001before the governor budget. >> Yes. Good evening, members of the governing board and members of the public and staff. Uh this public hearing is because of the budget revision that we do every year in May and we u update everything from the adopted budget or the first budget revision and give you information that puts us where we'll probably be at the end of the year. Uh I think it would be good to go to the budget page. Uh, who's ever running this up there? The budget item. It would be the last page of the budget itself. Very last page. And that's where we have all the beginning and ending balances and what we expect to carry over in the next year. Thank you, Mr. Burnhart. >> It's not going anywhere. >> Not going. >> Anyway,
002I'll go. >> Okay. Thank you for that. Um, >> I'm not done yet. >> Oh, I thought you said no. >> That was like that was >> No, I'm waiting for them to get to the >> Oh, 9.2 >> item number 9.2. >> No, >> it's not projecting. Okay. I'll just read it from here. U at the beginning of the year and we could talk about maintenance and operations first. We had a balance at the beginning of the year carried over from prior year of 6,100,000. We added revenue this year expect to run revenue this year $34,000 $34 million expenditures expected to be 35 million221 uh we going to have an ending balance of 4,938 4,938 and of that we plan on carrying forward into next year 4,168,000 which is less than last year by
003about $2 million. Um the next fund that has any significance is u unrestricted excuse me um I'm trying to get the name of it. Well, fund 570, what is that? >> Indirect cost. Indirect cost is treated like another general fund balance. It had a balance at the beginning of the year of a million4,000. uh we expect to spend 209 revenues I mean of 29,000 expect to spend 789,000 and we expect to have a balance which will be carried into next year of $5,88,000. Uh unrestricted capital outlay is the next big fund. We had a balance at the beginning of the year of 7,445,000. We uh have revenue of 6,775,000 this year expended to date or expect to spend 3,125,000 and we expect to have a balance forward at the end of the year of 7,593,000
004of which we intend to carry over into years after fiscal 2026 of $7,44,000. That's for future capital projects and other issues that may or may not happen. other rainy day fund. uh all the other funds that uh classroom site fund is the next one of we have numbers in 2,903 to start with revenue this year 4,500,000 expending the same amount 4,500,000 and we'll have a balance at the end of the year of 2 million uh 899,000 of which we'll carry into years after fiscal 26. six of 1,149,000. The internal service fund is our insurance fund for health insurance. Uh we had a balance at the end of the year of million85,000. We put in 5,122,000 and we've expended 4,600,000 and we'll have a budget balance at the end of the year of 1,67,000 which is
005a better number than we started with this year. So that's the end of my short program for the public hearing to let the public understand where we're at, where we intend to be at the end of the year. All right. Thank you, Mr. Brown. >> Um, so this is a public hearing. Any questions or comments from any of the board members? >> Anyone from the public on the expendial budget for the fiscal year 2526? This says okay. Do I have a motion to close up our hearing? >> I have I make a motion. >> Second. >> Moved by board cler koncha. >> Seconded by board member Oos. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. I. If anyone opposes, please say nay. All right. Public hearing is adjourned at 5:08 p.m. Okay. I'm
006going to call the regular meeting of the governing board to order at 5:09 p.m. Can you please have roll call present? >> Thank you. We do have a quorum. Ayanna number two. Um, pledge of allegiance. Miss Galvan, would you please lead us to the flag of the >> Thank you. You may be seated. Item number three, call to the public. Any person wishing to speak concerning an item not in the agenda may present the information at this time. All presentations are limited to a maximum of three minutes. Anyone from the public? All right. Seeing none. Item number four, approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda as presented? >> I make a motion. >> Second. >> Moved by Ber Koncha, seconded by board member Oyos. All those in favor signify by
007saying I. >> I. If anyone opposes, please say nay. >> Motion carries unanimously. Item number five, approval of the minutes. 5.1 Approval of the governing board meeting minutes of April 14, 2026 and special board meeting minutes of April 20, 2026. Are there any questions, comments, concerns, or edits to this minutes? Okay, seeing none, is there a motion to approve the minutes as presented? >> Make a motion. >> Moved by board member Oos. Is there a second? >> Second by board clerk Koncha. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If anyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item number six, district superintendent. Item number 6.1, employee recognitions. Mrs. Espara, >> I'd like to call Mrs. Espita from Sanage Preschool, please. >> Good afternoon everybody. uh she had a family emergency.
