001tonight. And if we hear a little bit of feedback, let's just be a little patient. We're trying to configure the microphones for the new one. Okay, thank you. Yes. Liliana Royo, Luis Márquez, Ros Varela de Mr. United States of America and for which stands one nation under God indivisible liberty and I would like to ask a moment of silence for all the veterans who had passed away and gave us our service freedom. Thank you everyone may be seated. motion let's move on to the minutes of the regular meeting minutes of motion second by Liliana any correction modifications the agenda minutes no changes at all everything right so there was a motion second have a superender report Hi, good afternoon. Thank you community members for joining us today. I like to start off with the employee
002recognitions. Uh, Mrs. Nelson, are you? There she is. Come up, Miss Nelson. Mr. Mar [applause] Martinez. Socella is our school psychologist and she doesn't just work at Desert. Um she works in real Colorado um and I chose her because for the last few years she has had the most initial IS that have gone through the process. trianns um name it reevaluations. We have just had an explosion of new um diagnoses coming in and Martinus is someone that I go to. This is what else do we need to do? Where are we? What do you think about this? What's your advice? The teachers go to her, the special ed teachers, the regular teachers, they go to her and ask her for um she's in classroom, she's everywhere just, you know, we all have our own personal
003things. She is just extremely hard working. par trust her, the staff trust her and she's just done so much so much and then I want to tell you story about so the other day he comes into my office with Rodriguez and he said I got this invitation to go to the district office is this from you or who did who you recognized me and I said yeah it's for me and he Ces, she goes, I'm going to tell you the story. So she says Mr. Co got the invitation to come and he goes and tell Cindy we are going to be recognized before we go, I didn't get an invitation. He goes, "Yeah, but you and I were being recognized." And she said he kept saying that I invitation, so we came to ask you.
004I didn't realize I had also nominated him last year. And so the first year I had nominated last year I nominated Mr. and Miss Cindy Rodriguez. So he assumed he were together last year they would be together again this year. So I told I love him so much but I did n't remember. I could already recognize him but he's so deserve. Um you know everything that you see does your view that Rodriguez Mr. Fernando Rodriguez Carla Mot Mr. Ha ha, our inside haunted house, our fun festivals, our music programs, our talent shows, our runways, um anything big that we do at the school, all four special teachers really come together and do a great job about. On top of that, um you can see Mr. out on duty. He usually has a speaker on wheels
005and he's out there playing music, dance parties with the kids. I usually um posting the pictures of him doing that. Some days he's going down the hallway with the music going down the hallway and the kids are the hallway with him like little pipe and he's just always smiling, always positive, always happy, willing to do anything that we ask him. He does his own fundraising for his beginning. He gets ducked. He gets a high throne at him. He does all kinds of things, just anything for the kids. And he's extremely humble, very very humble. And um I just love having so big blessings at our school. Big assets to all of us. [applause] I'm going to ask for a big round of applause for these two people recognized for their work. Thank you. [applause] Frontier
006peasants. So good afternoon public uh we like to present our students from Stan Louis Middle School and from Southwest to present to you what we do with their program. [applause] Good evening. My name is Adrian and I am the student council president here at Louis Middle School. It is truly an honor to stand before you today to express our gratitude for the generous donations that Campin Fronteras has made to our school community. On behalf of every student as a Lis Middle School, thank you for supporting students with the teen outreach program. The Top Club Your support ensures we have fun and meaningful activities that help us share our thoughts and everything and develop essential life skills like self-expression. During every meeting, top creates a welcoming environment where students feel respected, valued and safe. An environment
007where we can truly truly thrive. We are also grateful for all the little ways you pamper us with snacks, incentives, and encouragement that make every meeting something we look forward to. These moments build our confidence and show us that our voices matter. I am not just speaking for myself but for all students at San Luis Middle School. Together we thank you campin frontiers for believing in young people and investing in our future. Your kindness and dedication inspires us to become the best version. of our both in out of school. Thank you so much for everything you do. [applause] Hello, my name is Cruz and honor to serve as the vice president of student council middle school. Today I want to express our deepest gratitude to Campesin Sin Fronteras for the incredible support and kindness to
008our school community. As someone who played sports, I personally benefited from this partnership. Thanks to our generous donations from Campesin Sin Fronteras our school was able to purchase new sports uniform which gave my team and me a boost of pride and excitement every time we take the film beyond the classroom and the sports fields Campesino Sin Fronteras has made many fun activities possible for us including the end of the year festival to highlight those experienced andations lifeor and partners bringing school thank you Campusin Sin Fronteras usage Thank you. [applause] Good evening everyone. My name is Amy Garcia and I'm a South Junior High as well. I am part of South Junior High Student Council, Skills USA, color guard National Junior Honor Society, Junior Explorers, Media Club and Ybook Club. And we're here to talk about
009this program is all about helping teams like us confidence, make positive choices, and connect with our community. What makes so special is that it's not just about learning, it's about growing. We get to talk about real life situations. We support each other and give new community service projects that actually make a big difference in our community. Top club gives us a safe space to express ourselves, learn how to become better people and support one another. One example of this is the antibullying march and the lessons leading up to it. It allows us to reflect on our behavior and learn how severe bullying is. It allows us to also reflect on our actions and it encourages us to become upstanders. and decision making that use for the rest of our lives. Top isn't just another school
