001student. >> She said she did. >> Good evening everybody. Welcome to the January 22nd meeting of the Glendale Elementary School governing board meeting. Mata Jones, are there any changes to the agenda this evening? >> Good evening, President Martinez, members of the board. No, there are not. >> Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? >> Move to adopt the agenda. I'll second. >> Second. >> Mr. Hario, how do you vote? Hi. >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? Hi. >> Miss Bartell, how do you vote? I >> Miss Pmentel, how do you vote? I >> And chair votes I. Please join me in a moment of silence followed by the pledge of allegiance. >> Please rise. Moving into our special recognition, Miss Sagata Jones. Yes, President Martinez, members of the board, if we can step
002down to those recognitions. Good evening everyone. Uh welcome for you use um coming out and join us. Uh we're going to begin right now with our Kowanas student of the month and then our Kowanas school. Um each month the Kowanas organization uh we identify at the school level a student uh that uh we recognize for servant leadership and then Kuanas from Glendel um comes out and awards them and gives them um a gift certificate and everything. So we're really excited about that and we'll do those presentations first. So Patrick is here from Kuanas as a representation. So, Patrick, >> thank you very much. It's great to see big crowd tonight, so it's great. Uh, good evening. My name is Patrick Kaiser. I'm with the Kowanas Club of Glendale. Tonight, I am honored to recognize the
003Kowanas Club of Glendale Superintendent Student of the Month for the month of January 2026. The reason that this award is so special is that this student has been chosen by the superintendent for their hard work, passion for helping others, and helping to make our community a better place. This month's winner is Harmony Stubs. [applause] >> Congratulations. Now you get Now you get to get embarrassed for a little bit, but it's okay. Harmony is an eighth grade student at Harold W. Smith School. Harmony is an actual excellent student whose character, compassion, and unwavering sense of responsibility make her truly deserving of this honor. Harmony exemplifies what is what it means to lead through service. Whether at home, at school, or within her church community, she consistently takes initiative, stepping up not for the recognition or praise,
004but simply because she believes in doing the right thing. Excuse me. When asked about Harmony, her teachers state that Harmony is a student that is dependable and responsible. Every other Thursday, Harmony is responsible enough to ensure her brother arrives home safely after school and then returns for student council meetings. She comes with all the creative posters made for our student council. Harmony is responsible for creating the canned food drive, Boo Graham, and Valentine Grahams that were that were or will be used for student council events on her pink iPad. One of the most impressive examples of Harmony's leadership, [clears throat] excuse me, was her role in organizing the school's annual food drive. She took full ownership of the process, coordinating, helping to promote participation, and ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Even on a
005day when she had to leave school for a dental appointment, Harmony insisted on returning afterward so she could finish her responsibilities. She spent the afternoon counting donations, boxing items, and helping organize the collection area so everything was ready for transportation to the GESD system of care center. Her commitment ensured the drive success and inspired her peers to give their best as well. Harmony's dedication to service extends deeply into her home life as well. As an older sibling, she frequently helps her mom care for her younger siblings, often without being asked, she steps in because she recognizes that contributing to her family is both helpful and meaningful. Whether it's keeping her siblings engaged, assisting with their daily routines, or simply offering a helping hand during busy moments, Harmony models kindness, maturity, and a strong sense of
006responsibility. Her generosity of spirit is just as evident at church, where she volunteers whenever and wherever she is needed. Harmony has helped move boxes and furniture, cleaned up after events, and supported the church community in countless quiet ways. She approaches every task, big or small, with enthusiasm and reliability, demonstrating a servant's heart and an impressive work ethic. Congratulations. [applause] We ha we have a certificate to recognize your hard work. And the cool part is you get a $50 Walmart gift card from the Columbus Club of Glendale. [applause] >> Congratulations. We hope you keep up the good work. And now you got to get pictures taken. >> Harmony, if you could come up. Harmony's family and friends, please come up. And Smith, family and friends, please come on up. >> Come up, family. Come on up.