008However, she's very pleased to announce two beautiful people from San Prisco to recognize their effort and dedication to San Pris students and families. Miss Abil, our school psychologist, please give her applause. and Brenda Garcia Figeroa, our parent leaison. There are some words. Can I can I announce them? Yes. >> So, Mrs. Moreno wrote some beautiful words to recognize these beautiful ladies. Mrs. Lara, I'm so happy to have the opportunity to recognize a hardworking woman who is always dedicated to doing what is best for the preschool students of San Ris. Her work ethic is truly admirable and her dedication and love for her professions are inspiring. She constantly constantly goes above and beyond to support students and families and her commitment makes a a meaningful difference in the lives of those who she serves. I want
009to sincerely thank you and recognize you for all your hard work and dedication to our preschool. Your effort do not go unnoticed and the positive impact you make each day is greatly appreciated. Congrat congratulations and thank you for everything you do for our students, families, and staff. Thank you. Brenda, ever since you began working as a at as a parent leaison at our preschool, you have been extraordinary asset to our school community. Your dedication, compassion, and genuine passion for the work you do are truly inspiring. You're consistently go above and beyond in your role, always willing to lend a helping hand and provide support to both families and staff whenever needed. Your kindness, commitment, and positive attitude make a meaningful difference every day. And your love for the for the children and families we serve
010is evident in everything you do. The care and encouragement you provide help create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone in our Prisco community. We want to recognize and sincerely thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the incredible impact you continue to make. We are truly grateful to have you as a part of our Prisco family and we deeply appreciate all you do from Mrs. Moreno. >> Well, Miss Moreno is not here. Hello everyone. But thank you, Miss Moreno, if you're watching us. Um, thank you so much for choosing me for this recognition. I'm going to try to read this because I refuse to wear glasses, but I'll try. I was as honestly surprised mostly because I thought surviving the school year without losing my water bottle was already a major accomplishment. This
011recognition is possible because of the people around me. I appreciate this recognition and feel very lucky to work with so many amazing people throughout the years. the different principles, the staff that I have worked with, uh the amazing um supporting teachers and the co-workers who have supported me along the way. Every day brings me something new. Whether it is helping students, solving unexpected problems, or trying to reme remember what day of the week, what day of the week it is. Working with our students is the best part of the job. They keep us busy, keep us humble, and definitely keep life interesting. and I do not just play games with the kids all day. So, thank you again for this honor and I'll try my best to continue working for this school community. Thank you.
012Any more recognitions? >> Uh, no. >> All right. Item number 6.2, retirement plaques. >> Um, yes. I'd like to first start off by calling Miss Vega, please. Hello. Hello. Yes. Good afternoon. My name is Sylvia Vega. I am the proud principal at Gatston Elementary and I feel very honored today to uh present a um retirement plaque for Mr. uh Chavez. If you can please join us up here. Mr. Chavez has been with us in the district for 26 years and um that only speaks about his dedication and his commitment to our school community. I feel very grateful to have you at Gatston because you make a impact every day in the student's life. Um you are uh one of the teachers that came up very friendly to me when I was walked in into Gaston.
013I appreciate that Mr. Chavez and and that um friendly and caring um sense that you brought to me, you bring that to class every day. I know that you're one of the favorites in the in the student community. They're always looking for Mr. Chavez and all the activities that he has participating in. Um last year we had pie the teacher and um we had several teachers and and even the principal was not that um I guess famous like Mr. Chavez when Mr. Chavez was there all of the students follow him. Uh he's always there for the students and one of the things that we appreciate the most is you driving all the way from California to be in our district which is the best district. Um I do want to say thank you to family.
014Uh your daughter is here and your and your wife. Thank you because this is a very demanding um career and you being here with the district for 26 years and wife and family supporting you. Um we are very grateful and proud. So thank you Mr. Chavez. Um enjoy it but not so much because we want you back. >> So thank you. Um, next I would like to call Miss Ogarine. Miss O Green is one of our mighty and busy uh ants, working ants at Gadston. You will see Miss Green all over Gadston doing different roles, taking different um opportunities to help out. We are very grateful to have you, Mr. Green, and and to to continue to have you. She is involved in many different district activities. She is part of the arts uh visual
015arts academy. So, um she's very talented and we love the way that you work with students um and the way that you care and commit to the career. She has been with our district and with Gatsen 36 years. So, we are very appreciative of all those years and the commitment to our school and our district. So, thank you, Miss Green, and thank you, Mr. Chavis. Go ahead. >> Good evening everyone. First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with the strength, patience, and opportunity to serve as a pair professional for the past 36 years. Through every challenge and every success, he has guided me and carried me along this journey, and I'm truly grateful. Tonight, I feel honored and humbled to celebrate this milestone while also looking forward to continuing my work
016with the school community that has meant so much to me. To the school board, thank you for your dedication to the education field and for recognizing the work of pair professionals. Your support helps create an environment where students and staff can grow and succeed together. To my principal, thank you for your leadership, encouragement, and trust. Your support has meant more than words can express. And I appreciate the positive example you said for all of us every day. To my co-workers, thank you for becoming more than colleagues. You became a family. Thank you for the laughters, teamwork, kindness, and support through the busy days and difficult moments. The friendships I have made over these 36 years are some of the greatest blessings of my career. To the teachers and students that I have the privilege to