010club space where team learn to believe in real. With Top Club, I have learned community service skills. We learn how to be better people and we learn life skills. Community service teaches us to give back and help others. The importance of community service is that it benefits us as individuals and it benefits the community. It also strengthens our community bonds which promotes personal and skill development. On behalf of Southwest Junior High, we are beyond grateful for all the opportunities provided by Top Club. [applause] Good afternoon, parents, family, students. Thank you so much for being here today. Uh, thank you for coming and for seeing the students, right? Talk about what the program is. Well, we are farmers without borders, and we are very happy to be able to distribute $000 to the students and schools,
011so they deserve it. [applause] And yes, keep believing in your children, in your students, right? Keep bringing that passion to the schools. [applause] Yes. Sorry. Thank you. That's another report. That's going to be the end of the superintendence report. We're going to go ahead and move on to the consent agenda. I need a motion to accept with agenda item number from number. Mr. Marcus, I forgot just one thing. Sorry. I know you're sorry. That's okay. For the third year in a row, Gon District is number one again. So, you know, when a district is number one for three consecutive years, it takes everyone. When I say everybody is the community, the whole Stan Lis community, the school community, our board members. The first thing that our students see when they come to our district is
012the bus drivers. Bus drivers must have a welcome face. Then they go to our cafeteria. Our cafeteria offers them the first top meal. They offer choices. Then they go to their classroom. The principal goes around into the classroom. Um going back home involving the community being able to have those partnerships like campesin sin fronteras. They say it takes a whole village. It really does. The administrators, the directors, um, everybody, thank you. It is a true blessing and an honor to work alongside such an amazing district. Be number one for three consecutive years is I just cannot express uh my gratitude to the community. So, thank you. Thank you very much and congratulations to all of us. Something I would like to add, thank you, is that we have parents very involved in the education of
013their children. I've always said that when parents get involved, it makes a big difference because they hold the district accountable, they hold teachers accountable, I mean, as long as parents are involved with their children, we'll continue to be like this . I hope I continue to be part of this community, and they are my community, and I continue to hope that this path we are on continues. improve it even more. Okay, thanks. We will continue. Okay, now I'm going to schedule it. I think the motion and second the motion. Any questions and any the item through seven? If not to information item number expenditure report summary Mr. Bernharding members of the governing boards staff and members of the public uh this is the expenditure report summary through uh first week of November for fiscal year
0142526. First is maintenance and operations fund. We have a budget of 40.7 million. We've spent 10.5 million. Uh we've got incumbrances of 23.6 million and we have a budget balance at this time of 6.6 6 million which is 16% of the budget at this time. Uh the next page is maintenance is uh unrestricted capitalle a budget of 13.7 million not 13.9 million. We've expended million uh weve incumerences of another $900,000 and we have a budget balance there of 51,000 and that's 86% of the budget. Most of that money set aside for construction projects in the future. So that's why there's such a large amount is available. Uh that's seen in my expense report. Thank you Mr. Bernard. Any questions from the board? If not, information item to action items. Number NRO association policy service advisor
0159179 second and final reading. Miss the Arizona School Board Association provides says the services for updating our district policies. The attach advisories have been bought to you for the board for second and final reading. The recommendation is to approve the Arizona School Board Association Policy Services administrative 917 to 959 as presented. There is a recommendation by administration to approve the Arizona School board association policy services advisory 9179 presented by Liliana. Do I hear? second by lucky any questions if not all I have let's action number 10 approval to dispose of capital assets by recycling to the district we want to go to the governing board for approval to dispose of outdated obsolete and unsupported equipment which is quite old. Some of goes back to the early 2000s. The district has decided to seek reboot recycling
016technology which is a company that is specializing in recycling technology equipment and they're committed to recycle while maintaining all the rules to protect the environment and maintain all the rules to protect uh to prevent contamination. Additionally, the company will ensure and the security ratio of all data remaining on any of the devices. Uh in the past, Redford charging carts, which are part of this uh disposal request have been put up for auction two separate times and we have had no successful bids. The last one was for 50 bucks a unit and we didn't get any takers. Uh and that is by far the most valuable items that were in that so the administrative recommendation at this time is to approve reboot technology recycling. Pick up all the equipment properly disposed of in alignment with all
017the applicable disposal rules and at no cost to the district. There is a recommendation by administration a motion. by numbers of seconds of new job and work for medical programs to school district for eligible health and related services delivered to students with disabilities. This program enables the district to recover allowable cost associated with special education, therapy, nursing, and behavioral health services. The administration recommends the approval of a new position of Medicaid program specialist. This position will be responsible for overseeing the district Medicaid program and coordinating the submission and recovery of eligible reimbursements. The position will be funded through the district Medicaid program reimbursements so the position would pay for itself. The recommended job description and salary schedule are attached for your review and this would be a 12 month position. The recommendation is to approve