007>> Yeah, you can go right up and get right on in. All right. Ready, guys? Three, two, one. Congratulations finally. Very proud of you. All right, you can go back. >> Thank you so much, Mom. >> Thank you. I feel so welcome. >> Hi. >> Did you get some chocolate? Did you get some chocolate? >> No. Okay. Did Did you get some chocolate? >> Oh, you gave it to her. Okay. She said nope. Oh, Harmony. Harmony. We have one more thing. If you want to like for a minute, >> we also have a Gusto Foundation. They're our educational foundation. And on behalf of Gusto, you get to choose something from the treasure box. Whatever you would like. [applause] Gust just replenished the treasure basket. So, there's some good items in there. >> [laughter] >> Tough
008choice. >> Is that your little sister? all right. >> She chose the markers, I guess, because she makes a lot of posters, as she had said before. So, there you go. [applause] I think little sister was going for the headphones, but she went with the the markers. Harmony, thank you so much. Thank you for choosing GSD. Thank you, family. Thank you so much. >> Congratulations again. [applause] >> What a what a great family. >> We're going to go ahead and move into our next recognition and that will be the Kowanas School. Last year, in collaboration with the GESD superintendent, we created the Kowanas Inspiring Change School of the Month Award. This award recognizes a school in the district for inspiring positive change in education and community through vision, action, and innovation. This month's winner is
009Desert Gardens Preschool. [applause] Congratulations. [applause] >> You're going to have to get through pictures, too, after we embarrass you a little bit, too. We proudly recognize our Desert Garden preschool team for receiving the Kowanas Inspiring School Award this month in honor of their unwavering commitment to students with diverse needs and their families through inclusive practices, meaningful family engagement events and strong collaboration. This preschool creates a welcoming environment where every child and family feels valued and supported. The overt servant leadership is evident in the shared belief that every staff member plays an essential role in supporting the whole child. From classrooms to family events, the team works collectively to ensure consistency, care, and encouragement for each student. This commitment is further reflected in their intentional transition to kindergarten classroom support, including family meetings and field trips
010to kindergarten classrooms, which helps prepare students and families for a conf confident and successful next step. Together, their work embodies servant leadership, leading with compassion, unity, and a deep dedication to serving students and families first. Congratulations. Desert Garden Preschool will proudly display the traveling trophy for one month to recognize their hard work. Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> And we'll get some pictures with you. >> Great. [applause] >> Could we have the Desert Garden, >> Christy John? There's Desert Garden staff. Please come. >> This is honoring the staff. Desert Garden staff. preschool staff. We're proud of the preschool staff. And just as we all know, and those of you that are joining us for the first time in the audience, that Desert Garden Preschool was voted again the number one preschool in Glendale. [applause] Congratulations. [applause]
011>> Thank you, Patrick. >> You're welcome. >> Next, we're going to move on to the just because. So again, those of you joining us again for the first time, uh just because we do each month we randomly select a staff member and student um and we would like to just recognize a staff member or student every month simply just because for choosing GSD as their place of receiving their education as well as their place for employment. So unfortunately this evening our student is Caitlyn Greer from Discovery and she was unable to be here. Will the Discovery family please come up and accept on behalf of Caitlyn. [applause] We all know all the wonderful things we can do with the AI. So, we'll impose her in there. We'll share it. It was wonderful to be in
012her classroom. You can see that on Instagram. Great. Thank you. Discovery. [applause] >> And then we also do the just because award u for a staff and this really doesn't happen a lot but the staff this year um this month was from discovery and it's Natalie Sika. Natalie come back up. [applause] >> [applause] >> So Natalie, there you go. Natalie's family's here, I believe. Some family friends. Come on up. Come on up. We were able to surprise Natalie in the classroom the other day. Okay. So, Natalie, have you've heard about Just Because and you know how the routine works. Do you know you have something to do? Okay. Here's how it goes. This is just because here's the deal. You go home about probably 9:30, 10, I'll be by. I'll honk my horn. You run
013out, wave with your sign, we take a picture, you go on Instagram live. >> Yeah. [laughter] She's still a new teacher. No, we're very proud of you and and thank you again for choosing GSD. And for those of you that don't know that Mr. Sika, he is Natalie's father and they both Yes. And they both teach at Discovery. So, we're double blessed to have them. So, thank you so much. [applause] >> Yep. Did she teach her? >> Where did she teach? >> And with that with that, Mom Sika, didn't you teach for us? >> I did. >> There you go. >> 33 years. [applause] THANK YOU. Thank you. All right. Uh now, next recognition we have is for um the governing board. So the governing board scooch you down. Scooch you down. So the governing
014board, this is January is um the celebration of um governing boards across the state of Arizona, actually nationally. And uh last board meeting, as you know, we did a celebration with them. What we had got them as a little token of their appreciation uh hadn't arrived. We put it on a boat and they were floating somewhere in a boat. Each year we turn them into some character and this year because our theme is really, you know, the connect four and connecting our student staff and and community together, families and community together. We decided we would stay with that theme. And so we turned them all into Legos is what we did. So the boat did come. It did come. It arrived the next day. Of course it arrived the next day. And so what we
015did, we took we took them and we created Legos. But for those of you that were not here during the last board meeting, we didn't want you to miss out. So we made yard sign. So board member had a meal, here you are. [laughter] Board member Wilson, here you are. Board member Pimementel, here you are. Miss Pimementel was not here last time, so she didn't even get to see herself as a Lego. Board member Bartell's and actually it's board clerkingfell. And board president Martinez, there you are. There you go. So, as we said, the um >> the boat did the boat did arrive. And so, we whose is this one? So, I'm taking your surprise out. So, here you are in a Lego. You You build yourself. You put it on the plaque. Okay. For