017work with, thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives and learning experiences. Every child I have worked with has left sorry has left a special place in my heart. and being able to help students grow and succeed has been one of the greatest joys in my life. To my family, thank you for the endless love and encouragement. Thank you for understanding the long days, supporting me through the years and always believing in me and especially my son. Thank you for being my motivation and my pride and joy. Your love, encouragement, and support have inspired me to keep going, keep growing, and continue doing the work I love. 30 some years ago, I began this journey with a caring heart and a desire to help children. Today, I stand here even more grateful
018knowing that this work that has not only impacted students lives, but has also deeply enriched my own life. I am thankful that I can continue serving this school and this community that I love so much. Thank you for all your kindness, support, and friendship throughout the years. It has truly been an honor, and I look forward to continuing this journey together. Thank you, and God bless you all. Thank you. >> Mr. Chavez. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you for all being here today. Standing here now, it is hard for me to put into words what this moment fully means to me. Teaching has been formed than a job. It has been my passion, my purpose, and one of my greatest blessings in my life. When I first stepped into the classrooms years ago, I that
019my role will simply be teach a lesson from the books. What I quickly learned was that teaching is really about building uh relationships, encouraging confidence, inspiring curiosity, encouraging encouraging confidence, spiring curiosity, and helping the students believe in themselves. Along the way, my students taught me just as much as I ever taught them about resil resilience, kindness, humor, patience, and hope. I am deeply grateful to the administrators and colleagues who supported me through throughout my career. Thank you for your friendship, teamwork, and encouragement throughout both the challenging days and the joyful ones. To the parents and families, thank you for trusting me with your children, allowing me to to be part of of their life and journey. And to my students, past and present, you are the heart of my profession. Every smile, every question, every
020accomplishment, and and even every challenge helped me shape my experience as a as an educator. Watching you grow has been the greatest reward I could ever ask for. I hope that in some small way I help you see your own potential and reminded you that you are capable of achieving great things. As I retire, I leave with a heart full of gratitude and memories. I will cherish forever. While it is bittersweet to say goodbye to this chapter, I am excited to the new adventures ahead. No matter where the life takes me, part of me will always remember remain in the classroom. Thank you all for making this journey so meaningful that it has truly been an honor and privilege to be your teacher. For my wife, my daughter, my son, thank you for all your
021support throughout the years. Thank you everyone. Hello everyone. Before I um recognize um a beautiful person from Ed Pastor, I do want to take a really quick moment to congratulate Mr. Chavez and Miss O Green. I was at Gatson for 16 years, so they are part of that family that I left at Gadston. Mr. Chavez, thank you for all the opportunities to learn from you. Um I still recall um becoming a mentor and then a master and always um coming back to you for um for expertise, for advice and to teach new teachers how to become teachers. Um I know that everywhere I go, I always talk about have you ever seen Mr. Chavis teaching reading? Um you have such a beautiful way of connecting with students and really making your learning accessible in a
022way that truly impacts students. So yes, this is a milestone, but I truly hope you continue in this journey because it is your calling. So thank you, Mr. Chavez and Mr. O Green. My love and my heart with you. Thank you for all your support. Thank you for all the love and your time and always having that not just the support with um our work but also as a family as you mentioned for being that uh listening ear and always offering the love and the support and the prayer. Truly appreciate and I love you so much. Anyway, I wasn't prepared for that one, but um I am here to talk about again a beautiful person that I had the honor to work with at Pastor um Miss Blanca Carrasco. Come on down, Miss Carrasco. Miss
023Blanca Carrasco. I had the privilege to work with alongside Miss Garasco for two years at Ed Pastor. Um she is deeply respected and admired um at our school. Um Miss Garasco's kindness, compassion, and dedication have touched the lives of so many students, families, and staff members. Miss Garasco consistently has supported students with love, empathy, and grace. She approaches every child with patience and understanding, always striving to do what is best for students, and ensuring they feel valued, supported, and cared for. Miss Garasco's ability to build meaningful relationships with families and colleagues alike speaks volumes about her character and the genuine heart she brings to her work each and every day. Her positive impact extends far beyond the classroom. She is the kind of person who makes a lasting difference simply by being herself. She's dependable,
024compassionate, respectful, and wholeheartedly committed to serving others. She simply pours her heart into what she knows how to do best. Our school community truly misses her and I am sincerely grateful for have had the opportunity to work with you, Miss Carrasco, and for have counted on such an exceptional individual. Love you. Okay, first of all, um, good evening. I would like to thank it's been a year since I I stopped working here in the retirement. I want to thank my family and the parents. I'm a students. I love working. I work for special education for 25 years and I love my kids. I love their parents and I love their community and also thank you to the district for giving me the honor to work in this district. Thank you so much. We want to
025start master teachers. Um And salude person. Satisfaction. tortillas. much. managers, Maria, Alexa. fortomy. No one's rushing. Can you take a picture? No, Is Mr. Mom here with ah >> Miss Mia Mortal couldn't join us today, but we have her mom. I personally had the opportunity to work Um, the Arizona desert You're watching me. extra extraordin She goes above and beyond. That's it for the superintendence report. >> Thank you, Mrs. Para. Um, I want to thank the retirees for their uh countless lives that you guys have touched throughout these many years of service to the to the district. Um, you have helped and will continue helping generations and students to come. Um and and I also want to recognize the families because without that support system towards anyone that it's in the education system, they probably
