001Good evening everybody. It is now 5:30. Welcome to the January 8th uh governing board meeting for the Glendale Elementary School District. I have been told that the fiesta bowl is just about to start. So, we're gonna make quick work of this today. All right. Um, we have four out of five board members present. Miss Sagata Jones, are there any changes to the agenda this evening? >> Good evening, President Martine. Miss members of the board. No, there are not. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> I move to approve the agenda. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Harmio, how do you vote? I >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? I >> Miss Bartell, how do you vote? I >> chair votes I. Please join me in a moment of silence followed by
002the pledge of allegiance. Please rise to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Moving on in our agenda, it being the first of the calendar year, the first part of our agenda is going to be an organizational meeting where we will be approving and electing a new a board president and board clerk for the 2026 year. Uh so we will move to elect the board president first. >> I would like to recommend Mike Martinez continue as board president. >> I'll second. I am okay with that. All right. Uh, Mr. Harmo, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Bartell, how do you vote? >> I. >> And
003I self- servingly vote I. >> Moving on to the election of board clerk. I'm going to go ahead and nominate Miss Pimethal. She's not here, but last last time she seemed, you know, pretty open to it. And if she doesn't like it, she can bring it up next time. >> And I'll second that uh volunttold position. It's what happens when you don't show up. [laughter] >> Mr. Harmio, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? >> Hi. >> Miss Bartellis, how do you vote? >> I. >> And the chair votes I. >> Brenda, you can go ahead and stay here for the day. I won't kick you out. >> Well, she's not here, so. >> All right, moving on in our agenda. Uh, special recognition. Miss Gata Jones. >> Uh,
004yes. We're going to begin with our special recognition. If we can come down and we'll do that. We have our monthly student attendance award. >> Now it's okay. So every month, as you know, we do the student attendance, the school that has the best attendance, and this month it goes to by size. [cheering] [applause] >> Congratulations by size. Great. >> All right. You gonna Carlos will take some pictures. Great. Congratulations. I know everybody's been working really hard on attendance and we've had some changes. So, congratulations. >> Great. Thank you. [applause] And then our ne our next recognition is this month in January is a governing board recognition across the nation. And we would like to recognize our amazing governing board members. You all know who they are. We have board member Hector Haramio, board member
005Maryannne Wilson, board member Brenda Bartell's, board clerk Monica Pimentel, she cannot be here this evening, and then board president Mike Martinez. And so there's just this little little picture is going to come up because I need to explain why you have all these little things in front of you. So I do want to thank all the schools, the staff and the students. Um they did wonderful job on sending their appreciation through notes and so if you'll spend some time afterwards with cookies and chocolate and is my picture coming up? >> Yeah. Yeah. There we go. There you are. Let me explain that. So you're on a boat somewhere in Long Beach. Okay. That's where you're at. And um you know that this year we really have focus on you know the connect for of students
006staff. [laughter] >> Oh student staff family and community. >> Okay let me explain that. So this is called AI. So and we know AI does what you tell it to do. So, somehow that hand got there. But anyway, um you're it's Monica's hand. But um you're on this boat in Long Beach because um we created something for you. You know, each year we turn you into something and last year you were I believe a jigsaw puzzle. >> Well, this year because it's really the connect four and it's putting all the pieces together. We didn't make you a puzzle. We made you your own Lego. So, you have a Lego coming of yourself. It's on a boat somewhere. [laughter] We, you know, this year I told Adriiana, we're never doing this again. We plan like she
007came in the first part of December and said, you know, Cindy, when we get back, it's board appreciation and we really need to get this done right away because she doesn't like me doing lastm minute things. And so, I said, okay. So, here we did, planned ahead and look. It didn't happen. So, we're going to fly by the seat of our pants as we normally do. and but your Lego is coming. Um, board appreciation is all month. We have another board meeting in January. So, your little Lego should arrive at that time. I'm sure there will be some type of competition of who's going to build the Lego first. And so, we will do that. And then my little audience has something. Where's my audience? Look, they have you out there too on little sticks.