018the new position of Medicaid program specialist job description administrative, salary schedule and work calendar as presented. There is a recommendation administration motion by Liliana seconds. Not in I have it on to discussion possible action to approve the following personal items ratification new hes I guess yes yeah new hes so we have a total of uh 10 positions the ones that you see that are new positions is because we had to uh open up a new special education classroom so that's where we needed additional uh spedi uh I do want to make a correction Number number four. The schedule step should be C1, not F1. So F1 is for sped and this one's for regular. Um the administrative recommendation is to approve the personnel action as presented pending proper certification and clearance. There's a recombination motion
019motion motion by Lucky second. any of resignations motion second rosfers and salary changes. Yes, we have a total of the administration is approve the transfers and salaries changes as presented. There is a recommendation to approve the transfer motion at the same time. So we go with Ros motion second by Liliana any questions if not let's move on to the extension of medical absence of absence. Yes. So we have one um requesting a year of absence the letter is attached and we do have the information on file. The administrator recommendation is to approve the year of absence as presented. There is a recommendation by administration to approve the year of absence presented right here. Motion per second. Okay, there's a motion one second. All those info. I extension extension of family yes so we do have
020a request for an extension so an employee who has who's full time and has benefits eligible for 12 weeks if they need an additional 12 weeks and needs border approval and it has to be for medical purposes. If you guys see there's a letter attached the medical note cannot be a public record and that is in the HR office. The administrator recommendation is to approve the extension of the FMLA not to exceed 12 weeks as presented. There is a recommendation by administration to approve the FML extension not to weeks. Lucky, any questions? I nonwal. We have the recommendation of one nonrenewal for the fiscal year 2627. administrative recommendation employee for 2627 fiscal year as presentation physical lucky do second the motion okay there was a motion Mario support without the recommendation for the following. The
021conduct supporting termination is in your board packet. Relevant governing board policies are also attached. The recommendation based on the for going. It is my recommendation that the governing board approves the termination of Mr. Mario Beltrans employment. There is a recombination for the termination. Do I hear motion? Motion by second by lucky. Any questions? If I have it, at this moment we make a call to the public. Anyone who wants to talk about something that is not on the agenda can do so. It has 3 minutes. Today we're going to give you more if there's no problem. Ah, then let's start with the list. Oh, please, when you come up here, there are microphones here. Ah, I'm going to say your name, and here please say your name and address. Ah, the first one is Teresita
022Contos, please. the microphone. Good afternoon everyone. It is an honor to be present here at this meeting with you. I am writing to you on behalf of our Diocese of Tucson and especially on behalf of the Rural Pastoral Ministry of the Vicariate of Yuma, which I represent. We want to express our deepest gratitude to an invaluable person, our friend and collaborator Luis Márquez. Luis, your great support and dedication have been fundamental to the success of the events we have organized for some years now. These events held here within Yuma County have had a noble purpose: to honor the hard and essential work of our farm brothers and sisters . Thanks to your generosity and your spirit of service, we have been able to carry out these celebrations in a dignified and meaningful way. Your commitment
023to our community is a true testament to faith and solidarity. On behalf of everyone, thank you very much, Luis. May God bless you for your big heart. [applause] Thank you Teresita, it is a pleasure to work with you and with the Diocese of Tucón. The truth is, it's something very motivating; we welcome them every December. By the way, they are invited on December 4th at 3 in the morning to the mass that is given to the farm workers as a welcome, and it's a very nice thing where we give them breakfasts, champurrado, coffees, burritos, sweet bread, a rosary, a mass. The bishop always comes to this place. I do n't know how there isn't a bishop assigned to Tucón yet this year, but everyone is welcome. He wanted a little bit of holy water for
024all of us so that we could be saved from our bad deeds. Thank you so much, Teresita, I really appreciate it, I really appreciate it a lot. Let's continue now with Maria Robles. Good afternoon. Well, my name is Maria Robles, I live here at 1195 California Street, I've been here for 30 years . Well, I took this time to thank Luis for all the immense things in which he has made a difference not only in the community of San Luis, Arizona, but beyond in San Luis Rio Colorado, in Sommerton, in Yuma, because Luis is a person who seems like Play-Doh, he seems like an octopus, he can participate in so many things with that energy that he has, but combined with energy. Luis is characterized by something that I will speak for myself. I wish
025I had even a tiny little piece of it. What a huge heart he has. I have the honor of working with him precisely in Pastoral Campesina with the peasant mass that has us all talking about him. [laughs] But it's a real honor to work with Luis because he's a tireless man. I truly don't know anyone as driven as him, and besides, we won't see him here in the district anymore, but Luis is the essence of our community; he's not going to back down from that commitment to work with us. And I want to tell you, Luis, Ana Lucía is here, all your brothers are here , I want to tell you that regardless of the difference you have made in the community and the seeds you have sown and the products that have been harvested,
026I want to tell you, you are our friend and that does not require holding a position anywhere in society. We love you, we love you and your family together, and that's worth its weight in gold. [applause] Thank you, Maria, for your words. Wow, what beautiful words, really. That's what I take with me , the words and affection of the people. I know we can't all be liked, but I feel blessed, very blessed. Ah, let's continue with Guillermina Fuentes. Good afternoon everyone. Good afternoon, Luis. What can I say? that the community doesn't know about you. Nothing, absolutely nothing. Unfortunately, we have everything here and everywhere else. They did n't let you finish a period, but they don't need to. You will continue to be Luis because if there is anyone who loves you here, it is