026couldn't have done it without your support in those early mornings, long days, school events, promotions, graduations, and the sacrifices that come along with working with someone in the public education community. So, so thank you for for your years of service. I don't know if anyone else would like to say something. No. All right. Fore much graciasto. Thank you. Um much. All right, that's it. We don't have anything on item 6.2, 6 I mean 6.3 and 6.4. We're going to move to the consent agenda. Um, it's nice to see a full house tonight. So, you're more than welcome to stay throughout the meeting, but if if you would like to to retire and celebrate the retirees, that's also fine. Gracias. Okay, with that I'm going to go to item number seven, consent agenda. the items on
027the Christine agenda I presented for you and will be approved with one motion unless one of the board members desires to uh put one of the items. We have item 7.1 student activity report 7.2 ratification of vouchers 7.3 donations 7.4 Four, approval of donations for teacher appreciation week. 7.5 approval of donations for district view library and estraa norteno. Are there any questions or comments on the consent agenda? If not, I'm going to move to approve the consent agenda as presented. Do I have a second? Moved by me, seconded by board member Oos. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. If you're going to posess, please say so by stating nay. I will abstain. >> Okay. Motion carries with two eyes and one abstension. >> Item number eight, information discussion items 8.1 expenditure report
028summary. Mr. Burnhart. >> Yes, this is the expenditure report for the month of uh through the month of April. In fact, one week in May as well. It was done on the 7th of May. So that's through that date. Uh first is maintenance and operations which is the general fund of the district. Uh we had a budget of 40.7 million on the first revision. Uh receipts to date we spent 30.7 million. We've uh encumbered an additional 5.9 million through the end of June. uh which leaves us a balance as of now of $4 million in a maintenance and operations which is 10% of the budget. U the next one is unrestricted capital outlay fund 610. Uh the first revision had a budget of 13.9 million. We've expended to date 2.3 million and encumbered an additional
029quarter of a million. Uh we've got a balance of 11,400,000 and that's 81.8% of that budget. So that's as of the 7th of May and that's all there is on that. >> Thank you, Mr. Burnhart. Any comments or questions on the extent report summary? All right, seeing none, item number 8.2, Mrs. Esparza, summer school. >> Um, yes, we are very excited about our summer school program. Currently, we have we're going to have all schools with summer school and two schools with an after with a one to5 program. Um I I like to share that all those schools have at least are going to have at least 10 classrooms and after they attend um the regular summer school from 8 to 12. Then for those students that want to continue and for those parents who need
030support, we're going to continue with extracurricular activities at Southwest and Ed Pastor from 1 to 5. The district will be providing breakfast, lunch, and for those who continue at Pastor or at Southwest, we are going to serve dinner as well. And we're very excited because we have multiple enrichments programs planned out. We have, of course, we have arts. We're going to have STEM and STEAM. Uh we're going to incorporate all these fun activities as well as our world famous music program. Um, and this is for information only. >> Thank you. And um, we haven't been informing the community, right, about this. >> Excuse me. >> We have been informing the community, right? >> Yes, of course. We are sending out permission slips. The schools are sending out permission slips. And if parents haven't turned it
031in, if they're listening to us right now, we encourage you to have your students join our summer program. Three-week program. >> Three weeks. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Mrs. Pa. Any questions or comments from any of the board members? All right. Item 8.3. I know grandparents c day celebration. Mrs. The government uh the governing board requested that a date be selected each year to honor and celebrate grandparents in the United States. National grandparents day is observed the first Sunday after labor labor day every year. This is to inform the governing board that all schools within the district will celebrate grandparents day on the Monday following the national observance. This is for information only. Thank you for Thank you for getting it done. Um, any questions or comments from the board members on this item? >>
032I just want to say thank you as well. >> So, we'll we'll be inviting you and dressing you guys up as grandparents. >> All right. Looking forward to the district's first grandparents day celebration. So, appreciate you and your team. Item 8.4, for land and water conservation of fun grant. Miss Pia Hi everyone. Hello. Um, I'm Nina. I'm the grant writer for the school district and with me is Lucia Nada, our grants manager and we're here to present on the land and water conservation fund grant. We first presented this to the board um in I believe October or November of 2023. This is a federal grant administered by the Arizona State Parks and Trails Department. and we submitted ever since October 2023, we've been working on this and we submitted the grant application in March of
0332026 requesting $872,000 from the Arizona Parks to help fund this project. This is a dollar for dollar match required grant. So, if we receive this grant, which we're expecting to hear a final approval by September of this year, we would be expected to match the exact amount they will be hopefully will be awarding us. And this would help us develop the Scorpion Sports Complex, which would be located at San Middle School. Yes, it would bring So, this is a twoface project. So, this would be which would cover all general construction work, permits, testing, surveys, fencing, and two state-of-the-art soccer fields as well as a track field. Um, and restroom buildings, bleachers, and street lighting. And we are expected that once we receive this award, it would take between eight and 10 months to complete the
034project. And this has been collaborative work. multiple departments within the district. We've had the grants department, federal projects, the office of the superintendent, associate superintendent, and the maintenance department have all collaborated during these almost three years to bring this project to life. Like I said, we're expecting to hear the final um approval by September. And um we are requesting for um we are requesting partnerships. We will be presenting for the city council meeting at towards the end of the month to see if we could get some um partnership going with the city of Suns to help us either with um financing to help us with our match requirements. So we're very excited to finally bring this project to life. Any questions, comments, or concerns from any of the board members? I just want to say
035thank you so much for the hard work. >> Thank you for everybody that is involved on this. Mrs. Para, anything to add? I just want to thank um the department, Linda, Lucia, Linda Coronado as well because this has been a three-year process. I remember the first time uh we actually invited um what's his name? Jeff. We actually invited him and um we made him get on the district car and we drove around and showed him all the cars. We took him where it's uh behind St. Louis Middle School and we told him about demographics and our letter grades and all that good stuff. And I think that on that day when we came back to the district um all of us we sat down and we said, "Oh, this is so sold." So we just