008>> [applause] >> So, so um yeah, I think I think you all look really good as little Legos. I think you look really good. >> Yeah. [laughter] You know, um so you are somewhere coming and then again, we have you floating through all the schools and truly I just want to say as a superintendent, we're so proud and and we're really honored that you serve as our governing board. Uh we know the hours that you put in and your commitment to this community and we couldn't be more proud to have you serve. Uh you are in in my mind u the best governing board in the state of Arizona by far. No one stands close to you at all. [applause] And so you know you you you stand up here with us, you lead with
009us. You're not afraid to make difficult decisions. And you know, it's been my pleasure to serve um with you side by side. But that's the story of the boat. Um we'll get your Legos to you and we can't wait because I don't know, you got you look good as a Lego in my opinion. So you look pretty good. So um >> the only one with a normal looking hand. >> Hector has a normal looking hand. I don't know. I I think they look like all of them. Look, Monica's head's a little tilted like she tilts her head in her photos. And Brenda was happy she had eyelashes and and hair. So, I don't know. I think they look nice. But again, um, thank you governing board for all that you do and we appreciate you
010so much. So, thank you. Okay, now we need to go to the next part of the agenda, but afterwards and even during, please, there's cookies and hot cocoa. Please make sure you enjoy that and say thank you to the board. And then please take time board because the schools have some really nice things to say about you and we appreciate you. Oh. Oh, and I do have a video. Sorry. Of course I have a video. Now the video is coming. Thank you, President Martinez, for your service and dedication to GESD. Thank you, governing board member Brenda Partell's for your service to GESD and our community. [music] >> Thank you, GMA, for showing your dedication to all our students in the GESD and helping them succeed in life and being an inspiration. >> Thank you, governing
011board member Pimementel, for your service and dedication to GESD. >> Thank you, governing board member Hector Haram, [music] for your service. >> Governing board members, thank you for your service. Thank you to our GESD governing board for connecting with our students, staff, family, >> and community >> to make the best decisions for Glendel Elementary School District. >> Y >> Thank you governing board. [music] We appreciate you. >> Thank you GSD governing board. >> Governing board members, your service makes a difference every day. Thank you. >> [music] >> Thank you school board members for your dedication to GD. [music] >> Thank you governing [singing] board members for your dedication and service to GS. [music] >> Thank you governing board. >> Thank you boarding board. Thank you. >> Thank you, governing board. >> Thank you. [music] >>
012Thank you, governing board. >> Thank you, [music] governing board. >> Thank you, governing board members. >> Thank you from Discovery. Thank you board members. >> Thank you. [applause] Thank you so much. Thanks for doing that. It's always great to see students in particular get so excited about Now we have Okay, moving on in our agenda. We do have some calls to the public this evening. So, give me just a moment to read through this. 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 open call to the public unless the matters are properly noticed for discussion and legal action. However, the law permits board members to do
013the following at the conclusion of open call to 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 complete a call to the public forum and submit it 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 remark, the speaker should state his or her name. Board recognizes Robert Gil. >> Oh, >> my teacher voice didn't work. Thought that was >> recording. Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, my name is Robert Gail and I am a teacher at Glendale America, but today I'm
014speaking on behalf of the Glendale Education Association. I appreciate the opportunity to highlight what continues to make GESD a strong district, our students, our dedicated staff, and the community that supports them. This year, we've seen excellent turnout at community events and the wellness fair. Families and staff are still talking about the joy and connection that they experienced. GESD is fortunate to have board members who attend and actively engage in these events and GA is grateful to partner with a district that values relationships and a strong sense of belonging. We deeply appreciate our schoolboard members for your time, hard work, and dedication to our students. Your role goes far beyond simply showing at p at public events. It is a genuine commitment to the thousands of students and staff that we serve, hearing the voice of