016those of you that aren't Lego builders, we have some Lego candy for you to munch on if you get frustrated building yourself. So, that is for you. Um, but again, really, we we enjoy turning you into little characters each year. Um, but and it's nice. It always works out with a theme. >> Fit in the car. >> They fit in the car. They fit in the car. But more than more than that, I would like to say that to the audience here and those of you watching online, an incredible five team member board. I couldn't be more proud of the work that they do every single day. They are a strong board. They are a high functioning board. They work together. They agree to disagree, but at the end of the day, they always make
017decisions in the best interest of our students. And so it's my honor to serve as as superintendent of such a strong and dedicated board. So thank you so much for everything you do. [applause] >> Okay. Can and then can we do like a normal one? [laughter] And can we do one of them holding them little the little thing because I could do a lot of things with that. So, all right. Here you go. >> Holding your little selfie. Can you put them all back together? I put them back in the box when I'm done. Okay. This is Brenda Hector. That's my Hector and Marianne and then Mike Monica >> and Carlo. Can we do some pictures with them? >> And can you do just the board and then I'll sit in? >> Great. Could I
018step in? All right. Thank you. >> Again, thank you so much, governing board. [applause] We're going to go into executive session >> [snorts] >> All the power of AI and couldn't make my teeth whiter. I'm disappointed. Need some more toothpaste, I guess. All right, moving on in our agenda for our calls to the public. Uh we do have some calls to the public this evening. So, the public is invited to address the board on any issue within its jurisdiction subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. Governing board members are not permitted to discuss or take legal action on matters raised during an open call to the public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. However, the law permits board members to do the following at the conclusion of open call
019to the public. A respond to criticism made by those who have addressed the board. B ask staff to review a matter or C ask that a matter be put on a future agenda. Those wishing to address the board should address a complete should complete a call to the public form and submitted to the board secretary prior to the start of the meeting. Each speaker will be provided three minutes to address the board unless provided other direction by the board. At the outset of the speaker's remarks, the speaker should state his or her name. At this this time, the board recogn uh recognizes Robert Gil Jones. Board members, Mr. President, my name is Robert Gail. I'm a teacher in American, a parent, alumni, district resident, voter. I also serve as a secretary of GA representing hundreds
020of employees in our district and my comments today reflect that position. At last week's meeting and confer there were some concerns expressed about our presence at recent board meetings advocating for employees and asking questions. We wanted to clarify that we see it as our duty and our responsibility to always advocate for students and staff and to magnify employee voices in all ways. We believe schoolboard meetings are an important civic opportunity to come together, collaborate and listen all perspectives. We continue to be hopeful that the district and school board might reconsider our involvement in the spring resource fair and future opportunities to connect with staff across the district. Membership with GA offers a number of wellness benefits and resources. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, gym membership discounts, auto loan programs, grocery discounts, dozens of
021other money-saving opportunities. AA members find great value in having access to all these wellness benefits as well as the community that comes from connecting our new teachers with veteran staff across the district. We'd be happy to put together a presentation of the current list of health and wellness related benefits [clears throat] for future consideration. We only ask that we be treated the same way as any other community organization seeking to participate. After all, this year's theme is connect 4 at GA connects hundreds of employees across the district regularly. the network of staff is a source of strength for our district. Additionally, tonight's study session might contain information about a potential reduction in force. We hope the district will proactively address employee questions such as, "What is the difference between a riff and a simple decrease
022in staffing?" Every year, the district adjusts its staffing levels in all positions based on student enrollment. What would make a riff different? We ask that any decisions about RIFF be done after public discussion and critical analysis of past attrition numbers and the meet and confer survey data. We also wonder what the decision-making process would look like. Who is deciding which role should be cut and why? How is employee input considered? What are the projected cost savings being discussed tonight? If positions are reduced, what efforts will be made to transition employees to appropriate vacancies and to encourage them to stay? Are there any correlations between staff retention, student enrollment, and student achievement? Are compensation increases possible without a riff? How do we attract and keep highly effective staff despite these uncertainties? How do we convince staff
023to stay the course with us despite the challenges ahead? We think answering some of these questions transparently would help stem the anxiety and minimize confusion for staff. To both the school board and district leadership, we recognize your commitment and passion for GESD. Thank you for hearing our concerns. And personally, I know you guys are unpaid, so thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> The board now recognizes Jessica Peek. Hi, good evening, Superintendent Sagata Jones and members of the school board, our board president. My name is Jessica Pek and I'm the president of GEA. I'm also a loyal employee of 15 years and most importantly a proud parent of two Glendale students. As the elected representative group for employees, we've heard concerns and we're here to communicate them to you as important topics will be discussed
024tonight. As a disclaimer, we do understand that our schools face challenges both in terms of adequate funding and student enrollment. We are not here as adversaries. is we are here as allies and advocates for our staff and for our students. Two weeks ago, we asked questions about school capacity. According to meetings in 2020 and 2021, our schools can hold supposedly over a thousand students each. These estimates are concerning to the employees that we've shared them with. We believe that these capacity estimates along with projected enrollment numbers will be discussed tonight. We would just like some discussion of how many classrooms would be needed for any proposed new boundaries or consolidated schools. As we know, school capacity is not just about home rooms, but we need to also consider space for special education, specialized programs, related
