001Good evening. I really love how this happens. I just wish I had that much power over my kids when they were younger. All right. Uh we're going to call the governing board meeting to order for it's Wednesday, October 22nd, and it is 6:30. Lisa, roll call, please. Robert Downey, >> Patti Coutrey, >> present. >> Carolyn Lopez, >> present. >> Ben Owens, >> present. >> Shante Rothschild, >> present. >> Thank you. Mr. Miller, I'd like you to lead us in our pledge of allegiance, please. Thank you very much. All right, board. Adoption of the agenda. Do I have any motions or amendments? >> Motion to approve as it written. >> Second. >> Lisa, I have a motion in a second. >> Shante Rothschild. >> I. >> Ben Owens. Hi, >> Carolyn Lopez. >> Hi, >> Patty
002Coutrey. >> Hi. >> All right, Dr. Lopeman, superintendent report. >> Thank you, Vice President Coutree. >> If you want to see the power of partnership in action, look no further than last week's partners lunchon. 26 partners joined us to see how their involvement is making a difference for students. Over lunch from local favorite Roots Eery, we saw our portrait of a graduate in action through Taen Mroy, a 2025 Maricopa High School graduate, and Joshua Martin, a Desert Sunrise High School student on track to graduate in 2026. Dr. Maxwell shared how CTE programs build realorld skills and foster mutually beneficial partnerships between students and local businesses. In February, we'll grow our circle by welcoming new partners eager to make new connections. When it comes to innovation, MUSD is on the map. Recognized as an experienced educator
003and Google certified trainer, director of educational technology, Nicole Kentrell was invited to the Google for Education Leaders series in Chicago. The series brought together education leaders from across the country to explore how h explore how to empower educators and students in a fastchanging digital world. Miss Kentrell collaborated on AI literacy and shared feedback directly with Google developers, keeping MUSD on the leading edge of educational technology. It's that time of year again. MUSD is making waves with more nominations and wins for the creme de laopa awards. With thousands of nominations for local businesses and people, it's great to see our teachers, schools, and principles in the mix. Santa Cruz Elementary won best public school with Desert Sunrise High School and Saddleach Elementary also nominated. Congratulations to Nani Plunkett from Saddleach for being selected as best teacher
004and to fellow nominees Janine Jump, fellow nominees Janine Jump also of Saddleach and Stephanie Archerette of Santa Cruz. We also applaud principles Stephanie Reinhardt from Santa Cruz and Thaad Miller from Maricopa Wells for their nominations for best principal. Congratulations to all for their nominations and contributions to our district. On September 25th, we celebrated Legendary Teacher Day, giving families the opportunity to recognize MUSD educators who've made a lasting impact. Nearly 200 nominations were submitted with several teachers receiving more than one. Mr. Low from Maricopa High School received an impressive 14 nominations. Each nominated teacher received a certificate of appreciation. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this day truly legendary. This week is National School Bus Safety Week and it's an opportunity to shine a light on our incredible transportation team. Drivers, mechanics, bus
005aids, and support staff work tirelessly to ensure our students arrive safely each day. To recognize their dedication, each team member received an MUSD sling bag as a small gesture of gratitude. We are so grateful for all they do to keep our students safe and our district running smoothly. In honor of National Principles Months, like they get a whole month um which they deserve. In honor of National Principles Month, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary work of our MUSD principles. These leaders are the backbone of our schools, guiding academic growth and fostering nurturing environments for our kids. Their dedication and leadership are deeply appreciated. And certainly from me as a former principal, um I got mad respect for you and tons of love. Um they are deeply appreciated. So, thank you to each of our
006principles for all you do every day and night to shape the future of our district. And that's my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Lman. Uh, governing board member reports. Member Rasha. >> Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Um, couple things. So, um had an opportunity to attend the partners lunchon last week and as our amazing uh superintendent mentioned, it was wonderful to see two of our former students and how they found their place not only in our community but as far as their professional development. So, it was really good to hear their stories and how they recall all of the instrumental teachers um that they encountered. So, that made my heart feel warm. Also um participated in stage coach stage. So seen many of you at the various events and so um hopefully we'll see you
007there this weekend for a couple of the remaining events at Pakana. Uh and last but not least encouraging everyone to attend the upcoming events um next week and the following week. So that's it. >> Thank you member Owens. >> Thank you. Uh, so I was unable to attend the partners' lunch uh due to a a conflict. Um, and I'm just I was just trying to think back. It's been a few weeks since we've been here. Um, but lots of lots of things going on from a parent and a volunteer standpoint. Like I always say, a busy kid means busy parents. Um uh let's see here. So been to multiple color guard and marching band competitions. Um the video scroll that we had going on earlier. Um I just want to give a shout out to
008our uh Desert Sunrise color guard team. Uh we had three of our kids that uh participated uh in a competition this past weekend and Desert Sunrise has three of the five uh top color guard individual performers in the state of Arizona. So that's a pretty good deal right there. [applause] So those kids, those coaches put in a lot of time um along with the marching band. So, next uh this weekend is Southern Regionals for for marching band uh and then state uh coming up uh for swim. Um I uh I help out with the all the swim meets that go on down here at Copper Sky. Um we're super super excited. Uh Saturday morning, if you all don't have anything going on, come on down to Copper Sky to the aquatic center starting at 8