015everyone to make schools and our community stronger over time. Through thoughtful decision-making and leadership, you play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our district. GA values the opportunity to meet face tof face with educators and support staff across the district. These meetings strengthen strengthen collaboration, provide mutual support, and ensure staff are informed about benefits such as insurance, legal assistance, and cost-saving programs. To make these connections possible, GA completes facility use requests to meet on campus. The fees are paid directly through our union dues, meaning district employees own paychecks, fund the use of classrooms, libraries, and lounges that they work in every day after hours. We appreciate being able to gather in these familiar spaces, and hope to continue collaborating to keep these meetings accessible and sustainable. Through these conversations, we have
016heard from hundreds of staff members about their hopes and concerns. Many educators are facing real financial strain. Some are working multiple jobs, supporting families on a single income, or carrying significant student loan debt. These realities are prompting serious reflection. Without a clear and transparent plan for compensation, many staff feel uncertain about completing intent to return forms, signing contracts, and other binding commitments. Again and again, staff share that they love the district and they want to stay. At the same time, many are considering leaving the district or the profession entirely if long-term financial stability does not feel attainable. There's a strong desire for clear communication and thoughtful planning around compensation, including consideration of a stepped salary schedule to support retention and honor our experience. We love our returning teachers. They return because they feel valued by
017students, valued by families, administrators, the community, and the school board. Our shared goal is to continue retaining the passionate educators who have dedicated years or decades to service at GESD. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your continued commitment. Thank you. Board now recognizes Amber Johnson. Good evening, Superintendent Sagota Jones and members of the school board. My name is Amber Johnson and I'm here representing hundreds of staff members and GA members who care deeply about the long-term health of our district. While we understand the school closures of uh or consolidations are not on tonight's agenda, we appreciate the opportunity to raise considerations in advance so that they can be thoughtfully included in discussion at the upcoming upcoming study session. We recognize both the potential need to close schools and the responsibility to use financial
018resources wisely. These decisions are complex and our intent tonight is to highlight factors we believe are important to consider as options are explored. First, we asked the board to consider how school closures may impact student enrollment and staff retention. When schools close, families often reassess their options and may some may choose to leave the district rather than attend a newly zoned school. That potential, sorry, that potential decline should be incorporated into enrollment projections related to consolidation. We also share that concerns about staff retention during periods of uncertainty. Educators and support staff may be more likely to explore other districts then offer higher compensation or shorter commutes. According to the state auditor general's annual reports, 30% of our staff are currently in their first three years of teaching compared to a statewide average of 22%. We
019want to retain these educators as they grow in experience and skill rather than losing the investment to other districts. We also enclo en encourage a closer look to at school capacity numbers used in prior discussions in meetings held in 2020 and 2021. Some schools were reported as having capacities of over a thousand students. Many staff feel these figures do not reflect the daily uh realities of how schools function especially when accounting for a specialized special education programs aging facilities broken air conditioning or classrooms impacted by flooding. For example, Horizon is listed with a capacity of 1,170 students, yet it only has 33 general education classrooms. Reaching that number would require using special education or related arts spaces for general education. Raising concern about where those essential programs would be then be housed. Based on feedback
020from staff across GESD, we believe updated and realistic capacity assessments would support better planning. Additionally, we encourage discussion about optimal school size. While a building may technically hold a thousand students, larger schools can make it more difficult to build stronger relationships, school culture, and community factors that are critical to student engagement and behavior. We ask that the board consider not just maximum capacity, but ideal enrollment, and what research says about effective Kate school size. We have also heard concerns regarding the possibility of a reduction in force. Based on typical annual turnover rates, we are hesitant to believe a riff would be necessary. Many districts district employees are also Glendale residents and parents, and a riff would have a ripple effect on local families, the taxpayers, and the local economy. Thank you. >> Thank you. Board