036it's been a process, but thank you so much for the hard work. >> Thank you. and I know you've done a tremendous job in research and I've been attending a couple of the online meetings to listen on what the commissioners have to say. So that's so that's good in their comments and their approval and um hopefully the city council in May 27 will be having open eyes to to create this partnership with the Gaston School District to to accomplish this 1.27 two7 million dollar project sports complex that it's much needed for for our schools and and um I think yeah the community and and um I don't think you mentioned that this is this is it'll be part of San Middle School and and the Scorpion Sports Complex but we're looking forward to complete this
037partnership with the city so the rest of the community can use it after after hours am I correct there or so so that's a partnership that hopefully you guys will be able to get through through city council so that it will not be only for the use of our students. Um but uh hopefully after school hours it will also be we will have the ability to to allow the rest of the community to use it. So it's it's great. So thank you for your presentation and the two three years of works that you guys have put into it. So thank you All right, moving along. Item 8.5, fish reading of proposed revised policies G CCA, GC CB, and GCQE. Mrs. Vestto, >> yes. Good afternoon. So, the proposed revisions have been reviewed and edited by
038the district's legal council, which is for uh policies GCCA, GCCB, and GCQA. These policies are specific to the uh leave acrual for employees and as well as the retirements. um the this is the first reading so it's information and then next month we'll bring it for the final and approved um um approval for the uh governing board and basically what we're trying to do is and in a small summary is to grandfather in all employees all current employees that we have that are hired on or before June 30th of 2026 to remain on our current policy um which allows them to uh have a 75% of um payout as retirement and 40% of res uh resignations. Uh we are changing and modifying it to where new employees of the district um that are higher on
039or after July 1 of 2026 fall under a new policy where their payout will be at 30% of their uh daily rate and then if they resign there's no payout. And the reason why we're moving in this direction is because of the liability financially to the district. And that's why we are grandfathering in anybody who's currently hired with the district will not be affected by the new policy. It's only those employees coming in. So as everything we've looked and compared um the these same exact policies with Yuma County um and we are the only ones that pay out anything. Um, as far as retirement for the new policy, we have um we are we selected the highest paying district and we're matching it. So, we are uh trying to do the best that we can
040with our employees and not obviously grandfather and those that are already within using this current policy. So, this is just kind of like a little summary um of the changes. If you look at the policy attached, everything that's crossed out and every, you know, highlighted um has been reviewed and has been edited by our district attorney um to make sure that everything is under policy and this is only for information. >> Thank you for for working on this policy. I know it has been a few months and years since we've talked about this one and um and we need to work on that financial liability. Would it be possible to email this document to all the employees right now to see if they have any feedback that way they have it and for the sake
041of transparency? I know it's it will be in online but so this is not adopted yet. Is this a first reading for the board? Um it definitely once it's approved we we definitely can issue it to directly to the employees. It is on the website, but we can also send it to sites so they have it directly >> or at least a reminder that it's on the website and then just in case they have any >> questions, comments or concerns on how it >> could affect them if any. >> Yeah. And just so uh I know that we've been reviewing this with the supervisors and the uh principles. Um the plan will be also since uh the second reading and final and approved. If it gets approved, it will be in June to become effective
042July 1st. A lot of our employees will be on summer break. So it has been discussed in administrative meetings and the plan is with the principles and the departments just like we do open enrollment that I will take the time to go to all the schools and all the departments to explain these changes so they know exactly you know which ones will be affected and which ones won't to open it up to questions to them too. So that's the plan when we come back in August. >> Does the holiday mentioned on this one? >> Yes. Uh the holidays will remain the same. It doesn't touch the holidays. Um the only thing that touches is leave and we are recommending to remove that anybody providing direct instruction before after a holiday will no longer require a
043medical note. Um that would be um the they would have to get pre-approval from their supervisor if they want to be out. So those are the two things being touched in these policies. Leave retirement payouts and uh the before and after holiday. >> Okay. And um can we encourage supervisor not just principles but supervisors uh when they're going to be out I mean is the discretion to approve it approve them or not um and it has been in the policy forever. Um but I know this changed it's a bit different but um you know people know when they're going to have a wedding and a kineta so I much rather have them requesting the time off than wasting the resources on the medical benefits. So I don't know if you want to talk talk about
044that part a bit. I can explain that. So the reasoning behind the suggestion of removing the before and after holiday, we are a self-funded district uh when it comes to health benefits. So any claims have to come out of that fund of that checking account. So right now requiring employees uh we uh noted that you know if they were sick in order for them to get their day paid out they have to bring a medical note if it was before and after holiday. and in in looking at the financial cost of going to the doctor to get a note is probably more than hiring a sub for that day. So we will still remain in policy that you know it is a discretion of the supervisor or the principal just because the policy does say
045that once a 10% of the staff is out they can deny it. Um but that will be dealt at at the school or department level. >> Yeah. But like I said, it just like foster the ability to inform employees to ask for the days off once they I mean >> yes >> you people some people do but you know medic wed wedding state you don't plan it you know from the day before >> or birthdays and whatnot. So I much rather have them you know ask for a day off and they'll be entitled to and and again it's a privilege if the supervisor approves it or not. >> Yes. >> When it comes to that. So I think correct I know you're busy right now in open enrollment but >> and that's why >> I
