okay. Somebody like to make a motion to approve the Grand Canyon University memorandum. Madam President like to make a motion to approve the Grand County University memorandum of understanding on Rise 360 pathway. We have a motion with like the second. >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Garcia. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lane. >> Yes. >> And I'm a yes. A motion passes 5 to zero. On to item 6.4

055approval of the inter intergovernmental agreement with Arizona Department of Education on a one-time funding for robotics program. M. just um presented that to us. Any other questions on that? Mrs. Ross, >> no questions. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> no questions. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> no. >> Would somebody like to make a motion? >> Madam President, like to make a motion to approve the intergovernmental agreement with Arizona Department of Education on a one-time funding for robotics program. >> We have a motion with like second. >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. Mrs. Garcia, >> actually I have one question. >> Sure. >> For the onetime funding, so is this yearly that we have to >> What is that? When it's saying onetime funding, what exactly does that mean? >>

056So, um, legislators at the state get discretionary funding that they can use however they want to for their district. Um, so that $200,000 is onetime discretionary funding that Representative Blackman had that he's giving to us a portion of whatever he got for the robotics program. So if if the follow-up question is are we going to ask for it again, that would be a yes. >> So does it I understand that it means one time, >> right? But I guess what I'm asking is like for the program, >> do you have an idea of how like how long? >> So currently we have a three-year contract. >> Oh, three year. Okay. >> Yes. This funding is outside of that so that we can expand the program um and do different things and attract students here. >>

057Yeah. >> All right. Thank you. >> No questions. >> All right. Somebody like to make a motion. Did I make We already made the >> Oh, we did make So, I guess I need to say yes. >> You turned me off. >> I know. I'm sorry. Yes, >> she turned me off. I think she did that on purpose. >> I'm sorry. >> So, you're Yes, Mrs. Garcia, Mrs. Lean. >> Yes. >> And I'm a yes. So, that motion passes five to zero. >> All right. It's been a long week, guys, since only Tuesday. 6.5 approval of the contracts language for 2026 2027 school year as presented. Now, we went over all the contracts in the work session. The changes were highlighted and a lot of it was mostly legal language that the attorney had made

058adjustments to. Any questions on the contracts? >> Mrs. Ross, >> no. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> no. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> no questions. Mrs. Lane, >> no questions. >> Dr. Papard, is there anything you want to add? >> The contracts are following the attorney's advice of the new legislation that was passed during the last session. So, this is what that reflects. >> Okay. >> Somebody like to make a motion on the approval of the contract language for 2627 school year. >> Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to approve the contract lang language for the 2026 2027 school year as presented. >> We have a motion. Would somebody like to second? >> Second. >> Mrs. seconds. Mrs. Ross, >> yes. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> yes. >> Mrs. Le, >> yes.

059>> And I'm a yes. That motion passes 5 to zero. On to item 6.6, approval of the certified and administrator list for rehire for 2026 2027. Any questions on that, Mrs. Ross? >> No questions. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> no. >> Mrs. Um, I do have one question. So, I printed out trying to think how appropriately to ask this. So, I printed out the um certified classifications and I did receive an email today and concerned of the some of the international teachers that are not on the list and I was just wondering are we is that is that something that we can talk about of why um I'm just trying to understand like the rehire part of it. >> Yeah. So, we're in negotiation with one of those companies currently. Um, so that's why that's not

060there. >> That's why >> their name's not on the list as we're in negotiations with that company >> because it's a third party, right? >> It's a third party. >> Yeah. >> Um, we think we'll have that cleared up by the end of this week. So then you know we're doing contracts in phases. Okay. So this is the first phase that we're certain of. Okay. So the second phase we weren't able to come to an agreement with that company. So um we're working through that and we believe we'll have an agreement by Friday. So, a negotiation with the company um is it is it the financial part of it or >> it is okay. >> Yes, we're we're at an impass right now. So, >> and then once that gets resolved, >> straightened out, it