027the community. I'm talking about the community, not the people who vote for the community. So, you have left a big mark and I know that your family will continue to do so. And you know why that happens, right? Because the genes you have from your family, which I've known for 50 years, to be exact, all of you, Luis's family members, who adore him, who love him very much, that's how we love him. Have no doubt that we love him and greatly appreciate what he has done in this community, because no one, not even malicious tongues, can erase what he did in our community. And I'll end by saying, for those of you who I'm sure understand me, right? But he has been a great asset. I'm going to be speechless, this has been in our
028community for years and years and those of us who have been here all those years know who we love in this community. He has a lot here in the management, he lasted many years. Perhaps it's time for you to relax a little. Ah, but those years you were there , because I also had the opportunity to work closely with you, and during those years you worked you made a great difference to our students. You with the team, with our community, there are teachers, the teachers very proudly leaving here from our community, from the old ones who are here. Our grandchildren are teachers now too, but it gives me great pleasure, great pleasure, to tell you these words in public that you are always in my heart, you already know that. Liliana was able to graze
029thanks to the affection of the people as well, and I am leaving saying no goodbye, see you later, and to all her family members whom I have loved since they were little. Well, it's been a while. [applause] Thank you Guillermina for your words. I think one of the people here in the city who knows me quite well is Guillermina. I have the honor of knowing her. She was 16, I was 13. My family accepted her as another daughter because she's like another sister to the Márquez family, and the Márquez and Aguirre families have been here since the 70s and we'll be here for many more years because there are so many of us. There are about 200 of us markets, and the markets never end. But the truth is, neither are the Aguirres , nor
030the Aguirres. But thank you, Guille, for your words. I know they are sincere. I know they are from your heart and I don't care what they say about you. I know that you have such a big heart, even though you're a little delicacy and even though you throw lightning bolts and sparks, I know why you say it and you say it from a good heart. Thank you, I really appreciate it. [applause] And another one I've known since I don't know when, but I'm going to tease him right now to see if he remembers me, Mr. Tony Reyes. Go ahead, Tony. [applause] Tony likes the microphone as much as I do, but we're going to give him as much time as he wants. Use both if you want. Look. Ah. First of all, good afternoon to
031all of you who are here, for whatever reason you are here. I know that Luis is like a force of nature. This one moves and everyone else moves. It's like an elephant in a room. I want to tell Luis that despite everything that is said, Luis, I know where your heart is. I know your heart is good. I know where your passion lies, where everything is, where everything you've done is reflected. And what you 've done is a lot, brother, a lot, a lot, a lot. As supervisor, I first want to congratulate Marcos and Mark, Mark and Liliana, because obviously they were the ones the city chose, but I want to tell you personally that it's time for us to rest. I also feel a little bit pressured to rest a little, but I tell
032you it's because we have been a light in this community for many years and you are a light in this community, Luis, despite everything that is said after 30- something years which sounds like a lot, but is really little for people like me, I want to tell you that as far as we are concerned, your strength and your drive for these things in the community in this school district will never be forgotten. No matter what anyone says, Luis Márquez is Luis Márquez and the Márquez family will always have a special place in this community. There are many Márquez family members and they're going to have a special event. And that goes without saying about the Aguirres. [applause] But I want to tell you that personally, when they asked me about Luis, I would say, "Leave
033Luis alone because Luis is Luis, right? And whatever they tell him, he's going to do what he wants to do." And I'm telling you, Luis, you're going to have the opportunity to do what you want to do. I know you wanted to stay here, but that's not what God had in store for you, brother. What awaited you is that you are with your wife, and that you go and enjoy yourself and enjoy the moment. I think there's a way that people tell us that enough is enough. I think that if it were up to you, you would have been doing it for many more years, but oh well, that's life. As a supervisor, I congratulate Marcos because they had a pretty good campaign, and all the people who helped him. And I tell you, your
034legacy is already written, brother. You don't need to do it again, you don't need to stay here. You are Luis Márquez and you will continue to be Luis Márquez for the rest of your life. I'm telling you this personally, I'm telling you, you'll never be forgotten, Luis. What you have done has left its mark, and those three years that they have been the number one district are not for nothing. I've been here for many years. Ah, I don't want to mention Guill's 50 years because they'll understand that we've been here for so many years. But I tell you, Luis's work is reflected in all of this, it's reflected in where he is, it's reflected in where we are. Right now it's reflected in who is serving, it's reflected in what it is. We have been
035number one in the county for 3 years . Now I am a member of the county board, so I know what it's like to serve at a table, I know what it's like to have differences with the members, but I tell you, what you have done is unforgettable, it is beyond reproach and anyone who says otherwise doesn't know what they are talking about. Luis, I know, I know what I'm telling you . What you have done is unparalleled in the state, in the state of Arizona, much less in Yuma County. So I congratulate you, brother, and I want you to know that we're behind you, okay? A hug. Thanks, Tony. Thanks, Tony. [applause] Whenever I have the opportunity to listen to Tony, I tell him that he was one of my mentors. Tony was one,
036and the other very important one was César Chávez. I met César Chávez when I was 16 years old. I had the pleasure of shaking his hand, chatting with him, and these two people really motivated me . Tony, I think he was 13 when I met him, he was 14 and I was 10. Well, you were in eighth grade and I was in fifth. "So here we go," says Ton. He can't beat me by many years, no more. You know what, Tony? And it's a good thing I'm retiring soon, because if I keep going like this I'll end up like you, bald. [laughs] Yes, because they make you go through a lot of anger with so many lies, so much falsehood, with so much dirty, filthy campaigning that they throw at you. Well, that's part of