009o'clock. Uh we're hosting the first annual Sonorin Desert uh swim invitational. We've got six uh total of six teams that are coming in. Uh we've got some of the uh the best referees that are going to be helping out um in the state of Arizona. Um it's going to be a short and sweet meet, two and a half hours. Um >> yeah, that short and sweet. Yeah. >> Yeah. compared to the one that was today that was about seven hours. >> Yeah. So, um so looking forward to that. I'm looking forward to getting through that. It's always great when we give our our students, our athletes an opportunity to perform on their home turf and this is something that we've been talking about for years. Um, so coaches and ads pulling this thing together um
010is really really exciting. So, um, October, November is always super super busy. Um, and you know, and then we're coming up into the end of the first semester. Uh, the one reminder that I do want to throw out there and Mr. Exine, I see you sitting over there. Um, if students that are in AP classes, make sure that you get your down payment in for those AP exams. Super, super important. If you need assistance with that, I know that there's ways out there. Talk to your teachers. Please make an effort to to take those exams. It makes a huge difference. So, uh, we've got a lot of super dedicated, um, teachers and students in that. So, I'm really excited to see how that all comes out. So, all right, I'm done. Thanks. >> Thank you,
011member Lopez. >> Thank you, Miss Catra. I just attended the partners lunchon. Um, and it was great to see all of the partnerships that we have in Maricopa. um and and the relationships we're building and hopefully will continue to build and grow on and great to see our CTE program what it's done especially DECA was amazing to to hear those two students and previous student talk about the impact it made on their lives. So uh that's it. I feel a little short compared to yours. I'm done. Thank you. Well, welcome back. I mean, this is our first time gathering together since fall break. Um, and my I cannot believe it's already at the end of October. Kind of crazy. Um, I also attended the partner uh partner lunchons. We actually had two since our last
012meeting. And um and member Lopez is right about the uh partnerships that we have. And and I also would like to recognize some of the partnerships that um MUSD uh has with the Boys and Girls Club. Um they along with the Rotary Club were able to provide transportation so that some of our kids that are enrolled in the Boys and Girls Club which are mostly MUSD students were able to participate in some really engaging field trips learning about our city because it was all based on preparing them for the stage coach days. And so um kudos to that. I also want to give a shout out to principal Miller and uh art teacher uh Seattle and I'm going to butcher her last name, Luca Huns. Um they came out and they actually presented um Seattle
013did a uh a mural. Um they the kids got to help create a Maricopa past, present, and what they thought the future would look like. And it was pretty it was pretty amazing. and Principal Miller was part of our Hall of Fame community leaders. Um, by the time kids ended, the kids did rotations into all these different rooms talking to these leaders and but most of them by the time they got done with Principal Miller decided they wanted to be a school principal when they grew up. So, um, just a a shout out because these partnerships are very vital, um, to the success of our education and and just being part of this community. So, thank you. All right, we're going to move on to recognition. We have our spotlight recognition. Michelle Well, good evening
014and thank you all for being here tonight. Tonight, the Maricopa Unified School District is excited to honor Spotlight recipients across four categories: community members, MUSD employees, students, and student athletes. Before we begin, I'd like to thank our sponsors at Freddy's Steak Bers and Frozen Custard, BaskinRobins, and Auction Circle Entertainment for making tonight special for our honores. Our first honores are community members whose time and support make a real difference in the lives of our students and families. Congratulations community members. As I call your name, please come forward to receive your gifts or to receive your certificate and give a quick fist bump to governing board members and Dr. Lopeman. Then head to room 123 for a group photo. Miss Roberts is standing by the door in the hallway to give you or to point you
015in the right direction. Give us a wave, Miss Roberts. There she is. All right. Congratulations to Marlene Black, classroom volunteer at Butterfield Elementary School. Alexandria Mlan, parent volunteer, Maricopa Elementary School. Christopher Drager, watchdog's dad from Pimabute Elementary. Leticia Santiago, parent volunteer, Saddleback Elementary School. Alicia Rodriguez, parent volunteer, Santa Cruz Elementary School. Eileen Rush, cafeteria volunteer, Santa Rosa Elementary School. Evelyn Jasso and Jesse Hernandez, parent volunteers, Desert Wind Middle School. >> [applause] >> Cristiano Montiero, parent volunteer, Maricopa Wells Middle School. [applause] >> Oh, wait. Here he is. >> Yay. Jackie Johnson Powell, GCU representative from Desert Sunrise High School. [applause] Helen Ford, business partner, Maricopa High School. [applause] Andrea Morales, Great Clips general manager, Maricopa Virtual Academy. Congratulations again to these outstanding spotlight community members. [applause] And next, we're proud to honor our Spotlight Employees of
016the Month. Dedicated staff who go above and beyond to meet the needs of our students and school communities. Congratulations, Spotlight employees. As I call your name, please come forward to receive your certificate. Give a quick fist bump to the governing board and Dr. Lopman, and then head to room 123 for a group photo. Congratulations to Brandon Kohl's, PE teacher, Butterfield Elementary School. Loose. Garcia, lead custodian, Maricopa Elementary School. Katherine Felton, art teacher, Pimabute Elementary School. Lette Ali, school clerk, Saddleback Elementary School. Molina Batista, ELEL teacher from Santa Cruz Elementary School. [applause] And Brad Davis, first grade teacher, Santa Rosa Elementary School. Marinel Santo, science teacher, Desert Wind Middle School. [applause and cheering] Terresa Valisto, registar, Maricopa Wells Middle School. [applause] Kate Dove, CTE teacher, Desert Sunrise High School, and Martha Davis, librarian, Maricopa High School.