061will come to us. >> Once it gets straightened out, then there'll be a new list. >> Okay. So, this isn't a final assist. >> No, this is not a final list. We're doing it in phases to make sure we do it accurately and correctly and don't have to go back. >> Do you know financially? Do you know like >> is it did we pay this company last year? >> We did and so we're negotiating that. >> Okay. >> And so we're waiting for the correct answer for them. >> So it's a yearly thing. >> Yes. Uh okay. >> Yep. So, sorry, I was paying attention, but I wasn't. My brain just went blank. So, you said this is you're negotiating with the same company that we used last year. >> We're we are negotiating aiding

062with one of the companies we used last year, not all of them. >> Only one of them do we need to. So, we paid multiple companies. I'm sorry. I'm so lost with this. >> No, it doesn't work like that. >> Okay. We have a company. >> Okay. >> So, last year we paid a company. >> A company. >> And this year you have a pool of companies that you're interviewing. >> We have a pool of companies that we're using currently, but we have a company that we're in negotiations with because they're not where we want to be. >> So, with the pool of companies, we want we we're trying to reduce it to just one company. Is that I'm so confused. >> No, we're trying to reduce our expenses. >> Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay.

063By using one company versus >> No, you're using We can use multiple companies. >> Okay. >> But we're looking for a reduction >> in the charge >> Okay. Okay. I'm just >> correct. >> The rest of them are >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Sorry. >> Thank you. Sorry. I'm like, I don't understand. Okay. Got it. Got it. Got it. Got it. >> So then when it's >> done, then it'll be >> when it's finalized, >> then we'll approve it. Then you'll not approve it. >> Okay. This is This is only one of many lists you're going to get over the next several months. Okay. Okay. We're not anywhere near done. Okay. >> Okay. Do So I'm trying to remember. It's been like a year since we talked about this, but so financially, did

064we pay this company or did they pay us? >> No, we >> We paid them. Yes. >> Okay. And the board approved? >> Yes. >> That Okay. And so when you bring this back with an addition to the list, there'll be an additional list. The board will approve this again. >> Not this list, but a new list. No, the financial part of it we'll have to reapprove, right? >> Well, we're we're looking to make that zero. >> Oh, okay. >> Do you remember what it was last year? >> I can't I'd have to >> I don't know the whatever number I tell you now will not be accurate. >> Okay. >> Because I don't know it. >> Um I just have one more question. So, okay. So, if we're using an outside company to hire

065these people. We have a deadline for contracts, do we not? Like, isn't it March 15th or something like that? >> No. Our deadline to offer a contract to a certified employee is April 15th. >> Oh, April 15th. Okay. >> You can't send them out till March, but they got it. >> Okay. >> That's why we can do this in multiple stages till we get to the right place. >> Okay. Got it. Got it. Got it. All right. I'm good. >> Okay. Any other questions? >> No, we're good. Okay. So, all right. So, so we like to make a motion to approve the certified administrator list for rehire for 2627 school year. Madam President, I'd make time make a motion to approve the certified administration list for rehire for 2026 2027. >> Do I need to

066add to that or no? You're just gonna Okay. that the list that we have at the moment, >> right? >> So, we will get a new list when that do not include these people. >> Correct. >> You will be getting multiple lists as we get to April. >> This is just the beginning. >> Got it. Got it. >> Okay. So, we have a motion. Would somebody like to second? >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross. Seconds. Mrs. Ross. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Garcia. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lane. >> Yes. >> And I'll may ask that motion passes 5 to zero. On to item 6.7. Approval of the employees. 1% salary increase for 2026 2027 school year. I'm going to go to Dr. Papalaro on this. >> Okay. As we talked in the

067work session about a 1% increase, right? Um so that 1% increase for um our staff would cost us approximately $215,000 as best we can estimate today. Of that $215,000, this is how we get there. This is how we pay for it. 99,000 would come from the um site fund that we get from the state of Arizona, right? As as you know it as 301. Okay. >> Um 85,000 80 to 85,000 of that will come out of M and the remaining 30 to $31,000 will come out of grant funding. >> Okay. That's how we will get to that 1%. um which puts us in a much better place than our neighbors who are cutting staff and laying people off and >> closing buildings. Okay. >> Very sad. >> So this would be 1% in the base.