037being in politics, isn't it? This, but there's a saying, uh, if they speak ill of you it's because we're moving forward and as Don Quixote said, I don't want to say it because it's very aggressive, but we're moving forward, really, thank you and let them continue, let them continue removing, jumping over whatever they want to do. Forward. I've already done my part, and I think it's a very important part. Now I want to, I also want to, right now the last person follows, as I said, we have to leave the last for the best, the best for the last, the other way around. Ana Lucía Márquez, who almost never comes to my meetings, but today said, "I'm going to accompany you because it's my duty as your wife to be by your side, and it's
038so nice that you're here to support me. Thank you, thank you for your support." Yes, my name is Ana Lucía Márquez, and I live here in San Luis. Congratulations, Mark. Congratulations, Liliana. They're going to stay here and they're going to do a good job too. Ah, well right now we're just thanking this old guy, as some call him, for all his dedication and commitment, for everything he did as a member. I have written this down because he did it as a member of the board of directors of this district and for all he does to help in different events and people. He has earned the trust of many people who support him and who know that he does it with sincerity and great dedication. I got to know him from his beginnings in the district
039and see him grow in knowledge every time he attended the training sessions they gave them, where I had to go some of them to accompany him. But I paid for your trip. Remember, let me. It's because I only had to accompany him a few times, where I paid for my flight, he says he paid for it by plane, and I saw how he attended classes all day and I only saw him in the afternoons, and that's how he gained the experience he has to this day. He was always in communication with the board members , superintendent, teachers, staff, parents, and students, working together for the progress of the district. And yes, everyone in teams has achieved it and the district is in a stage of recognition, even though some people may say otherwise and more
040successes follow now with ideas from a young man who joins the team and wants the district to achieve more recognition. Yes, many years of Luis in which he contributed to many of the achievements. He is such a tireless worker, as he is passionate about every project he participates in, sometimes giving up to 200%. I know he will continue his story by achieving other goals, and perhaps there is no other person who is as driven to achieve what he has done in all the areas he has been in here in this city. He is a very good manager of finances. We worked for many years managing our finances well. God has allowed us to achieve more than we could have imagined without needing to receive any financial support from any organization. We are very blessed, just
041like all of you. None of us are perfect, and as Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." God gives us everything, and today He gives him his release from this successful district, and now his family will enjoy him even more . May God continue to bless you every moment of your life. We love you very much. [applause] Thank you, really. Thank you, Ana, for supporting me. I know that sometimes you were already tired of all this, uh, bad comments, bad videos, and rudeness and everything, but you endured it, although sometimes you couldn't stand it and you would tell me, "Just stop it, just stop it." And it was round after round that you and I went at, but this one came and we talked, right? We'll leave this in God's
042hands, and every time he raced he left it in God's hands and won. Uh, last time there were 12 of us and I won number one on top of everyone. Excellent. God said He still doesn't want to let me go . Now, with 31 votes, he let me go. He said, I think you've already received many blows, many curses, many that thankfully haven't reached me because I am protected. I do believe, I do believe in God and I believe in karma. I'm sorry, and I've had many situations in San where people say that because I have a back like a tortoise's, because I haven't bent over, they've knocked me down, but I get up and I get up and I keep standing and I'm going to keep standing . Believe me, Luis Márquez still has
043a while to go. Maybe I'll be like Tony in a little while, when we can't walk anymore, but we're here, right, Tony? What's my fault, Tony? But I truly thank the entire community of San Luis, Arizona and Gasden. One thing I would like to say is that we need to keep an eye on this district. Of course, we are all responsible, not just the board, all district staff, the parents, the community, that this district does not let its guard down. And this isn't my pee yet, okay? I'm going to get up right now. This, someone else who, although he hasn't written a paper, wants to talk about something, to want something with confidence. They can do it. This is my last meeting. Um, but someone... Ah, Liliana wants to speak, please, anyone from the board
044or from the audience, please. Nobody else. Well, Luis, ah, I'm going to turn my back on Like. Luis, well, it's just a matter of thanking you, thanking you. You were the person who believed in me, and because of you [laughs] I'm sitting here. Thank you for all that knowledge, thank you for your experience, thank you for the human being you truly are. I've known you for a long time, not just recently. I truly believe that we here have n't just met you recently, we've known you for quite some time, and yes, it's been the same, truly, and I want to congratulate you on that greatness you have, on that strength you possess. You are a man of respect and you have my utmost respect, truly. Thank you very much, Luis. Thanks to your family who
045lent you a little while and now you're going to stay here. You will continue to be here in the community. In fact, you still have many projects to do and we are here to work together. You're not going anywhere . You'll be here. This is your community. This is your district, and even though you're not here, you truly deserve that name that's out there . Thank you so much for everything, and you truly are in the hearts of everyone in this community. I truly congratulate you on everything you have achieved, and I am part of that legacy. I feel part of that legacy because you share that knowledge and despite what anyone says, you have done things. Thank you so much. Thank you, thank you. Thank you, Liliana. [applause] Anyone else? Oh, sorry, anyone else.