017[applause] Shelini Sharma, science teacher, Maricopa Virtual Academy. Manender Singh, social studies teacher, Ram Academy. [applause] and Rick Roa, pest control technician from maintenance and grounds. Congratulations again to these outstanding spotlight employees. And now we are thrilled to honor our spotlight students of the month. And each month, school principles select these remarkable students for their outstanding commitment to their education, their school, and their community. These spotlight students exemplify the portrait of a graduate by being communicators who listen, collaborate, and share ideas. Innovators who think creatively and solve problems. Resilient achievers who show determination and perseverance. Critical thinkers who analyze and challenge the status quo. And principled leaders who act with responsibility and character. These students set the bar high and shine as role models for their peers, their schools, and our entire district community. Congratulations, Spotlight
018students. As I call your name, please come forward to receive your certificate and give a quick fist bump to governing board members and Dr. Lopeman. Then head to room 123 for a group photo. And Miss Roberts is still standing by the door. Give us one more wave. There she is. Congratulations to Aiden Ramirez, fourth grade student from Butterfield Elementary. Aiden is always on task and has a willingness to help others, especially in math. Kaia Garvin, fourth grader, Maricopa L. Ka is a resilient achiever and a principled leader who embraces challenges with determination, models kindness, and inspires others through her example. Leonitis Lana, fourth grader from Pum Elementary. Leonitis is a model Mustang whose positivity, reliability, and strong leadership make him a shining example of a resilient achiever. Julian Parker, first grader from Saddleback Elementary. Julian
019is hardworking and respectful, and he consistently does his best, follows expectations, and serves as a great role model. Luke Harvey is a third grader from Santa Cruz Elementary. Luke is a principled leader who stays positive, tries his best, and shows kindness to everyone around him. Sophia Singleton is a second grader from Santa Rosa Elementary School. Sophia leads through positive relationships and perseverance, showing true resilience in her pursuit of academic success. Matteline Faith Cypen, eighth grader, Desert Wind School. Meline is kind and patient leader who excels academically and serves as an ideal role model for her peers. Justice Best, eighth grade student from Maricopa Wells Middle School. Justice shows her leadership through her academic success. Isabella Owens, sophomore at Desert Sunrise High School. Isabella is a gifted, resilient student who excels academically, leads with integrity, and
020shines across academics, athletics, and extracurriculars. Miguel Sabalos Jr., senior from Maricopa High School. Miguel is a resilient achiever who requires no motivation. He shows up ready to work and immediately gets started on the day's tasks. Tristan Godz, eighth grader from Maricopa Virtual Academy. Tristan is a hardworking and joyful student who leads by example and inspires his classmates through his positive attitude. And Antonio Dominguez, he's a senior at Ram Academy. And Ram Academy celebrates Antonio for his exceptional academic resilience and hard work. Congratulations again to these outstanding spotlight students. And new this year, we're also honoring our outstanding student athletes. As I call your name, please come forward to receive your certificate and give a quick fist bump to the governing board and Dr. Lopeman. And then head to room 123 for a group photo. Congratulations
021to Ivan Dominguez, eighth grade baseball player from Desert Wind Middle School. >> [applause] >> Sophia Mosca, eighth grade volleyball player, Desert Wind Middle School. Jordan Lee, eighth grade basketball player, Maricopa Wells Middle School. Aaron Cox, eighth grade basketball, softball, flag football player, as well as cross-country runner from Maricopa Wells Middle School. Matthew Allen B, senior golfer from Desert Sunrise High School. Amaria Brown Hart, junior cheerleader from Desert Sunrise High School. Jose Cardonus, senior football player from Maricopa High School. and Cena Palmer, sophomore flag football player from Maricopa High School. [applause] Congratulations again to our student athletes, parents. We have one more recognition um before uh you can meet your kiddos. So, in partnership with Maricopa Rotary Club, we'd like to honor a deserving group of students. Rotary honors young people who are developing leadership skills
022and making a difference in their communities. Rotary students, as I call your name, please come forward and Mr. Wells and Miss Coutree will present you with a special certificate. And in addition, you will receive a $50 gift card on behalf of the ROI Rotary. A special thank you goes to John and Mary Lou Smith Smith Education Foundation for their sponsorship that helps make tonight special for our honores. Congratulations to Charlie Rogala, eighth grader from Desert Wind Middle School. Carly Newsome, eighth grader from Maricopa Wells Middle School. Pearla Reangal Castro, senior from Desert Sunrise High School. and Michaela Armstrong, Maricopa High School. She's a senior this year. Egan Waller, senior from Maricopa Virtual Academy. and Antonio Dominguez, senior from Ram Academy. [applause] Congratulations again to our Rotary students. Parents, we'll take a five minute break to
023allow everyone who is here for recognition to make their exit and then we'll begin the business portion of our meeting which you are very welcome to stay for if you would like. Maybe I can't speak for Miss Lopez. All right, [laughter] we're move on to item >> 5A. Uh, progress update on the new K through eight school. Dr. Lopeman. Right. Um, thank you, Miss Coutree. We have um a a informative update this evening. We'll hear from uh Elizabeth Allison, who is the planning principal of the new K8 school. And we'll also hear from Andy Gooding, who represents Chase building team, obviously our contractor for this massive project. Andy, please. >> Good evening, everybody, members of the board. Uh Andy Chase building team. I come at you from the rainforest known as K8 number one. Uh
024give you a brief update on where we're at today and a couple milestones we're looking to hit. Um currently right now we have three out of the five portions of slab poured. We kind of break everything up by A B C D and then the gym is kind of uh where we have a filler crew. So, the gym building right now is topped out uh without the slab in it just to get the basin started. Uh the building A is topped out with the slab and steel starting on Wednesday of next week. So, that'll be fun. Uh we did pour building C right before the hurricane stuff came through, like the day before. So, I was thankful for that. And then, uh by the end of next week, we're looking to have building B poured
025out. and building B, like the box up front, we're going to be topped out on that within another week. So, all the overhead trades, everybody's gonna start getting busy. That's about it. All the all the underground utilities are pretty much done with the exception of power, >> right? Okay. And if I'm if I what I the word on the street is that with all of this rain we've had we have our own weather systems here in Maricopa >> and I think we've only lost one day in our timeline >> due >> so please say some more about that. >> So Monday we got in and it was just in impossible to work. Uh Tuesday we have great trades so we all kind of have a a pumping party. I mean, we have pumps going everywhere
026into each retention. So, um, really Tuesday we did make some headway, but then the Wednesday we were back full at it. So, >> about day and a half is what we lost out of that. >> That's pretty good. >> And a little mud on the boots. >> Uh, couple questions for you. >> Um, I love seeing the uh, love seeing the pictures and um, the timing on that pouring that slab. I mean, like really couldn't have been much uh much better on that. Um uh pretty impressed that you only lost basically one day uh on your on your schedule. Um I'm assuming one day in the whole grand scheme of things, we've got enough kind of fluff kind of built in here where that day isn't going to turn into a snowball down the road,