068>> Yes. >> Okay. Any questions on that, Mrs. Ross? >> Um I did want to go over what we talked about in work about adding it as sort of a so it didn't go into the base. We we spoke with Gina that that's going to be doable for us going forward the way that we're doing it now. >> It will be it will be doable but it will be hard. >> Okay. I'm not going to sugarcoat that. We are going to make it work. >> So then why can't we consider doing it as the stipen and then the following year putting in the base to make sure that it's going to be doable. >> That's a decision for the board. Mine is a recommendation. >> Then I'd like I would request to maybe bring this

069back to the next work session so that we can I mean, of course, I want to give the teachers everything we can, but I don't want to put us under the gun and then not be able to keep it up and put ourselves in a bind. So that's my only concern. >> Are we under a time restraint? >> So when we you know there there there comes the little bit of a rub there, right? That >> you know if we put it in the base we write the contract in the base. >> If you put it as an incentive or a dendum or whatever you call it, then you can do it when you want. >> Um I think for the optics members of the board felt it was for it to be in the

070base and I think they can speak to that. Um, so I think that's how we got to where we are today. >> Question. >> If you do it as a stipen or whatever you want to call it, >> where how does it differ from where that money comes from versus putting the 1%? >> It'll come out of the same pots of money. except it won't be reflected >> in their salary year to year to year. It's a it'll be a one time it's kind of like the grant we got from Gentech. It's a one-time offering. >> Okay. So, it's coming out of the same money. It's just that we're not promising that next year we can keep raising the >> That's correct. >> Um I'm sorry before I let my time one more question. Are

071we having are we having trouble hiring teachers. Are we h because of our salary? >> This is Well, that's a great question, right? This is such a competitive market. Okay, teachers are being laid off everywhere. Um, you know, there are Arizona's 4,000 4,000 teachers short. Okay, over 1,500 have quit by January of 2026. I mean, it's a statewide problem. um for different reasons. You know, they'll jump ship to go from one to the other to the other until they find their niche. Um salary, does it play a part? Of course it does. Um you know, money is a dissatisfier. No matter how much or how little you make, no one has enough. >> And you know, it's a tough economic time for lots and lots of folks because groceries are flat expensive, right? >> So,

072yeah. So optically does it is it better for them is it better for us probably that's true you know so but that's the board decision of where you have to measure where you want to go do you want to do it as a one-time thing or you want to put it in the base they both have they both have you know consequences >> right >> there's benefits to both yes >> Mrs. Garcia. >> Um, for me it's important to uh attract and retain the teachers and like Dr. stated times are hard right now and um I feel in order to show the appreciation putting it into the base the I mean I of course I think all of us would agree would like to do more >> as usual every year but to be conservative

073um in 1% if that's your recommendation but I would want to put it into the base salary because I want to keep those the teachers here I want to attract And um I just feel like it's it's it's important for me to have it in the base pay for lots of reasons. >> I'm going to piggyback on that just saying um I know I'm last. Okay. >> No, I'm last. um that I think it's very important for us to put it in their base pay only because a lot of districts are not doing it and in for us doing it kind of I don't know puts us one notch ahead in my opinion. Um so that and we don't have the greatest track record for retaining teachers. So this is one way that we can

074be like hey we love you teachers. So I and instead of just saying we give it to you this year but we'll take it away next year. you know, I I don't want to give that impression to our teachers. So, that that's that's just all I have to say about that. >> And I agree too. I feel that it should be in the base only because, you know, it is a reflection and I think, yeah, we want to give more. I would love to get 10%. I wish we could. Um, but 1% does say that shows we're doing something. And also, you know, for the the employees that are retiring, you know, that person in their base also helps with them when they retire. So I think it just I think it just should be