021now recognizes Terresa Wulmac. Good evening, President Martinez, Superintendent Sagata Jones, governing board members, members of the executive team, and everyone here tonight. My name is Teresa WAC, and I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank each of you for your hard work and dedication to the student, staff, and families of Glendel Elementary School District. I know this is an unpaid elected position, which means you're not here for the paycheck or the fame because let's be honest, schoolboard meetings are not exactly Hollywood level glamorous. Even though many other districts board of meetings seem to end up on the news lately, but actually says a lot. You're here because you truly care. Your role goes far beyond attending meetings, approving agendas, or making appearances at community events. It's about the real work. making thoughtful and sometimes
022difficult decisions that impact thousands of families and staffs across our district. Decisions that don't always come with easy answers, but that play a critical role in shaping the direction of GSD and improving lives over time. One of my favorite moments this past holiday season actually came from our district itself. I was truly delighted to see how many people participated in this year's Glendale hometown Christmas parade. It was a great reminder that GSD is not just part of the community, we are the community. My granddaughter especially enjoyed the coloring pages and her favorite part by far was getting to press the Christmas button. So, thanks Brad for that moment. And judging by the turnout, I think it's safe to say that we have had one of the largest and most spirited groups there. Seeing that level
023of participation and enthusiasm really showed how connected this district is to the families and community it serves. So, thank you for the time you give, the tough choices you make, and the leadership you provide. Your work matters. It's noticed and it's appreciated by families, by staff, and the community you serve. Thank you. I also have uh something for Mr. Har Hector to give to his son. All right, that concludes our call to the public. Uh, thank you to our speakers. Your comments were well thought out and put together, so I appreciate that. Moving on in our agenda, on to the consent agenda item. Are there any comments? or remarks on the consent agenda items. >> Is there is that the one with the 170 pages? >> No, that's that's our action items. >> Then I'll
024reserve my comments. [laughter] [clears throat] >> Then I'll make a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. >> I'll second. >> Mr. Harmio, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Wilson, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Bartell's, how do you vote? >> I. >> And the chair votes I. Moving on to our action item, the 170 some odd pages of policy uh updates. We'll start with page one, paragraph one. >> I'll read as fast as I can. How's that? Um, if you look at that, I think you know that on each of those sections um the policies um there have what has happened is they've been removed or added due to recotification of each of those um merged with other policy documents containing similar topics. We've gone through each of those.
025Um there are no major changes for us that we have. There was only one section in um the technology piece and it was actually in a regulation which we don't really approve and it was just stating that that came back from during uh COVID when we had devices that we would send home and and we no longer can maintain those for security reasons. And so um that was the only thing that we removed. But everything else um has just been removed, revised or put in a more logical sequential order through ASBA. So we can go through each one or we can approve as they are since there were no changes. >> As somebody that looked through all 140 pages, I am more than happy to just not do that. We each of the just but
026the process we use is the executive team goes through um each policy. We do that in team but the executive team also gives it to each of their departments. They meet with the departments and they go through and make sure everything is how it needs to be and we don't have any changes. We accept them as they are as except for the one I said with technology and Tom wanted that one removed and its regulation. We don't need to worry about that because we can't continue to maintain that for security reasons. I just had one positive comment about it. Um I went through the pages and I just wanted to highlight one section due to a public comment. There is a section about this is the one about school closures, right? Yes. And um we
027added language that says we have to have a minimum of 10 days before um close having a meeting even about closing a school that uh we have to let the public know. So if you do have concerns about school closures, that would be the time to um let your opinion and be known. >> Thank you, Mr. Hame. And as we went through school closures in the past, we followed all those guidelines. We posted everything as we needed to post and we did that. But thank you for the reminder. >> Okay. Is there a motion to approve uh the first reading? >> I move to approve the first reading of the revised policy manual sections E and section F is presented. Second. >> Mr. Harmio, how do you vote? >> I. >> Miss Wilson, how do