027right? >> No, we are we're doing very well schedule-wise. Um, the big milestone is going to be when we pour that second portion of area B because at that point I'm going to have two masonry crews to go up simultaneously with B and C. So, we're going to be we're going to be uh going vertical pretty quick here. >> Good deal. >> Yeah. Um, have all your long lead items like transformers, uh, cable, tab bodies, your electrical components that you mentioned, has all that stuff been procured? >> I have the SCES sitting in that ConX right there right now. So, it it is ready for me to go. >> Good deal. I love it. >> Yeah, >> good deal. Um, sweet. You answered my question. >> Exciting. >> Any other questions? Thank you, Andy. >>
028Thank you. >> Good evening, Vice President Coutree, members of the board, Dr. Lopeman, and the community. Thank you for inviting me here tonight to speak on the progress of Kate number one. So, step into the school built for the future. K8 number one, while not yet named, is actively under construction and will offer new and exciting opportunities for the students of Maricopa. Located in the Srento subdivision, the school will house up to 1100 students from preK through 8th grade. We offer state-of-the-art collaborative spaces, distinct learning environments for the middle and elementary students, a fully equipped gym with a separate food common, and an imaginary play areas for our younger st student for our younger learners where they can burn off some of that extra energy and discover new passions through the re career themed play
029equipment. MUSDK number one is adopting an innovative multi-age instructional model or instructional house replacing the traditional one grade and one teacher setup. This unique model will feature multi-age houses where students with the exception of our kindergarteners will remain in the same house for up to two years. a team approach where each house will host up to 150 students by a team of teachers carefully designed to bring together their unique expertise, passions, and strengths. And this structure aims to build stronger lasting relationships and provide truly individualized learning experiences for every one of our students. In addition to our team-based approach to instruction, we're giving students the chance to experience hands-on learning through real world work ex o opportunities by partnering with our community and other MUSD K programs. K8 number one will provide students with opportunities
030to explore different career paths and build essential skills that tomorrow's employers are looking for. Our approach naturally progresses from career awareness to exploration and into engagement, allowing students to connect what they've learned in the classroom to practical industry relevant skills. Starting in kindergarten, students will begin building work-based vocabulary through immersive experiences, sparking curiosity. Students will explore career themed discovery labs while applying grade level essential standards. In third and fourth grade, the students will gain exposure to a multitude of career clusters via hands-on activities, guest speakers, industry relevant projects, inquirybased genius hour, all culminating in an interest survey to guide middle school academy selection. Once in fifth and through once in fifth to 8th grade, students will narrow down their interest by choosing one of two different careermies in each grade band. Each academy will integrate
031project-based learning, industry relevant experiences through selected electives, and throughout their core instruction. With the support of our community and industry partners, students of all ages will gain valuable experiences, preparing them for the future ahead. Next steps. I'm actively driving our K8 programming forward by meeting with three focus groups dedicated to shaping the work around work-based learning, perfecting the team teaching model, and setting the tone for the climate and culture of the new school. Simultaneously, I'm building vital relationships with communities and industry partners to connect our students directly with future with the future of our area. My ongoing priorities is mapping out these evolving student experiences to ensure a new programming is impactful is impactful from day one. I'll take any questions. >> Any questions? >> Um so this is a little bit different. It's it's
032a lot of bit different model than we have elsewhere. uh any in within MUSD, what do you see as being the biggest potential roadblock coming down the pipeline? Um, so I think what's exciting but also could potentially be a barrier or a challenge is um staffing for those academy electives because we are going to make them very specific to the career cluster and so finding the right people for the right positions. Um because we've already had a lot of partners within the community that are excited about what the opportunities that they can provide for our school. Um, so I think it's going to be more aligning the staffing to the the right um industry elective clusters because they are so specific. >> Yep. I gota make sense. >> Thank you. >> Are those teacher are
033those staffing the potential challenge that we might have? Are we they have to be certified teachers or are we looking at more of like a CTE type of certification? So, we're kind of looking at everything right now. Um, it could be a certified teacher with an industry partner that's collaborating with that teacher to create that experience. Um, some of our industry partners are looking to to be that involved where they can come in and support an elective over a course of several weeks. Um, it could be more of like a specialized CTE. So, we're really really looking at all of our options. >> That's awesome. Very impressive. I'm so excited for this. >> Thank you so much. >> All right, now we're on to our classroom spotlight. Maricopa Wells Middle School. Mr. Miller, Vice President
034Coutrey, fellow board members, um, and Dr. Lman. appreciate the opportunity to be here tonight to share some of our story from America Wells and I'll try to keep under 20 minutes. >> He's joking. >> Yeah, I'm jo. >> No, I gave you >> Okay, my presentation tonight is ELA, the foundation for success. This aligns with >> There we go. This aligns with goal number one. every students graduates with our strategic plan with the district and then also with the port of graduate communicator critical thinker and principal leader as you go through the pro the program tonight you'll see why that's so vital okay why English language arts is our focus so if we look about this and we uh all figure any school at all levels language arts is such a key subject that content
035We we you always hear about it's cross contract. I mean you talk about any subject on that campus language arts is a should be a focus. All students through school after school should be able read and write successfully. That's why it's such an important um content and that's why we're focused on this tonight. Uh it also helps when we look at access to both literature andformational text. the literature is the ELA section, the informationational text, that real life uh factual data, science, social studies in particular, I'm a former science teacher, so we did a lot of information text. You can just see just across content how it's how it's vital to all levels. Every area on the campus is touched was language arts. Last point there, I think it's vital. Also, we're talking about supporting
036all students. All 967, I think last count, are affected by language arts. All levels, all grade levels. So, it's it's just so important. When we [clears throat] look at our data from our state test last year, it's 2425. You can see our six, seventh, and eight scores there. Um, I think the good area to focus on, if you look at our benchmark for quarter 1 shows growth in all three grade levels. Of course, there's different levels of growth, but the growth in all three grade grade levels is important. If you look at our data from, you know, we can mention years before, we've seen growth in our ELA every year. Our sixth grade's gone up and down a little bit, but our seventh and eighth has really shown some strong growth. So, I'm really excited
037to see the growth we have this year. And you can see the eighth grade on our first quarter benchmark, 70% is proficient or above. Very happy with that. The right formula when we look at success in any content, you got to have the right formula. So, here's a couple of key points for us. Um, not only the students, but the teachers, we've talked about this all the time. They have to have high expectations. They have to have the high expectations and share those with their students. Okay, that's that's vital. So the kids know those expectations. When we look at uh that leadership capacity, you'll see when we talk about our focus of Miss Jenkins, that leadership capacity is huge. We have a program on campus called Panther Ambassadors where those kids are leaders on campus.