046I want to congratulate you, Luis, for all your successes and for all the years you have served the community from this board. Oh, and I also want to congratulate Mark and welcome him. Well, you're going to have to fill some pretty big shoes, hopefully. And this is even better than having Luis as a mentor in a given case, since he has a big heart and is willing to give. Hey, congratulations to you and Luis, hey, good luck. You have it, you have all the blessings and from my side, well, a thousand congratulations. Thank you very much, Lucki. Thank you. [applause] Mr. I hope congratulations look up how he worked for community and how the end goal was always student success. Um it was very evident that we have a lot of student success and Mr.
047Marquez, you have been a very um big part of that. He has been president for 26 years going on his 35th year as a board member when he first started coming when he first got elected to be part of the board here at Gazon District alongside with um the superintendent Mr. He did bring in he started our music program. It's recognized worldwide. He did bring the ACT program as well. So all that together behind the scenes the board the board members have a big role in plan where that money gets allocated how we spend the money. What programs we bring in um the insurance for example we're the only district that provides it 100% all those big decisions the board needs to make they are the ones that decide where and how the money gets
048allocated. So Mr. Maret, you've been a big part of the true success of what Gon District represents. I am sure and I ask that you be a mentor to Mr. Consteps and be number one in the Yuma County. Thank you. Anyone else? Go ahead, Rosa. President Luis Marquez. Lis, your leadership has guided us through challenges, inspired collaboration and kept our family focused on what matters most to our students. You have with integrity, vision and compassion and your commitment has made a lasting in the life of teachers, families and children across the district. Thank you for your years of dedication, service and for setting such a strong example of what true leadership looks like. I wish you the very best. May feel with the same purpose, joy and success that you have brought to us. You
049will always be a value part of this district. I really appreciate you, Lis, not just as a friend. Luis community. Thank you with the battle of my heart. Thank you so much. Thank you, Rosa. Thank you for your word. [applause] Yes, I would like to thank everyone who is here this afternoon accompanying me on a very special day, believe it or not, it is special. Ask my wife if she isn't special. I'm going to spend more time with her now. First, I would like to thank God for getting here, for letting me get this far, and then my wife, obviously without her support, although every time I went running we would do two or three rounds and the last one she would say to me, "Whatever God wants." Well, God wanted me to continue, and
050now God said, "No more, stop it now, take care of your family, and that's what I'm going to do." Yes, something very important. I'm still alive, aren't I? I still walk, I still think, I still get angry, I still complain, right? But also to my brothers who are here in part, I am so blessed that God loves me very much, He loves me very much because I have five beautiful children, 11 grandchildren, 10 brothers and about 150 nephews of the marquesses. We are a squad, we are a lot. And Márquez is here to stay because there are still many Márquezes and some are still Márquez Márquez de Pirones. My older brother married Márquez, because they are Márquez Márquez. In other words , Márquez's career isn't over right now. Márquez, no more than me, I would
051really like to talk a little. I don't know where my political side came from. There isn't a single politician in the house . I don't consider this political because I've never actually seen it as something political. Politics is very dirty, it's very treacherous, it has so many things that I don't want to add to it because you already know it. They say you shouldn't talk about religion or politics. I'm going to give you a little bit of my story about how I started in this, and I never thought I would. It wasn't the only thing I thought about when I was young. By the way, I graduated from Gasen, I'm a Panther. Go Panthers, Leonica! Uh, when I was about 13 years old, a Huawei Patrol came to give us a talk and there were
05223 of us students from Nth Rade. That was the whole district, 120 children, and there in that was Tony. That's when I got out, you were already in high school and my twin brother and I decided that when we grew up we were going to become officers and thank God we did it. He was an officer at 19 and I was 20. I was 20, well, I was mischievous, I got married at 18 and had to go to school at night and well, but thank God with my effort, because our parents did not have the capacity to support us, but with my effort we achieved it. I have five children, three with my first wife and two with Ana. All five are professionals and came from the Gasen district, taking advantage of the Early College
053program. The truth is I have five blessed, blessed, blessed children and 11 grandchildren. I already have 28-year-old grandchildren. Look, I don't think I look that old, right? But maybe I do. 28 years old I have a nurse who also has a granddaughter who is a nurse. I mean, let's see if he'll take care of me a little when he can't anymore. But who knows, kids these days, who knows. But the truth is, back in the '80s, in the early '80s, it seems like it was yesterday, I think around '82, my yo-yo belonged to Mar Headstar. I worked in the fields, I worked with lettuce, I worked in the fields with the short hoe that we were given. My first child was born under the migrant program because I was going to Salinas. I was 18
054years old when my first child was born. Yes. Oh well, I got married young. Yes. I don't regret it because I have grown children, I have 48-year-old children, wonderful kids who are all professionals. I got married at that age. So when they went to Headstar, because he had to go to Headstar in Summerton, it was then called Migr Mop Map, Migrant Opportunity Program and there were two centers in Phoenix and one in Summerton. And I don't know, I think because I'm nosy, because I talk a lot, because I'm very restless, they put me forward for local president of the GS Star when I was 24 years old, I mean, well, but I was already mature, I was already married, I already had two children, I was already an officer and they elected me and then