046would like for the employees to see right now to see how they'd be affected or not or or how >> open this will be for them to request they off but as well as trying to protect the you know the our benefits that we have with the our employee benefits in the trust. >> Yes. >> Mrs. Paran anything on this item from you? No, no. I I mean, I just think we're going to um I think it's fair for the for the employees that want to take days off that they ask for their days. Um but I also think it's it's important and we have very responsible teachers. I I know that they will also take care of each other and they know when when a lot of teachers ask for a day off. So
047um I know that they will be very understanding once the uh principal reaches that 10%. That 10% is really for the safety of our kids. So there's going to be monitoring but I think it's also fair that our employees are able to ask for for days off >> and also if there if there's a discipline issue with one employee that one employee shouldn't hurt the rest of the team. So and that should be also to the discretion of whatever site supervisor director or principal. So I think we should foster that collaboration and in culture. Um so thank you for presenting this revisions. Um any questions or comments from any of the board members? All right, we're going to move to action. Item number nine, action items 9.1, approval to renew service agreement with Educational Services,
048Inc. ESI. Mr. Bhart. >> Yes. U close for your review and the approval is the 2627 service agreement for early retirement and return to work school district personnel between ESI and Gadson Elementary School District. We'll this year we'll be adding the addition of subsource for all certified and classified substitutes. Uh the ESI administrative fee will remain the same for retirees at 18.5% and for certified and classified substitutes would be 27.5% of the gross salary. Uh the administrative recommendation is to approve the service agreement with Educational Services Inc. also called ESI for fiscal year 2627 as presented. Thank you. Any questions or comments from any of the board members? All right. Seeing none, do I have a motion to approve the agreement as presented? >> I make a motion. Moved by board clerk Koncha, seconded by
049board member Oos. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> If anyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item 9.2 approval of the casting school district revised expenditure budget number two for fiscal. That would be the fiscal year, right? >> Yes. All right. Yes. Okay. The this expenditure budget is revised at a board meeting on or before May 15th of each fiscal year for changes in estimated expenditures and funding which is available for that fiscal year which is 2526. Uh the May budget revision between capital outlay and maintenance and operation would be a total of 56,233,344 and the adopted budget which we which we revised in September was 54,621866. So the increase in the budget limit is1,611,478 and the administrative recommendation is to approve the revised expenditure budget number
050two for fiscal year 2526 as presented. Thank you, Mr. Burnhart. Any questions, comments, or concern from the board members? And we did have our required public hearing before our meeting. So we're good with that. So do I have a motion to approve the revised budget as presented? >> I make a motion. >> Moved by board clair concha. Do I have a second? >> Second by board member Oos. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If anyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. All right. Motion carries unanimously. Item number 9.3 approval of preventive maintenance reporting statement fiscal year 2025. Mr. Brownhart. >> Yes. U each year is required to have an approval of the preventive maintenance reporting statements u submitted. Oh jeez, it's submitted by all school districts but in our case by
051our school district Gadson Elementary. uh it goes to the Arizona School Facilities Board and it's required so that the state is aware or is is making sure that we are aware and have been able to do our uh maintenance as scheduled on the state's required maintenance list and each year we have to get that done and approved by the board of directors and the superintendent and the administrative recommend Recommendation is to approve the preventive maintenance statement uh reporting statement for fiscal year 2526 as presented. >> Thank you, Mr. Mhart. Any questions or comments from any of the board members? >> Hearing none, the recommended motion is to approve the preventive maintenance report statement as presented. Do I have a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Moved by board cler ka. Do I have a second?
052Seconded by board member Oos. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If anyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item 9.4 Arizona School Board Association policy services advisories number 9 61 through 1046. Second and final reading. Mrs. Esparan. >> The Arizona School Board Association provides the services for updating our district policies. The attach advisories have been brought to the board for second and final rating. The administrative recommendation is to approve the Arizona School Board Association policy services advisories number 961 to 1046 for second and final rating as presented. >> Thank you. Mrs. Espar, did the attorney review this? our attorney, they usually don't review our the policies. They coming from ASVA. So when they come from ASVA, they already reviewed and um we usually don't send them to our
053attorney. >> And and the reason I'm asking because a lot of them are taking a lot of local control on many of a few of the items. I know it's it's been recommended by ASVA, but it just we might have to I don't know maybe bring it back to the board if they don't affect his but they do they're taking a lot of local control from the board and without giving you know the due process as to who and what is going to enforce some of the of what they're deleting and proposing it kind of so just as a comment or side note on that >> yes um we can begin that practice we could talk about it during the the board retreat if that can if the board decides that that's the practice um
054ASBA then our attorney then we bring it in for approval. >> Let's discuss it on the on the retreat. Okay. I mean usually when they come from ASV and and I know it's um let me see >> it's safer to uh to approve the policies than >> on this case it was let me see I have it 449 pages. So >> just to be in it was a lot of reading but yeah a lot of a couple of them were taken out of local control from the school board. So all right so the admin initiative recommendation is to approve the policy services number 961 through 1046 for second reading and final reading as presented. Do I have a motion? >> I make a motion. >> Moved by board clair concha. Do I have a second?