075in the base and I from as long as I'm on the board we've never not gave 1% or 2% in the base. So I just feel that it is important to do that. So with that, somebody like to make a motion for the 1% salary increase for the 2026 2020 school year that will be in the base. >> Does anyone have any more questions before I make the motion? >> No. >> Okay. >> Um I don't have any questions. I just This is This really was a tough uh you know a tough decision. I can see where you know Gail's coming from because I struggled with it all myself. Um, I pulled up a lot of the information of the other school districts and what their base pay is and we are definitely uh the

076lowest. So, I do agree after uh looking at everything and um you know the fact that I mean we're going to pay the money either way really um I agree that it should be in the base. >> Okay, that's all I have to say. >> All right. All right, Madame President, I'd like to make a motion to um approve the employee salary increase for 2026 2027 school year for 1% base salary. >> We have a motion. Would somebody like to second? >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross, seconds. Mrs. Ross, >> yes. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> yes. >> Mrs. Lean, >> yes. >> And yes, a motion passes 5 to zero. >> Good collaboration, guys. >> Okay. 6.8. Approval of the classified salary schedule for 2026 2027 school year. Any questions on

077that, Mrs. Ross? >> No. No questions, >> Mrs. Williamson. >> No, we went over all that work sessions. Good with that, >> right? So, this is for the stepless salary schedule. Um, Mrs. Garcia, >> so I sent an email to you and Dr. Papalardo. I told pulled up Queen Creek Unified School District and I really like how the certified um it's certified exempt salary and classified hourly hourly which I'll talk about. >> I guess I can click on the link >> me. >> No, I want to open it so that you could see it >> and I can pass this down if you want to look at it. But you we have this one like one or two pages of basically putting for an example the director certified and classified in a bracket and then

078you have executive director of educational service career and technical education and special special education. So it's all like bunched together and and it just has like a a range, a price range. >> And I thought that Queen Creek did a really good job where they have all of the positions laid out. They have the work days and then they have I don't know, I didn't get the answer, the entry, uh, mid and max. I don't know if that's like a stepless type thing. I'm not sure. We can talk about that as a board, but I really like when you flip through this, they have additional benefit information at the bottom. They have every single position um itemized and then it starts with an entry level and then a mid-level like I said and then the

079max. So it's similar to what we have here in regards to what we're trying to achieve for just for an example dean of students entry level was 73,671 mid 867 86,932 max 100,841. So for me as we're we have you know that position and maybe they exit and a new position comes in I think that it's really clean for the new person sitting in that seat to be able to look at this and understand it. And so I guess for 6.8 right now is we really don't have to approve the classified right right at the moment. Do we >> to where we could look at something like this? >> I think we need to >> and clean it up or >> Well, I mean I think I mean I don't have a problem with the

080way Miss Codle presented the stepless salary. I think it made sense to me in the work session. I mean we have a range and then you don't need to have a mid because I think it's based on years of experience and other things that it would fall within that range. So for me, I I didn't have any concerns with the stepless salary that Miss Codle presented. Um, but that's me. So any other discussion, Mrs. Ross >> from for me I I don't see your document Cammy that you printed out, but it sounds to me like there's a whole bunch of stuff that really I mean, yeah, if you're looking at the job, you're going to want that information, but this is nice and clean and neat, and it's just the salaries. So, I I'd have

081to see that document to see if it has merit in my mind, but what I'm seeing here right now is to do with pay, and that's all it's saying is this is the pay allotted to that particular job. >> And I'm fine with that. I mean, we don't have to have the three levels. The only thing that I was asking um and you can elaborate because I'm I'm actually asking, but I like how like the positions are all broken down. on this stepless um salary. It's just >> it's broad. >> Yes, it's a little broad. So, what I would like to see is just having every position >> on one >> on different pages, different position titles. And I can pass this to you guys. I asked if I could make a copy. >> But