055two weeks later they put me forward for the state president of the Migrant Headstolas which they also elected me. No, I mean, what's up? It was the first time I flew on an airplane because there was a conference in Colorado, in Denver, and the first time I saw so much snow at 22, 22 years old, 23 in total, I said, well, I lasted 8 years as state president, I don't know why I'm putting down roots. I think I don't know, I have something that I do something right, they let me manage for 8 years, I was president for 8 years and between president and state, that is, I was local and state president. It's called Pack Fern Advisor Council. Well, after that when I entered the school it was because, like many of you, we
056can deny the district, we can speak ill of it. I was speaking ill of myth. Back then, I spoke badly because they were always throwing horrible things at us in the newspaper, like the teachers didn't speak English, that too many of them came, that the children were wetbacks. Well, it was outrageous what I have periods when I can confirm all that. Anyone who wants to see them, I have a library of my entire past. So one day I looked at John Bohan, may he rest in peace, a board member here, there were three board members, and one day I looked at him, and said, "John, what's up ?" They're burning us up badly. He said, "Ah, well, it's going to jump from three board members to five. Come on in and see what it's like
057behind this table. It's good to talk, and that happens to all human beings. We talk a lot about the other side, but come into reality. Come to this side of the table and you'll see the difference. It's very easy to criticize people from the outside, but come to this side so you can see, so you can really know what 's good. What happens? Two hours of phone calls and I keep winning and winning and winning. The only time was in 2022, which was my last term, I had a year left to finish it, was '22. It's the only time I campaigned. I earn well. The only time I campaigned and had to spend money out of my own pocket, because I had to spend it out of my own pocket. I didn't have rich sponsors
058or anything that gave me money or anyone handing me cash. All on my own, thank God. And from Out of 12 candidates, I came in first, and Liliana, my partner, came in second . Well, here we are. One year to go. Yeah, they cut me a year off, no big deal . They give me a year to spend more time with my family, right? And that's where it all started, but I never thought, nor do I feel, that I'm a politician, or that I'm not a wannabe politician like those wannabe cholos, like those wannabe drug addicts, like those wannabe thugs. No, I'm not a wannabe. I did it, I achieved it, and honestly, I'm so blessed and happy because this is sad, but that's all. But it's a sadness for a day or two, because
059I've always been prepared for this, and it started when they began attacking me really badly two years ago with videos. They said all sorts of things to me. Oh, Fustán can suck it, it even made me laugh that Fustán is a fool, someone who's good for nothing. Ah, well, they were wrong . They were also wrong about me being corrupt because let them prove I 'm corrupt, okay, and I don't know what else they called me, ignorant. And my mother never told me, "Don't be ignorant, don't believe anyone who calls you ignorant." And I believed my mom, I didn't believe anyone else. What's going on? I've been very involved in this community and I'm proud to be a part of it . The police department did a lot of programs for our community, from cleaning
060up car seats and helmets to bike safety, blood drives, clean-up campaigns, graffiti campaigns—I mean, I could tell you a ton. Those who already know me know me, but those who don't, well, if you want, I can show you my museum, because I'm going to make a museum. I'm even going to put myself in the picture. I do it with all my heart, I do it sincerely, without any personal gain, that's why I'm doing well. And remember, when you do good, good things happen to you . Let me tell you something, I'll never forget Chief Bejarano, remember him? Chief Eric Bejarano. Look at him. I interviewed him for a director position at the Headstart. I gave him the job because he was outside the board, and then he became my boss here in San Luis. Look
061at how we are at the top and how we are at the bottom. That's why you have to be careful because if you talk trash about someone and mistreat them, they'll soon be your boss. Be careful with that. What's up? I remember, I'll never forget. He gave me a doctorate. What's a doctorate? He said, "You have it, I'll give you a doctorate in begging." Right, what did I say? Because I was a beggar. And you know why a beggar? Because I was the one who raised funds. And here's Tony, ask him, "Screw you, buddy, cough up some cash." Let me tell you, and it's not so you think I'm in the Special Olympics in 5 years, San Luis, Arizona, the police department was on top of $10 million in fundraising, and for Cara, look, I
062raised more than $1,000 even though Mr. David Lara and... I was being robbed of the money, even the IRS came after me, but thank God they didn't pay any attention . God said, "There's one crazy person, not two." And there you have it. I have all the documents, the person who wanted to help never even approached me. They sicced like 10 agencies on me, trying to screw me over, and not one even came near me to ask. That's all in the past now, it was 2016. I had to close the Pals program, which was a non-profit program. We had baseball, I managed 25 baseball teams. Who raised the money for it? Luis Márquez. Even the parents, when we wanted to ask them for something, they wanted us to take them, pay for their travel, lodging,
063and food. Wait a minute. I didn't say I was throwing in the towel. No, no, it's not that we wanted to help them, we helped them. We bought all the kids' uniforms with sponsors, and I have all those records, I have photos for anyone who wants them. If you don't believe it, well, don't believe it . But there I have those photos, and I have all my certificates and awards at home. Anyone who wants to see them, not out of conceit, but I have some. You can see them. The truth is, I feel calm. I feel calm because they've accused me of being a thief, they've accused me of being a good-for-nothing, a fool, and ignorant, and what else I mentioned, I don't even remember. There are three videos circulating on social media. Oh, corrupt.