055>> Second by board member Os. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If anyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item 9.5, approval of tuition based preschool program for the 25, I'm sorry, 2627 fiscal year. Mrs. Esparan, >> due to the recent cuts in preschool grant funding, the district is no longer able to fully sustain the current preschool program. These funding cuts have resulted in budget constraints and closure of classrooms. In order to continue providing early childhood education opportunities, the district is transitioning to a tuitionbased preschool model. The program would cost 130 per week per student and operate Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. This approach would help offset operational costs, maintain preschool services, and reduce the need for additional classroom closures while remaining an affordable
056option for families. The administration the administrative recommendation is to approve the transition to a tuitionbased preschool program for the 2627 fiscal year at a rate at 140 per student per week as presented. >> Okay. Um when was the funding uh pulled from the federal budget for for the for early childhood? >> Last December. last December. So, we were able to offset >> for the rest of the semester with district monies. Correct. >> That's right. >> Uh, and what is the federal government doing with the early childhood fund that we were using to to have our freeof charge preschool program? Currently what they're doing the federal uh funds went to the state the Arizona the state of Arizona decided to use the funding for strategic planning professional development and to come up with different ways to
057support early childhood in the coming years. Uh we've talked to different um legislators um they know we actually they are actually using gats and data. We were able to provide them with information. We tracked the students and those students who attended preschool all the way up to sixth grade. We were able to compile that data and send it off to them. We um hope that that will support when they go up and advocate for preschool programs. We're hoping that this budget cut will last one year. Um but we'll see. um if money does become available throughout um the summer or before August, then we would definitely bring it back to the board and and plan something. >> Um is anyone losing their job due to this federal cut in funding? >> No question. >> We
058will keep four classrooms. We made sure um I do want to thank Mr. de la because uh we personally went to the preschool, spoke to Miss Galvan, u Mr. Deoy and myself, we went and spoke to all the preschool employees and we we um talked to them about uh different models that the district would bring and what they we wanted to know what they thought about a tuition based preschool and they were very supportive of that. Mr. if you want to jump in. I know that we were supposed to be there for only 45 minutes. We were there for more than an hour and a half. Um, so we listened to them. We um came up with different solutions to continue with preschool opportunities. And we also talked to our employees and made sure and
059we told them that everybody was going to have a a job at the district. So, uh, we have been working, uh, Rosestto, Miss Galvan, we've been working with the different schools and looking at job openings and talking directly to those preschool staff and making sure that nobody is left without a job. >> No, thank No, I want to thank you and for allowing me to go to the preschool and sometimes it's hard tough conversations are not as easy to have, but we were there. we were able to answer their questions and and told them that no one was losing their job and um but it's not up to us. It was up to the federal, you know, federal government to close that funding. Um I know I don't know if it was you or Miss
060Gwan who researched what other districts have been doing because we have been doing it for free of cost. So what other district >> That's correct. So, um, we went in and looked at the other neighboring districts, and we have districts charging 160 a month, 150 a month, I'm sorry, 1 160 a week, 150 a week. Um, and giving them less services, sometimes part-time. Um, but we made sure that we remained the lowest cost for our community. >> Okay. What was that? And we also made sure that we um that our prices compared to the DS and we are currently on the wait list uh for DES. So those families that do qualify um for DS, we are on the waiting list already. >> Okay. All right. Any qu questions or comments from any of the
061board members? >> Mr. Borna. Um, I just want to say thank you for taking care about the employees and the kids as well because you guys are thinking um thinking out of the box uh to bring money and to make sure the employees is still working and have a job. Thank you so much for that. microphone >> and and I you know I just do want to mention that um we are we are very um positive and we're still keeping our fingers crossed and we are looking at different ways and we're looking under the rocks and if something come ups um definitely we bring it back. >> Thank you. Um, Miss Galban, anything? I know this was one of your babies as well. So, >> no, just to our community that we are really looking
062um at different models, different um strategies that we can implement to try and provide students um with opportunities. I know that we had our preschool promotion yesterday and it was wonderful to see all of the students promoting to kindergarten and one of our goals is to not only support them academically but also to support them socially when they enter kindergarten. So it will be one of our priorities to try and um find funding. >> Thank you. With that, um, the recommendation is to approve the transition to a tuition based preschool program for the 26 27 fiscal year at a rate of $100 per student per week as presented. Do I have a motion? >> I have a motion. I make a motion. >> Moved by board cler ka. Is there a second? >> Second by
063board member Oos. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. If opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item number 9.6, approval of the governing board retreat for Saturday, June 27, 2026 in the district administrative offices. Mrs. Bara, >> each year the governing board holds a governing board retreat. This year, the governing board retreat will take place in the gas and district administrative offices in Sunrise, Arizona on Saturday, June 27th, 2026. The administrative recommendation is to approve the annual board retreat as presented. >> Thank you. Did do we know anything the US for a royal or where they live if they were available? Do we know or okay well they're not here. Does anyone have any questions or comments on the retreat? >> All right. The admin recommendation is to
064approve the governing board retreat as presented. Do I have a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Moved by board cler koncha. Do I have a second? >> Second by board member Os. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If any opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. 9.7 revision of 2026 2025 2026 fiscal year rates for outside employee contracts. contra employees contract hours. Mrs. Vestto, >> uh third time the charm. This is the third time we bring it to the board, but it's for good reasons. So, um these were already approved at the beginning of the school year and then I brought it back to you guys last month uh to match um everybody getting the same amount. in between then and now um there was additional funding that came