082can I ask a question? If you're coming for a job, wouldn't you know which um broad head header you're involved in? You know, like if I'm coming as a teacher or if I'm coming as a mechanic, I know exactly where I'm supposed to be. So, I I don't see that it, at least from what I'm understanding, I don't see why the need for each specific job title to be you know, stated because the broad overhead overview covers it. If I know what job I'm coming for or if I'm wrong, I I understand like you specifically looking for the job. I'm more concerned about the person in that position being able to look at the schedule >> and understand where somebody else could pick up. So if you're in the position and you're leaving and I'm

083coming into the position, I could look at the schedule salary in the position and be like, "Okay, so the dean of students, they work 218 days." I just like how it looks. So why don't we do this? Why don't we put this? We can approve this tonight and bring that to the work session so that everybody can discuss it and look through it to see because it is you know a work in progress. I mean we just started the stepless salary, right? >> So I mean changes can be made. So why don't we because we have to >> we have contracts and things that we got to do. So we can approve this and still look at that and make adjustments as we move forward. >> That's fair. Yeah. >> So any other questions on

084the stepless salary? >> So I guess my question was for the classified, >> right? >> What? >> My question is are we allowed Yeah, but we can work on it for next year if we want to change it. >> Add things to it. >> We can change it. >> Madam President, if I may interject. >> Okay. So, the pay bands, we're not talking about the pay bands here. >> So, what in the stepless salary schedule, if I may, what we gave you were the pay bands for those types of positions, right? >> And what each certificate be would be worth as they earned them, right? to increase their pay up to the maximum amount of money. >> Um, so what we're asking you is to approve the pay bands. If you would like it in

085a different format, that can be done outside of >> that doesn't need board approval. >> We don't change the money. >> Right. The pay bands is what we're looking at. That's what we're asking for approval. >> Okay. >> When you look at this >> item. Okay. So, anytime you go to a stepless schedule, you're looking at what is what's the beginning and what's the end, >> right? >> And that's what that's what was laid out by human resources for you, >> right? >> Is the beginning and end of each physician, >> right? >> Okay. So, the format that if you want it in a different format going forward, we can make that for you. >> Okay. Because we're not married to this. We're married to the payment. >> Exactly. of how people get paid, >>

086right, >> for their job. >> That's why I figured we could bring it back in the work session and look at the >> Okay, so that's that's what I'm saying to you, >> right? So the question, >> right? So if you want a different format, we can make a different format, but the pay bands will want to approve. >> Okay. So the question that I have if if we're going off of the pay bands, the question that I have, let's just say classified pay bands that's presented to us. Okay, band A $15.15 to $17.50, right? And we have campus monitor, cafeteria assistant, non-instructional aid, bus aid, um custodial, delivery driver, and van driver. So, can you explain to me then how the pay band is determined to keep it fair, consistent across? I understand it's

087by experience, but how is that judged? >> So, it's by experience. It's about what they bring in just like in the teacher certified one. There's a form that's filled out, right? It's taken to human resources and it's calculated. Obviously, you have no experience at 1515. This is your first job in the cafeteria. That's where you're going to start. But other people will come with experience. Other people will come with certificates. And so, they will be moved on the continuum up to 1750. So, where is the determination like midpoint though? That's my question. Is it like is there a form that they're going off of like 15? >> There will be a form that they're filling out, right? >> Right. But okay, so you're making $15.15 for the first year to five years. Year to what?

088Like how is that determined? >> No, but that's going more like stepless. Yeah. >> And I I mean a step that's going more like a a step program because of time served. And what we're trying to get away from. >> What I'm asking is on the stepless salary schedule that you have that they've created, right? I understand there's no steps. My question is if it's $15.15, >> right? >> What are they looking at to get to $16.15 or $175? So what they're looking at is those you see those certificates there >> at the bottom >> and they're getting right and whatever percentage increase you're giving >> to get there. Um so when you look at that because all that factors into what their pay rate's going to be right because they're hourly employees. So what's