025arts, and cafeteria size. There's a history of space being an issue for our schools. For two years, hundreds of bsentennial students had to trek back and forth between two campuses, both south and north, because there wasn't enough space. For several months in 2024, several Jack's teachers were moved to Unmenex campus because their AC broke and there was nowhere else to go. And this year, two autism classrooms had to move from Horizon to Desert Garden. In all three of these situations, there simply wasn't enough functional space at their designated campus. And so, all we're saying is if any schools need to consolidate or close, let's look very closely at the maps and make sure that there's room for everyone. Additionally, we believe it's important to hesitate before maxing out school size. The larger a school grows,
026the harder it is to build community and deep personal connections. Based on a survey of the research, it seems that midsize elementary school with several hundred students provides the best balance of high achievement, student engagement, and manageable programs. If the district plans for schools of a thousands or more students, if we would be concerned about the safety and discipline plans and we hope that those concerns would be addressed through adequate administrative staff, experienced front office staff, and engaging support staff ready to meet the needs of all of those students. That brings up questions of staffing models and what's going to define a large school, a medium school, and a small school. and making sure that we have enough staff to meet the needs of the students. We just want to ask if cuts have to
027be made, how do we minimize the impact to student instruction? Because that is who we are here for. That is who I'm here for. I do not get paid to do this really significantly either. Um, and so if cuts have to be made, how are staffing allocations and staff salaries in line with other neighboring districts? How do we compete for the staff and the students and keep them here? How can employees give input on staffing models and decisions? These are the kinds of questions. Thank you so much for your time and your service to our district. >> Thank you. Uh any comments from the board? >> Okay. All right. Moving on into our next agenda item. Uh we're moving into a study session. Mr. Dr. Jones. >> Yes, President Martinez, members of the board, we're
028going to go ahead and do our study session from the day simply because we had all the recognition down there. So, we'll just remain up here and I'll go through the uh presentation with you. Oops. Oh, you pull I'm sorry clicking before you pulled it up. There we go. Thank you. Okay. So, this uh we will discuss phase one, the current student enrollment trend update and considerations. As you recall in our December 11th U governing board meeting, we went through the different phases and we're going to give you an update where we currently are. So, in phase one, school and department efficiencies, auditive staffing by the department of school um is ongoing through February of this this school year. uh streamline the services, enhance efficiencies to meet student needs. We continue to work on that
029and those recommendations have been completed. Um when we looked at what we would be able to do as far as if there were any changes in programs that we need to do, we looked at some recommendations on how we might be able to do that. Um collaborate with human resource for potential reassignments or reductions in force. Um and that would go on through February. Um with that part of that statement, the intents to return have been completed and um with those intents to return, I believe I have the statistics the statistics on the other page that we'll look at as well. And then part of it was to adjust departments and school site supports based on direct services and alignment uh through February which is still ongoing. So when we look at the enrollment trends
030and the program service adjustments have been reviewed they continually be reviewed weekly and the recommendations to make or to address those changes through attrition and increase support is needed to ensure students needs are met. So where we see that we need either decrease or increase at specific sites or if we lose positions within departments we make those adjustments and we continue to do that. The intent to return data came back. It indicates 69 employees will not be returning for the 2627 school year. Of the 69, there are 14 retirees and 17 employees who indicated they are moving. This number is in line with the past trends that we see we have seen and intend to return. Positions currently funded through grants that are scheduled to sunset via the um through the Arizona Department of Education
031will not be reinstated until such funding is reallocated by ADA prior to the insurance and employment contracts. And we have always been clear with any of those um that are paid out of entitlement grants, should that grant go away, then those positions would not be available. What is a little frustrating with Arizona Department of Education is that um they're not timely in the insurance of some of those grants and some of those grants we won't know until February or March or April on some of those and we are um Dr. Dr. Jerry Pearson and Kaya and Miss Norah are keeping in contact with ADA so that we know where we are on the sunset of some of those grants. I want to um look at um phase one the facility and optimization of school closures.
032So realign resources optimize efficiency at school sites uh through January still ongoing. We continue to look where we need to add or decrease. uh we take again through those we'll look at attrition and made based adjustments. If we have positions that uh we have not filled we uh depending on whether that uh position can be consolidated or there's a reorganization which has occurred in some of our departments such as educational services and in um finance the area of um Mr. Bergen overseas under purchasing and finance. He has consolidated some of his positions as well and we continue to do that. And then it says that we would prevent we present school closures under consolidation recommendations January of 202026. So back in December when we did the board presentation, I said that the district does not
033anticipate any radical programmatic or operational changes for the 2627 school year. And this includes no planned school closures and no reductions enforce that was stated December 11th, 2025. That is still the statement for 2026 27th school year. There are no radical changes. That means there will be no school closures and there will be no riff. Again, that was stated back in December. Nothing has changed there. Phase one, lease or repurpose of vacant property properties or finalize lease agreements June 26 and ongoing. So, what we've done is the assessment of the district's vacant properties has been completed and at market interest has been evaluated through initial outreach to potential leases currently underway. Um, just as late as this morning, Mr. Baron Ben and I were working with our broker and our attorneys to make sure that