028you vote? >> Hi. >> Miss Bartell's, how do you vote? >> I. >> And the chair votes I. >> Moving on to future meetings and events. Miss Data Jones, what do we have coming up in? >> Yes. Board member or board president Martinez. Um, board members special meeting. We will have January 22nd. We will do the study session on phase one as we um discussed. So, that will take place. And then we had some items that the governing board asked us to place on agenda which we will we will do as well at that time. >> Any questions or comments? >> All right. Moving on to the summary of current events. Miss Sagata Jones, tell us a little bit about what's happened over the holidays. >> Absolutely. Um I do have a PowerPoint just with
029some bullet points on it I wanted to share. I just have one slide. Yeah, I don't think I need the clicker, but just um so there we go. I just wanted to highlight some of the things that are going on. We have this new partnership with the University of Arizona. It's called Jab Job Shadow Program. As it states, it's a low pressure one-day educational experience for UFA students to gain exposure to a professional workplace or industry, explore potential careers, and make new connections. And Tuesday we had uh our first one come and she actually um was in IT and shadowed with it all day. This is just great exposure and and really marketing for GSD. So we're really happy about that partnership and we'll continue to have those. So that's something that happened this week
030as well. Um something I want to talk about is preschool and kindergarten registration February 19th. We met with leadership today and then we'll meet with SAKS stack and spa as well for input. um kindergarten registration, you know, we've done that many different ways here and we've done it at the site level and we just haven't seemed to get a lot of turnout for I don't know what reasons. We just don't. And so this year we've decided we're going to do February 19th at the system of care. We're going to do registration for the entire district of preschool and kindergarten students. Um we talked about it today with some great ideas. We're going to run it um I'm going to say as a carnival theme type approach. Um and how that came about was one day
031I was talking to Miss um size about she was um when Angelique was at Discovery and remember the new charter school that came in and when then all of a sudden some of those students returned to Discovery and Angelique asked the parents well well why did you leave to begin with and what she heard from them was interesting. And I don't think it was we had this conversation today what Angelique thought or what you know any of us really thought they said they said because they drove by they saw this school they were having a carnival it looked like a fun place. So you know me I'm going to copy that so and do it better. So what we're going to do at system of care because it is on a main street right we'll
032do it as a carnival approach where we'll have every school will be there every school will have a table every school will will have their mascot every school will have um their family advocacy there we will have um on behalf of Gusta who has bought um popcorn machines and kind of candy machines and things we will have that there we'll have on-site registration for our kind preschool and kindergarteners uh through our partnership We will ser we'll be serving hot dogs to all of our families. We'll do the media approach. Um we'll have a QR code that says this is going to be the biggest event of the year. You don't want to miss it. Get your ticket today. There'll be a grand raffle or something um on behalf of Gusto uh that a family will
033be able to win. So that's the approach we're going to do this year. Uh we will have all of it at system of care. we'll do it as a big event and um we'll see you know we'll see how it how it turns out but it seemed you know it seemed system of care seemed like the best place because it's on a main a main street and the u campus is conducive to having all these different stations so that's our approach there'll be huge marketing on that um and Carlos have been working on that we got a lot of feedback from schools today we'll continue to get that feedback from the other groups that we meet with next week and then we'll get ready to launch that that out. So, that's coming up and we're
034excited about that. Um January 22nd study session, as I said, phase one board member agenda requests that you had asked for. We'll have that. Um January 22nd, I want to talk a little bit about upcoming maintenance projects. Um a couple projects have been going on. As you know, or maybe you don't know, I think I said it last time, Horizon is going through a roofing project. Thank you to Horizon staff for your patience as we work through all that. Um roofing um there's been smells with that. It's just it's just been you know I have to say kudos to Horizon. They've been so positive to get through that and we appreciate that. So that's still going on. Horizon is up for another major construction. New parking lots going on is going to be put into
035place. I know they're happy about that, but you know, with that comes, you know, a little more disruption. And so, u, but we'll get that taken care of. We've had some media centers redone. We've got HVAC going on. Uh, we've got fences being painted. Those types of things are happening. So, we're happy about those those maintenance projects and the work that is h that's going on. But, it does disrupt sometimes and we are aware of that. Please know um we will always do our best uh to work around the um instructional time to do those things. Um then soccer championships, we hope everybody is there. Monday, January 12th is when we have our soccer championships. And I want to acknowledge the work that is in the back from the displays and that's from Horizon. And