065in through 21st century um that has to be used before June 30th of 2026. So because migrant was able to pay the $50 an hour, now everybody now can get paid $50 an hour versus the 35. So, this is the easiest way to explain this item that we're recommending that you know um anything during the summer for summer school teachers get paid $50 an hour instead of 35 and uh the coordinators get paid $55 an hour versus um the 40. So, um this would be again for all the fundings that we use for for summer. The administrative recommendation is to approve the revised um above hourly rates for the before and after school and summer work performed by employees outside of their regular hours for fiscal year 2526 as presented. >> Thank you. Are there
066any questions or comments from any of the board members? >> Do we know people have already signed up for summer to work for the summer? >> Absolutely. They've been working on Yeah. Okay. So they've they've they've been informed pending board approval. >> Okay. There's a recommendation to approve this item as presented. Is there a motion? >> Make a motion. >> Moved by board clerk cons. Is there a second? >> Second by board member Os. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. If everyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Yeah, that'll be a good I know. >> It's good news. >> Good news. >> Yes. >> And good news. Employees are going to be happy for that one. >> Item number 9.8, approval of one time stipen
067for public information officer, Mrs. Vestto. >> Yes, we are requesting the governing board approval of a onetime stipen for Mr. Jose Luis Neros Gonzalez u public information officer um for additional duties that he completed. Uh Mr. um Cistos was assigned to develop a district recruitment rollout plan which required a total of three days of work. Based on his daily read, we are recommending an approval of a onetime stipen of $725. The administrative recommendation is to approve the onetime stipen for Mr. Cidles in the amount of 725 as presented. >> Are there any questions, comments, or concerns from any of the board members? If not, is there a motion to approve this stipen as presented? >> I make a motion. >> Moved by board Koncha. Do I have a second? >> Second by board member Oos.
068All those in favor signify by saying I >> I'm sorry. >> All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If anyone opposes, please say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item 9.9, approval of the psychologist intern salary placement for the 2026 2027 fiscal year. Mrs. Bay status. >> Yes, the district uh currently has an approved job description for the position of psychologist interned. Due to the ongoing difficulty in filling this position and the lack of interest candidates in recent years, the administration would like to reopen the recruitment efforts for this position. After reviewing comparable salary placements among Yuma County elementary school districts, the administration is recommending to place the psychologist enter position in grade three, which would be the same as the speech and language pathologies assistance uh for the 2627 fiscal year minmax salary exempt
069placement schedule that's attached. The administrator recommendation is to approve the 2627 fiscal year salary placement in grade three for psychologist interns positions as presented. Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from any of the board members? If not, the recommendation is to approve the salary placement as presented. Do I have a motion to approve as presented? >> I make a motion. >> Moved by Ber Cona. Do I have a second? >> Second by Oyos. All those in favor signify by saying I. I. >> If anyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. Item number 10 uh discussion possible action to approve the following personal items. I number 10.1 ratification and or new employment. Mrs. Vestto, >> we have a total of three. Two of them would be returning from ESI and
070the other one would be a replacement. The administrative recommendation is to approve the personnel action as presented pending proper certification and clearance. Are there any questions or comments on um employees 123 as presented from any of the board members? >> If not, I'm going to move to approve as presented. Uh do I have a second? >> Second. >> Moved by me, seconded by board cler koncha. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If I opposes, please say so by stating a motion carries unanimous. Item 10.2 resignations is by set. Yes. Uh we have a total of 12 resignations and the letters are attached. I do want to let the board know that this is when we see the most resignations. Uh May and June we issue contracts. Um so this will be some
071of them that decided that they're not coming back and then we'll probably see a little bit more um in June. The administrative recommendation is to approve the resignations as presented. >> Thank you. Are there any questions or comments from any of the board members? Seeing none, I'm going to move to approve their resignations as presented. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Moved by me, seconded by Ber Koncha. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If anyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries unanimously. >> Item number 10.3 retirements. >> We have uh two. We actually had number two here for her plaque. Uh well, actually one and two, I'm sorry, here for their plaque. Uh number two will be joining ESI. number one will fully retire. The administrator recommendation
072is to approve the retirements as presented. >> Are there any questions or comments on the retirements? >> Seeing none, I'm going to appear as presented. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Moved by me, seconded by board cler koncha. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. If opposes, please all by stating a. Motion carries unanimously. >> Item number 10.4 transfers and salary changes made by status. Yes. So, um when you see the classified when we talked about the preschool, a lot of the transfers are because we found placements for them in other in other um schools. So, all of those that you see from um uh full-time spia and they're going to another IA or sped IIA position in a school. And that's why the the list is a little longer
073today because a lot of the preschool staff have already been placed in open positions. Um the administrator recommendation is to approve the transfers as presented. >> Thank you. Are there any questions on any of the employees one through 25? >> Hearing none. Do I have a motion to approve the transfers as presented? >> I make a motion. >> Moved by cler koncha. Do I have a second? >> Second by board member Os. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. If anyone opposes, please say so by stating nay. Motion carries Jenn. >> Do I have a motion to uh adjourn the meeting? >> Make a motion. >> Moved by Cler Koncha. Do I have a second? >> Second by board member Os. All those in favor signify by saying I. >> If opposes,
074please say so by sting a. All right. Motion adjourns at 6:29 p.m. Thank you everyone. Have a good evening. Great work.