034we have everything in place for those long-term lease agreements. And so, that is ongoing. Current I want to talk about the current student enrollment. So we know and the funding projections based on the de demographic study and the trends that we can continue to see. Back in week 15, we shared with you the loss of students that we've had. We are now in week 21. We have a loss of 445 students below week 21 of the prior year with a total current count of 8,53 K students. any of you that remember the December 11th um board meeting that 8,53K students is the same number as it is this time. Pure coincidence. It was just a shift in numbers at schools. It was kind of we were like whoa that number is the same but it
035is truly the same. Um the negative 445 students again that's what it equates to how much money is lost in the basic funding formula and maintenance operations and capital override. So, this results in an additional budget decrease that we showed you in week 15 of the $322,913. This is Mr. Bergan's favorite um graph because it, you know, this picture, you know, really is worth a thousand words. So, Mr. Buran, why don't you walk us through this? >> Mr. President, members of the board, superintendent Jones, if you look at the very top line, it looks purple, maybe black line on top. That's where the enrollment was when I started nearly 13 years ago. That last line, that orange looking line is where the enrollment is today. And it kind of shows you the trend from week
036one through week uh 21, I believe, or 22. And you can see just that big gap between the very top line and the bottom line. We've lost over 5,000 students over that time period. 5,000 which resulted in boundary changes and school closures. >> Yes, thank you Mr. Bergen. With that, yes, we did close five schools. At that time, we did that without a reduction in force and um we were able to retain our employees. We have since then done marketing which we will continue to do to increase our student enrollment and we will continue to look at these trends to make future decisions. Um for the past eight years the district has utilized and we this was in the plan that we shared December 11th the 2020 plan decompression extra funds onetime stipens as fiscally
037responsible method of providing eligible employee compensation for employee groups. We said that we would go back and look at that after the 100th day. The 100th day was yesterday. The 100th day data indicates an increase in ADM of 45 students from what was budgeted. As file numbers are reconciled, the district will evaluate whether any compensation adjustments for current school year are feasible. Um remember that's the ADM. That's not what the budget was built on. Okay? That's what you need to remember. We're ecstatic. We got 45 more student increase in ADM, but that is not what the budget was built on. So when we uh within the next couple days, we will be looking at um 100th day was just yesterday. So we'll make sure that we reconcile. We'll see where we're at and we'll go
038back to look at any compensations for the 25 26 school year. Um what I want to state about that is we understand and we value every employee and we would like to provide as much compensation as we can as it states that for the last you know eight years we've been able to do that through a stipen I know that you know we would all like to see that within the base and if you just go back to what our current trend has been and what we have lost over the years. We are not financially able to put that into the base. There are some alternative methods in which we could use. For example, you could instead of doing a one-time stipen, and typically when we've done the one-time stipen, it's been on an 8%,
0399% or 10% based on longevity because we've also listened to employees and we want to we tried to address decompression, but also we want to look at longevity and we recognize those employees that have been here and we want to be able to compensate them. So we set up the tiered approach through eight nine or 10%. That could continue the other if you want to look at perhaps into the base that can happen for a 10-year period. We could do that. You'll get 1%. For 10 years that could happen unless we have a huge decrease. So 1%. So you could take 1% and if you make I don't know 50,000 a year, let's just use that number because it's easy by fives, then you could get a 1%. So you would see that amount within
040your base. It's not one% plus 1% plus 1% every year. It's 1%. 10 years 1%. It happens that do the math on that. After 10 years, you have $5,000. If you go into the tiered approach where we did the stipen 8, n or 10% and if you make 50,000, you take 10% of that, that's 5,000. You times that by eight years that we've been able to do or the 10 years, you have 50,000. So, I know it's not in the base, but I want you to understand and For those of you that are starting and you're new in your career or wherever you fall, what you need to really think about is you also need to think about long term, not just longevity in the work that you do, but your retirement. So even though
041it's not in your base, it is calculated into ASRS retirement. So, if you're let's say you're going to retire in two years and you're at 50,000 and you're going to have an additional what did we say 5,000 that's going to be calculated into your ASRS for the rest of your life or it could be 50,000 calculated into your ASRS for the rest of your life. You need to think about your retirement as you as you look at those numbers. Would we like to see it in base and increased salaries? Absolutely. Absolutely. We would love to do that. Currently, we cannot do that. And we've tried and we have been consistent to give the 8 n 10% every year that we're able to do that. So, right now, we've been able for the last eight years.
042Our track record's pretty good. So, we're hoping that that could continue. Again, we'll look at the 100th day. We'll look at it takes a couple weeks to reconcile but we are starting to look at that to see if we can move quickly to see if a compensation could be done. Those are things we think about. Also want to think about I understand compensation. I understand that you know no one pays our bills but ourselves and I understand that and you have to make decisions. We all do. I also want you to think about your health insurance. At the last trust board meeting last Thursday, I believe it was, um, the trust board voted again for the 12th year in a row, not to increase health and premiums. 12 years in a row, there's been no
043cost increase to any employee in this district. That is almost unheard of. When Mr. Beran and I speak to people in other districts about that, they they are blown away by that. One of our trust board members is Nate, who is also a employee for Glendel Union High School District. And Nate knows I'm going to throw him under the bus because I told him that. I love Nate dearly. But if someone wants to go to the high school district and make more money, that's fine. You need to make that decision. But we ask anybody, please look at the health benefits that they offer because Nate tells me I pay a,000 a month for my health insurance. So, you may get a bump in your race, but what are the co the coverage that you get?