089the mid level though? That's what I don't understand. >> Well, the mid level is somewhere between 1515 and 1750. >> How is that? >> That's what what I'm asking is though is how is it determined that by that person? >> It's going to be determined by the experience and what they bring and their certificates that they bring where they're going to start >> where they land in >> where they land. Right? Kind of like how a teacher lands, right? the same thing. It it applies the same way. It just looks different. So there's not a step. You come with whatever experiences you have, whatever certificates you have for that job, and then you're placed on the on the band. >> To me, it's it's based on merit. You know, you work a little harder, you

090put yourself out there, you get more of a raise. If you're just doing the basic bare minimums, then you don't go anywhere. So I understand I do understand that. I'm just asking do they have like a something that they go by to make that decision to keep it consistent for every employee? That's my question. >> Right. They do. They have a >> the board see that >> the board we can bring it to the work session. >> So if we approve this you if you >> Excuse me. If you if you approve this or if we approve this then bringing it to the work session is going to be for next year. Correct. >> So if we approve this right now >> I guess I'm not understanding the question because what we're asking you to

091do is approve the pay bands not how someone gets put on a pay ban >> because that's a that's a operational thing with human resources. I understand that it's operational, but what I want to know is for a board, like there's nothing for the board to see. I mean, if you're in that position or somebody else is in that position, what is would that person making the decision basing it off of to keep it consistent for everybody? That's what I'm asking. >> It might not necessarily be consistent for everybody. If one person works really hard and gets certificates and the other person doesn't do anything, How do they decide? How do they determine the midpoint of that? Like $15.50 to get to$,750. Is there something that is looked at or is that just determined by

092the person in that position of how much they're going to give? So, it's determined by the certificates they bring, the experience they bring to the job, just like anybody else, >> and they're they're going to be placed by their work experience. >> So, right now, we just need to approve the amounts, >> the amounts, >> and then we can work on the rest of it if you want to do that. >> So, Cammy, are you wanting to know like the lowlevel certificate Is that one certificate or two certificates or what are those and and what certificates are low and what certificates are mid and what >> that's kind of what I'm asking is if she comes in and she's a hard worker and she's doing a great job and she has three certificates and I

093come in and I'm an okay mediocre but I have four certificates. How is that determined >> with the range? That's what I'm asking. >> But isn't that that's not our job? >> Well, it's my job to approve this. Also, I need to understand it. >> We're just approving the the money. So, it's not our job for each individual employee. That's the job of their supervisors or the directors or something like that. We're just approving the money. It's our job to make sure that we put that we understand what's happening. And I know that in the past when I've approved things, I want to make sure that it's consistent and I want to see what we're looking before we make approval on something like this because a range I want to understand the determination before I

094make a motion. >> So, do you want to approve the amounts and bring it back to >> I would like for us to I mean unless I'm missing something. >> I have questions too. >> I just I feel like I would like to have a little bit more conversation and understand and I would like to see >> um from the departments some kind of brackets of how that's determined. So when two people are looking at it, for an example, Dina, if you're looking at this and I'm looking at this, how do we make the determination of where those levels are for consistency? >> Well, I think HR makes that determination. >> That's their job. They have the formula to do that. >> Okay. So, can the board see the formula? >> That's what I meant.

095>> Well, that's what I'm saying. We can bring in a work session. We can see the formula. We can have that conversation. >> Okay. >> Because it's really we're basically approving the amounts right now. >> So, you know, I'm going to say it again. This is a day-to-day operational thing. That's why you have a human resources director and a business manager so that they collaborate and they decide what that pay rate's going to be. >> I I disagree. It's this is something that the board is this is being brought to the board and the board is not understanding fully. I don't believe and I'd like to see an additional I'm not speaking for you. I'm speaking for myself. I would like to see something more organized such as this. And I asked for the board

096to be able to look at this and it might have been able to help understand what I'm talking about, but I don't feel comfortable voting on this when I'm not 100% understanding the alignment of it. >> So, are you okay with the amounts? >> I'm okay with the amounts, but I want to understand how >> Yes. I would understand. >> So, can we approve? I mean, you don't have to vote yes or no on it or whatever, but if you're okay with the amount and then we can work on the rest of the information by putting it in the work session to see how Miss Codle comes up with that >> determines the amount >> and will that be a reflection of >> what we're for this next for 2026. >> I mean, because if