036I forgot the other school, Burton. And Burton, thank you for the work back there. And again, uh thank you for being here this evening. Uh we appreciate you and the work that you do. Happy new year and it's, you know, we're into the uh second semester and we looked at your benchmarks and they look great and everything else looks wonderful for us. So, it seems like we're having a wonderful beginning in 2026. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. Um, now we'll move on to the board update. So, I'm going to ask the board members to share a little bit of update from themselves and also add, what was your favorite memory over this past holiday season? what really stuck out to you? So, I'll give you a second to think about it. Okay, Hector
037time. Nothing about myself. Um, I've lost 22 pounds since the end of September. Um, >> thank you. And my favorite memory from the holidays, uh, you know, seeing my son open presents and seeing Nightmare Before Christmas toys all over just warmed my heart and I was like, "Wow." This was like the first Christmas where he was more aware. He's almost three and so he was very excited. He got three Christmases cuz my mom went out of town so she had to have one for her. One on Christmas and then he's right now in Mexico with grandpa and he got another Christmas. So, he's very spoiled and I'm not excited to deal with that. Um, thank you. Thank you to the public speakers. I appreciate and love hearing voices and um, thank you for the st
038to the staff. Um, I know you guys work hard and every time people like I I feel weird getting all the things because I'm like, you know, you guys do all the work. I don't know if you guys can tell by my face. I get awkward, but you guys are the ones that do all the work. So, thank thank you all of you district admin staff. Thank you for the work that you do to make us look good. So, >> thank you, Miss Wilson. >> Well, happy new year and uh welcome back to everyone. Um thank you for um all the thank you cards and the the video was great. Um thanks for that. Um, yeah. I think the thing that stuck out most for me was the um my whole family got together for
039Thanksgiving. So, we came to the lighting ceremony uh in downtown Glendale for that and there were 16 of us and I think all we did was get on the phone and say, "Where are you? Where are you?" And we're over here and we're over there. So, we just got kind of that's all we did the whole time. Um, but it was a lot of fun and um yeah, just uh you know, thanks uh to everyone. I know you with all the weird things that are going on right now and it might be a little depressing but um you know as as we focus on education and our our students you know it's a um it's an uplifting happy time for uh for all of us. So uh we just need to focus on that. Um
040and uh yeah thanks for everything that you do and looking forward to uh you know the downhill swing of the school year and um uh I I look forward to really hearing some great things in and and seeing some good things the next few months. So, thanks again and happy new year. >> All right. Thank you, Brenda. >> Uh, welcome back everybody. Um, the best thing about Christmas this year was celebrating it with our first grandchild, our our granddaughter Elelliana, eight months old. Um, and then she enjoyed staring at grandpa because he kind of looks like Santa Claus these days. So, um, but I am truly grateful for everything that everybody does in the district. And when I watch social media and see the learning that's going on and the excitement in the kids, that's
041that's a reminder of why we're up here. Um, but on a somber notet, I would just like to remind everybody, you know, you take a moment to think about the people that didn't join us in 2026. Thank you. >> 2025 was rough. I ain't going to lie. Um there was a lot of stuff going on, a lot of change. Uh some of it was really cool and exciting and some of it not so much. Um but I'm happy to say that we got through it. Some of it was very last minute. We did I remember my wife and I we did all of our Christmas shopping on the weekend just before Christmas. Uh Saturday and Sunday full days out running around doing Christmas shopping. We finished putting our decorations up three days two days before
042Christmas. Um, so even though we were late on everything, we still got it done. Everybody was happy. Everybody came over, had food, and then everybody left. So that's even better. Um, >> but did they help clean up? >> No, they did not. [laughter] My decorations are still up right now. I haven't taken them down yet, so I just haven't gotten around to it. But, uh, I I appreciate everybody. Thank you for the video. Thank you for all the kind words, the cards, the the posters, and everything. Uh, it's been it's been an honor to serve on the board. Uh and I will hopefully uh 26 brings awesome and amazing things to the district and we will look forward to pushing that every day. With that, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> Move to adjurnn.
043>> I'll second. >> All those in favor? I thank I.