044They'll tell you the coverage is the same. It is. I'm not going to argue that. Many times the coverage is the same. It's how much are you paying out of pocket. So, those are things. So, I do want to thank the trust board for that. Uh, Mr. Bergen heads that um committee, but one of our board members, Miss Marannne Wilson, she has been on that trust board how many years, Miss Wilson? >> She can't count how many, but all of them. But she has before I was here, before Mr. Barrian was here, Miss Wilson has been on that trust board. Thank you for the work that you do. You have been there at every meeting. You yourself know about health insurance. You know what it is to be in public education. You yourself were a
045teacher in the classroom. Your commitment has always been there. And Miss Wilson, I applaud you for the work that you do. Thank you so much. So let's go to the next slide. The microphone and that I didn't move the slide. So transition to phase two. A study session will be scheduled in June 2026 to review continued enrollment trends and the outcome of January 27th, 2026 SOB set conference and to discuss any potential adjustments to the 2728 school year. Next Tuesday, Mr. Bergen and I will be with our attorneys who happen to be in the room, Miss Lynn Adams, and we will begin that settlement conference. The reason and we're hoping and we've been clear about what we want out of that conference. We've been clear. I've stated it. We want new schools. We want three
046new schools. We've identified those three schools. We want Jack, Menzanic, and Smith because they've outlived their useful life to be rebuilt. That's what we're going to negotiate for. We hope we come out with that. And with that, then we would have to look at what does that mean in phase two because it will change things when you start to build new schools. And then we will um have the study session in June to discuss any other changes in enrollment that we see plus the outcome of this settlement. And so phase two will begin. I want to state this one more time. In the 20 6 27 school year, there will be no school closures. There will be no reduction in force. I stated that in December. I'm stating it again here. No school closures, no
047reduction in force. That is a clear message. I will put it in the weekly on Monday so every employee also hears that. Again, we have to be consistent in what we share and what we tell our employees and we need to give them the facts. These are the facts. The facts were presented to you in December and they're presented to you again this evening. So with that, we look forward to Tuesday. We look forward to that settlement conference to tell our story. And our story says we need new buildings. We just don't need new buildings at Jack Mensic and Smith. We need new buildings across this district. Teachers deserve it. Students deserve it. Community deserves it. That's what we will continue to fight for. With that, that ends the study session. I'll answer any questions
048at this time. >> Start with our board members. Uh any comments, questions? >> Yeah, I have a question. Um do we know how many positions are affected by the sunsetting grats? >> Yes. Um some of the probably less than 12. Am I correct on that? Is it less than 12? less than 12. >> And are the um the people that fill these positions, are they aware of? >> Yes, they're aware. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any person that sits in a grant position is aware that it's a grant position. And again, we will do what we can, but um the states when they send out their applications, you know, um it's not doesn't align with contracts and that. So, um we'll continue to contact AD and let them know our concerns and as soon as
049we get any indication when those grants, if they'll be reinstated, then we'll let employees know. And we should have that information Februaryish or we're not sure kind of a >> Arizona Department of Education, you know, does the best that they can to get it to us and we don't know when that information will come again >> and wait. >> Okay. >> Putting a lot of faith in that best as we can >> best as we can. Um unless has there been an update Dr. Peterson and Carvar or Miss Hardig that I'm unaware of? Um, Superintendent Sakata Jones, board president, members of the board at this time. Um, none of those grants have there's been no updates on that. It's anywhere from February through April. >> And I know that Dr. P and Mr. Hardig continue
050to work directly with AD so that we can begin to try to plan for that. >> Well, I'd just like to thank you for the presentation. um the fact that four out of five of us had to go through this already one time. Um it was not a comfortable experience for anybody in the room in the community. But no matter what, you know, your team has done everything they can to buy us the time so that when unfortunately a decision does have to be made that a radical change does have to happen, we allow ourselves the time to satisfy, you know, the the community meetings that have to occur because there are a lot of legislative rules that have to take place when you're looking at boundary changes and closures. and we went through that
051before. I don't like to applaud the fact that we know what we're doing, but at least we've had a, you know, we've done it already. So, we we know what we've got to do. We don't want to have to do it, but we do know what we need to do. >> Thank you. Um, board member Bartell is, you know, if you turn on the news, um, if you're looking for a little good news, sometimes it's not there, but the news, you'll see there are many districts that are faced with these decisions already, >> and some of them closing schools, some of them go have already rifted. Um, it's unfortunate situation right now for public education, but we're going to continue to, you know, to fight the fight and stay strong here in Glendale. I appreciate
052those comments. >> I have another question. um any potential changes to reductions in force or school closures. Those decisions would be made for the 2027 2028 school year. >> For the 26 for the 26 27 no reduction in forces for the 2728 school year. Yes. So when we go into the next phase two, then we would look at those. >> Okay. >> I just need clarification on that. And I want to say this, we always say there could be a reduction in force. That's when you permanently lose your position. But when we closed five schools, we did not have a reduction in force because through attrition, we're able to keep those employed that we that were here because of a, you know, when we have turnover. That was the point I was going to make