064What does corrupt mean? I don't know who I corrupted, who I screwed over , nobody, right? But anyway, the truth is, I'm very happy. I feel calm, and look, the truth is, last night was really funny, we all have different mindsets. Around 2 or 3 in the morning, I woke up, I thought, "Wait, I did, I'm going to tell you how many pages I wrote , but in the end it's like eight pages, right?" I said, "Better not, it would have been better if I'd had two hours, then I would have beaten Tony Reyes' record." I didn't want to break your record, Tony, to be honest. This, and I said, "No, I'd better go ahead. I don't like writing things. This comes from my heart, from my heart, my head, and my brain. I mean,
065I'm not completely aligned, anyway. I mean, I'm missing something, but the truth is, I love you all with all my heart. The Gasel district is my family. They've been my family for 35 years, and it's sad, isn't it? It's a kind of sadness because of comments there that I mistreat parents, mistreat children, mistreat teachers, that I'm arrogant, that I give sugar to children. Here, son, I didn't know I could give sugar to children, really, but well, that came out too. But something very important: you are my family, and whoever believes what they want to believe about me, go ahead. I don't have to explain myself to you. If you do n't want to, you can say that I'm a son of there, a son of there, say whatever you want about me because it's a
066very nice thing that you talk, whether it's good or bad. At least you know I'm out on the streets." At least they know I'm here. They acknowledge that I'm around. And that's an advantage. There are many who don't even know they exist. It seems like even the dogs know me, really. And thank God, and the dogs that bark don't bite, truly. And thank you, thank you so much. And I don't know, stop it already, but just about half an hour more. Oh, I just wanted to say that I'm very happy with the achievements that have been made at Gas, not just mine. The fact of being president for 26 years. The only difference between the five of us is that I chair the meetings every year. My wife used to say to me, "And why
067you now?" Well, it's because the others don't want to, they don't want to. No, so what do I do? They want me, so I take it so that there's no one who does n't cry. What do you mean, no one who doesn't cry? Well, they gave it to me, I loved being president, not because I want to love myself more, because I'm not even More or less, not even the one who isn't president, because the current president is the president, and what about the one who's in office now? I'm not even going to talk about him. Ah, but the truth is, the truth is, I've supported everyone. I even support my enemies; I love them and bless them, and I wish them well, and I'm going to support them. I don't turn my back on
068anyone , I'm not going to turn my back on anyone if they ask me for help. I've been screwed over so many times, and the same person keeps screwing me over again. They tell me, "Stop it already, okay?" What did Jesus Christ say? Slap and hit the other one. But I'm already losing my cheeks, I'm so skinny. The slaps are already painful, they hurt. So, I'm happy with everything I 've achieved. I offer my support to all the board members who are staying, and Mark is going to join, and I'll continue to be present as a member of this community because many times it's better to be on the other side, because I've realized that when they come and throw so much at me... All that filth and garbage, you want to stay quiet because
069you can't respond, and you just have to deal with garbage like this. Let's throw it out, let it slide like this, let it slide like this . That garbage, that garbage they throw at us, it's going to come back to them, and not just once, but twice, three times, and who knows what else. The truth is, I don't wish malice on anyone. Remember, I'm a twin, and one of the twins could be the bad one, and who knows, I'll leave that as homework. Let's see who the bad one is. Honestly, thank you all so much from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, and I hope everyone on the street sees me and sees me as Luis Márquez, not President, because that's a title, but it's not the title itself, it's who's behind the title.
070Remember that. It's not who you are. It's not the title. If I 'm rich, I'm poor at heart, or I 'm poor and rich, I mean, poor and rich at heart, that's worth much, much more. The truth is, I'm blessed. I'll eat a bean taco. So comfortable. How awful, folks. Now the rumor has been heard, so I can't say it first because they'd have to get me out of here. Well, that's fine. Congratulations. Now, oh, that they're going to take the name off the building. Go ahead, go ahead. The name doesn't define me, I made the name, so they can take the name off me . It's been there for 8 or 10 years, and I deserved it, I earned it. You know what? Don't cry for me when I'm dead, don't fill my grave
071with flowers, and don't tell me what a good man I was. Tell me while I'm alive, and that's very important. I remember when they named me Tony. Do you remember? Tony told me, "Don't get us to believe that they gave Tony a name and then took it away after a year or a few months." No, how long, Tony? Tony, after how many months did they take your name off the building? No, that's why I'm telling you. What does it matter? Exactly. What Does it matter? What does it matter? That's all, Tony. What does it matter? But you know what? It's pure envy. It's pure envy. And envy, beware of envy, envy. We're surrounded by envious people. Thank you all, and I appreciate you all very much, and God bless you all. Good and bad, I
072bless you. [applause] Now we're going to close the meeting. The meeting is still live, and this will be recorded in case anyone wants to listen to it and mention my mom, it's okay, my mom loves me very much. This is now closing the meeting . A chapter in my life is closing. [applause] Thank you.