097she has a formula, she'll be able to answer that question. >> Do you say you say how does this determine this is mid-range. She'll be able to say this is how we determine mid-range. >> If I saw the formula, I would feel a lot. >> So, let's let's do that because right now we really need to approve the amount and then we can have more conversation with April regarding >> Yeah. I don't have a problem. I mean, they know best with the range. I know they do their homework. I don't have a problem with that. I just want to see the formula to understand. >> Well, you want to see how they're placed. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we will bring that >> for discussion in the work session. and then Miss Codle can show

098us how that is done. >> Okay. Thank you, Mrs. Lane. >> So, my question is, so every time you get a certificate, that's a one time, >> correct? >> So, it's like, let's say I I come in as an entrylevel person, never worked before, so I get 1515. Right. Next year, I'm no longer an entry level person. So, there's no way that we can get raises. >> You'll get the raise. Everybody gets >> Well, whatever the board approves for increases, everybody gets it. >> Okay. Okay. So, that that has nothing to do. Okay. >> Yeah. So, we're never going to take away the raise from you. >> if you got 3% >> after your 15, >> you know, you would stay at whatever that 3% number is. >> Okay. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Okay.

099Because that was my concern is like I'm gonna be pay being paid 1515 for the rest of my >> You're not going to be there for the rest of your life. >> Right. That's >> I was like do I have to quit? No. Okay. Got it. All right. Yeah. >> That was my question. >> All right. Any other questions? Mrs. Williamson, you're good. >> I'm good. This is Ross. >> Okay. All right. Are we ready? Are we on 68? >> Yes. I lost it. All right. So, we like to make a motion to approve the classified salary schedule for 2026 2027 school year. >> So, Madam President, do I need to put that I want this to come back for the formula or just approve it? Can I make >> Well, you can approve it

100and we'll put it on the work session agenda. >> So, do I need to make the motion with the formula to be on the work session or just approve it as it? Okay. Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to approve the classified stepless salary schedule for 2026 2027. >> We have a motion with something like a second. >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Barcia. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Lean. >> Yes. >> And on that motion passes 5 to zero. >> Mrs. Cod will be ready for the work session. 6.9 approval of the admin salary schedule for 2026 2027 school year. So this is the admin step with salary schedule. Any questions on that? >> No. >> Mrs. Ross, no. Mrs. Williamson, >>

101no. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> same thing. Would we be able to >> look at the formula as well in the work session? >> Absolutely. >> No questions. >> All right. Somebody like to make a motion to approve the admin salary schedule for 2627 school year. Madam President like to make a motion to approve the admin salary schedule for 2026 2027 school year. >> We have a motion with somebody like the second. >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Garcia. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Link. >> Yes. >> And on Yes. That motion passes 5 to zero. Item 610, approval to change the contractual salary paid through ESI to 82% effective July 1st, 2026. Upon returning to the district, employees will have their salary increased to 90%

102of the amount they earned at the time they joined ESI. Any questions on this? I know we went over this in the work session. Um, Mrs. Ross, any questions? Um, I'm I'm reading the recommendation and again just to make it clear that we're doing this to make it um a little bit easier to calculate what we're paying to the outside company, but the ESI employee will not be financially lacking in any way with the way that this is worded, right? That they're going to be increased to so that they're not losing anything if they come back. Is that correct, Dr. Pardo? >> Okay, so here we go. >> Break it down. >> Right now with ESI, they charge us 18.5% per employee. Okay, so you're basically paying them to retire, >> right? >> Okay. The