053because, you know, we did it very smartly absorbed who we could, but you know, we have to be the fiscal stewards as well for this district because the last thing I want to see is the state come in and and take over. >> Yeah. I think there's a lot to be said about our ability to be good fiscal stewards. Not only by the fact virtue of the fact that we did have to close five schools, we did not have to riff anybody. We didn't have to give anybody a pink slip that says your job is no longer here anymore. Um, we we managed that because we were very forwardlooking. We were able to plan things out and and make things in a way that we were we were able to save as much of our
054community schools as possible. Um, the same thing goes with the trust board. It's not that medical costs are going down. It's just that the district is now eating those costs on your behalf. And when you talk about how much you bring home in your paycheck, it's not it's not salary, it's compensation. How much does it cost you to be an employee of anybody of any place, you know, whether it be at our district or another. And you and everyone has to make that decisions for themselves, what is good for their family. And I will absolutely not fault you for that. If you say, "I need more cash because my spouse [clears throat] has medical insurance through there. It's not an issue for me." Fine. That that that's okay. I I absolutely understand. I've made those
055I've made similar choices myself. But just know that as you know in in the the environment that we're in right now and looking at the news every day you open, oh well Poria has to talk about closing schools, they're riffing. Mesa is closing schools, they're riffing. Kyne and Chandler and Tempe, all these other schools and they're talking about how many positions they're losing. And when we talk about what our plans are now, and we're looking two years out right now, and we're already making plans like, how do we minimize the impact to everybody that works for this school district? How do we minimize impact for the the the community and the students and the children and all the parents that go to that that send their kids to the school? How do we minimize that
056impact for them? That planning starts now. And I absolutely applaud and and it is proud for me to say that I work that I'm volunteering at a place here where they're doing such an amazing job at trying to head this off and seeing that you see the writing on the wall. How do we make adjustments to benefit and make sure everyone is in a good spot? You know, yes, we're eating into some trust board money to make sure we're covering benefits. Fine. Yes, maybe we're not giving 5% raises every year for the next event. That's fine. You you still have jobs. uh and that will be continue to be a priority. Um so thank you guys very much. Uh I appreciate it and as difficult as the decisions that we make up on this DS
057is sometimes. Um you give us the best information available that we have and I think everything is is pretty well planned out and we are extremely hopeful for whatever happen what is that next Tuesday, January 27th. Everyone go out and buy a candle and light it on the 27th. um you know, sacrifice a chicken, whatever it is you need to do on the 27th and all your fingers should be crossed because there's going to be a lot of decision, a lot of decisions for the next year and a half are going to happen next Tuesday. Um so let's keep our fingers and toes crossed u and see what we can get to happen. >> And um you know, rest assured this district will keep you informed every step of the way so that you will
058not go forward in the dark. And um we've done this before uh unfortunately and uh has handled it very well. Um and so um don't you know fret uh because answers are coming and and and we don't have all the answers just yet either but um they will keep you informed, keep us informed every step of the way. So, um just know that um you know they do have your back and uh you know we want everybody to you know to be happy in your job and to feel comfortable. So um just you know hang in >> again 26 27 school year there are no school closures there is no riff >> and there'll be tattoos of that outside in the lobby once the board meeting is done. Yep. Yep. Come up here and we
059will write it on your arm. >> All right. Any other final questions or comments regarding the study session? All right. Hearing none. None. We will move on to the next portion of our agenda, the consent agenda items. Um are any uh comments or remarks on the consent agenda items? >> Uh if I could, I'd like to pull F for comment. >> Okay. Okay. >> F is medical insurance and renewal. Correct. >> Okay. >> I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda setting aside item F. >> Is there a second? >> Y I'll second. >> All right. Mr. Harmio, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Bartell, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Pimentel, how do you vote? >> I. >> And chair
060votes. Moving on to item F on the consent agenda. Miss uh Wilson. >> Yeah. I'd just like to emphasize again that this is the 12th year in a row that um there have been oh no no increase in uh medical insurance premiums and it is because the trust is so healthy and we have Mr. Beran and his team really to thank for that. Um they uh are outstanding um in what they do to bring to you um the best and most affordable insurance packages out there. Um so I'd like to you know really thank them and their leadership. um in this um wonderful um no no insurance premiums uh that have been increased is just wonderful. Um also, you know, we do have a really good uh wellness team as well that that work hard
061and look for ways to keep you healthy so you don't have to uh go and and use uh expensive health care. Um, so I I think my point is, um, you can go to another district and maybe make a little bit more money, but you're going to pay a lot in health care and your health insurance, and that's going to pretty much absorb, um, every little bit extra that you make and even more, uh, probably. So, um, just, you know, take a look at what you're getting yourselves into before that and, um, just know that, uh, this really is an a wonderful package that the district offers you. Um, and so with that, I would like to make a motion to approve it. >> I'll second. >> All right. Mr. Harmio, how do you vote?