038Miss Jenkins does some to train with that. um she leads that program and we'll uh mention that a little bit later but that's actually that could be a whole another presentation on just that peer mediation and the leadership that comes within the students goal setting and test talks I think those kind of go together with me because you look at the test talks it's important for teachers to share the students start building the value of what the tests are why we need to do our best why we should have those goals when we take those tests um that's one thing we'll mention out when we talk about our next steps is one of those things where we're doing it well is it's a it's a new program where we're having the kids basically follow their
039tests throughout the year. We start off with our ASA last year and then the CFAs and benchmarks throughout the years. So, the kids see their own growth. Um, and it's actually good for them to see that they're they're a more fully participant in their education. And so, it's new, but I think it's I'm excited about the the future on that one. And then probably one of the most important on this slide are datadriven instruction. Um, again, last year we really started more of a focus on our PLTs. So those content groups in particular not just the content with their grade levels as well meeting discussing data and then that's where the CFAs are so important throughout the year. So now they have tests those assessments are done within the grade levels are taking the same
040tests so they can bring that data in and discuss it in their PLTs. I also have to mention that part of that PLT discussion and that data driven instruction really falls a lot on the admin. You have to have a schedule where those teachers have chance to meet. Um so that's one thing we challenged ourselves. So this year our teachers can meet every Wednesday if not more. Um, and I got to share that part of that thing is that Wednesday meeting every Wednesday at 2:30, they can meet with their content and their grade level to discuss those. We discussed benchmarks today. We discussed CFAs regularly. But I mean, just on a on another point though, when we're talking about the value of of looking at data, just today I mentioned at my staff meeting today
041as I walked walked by the teachers lounge, I heard a couple teachers grade level content discussing their tests. That's the kind of discussion that's so vital on campus. Um, we're not talking about just in a meeting and sitting here in in a meeting where we set time aside. That should be a constant mindset where they can share and discuss why our kids need to improve, why your kids did better than mine. Um, it's and it's important that it's working. That that just that little bit that little conversation heard today. So, it's exciting for me and I shared it with staff meeting. We should be seeing those conversations on a regular basis, not just in our PLT meetings, but throughout the day. Okay. So, I'm going to introduce Miss Jenkins. Miss Trevor Jenkins is our seventh
042grade language arts teacher. She's our PLT leader and she's also a district mentor which we'll share a little bit at the end as well. But I'm going to turn some time over to Miss Jenkins. Thank you, Vice President Coutree. Thank you, Dr. Lopeman, and fellow board members. It is an honor and a privilege to showcase my amazing scholars tonight. They are truly the joy of my heart and I am so very proud of them. What you are witnessing is what happens when great curriculum is paired with researchbased teaching strategies. Yes, students results will soar. However, none of the results you would see would have been possible if I haven't provided a loving and nurturing environment for my scholars to thrive. I have always taught from the heart and allow my and allow student voice to
043be the number one priority as well as meeting the needs of my diverse learners. Diverse including struggling learners, children with 504s, even challenging behaviors. Many of the lessons my scholars embark on are collaborative hands-on activities to include inquirybased engagement strategies like Socratic seminar or class debates. My students are always pushed and challenged to think critically and become their own researchers. This is a growth mindset classroom where my scholars feel comfortable making mistakes and persevering through perceived obstacles. Often you will hear my scholars say, "I respectfully disagree with you, Miss Jay." I love that. In addition, head-to-head, I have outperformed the last two years of AASA. However, I have had a steady consistent growth year after year since 2017 2018. For example, this year or previous year 24-25, when you combine my proficient and highly proficient
044passing rate, we're looking at a 76% as compared to the state 42%. This current benchmark, 96.3% of my scholars were either proficient or highly proficient on this first benchmark. >> [clears throat] >> In this video highlight that you're about to see. The first thing you're going to see are class leaders. You will even see a greeter that will come to the door and greet you. My scholars know their learning targets, their goals, what's expected of them, even each other's learning styles. And you'll see that on the video. You will also observe students as leaders as well as a favorite study sync feature of mine and my students. The study sync TV and speaking and listening component. The study sync TV episodes involve student actors who model having real life academic conversations. I am a Kagan
045teacher. So my scholars are grouped in what I have coined Kagan trios. And as a trio, they have collaborative conversations around the study sync discussion prompt following the short video. In these Kagan trios, scholars choose their roles: discussion leader, clarifier, taskmaster. They are engaged in evidence-based problem-solving dialogue centered on the text. Study Sync provides prompts and discussion questions. I create the structure so my students can converse with one another and be highly engaged. This also allows for reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to all be taught and modeled contextually and interconnectedly. Once I adopted this model, just two years after the curriculum adoption, my standards, key standards soared to include citing several pieces of textual evidence and presenting claims and findings. I must say that the heart of my test scores, the foundation of my
046test scores with my children mastering the standards is student discourse and student voice. And finally, in keeping with teaching from the heart with the whole child in mind, just before any major assessment or high stakes exams, I always remind my scholars of one thing. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know. Thank you. started working on this yesterday, right Abraham? >> And we heard some great conversations. >> We heard some great conversations uh yesterday. >> We're going to be scoring an 80 or better on the Kag Trio discussion. >> This is our unit driving question. >> And this is what we're going to be doing. >> The map. This is our content standards, our transfer goals, and everything we're going to be doing
047for our curriculum. >> Good job. >> This is our leaders for quarter 1. We have our classroom leaders. We have our door greeter. That's me. >> You got that? I like that. >> And then we have our Friday track masters. And then we even have a video officer. >> Okay. >> These are essential standards and our standard progression. And this is how we are smart. We have word smart, math smart, art smart, body smart, nature smart, self smart, people smart, and music smart. >> I like the nature good. I like that. >> Yeah. >> Multiple intelligences. I like this. Good job. >> It's how we learn. >> Okay. >> And that's everything. >> Awesome. Good job. Thank you for the data. >> Well, I'm successful in Miss Jenkins classroom because she makes sure and like