103way this is written. Okay. to get us back to as close to 100% as possible. We're making a recommendation that once you go on to ESI in 26 27, you're down to 82%. Which we're still paying 0.5% over >> 100. Okay. >> So once once their year is done with ESI, they come back at 90% of their salary. >> Okay. So it's for a year they're going to be 82, but they're getting retirement at the same time. >> Okay. >> So, they're >> all right. So, they're they're getting dinged a little bit, but it's just for a year. >> It's not really ded >> because the district has been paying that extra. >> I know. I know. But I mean, but the person, the ESI employee, they are losing 8%, but it's just for a

104year and then they'll be brought back again. >> All right. Mrs. Williamson, >> no questions. Mrs. Garcia, >> so for the um people that are already here at the 90%, are they grandfathered in? >> So for the for the for the folks that are already here on the are they already >> this is for 26 27 >> that has anyone who retires for the 26 27th school year. This is when that goes into effect, >> right? >> Not anybody else >> in their grandfather for this. >> Well, they >> like we're not taking anything. >> Correct. >> Yes. >> Okay. And then when they come back, so July 1st, 2026, it's 82% just for that one year for ESI. Correct. >> Correct. >> And then when they come back, they're at 90%. >> That's correct.

105>> For everybody, >> anybody who has an ESI. >> Okay. Okay. Yeah, that was my question. Just making sure everybody that retired for the 25 26 year still got whatever whatever the 90 and then this is just for people retiring next year. So that was my question. So yeah, we're good. I'm good. >> Okay, good. >> All right. So was like to make a motion to approve the change for the SI to 82%. Madam President, I'd like to make a motion to approve the contractual salary paid through ASI to 82% effective July 1st, 2026. >> Do I need to put upon return? Upon returning to the district, employees will have their salary increased to 90% of the amount that they earned at the time they joined ESI. >> We have a motion with somebody like

106to second. >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross seconds. Mrs. Ross, >> yes. >> Mrs. Williamson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> yes. >> Mrs. Yes. >> And on Yes. A motion passes 5 to zero. On to items 6.11 and 6.2. We'll do it all at one time. The governing board may convene an executive session pursuant to ARS 38-43103A1 for discussion or consideration of superintendent's contract and motion to enter into executive session pursuant to ARS 3843103A7 to discuss and consult with the district's designated representatives of the district in order to consider its position and instruct it representatives regarding lease with the Boys and Girls Club for the learning center site. Somebody like to make a motion to go into executive session. >> Madame President, I'd like to make a motion to go into executive session >> for

107I gota read it all. >> Got to write them all. >> To convene an executive session person to AR AR ars 38-431.03A1 for discussion or consideration of the superintendent contract. Also for 6.12 motion to enter into executive session. to AR S38-431.03A7 3A7 to discuss and consult with the district's designated representative of the district in order to consider its position and instruct instruct its representative regarding lease with the Boys and Girls Club for Learning Center site. And also 6.13 discussion and possible action to approve the amendment to lease with the Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. >> You're going too far. >> 6.2 on here. >> We went too far. >> Okay. So we have a motion to go into executive session. What's someone like to second? >> Second. >> Mrs. Ross second. >> Mrs. Ross. >>

108Yes. >> Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Garcia. >> Yes. >> Mrs. >> Yes. >> And I'm All right, we are going to resume our meeting in public on to item 613, discussion and possible action to approve amendment to lease with Boys and Girls Club for the learning center site. Um, a motion to approve the amendment to the lease with the Boys and Girls Club for the learning center site with a second. Madam President, do we need to put the June 30th, 2027 date extension >> or no? >> Okay, we'll just approving the contract. >> Okay, I'll second. >> Mrs. Garcia second. Mrs. Williamson, >> yes. >> Mrs. Garcia, >> yes. >> Mrs. William, >> yes. >> And I'll ask that motion passes four to zero. Request for future agenda items. Anyone? >> Nope. N

109>> I'll email you. >> All right. Somebody like to make a motion to adjurnn. >> Madam President like to make a motion to adjourn. >> We have a motion with somebody like to second. >> We'll second. >> Mrs. Lane seconds. Mrs. Williamson. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Garcia. >> Yes. >> Mrs. L. >> Yes. >> And on my yes, that motion passes four to zero. Divergent.