062>> I, >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? >> I, >> Miss Bartell's, how do you vote? I >> Miss Pimentel, how do you vote? I >> and chair votes I. Moving on to section seven, our action items. Uh item A, review and second reading of revised policy. Miss Sagata Jones. >> Yes. Boardman board Martinez. Members of the board. [clears throat] Are there any questions on the second read? >> So this is the second reading. So we've kind of gone over these last time, but if there's anything new concerns that's came out this time, is there any one from the board? A lot of work smithing. >> Yeah. >> All right. Is there a motion to approve the action items? >> I move to approve the second reading of revised [clears throat] policy manual section
063E support services in section F, facilities development. >> Second. [snorts] >> Mr. Harm, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Bartell's, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Fmentel, how do you vote? >> I. >> And the chair votes I. Now, moving on to uh at this, let me see here. I got a new tablet here, so I'm still trying to work it out. I'm sorry. All right. At this point, uh looking for a motion to recess to regular the regular meeting in order to convene to executive session for the following purpose in accordance with ARS 38-431-3A3 for discussion or consultation with the attorneys of the public body to obtain legal advice regarding compliance with district policies and statutory requirements. I move to go
064into executive session for the reasons stated. >> Second. >> Mr. Harmio, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? >> Hi. >> Miss Bartell, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Pimentel, how do you vote? >> I. >> And chair votes eye. We are now in executive session. Thanks, Len. >> Now, we're going to move on to the twoour summary. >> No, we have item 10 A first or sorry, 9A. >> All right, welcome back. Is there a motion to resume regular meeting? >> I move to reconvene to public session. >> Second. >> Mr. Harmio, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Bartell's, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Pimentel, how do you vote? >> I. >>
065Chair votes I. We are now back in regular session. Moving on to future meetings and events. Miss Dagata Jones, what do we have coming up? >> Yes, we have February 12th board meeting as the items are listed there. Um, Miss Valadez, will you have everything there listed or do you want me to read it or do you have it? Everything will be there for February 12th. At this time, we are not anticipating a February 26 board meeting. >> Correct, Mr. Buran? Do we have at that time anything financial? >> I do have a question. We have a meeting scheduled on April 9th and I believe >> we travel. So, yes. So, on that one, we would like to move that uh Miss Pal, did we see on to Tuesday? Tuesday the 7th because that is
066NSBA. >> Okay. I will not be here. Okay. >> Because I leave on this >> because you live on. Okay. So, we would like to move that to Tuesday if possible for NSBA. >> I will also not be here. >> You will not be at that point. >> So, it will be a bare minimum quorum for that day. >> Okay. So, um >> do you want to do the previous week? >> Can we look at that and see what's scheduled? Okay. All right. >> Who will be here? is >> uh >> Hector. >> No, Hector, Brenda, and Monica. >> Okay. So, you will be here on that Tuesday then? >> The Tuesday before >> if it's due in the evening. If if you need me, I could probably call in, but I'll be at another
067conference. >> Okay. So, let let us look at that with schedules and what we're bringing and then we'll we'll we'll bring it back at the next meeting. Okay. We have time still on that one. >> Sounds good. All right. Moving on to the summary of current events. Miss Sagato Jones. >> Yes, President Martinez, members of the board, just quickly, I have a video presentation of what has happened and it's simply the celebration of um the hundth day. Thank you to Carlos. [music] >> [music] >> I can say more. [music] [music] >> [music] [music] >> With that, that concludes my report for this evening. >> All right. Thank you. We'll move on to our governing board report. We'll start over at the end. Mr. Harmio, >> I have nothing. All right, then. Short and sweet. Sir
068wants to get out of here. Miss Wilson, >> I'm not going to be that that short, but I mean, I will be. Um, but I just wanted to congratulate the soccer teams uh for uh not only the winners, but the uh the runner-ups as well. They did a great job and they were great games. They were, you know, and I think that's what's important. It was a lot of fun to watch. So, congratulations to them. >> All right. Thank you, Miss Martell. Uh, congratulations to our three students that'll be representing us next month at the regional spelling be. Um, a little bit of nailbiting there and it at one point it just kept going and going. So, we we saw first at that particular spelling be. >> All right. Thank you, Miss Fmentel. >> Sorry,
069I'm going to be a little bit longer here. So, happy 100th day. I think it's exciting at the 100th day we had 45 more students. So, that's a little bright spot in there. But, um, I did want to recognize that as we were walking in today, we saw the land acknowledgement outside the building. And I'd like to read it if that's okay. It says, "The Glendale Elementary School District respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the ancestral lands of the Tona Otam Nation. The district also recognizes that Arizona is home to 22 sovereign tribal nations. GESD affirms its commitment to honoring the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and contributions of indigenous peoples. We recognize and value the historical legacies and continued presence of Native American students, staff, families, and community members within our schools and community.
070And I think that's really beautiful. I'm glad that >> we were hoping you would notice. >> I did. I did. >> We apologize for the delay. one just to get to get the plaque here, but then that plaque is like what 50 pounds they said. So was where were we get how did we secure it? So they took us a little I'm I'm not exaggerating. 50 pounds. Is that right, Adriana? Yep. So we had to think about where it could go. So I'm glad you you you saw that. >> I did and I'm going to be posting it on social media. Thank you. That's it for me. >> All right. Um also congratulations to the soccer teams. I did not get to go see them play. Um, yes. Yes, I got I got I got
071filled. Um, my my dog prevented me from going, so I wasn't able to go, but I hear it was really great game. So, uh, congratulations to those. And then the spelling bee. Um, also my worst nightmare is ever being in a spelling bee. So, uh, hats off to all of you and to all the people out there in the audience that are left and those that are watching at home. Um, I hope you have a great week. Our next meeting is until February 12th. So, this is my last time. I'm really going to give you a chance for advanced notice. Do your Valentine's Day shopping now. Um, get something nice. Order those flowers. Order that special shuderie board. Um, and and have everything planned and have a great weekend. With that, is there a motion
072to adjurnn? >> Move to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I I