048reassures us if we understand the lesson or not. I think I am so successful in Miss Jenkins class because the way she teaches us is very helpful and approachable. >> This group right here decided to take both of these prompts and combine them to give them some more in-depth analysis. So, let's give this group some flowers right now. >> Her learning style is so unique and approachable. It makes me feel comfortable to learn. >> I absolutely see a change from yesterday. I absolutely see an improvement from yesterday. >> I feel like what makes me so successful in Miss Jenkins class is that she greets us every single day and it makes us feel like happy. Come to our class. >> I'm using your thinking maps to take notes, whether it's the tree map or the
049circle map. So, good job on that. >> I think I'm successful in Miss Jenkins class because she approaches every one of our learning styles and make sure we understand the topics we're learning about. I think that the reason I'm so successful in Miss Jenkins class is because she focuses on everybody's individual needs. 80% or better. The class average last quarter was awesome. We were in the high 80s. Okay, let's keep up the great work. >> Okay, first off, I got to thank uh Mr. Nardi did a great job with the video. Came in our clips and helped us out there. Okay, next steps providing site professional development. This is huge. Um, we have several plan, but I think one of the things I like doing at America Wells and it's a staff knows this is
050I have a lot of experience, a lot of gifted teachers. Miss Jenkins is one of them. Um, and so I use them to do PD throughout the year. So, she she starts the year off with that relationship type PD. She does this every year with her staff. Um, it's vital. It's huge. We got to do that. Um and then throughout the year she will do some additional um professional development. But my leadership team knows that they're going to be called on to do professional development. They're good teachers. They have a lot of experience. We need to use that on campus. Um you know share success with their ELA PLT. For example, the eighth grade had such a big jump, you know, those scores. I shared that with the staff. We got to make sure they
051know these are eighth graders. They're in all content areas. They're being very successful. we need to make sure give them props and make sure we're also setting those goals of that same achievement. Um, and I mentioned earlier, one of the things we're we like we started this year is having the kids be a lot more in charge of their own educational advancement. So, it's basically just a thing I created. It's a basically assessment tracker for the students to check and they can just see how they're doing throughout the year personal. They not sharing it with their friends. It's just their own personal thing to keep in a folder and they can see how they're doing from ASA last year to the benchmarks and CFAs this year. it really puts them in charge and they can
052see am I am I progressing or am I not progressing. Um couple teachers were really really kind of like piloting it for me this year and then when we have those test talks and those good discussions the kids really get involved. It's good to see model classroom for peer observations. Um as I mentioned Miss Jenkins is a is a district mentor. So she's not only a mentor on our campus she's a district mentor. So as she teaches there teachers from throughout the district can come and observe her in her classroom and see the different strategies she's using. um and see why she's successful. We do, of course, I use her on my campus. We have something my teachers have to go through. It's called peer observations. They have to observe another teacher at least once
053a month. And she's one of the teachers we encourage. Any new teachers, you'll see what we want to students. And so, I'm really blessed to have her on my campus. But there's multiple experiences on my campus for for teachers to observe and learn and grow. Uh I think that's one of the lesser used abilities of teachers to see each other and learn and grow from that. It's huge. And then of course staffing practically through staff strength. I think this is another admin responsibility to know your staff, know what their strengths are, um what grade they should be at, um what grade they should be successful at and just look at those numbers and that's we try to do it well is make sure we put the staff in the best spot for them to be
054successful. In turn, we'll make our kids successful as well. That's our presentation. Any questions for us? >> Mr. Miller, I have a question. Did you have a lot of staff turnover from last year to this year? >> We have a very low turnover rate thing. I'm blessed in that. We usually um only have a couple teachers. This last year we had I think we had six teachers but out of our 46 that's still a good percentage to me. But normally we have anywhere from two to four. So I'm blessed in that aspect where our teachers stick around. I think that speaks volume to the culture of the school and you know the having that uh stability uh for students coming back and seeing the same teachers I think also plays a hand in in their
055success and the success of your school. Thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. I think the relationship part when the kids know their brother and sisters had that teacher makes a difference. It really does make we have kids coming through. Miss Jenkins has been there since 2007 second school open. So, it's been a blessing in the kids. She's had multiple brothers, sisters now. We have a lot of teachers that had that experience. It's great to see. >> Any other questions? >> Um, I just want to build on that. So, I think that that relationship extending to parents too is incredibly vital, right? Um, >> totally. you get brothers and sisters older, right, that go through um making those connections then is just that much easier. So that's uh that that's something huge. Uh so
056um uh I I love seeing the the video um you know and getting the the feedback from from the students. Um what uh where's this go next? >> Where's the >> I think you know >> we always want to get better. I mean our our ELA scores and you know we talk about I was talking to a couple before the meeting. Um we are seeing success with some of the stuff we we're doing but I always have and I shares with me and I take it personal there's always room for growth and so what else can we improve on? What else can we get better at? That relationship is key. Um the PLT and CAFAS are showing some great growth for us this year. Um so I think sharing that data on a regular basis,
057those successes is great for teachers to see. Um I also will share, you know, there's always that that data you see one of the grade levels isn't growing as much as other ones. There's that any data is good data and I think that's important to hire utilizing that. Um just because we didn't grow as much doesn't mean it's negative. What can we do? How can you learn from them to help us grow faster? So, I think there's a look at all data, good and bad, and make sure we're making progress with it. So, we look at the next steps, continue with relationships, um that retention makes a difference because the kids know who the teachers are. Um, but I think it's just the key of everybody continue to buy in with the PLT and the
058CFAs. >> Good deal. Thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> So, just a couple things um to share. So, um, like the, uh, the the rest of the board members really enjoy the video. That is always important and we need it, right, to keep the lights on and to measure growth, successes, things like that. But both the subjective and objective information to me is key. Hearing the students involvement in the decision making and input in their path and their journey, I think means a lot because it sounds like they're making that commitment. they're part of the plan and when people are part of it then there's that buy in and so there's that responsibility that we want to see them developing as they move forward. So um just overall kudos and and thank you for
059sharing. >> Appreciate that. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you so very much. >> Thank you. [applause] >> All right. We're at the call to the public. We do have a few speaker cards. So I'm going to read this. Members of the board may not discuss items that are not specifically identified on the agenda. Therefore, pursuant to ARS 38431.01, action taken as a result of public comment will be limited to directing staff to study the matter, responding to any criticism or scheduling the matter for a future agenda. The board requests that all comments be limited to three minutes or less, and that the public refrain from the use of speech or language that is offensive or inappropriate. pursuant to board procedure 3-203. And then when you come up, please just state your name
060for the record. So our first speaker is gonna be Brad Fullet. >> Short walk. >> Thank you, Vice President, superintendent, board members. Uh thank you. And uh I'm Brad Flet, CEO of Rain World Consultants. I'm a local consultant here in town and I'm speaking about school zones and crosswalk safety. Impressive meeting tonight. Everybody left, but uh I do so as a previous uh substitute teacher on base while in the United States Air Force and expanded to teaching in uh community colleges and I was a professor of practice for the United States Air Force Academy in Civil Engineering. In 2017, I authored a book that you may have heard of or even read, Arizona Education on the Environment K through2 Initiative. It was designed to remove Bill Gates Common Core curriculum in Arizona and was instrumental
061in doing so with Superintendent Douglas just four days afterwards writing a executive order to remove it. Just as bad curriculum is dangerous and affects our students, so do improperly engineered design school zones and crosswalk markings. These are actually intended to give notice and change for approaching drivers behaviors which has the potential of putting 9,950 of our students, our precious kiddos in danger from dangerous crosswalks. They are doing this walking back and forth to school. So they are endangered. I performed an assessment of all the public and private schools in Maricopa and all the public schools here failed due to major defects. These being not properly engineered, design flaws, incorrect color. Arizona, they're all supposed to be yellow and some are so degraded to the point that they are not ADA qualified and compliant. I previously
062submitted documentation to the board uh with photos and everything on October 10th and it's referenced here in for the record is found on my website for the public's use and that is at earththe-month.org. Previously I spoken to Mr. Brown who's uh with the city of Maricopa public works. I've also sent two correspondences to them and they are not inclined to correct the issues nor aren't forthcoming with it and we're looking to about a year and a half to just cover part of the issues. Mr. Brown did state that a traffic engineer will be consulted but in another breath he is demanding that each of the individual schools must independently submit a request for correction of the crosswalks and school zones. Look at this point. The demand does not end. city code nor in state law.
063So how does he come up with this? As such, I would ask the board to respect represent the 11 schools or 12 schools uh that are public and submit a request to the Mr. Brown and to the city council to have a formal review of each of the school zones and crosswalks to be inspected, audited, engineered, designed to conformity, repaired. [bell] Thank you. Next up, Darla Hush. Hello. Most of y'all know me and my children. And those who don't know me, I am the driver of the autism truck here in Maricopa. I am a single mother of seven. Four of them are special needs and medically complex. I've spoken at meetings quite a bit and I'm back tonight because myself and many special needs families have read your article saying that you are finally acknowledging
064the high rate of our special needs children in your schools. You are saying you are going to make it your priority to put them at the top of your list and help them with all their education and anything they need. However, that is not enough. When you talk about special needs, you must include the environment. The environment is a huge reason as to why so many of us special needs parents must take our children elsewhere. I've been fighting for proper placement and transportation since 2022 with my son. I had to take all of my children, all four of my small children out of your district because too many incidents that have proved that you guys cannot handle or take care of any of their needs and accommodations. I now have to rely on ESA. They
065are paying 32,000 a year per child. This does not include transportation. I am driving 200 miles a day, spending $2,000 a month on gas because the school itself wants $637 a day. Yes, a day for only transportation. How do you expect me to afford that? I am a single mother of seven. Doing good for the special needs children should have been this way all along. You're presenting this new plan of yours, but it should have been all along. You are saying what you think the special needs community wants to hear, but not every child is the same. You should be focusing on the environments. If you know anything about our children, mine included, you would know class size matters, school size matters, staff and teachers matter. They can experience extreme anxiety, stress and behaviors just
066from noise, lighting, crowds, bullying, etc. Our children shouldn't be forced to say in such environments. I have brought this up and requested help numerous times throughout these years. Now that they are in a far away school, it is allowing you MS MUSD off the hook and that is not right. I could never put my children back in this environment. My son Devin has had literal heart attacks and seizures now and has been hospitalized due to so much of the issues he endures. Recently, we also got the heartbreaking news regarding my three small daughters, Ivana, Gabriella, and Giana, which most of you know. [bell] They have their doctors have requested a specialized school and they are saying that public school is no longer an option for all four of these children. >> Miss Hush, I'm sorry
067the time is up. Next up, Lisa Hush Lisa. Hi, Chip. I'm Darla's mother and I'm here to support her and my grandchildren. the special needs that they have. I don't know why. And it's it's ridiculous in my mind, is it? Everyone focuses on the academics. Devon's very smart. I can't help that. I he didn't get it from me, but he's very smart. That still doesn't mean that he doesn't have special needs. this child because he would had to endure years of going to school, being having anxiety attacks at school, just being so upset. He left school early. No one would give him an IEP. No one's wanting you. People are I mean, it's not just you, but I mean, the school district's not helping. And it's ridiculous because this child has had two heart attacks.
068He's had heart surgery. He's been he's been inatient at a behavior hospital because of the severe anxiety and I feel working in a behavior that I do I deal with kids. I deal with adults. I deal with behaviors. I see it that the school needs to step up. You need to do something that's going to help. There's more than just my daughter out there in this world that is not getting the help that they need. And the kids are suffering. It's it's basically it's child abuse. We forced this child to go to school because the law says he has to. The schools say we're not going to give him an IEP. We're not going to help him go to another school. It's more equipped for him. Well, guess what? He's in an autism school now.
069He's doing much better. He hasn't had he's had one time in the very beginning, but since then he we haven't had to hospitalize him one time for behaviors. He hasn't had to have any type of major behavior because his behaviors are never going to go totally away. But for when we had to force him to go to school, there were fights in the parking lot. Mom couldn't get him in the building because he don't want to go to school. When he's in the building, he's running away from the building. When he's there, the teachers, they don't know what to do. People need to be I know you guys are educated, but people need to be educated even more in special needs and autism. I don't believe that people know it it that the environment like
070she was saying is part of it. Being in a classroom of 40 kids or 30 kids, being in the whole school environment where he's at now, there's not that. And he is doing so much better. But it's putting too much stress on Darta. She's driving. I'm driving. We're taking him back and forth to school. Nobody's helping. And we live in your district. You guys need to do something. You guys are the ones that he are supposed to provide the education for him and it needs to be appropriate and I know all the rules. I've read all the laws and I've consulted with a lawyer to [bell] get a a better understanding. So you people need to step up and do something for this child and my daughter before she she's too stressed out and that
071put that puts stress on the rest of the family. So please into that and do something. Our last speaker, Deina Lions. Good evening, members of the board, district leadership, and fellow community members. My name is Deina Lions, and I'm honored to serve as an eighth grade English language arts teacher at Desert Wind Middle School. I'm also a proud community member, someone who lives, shops, and invests time right here in Maricopa. Because I believe in our schools and the people who make them special, I want to take a moment to express how deeply proud I am of the teachers and staff at Desert Wind. Every day I witness dedicated professionals showing up with purpose, compassion, and creativity. They go far beyond the classroom, mentoring students, building relationships, and creating environments where young people feel seen, supported,
072and inspired to succeed. At Desert Wind Middle School, everything we do is guided by our core values: accountability, belonging, and collaboration. We hold ourselves accountable for student learning and growth. We foster belonging by ensuring every student feels valued and included. And we collaborate with one another, with families, and with our community to make learning meaningful and lasting. To the parents and community members who may not always have the opportunity to connect regularly with their child's teachers, please know this. We show up each day with the best of intentions. Every effort, every conversation, and every challenge we face begins with a shared goal to help your child grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I'm proud to represent Desert Wind Middle School and I'm equally proud to be part of a district filled with people who care deeply
073about the success of our students and our community despite challenges. The commitment I see among our educators and staff remains strong and unwavering. Thank you for your time, for your partnership, and for your continued support of the teachers and staff who make Desert Wind and Maricopa Unified a place where students can truly thrive. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause] >> All right. Item number seven, consent agenda. Do I have a motion? Motion. >> I'll second. >> Lisa, we have a motion and a second. >> Shante Rothschild. >> I. >> Ben Owens. >> Hi. >> Carolyn Lopez. >> Hi. >> Patty Catra. >> I. >> Action items. Discussion and possible approval of the personnel schedule. Mr. Beckett. >> Yes. Good evening. Thank you, Vice President Catra, members of the board, and Dr. Lman. I have the
074personnel scheduled in front of you tonight and I'm ready hopefully to answer any questions you have about it. >> Any questions? >> Mr. Beckett, this is going to be a historic moment. I do not have a question for you. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> And you're all laughing because you all know. Um, I do want to just make a a a few points here or a point. Um, I'm really proud to see that we're actually hiring students. >> We have students >> been doing that for a while. Well, I know I know we've been doing it for a while, but still >> we're allowing our kids that >> learn in our district to be able to work in our district and put what their the knowledge and the passion that they have to work right
075here. years ago, we started this or really reinforced um the a path to to employment. And whether that's a um helping our teachers that or staff that are not teachers, a pathway to that. this is kind of this is expanding on that. So, I just I just wanted to bring that up. I love seeing this um on here. So, >> and Mr. Becket, I can I can attest to that because my son also had the opportunity to work as a student intern for his junior and senior year. And because of that experience, he's excelling at ASU. He's got a 3.91 GPA. Um, and not only is he doing so well academically, but he works for ASU, he works for Chandler Center of the Arts and Tempe Center of the Arts. And it started because of
076that exact reason, that pathway and having those internships available to our students. So, >> thank you. >> Do I have a motion for this? >> Second, Lisa, I have a motion, a second. Shante Rothschild, >> I. >> Ben Owens. >> Hi. Carolyn Lopez. >> Hi, >> Padd. >> Thank you. >> All right. Our next item is discussion of possible approval for the donation of unsold furniture to the Boys and Girls Club. Um board members, uh I will abstain from this because of my association with Boys and Girls Club. So, are there any questions or motions? >> Uh motion to approve. >> Second. Lisa, we have a motion and a second. >> Shante Rothschild. >> I. Ben Owens. >> Hi. >> Counter Lopez. >> I >> Patty Coutra. >> Abstain. >> All right. Discussion and possible
077approval to accept the assignment of school site donation agreement for the Ardan Trails from Kasagrron Elementary School District. It says Mr. Harmon on here, but I'm assuming that's you today. >> I'll take any question. >> Are there any questions regarding this? >> I have no current questions. We've talked about this, I think, at great length. Um, so do I have any motions? Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Lisa, I have a motion and a second. Sean >> Taye Rothschild. >> Hi. >> Ben Owens. Hi. >> Carol Lopez. >> Hi. >> Patty Catra. >> I uh All right. 8 D. Uh approve to adjourn to executive session pursuant to ARS 38431-03 for the discussion and consideration of the superintendent's quarterly progress evaluation. And this is should she want this to occur in open session. Would you
078prefer that, Dr. Lman? Okay. Do I have a motion? >> Motion to adjourn to executive session for discussion and consideration of superintendent's quarterly progress evaluation. >> Second. >> Lisa, I have a motion and a second. >> Shante Rothschild. >> I. >> Ben Owens. >> Hi. >> Carol Lopez. >> Hi. >> Patty Coutrey. >> I. We are going into an executive session at 7:56.