001apologize for the silence. We have to wait till exactly 6:00 p.m. to start. So, we're going to go ahead and call to order the regular meeting of the governing board at 6:00 p.m. And we will start with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. Please stand. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. First up, discussion and possible action to approve the board meeting minutes dated May 5th, 2026 and May 6th, 2026. >> I move to adopt the minutes. >> First, I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right, that brings us to construction update, Amber Bordas. >> President Davis,
002members of the governing board, tonight's construction update consists of the work that's been completed um over since our previous meeting in May. So, this construction report falls under the priority area of effective operations and systems. Um the goal of this is to utilize the funds that we have available to us to improve our facilities. In a growing school district without bonding capacity, uh we're very limited to the state funds that we receive and we're excited tonight to be able to provide improvements to our facilities using those dollars that we were awarded through the school system. For planning purposes, uh when we're looking at our school district, we have 48 square miles. Uh we, for planning purposes, we talk about our district in three sections. We have the northern portion of our boundaries that uh serve
003the city of Mesa area, the central portion of our boundaries which would be the Queen Creek High area, and then the southern portion of our boundaries in blue which serves the Crismon High area. We currently have 15,600 students enrolled. We're growing over the summer and we'll have an updated number for you by the next meeting. The first project that we're going to look at is in the northern portion of our boundaries at Eastmark High School. We're adding on a parking lot near the gym and field area. It's one of our final parking lots to serve the Eastmark area. At this time curbing is complete. We have asphalt preparation happening this week and the expected completion is July of 2026 to welcome our students to that campus. Just a reminder we're able to pay for this
004with new school construction dollars that were awarded due to the growth that we're seeing on that campus. Remaining at Eastmark we also have our locker room area. We added on academic space in our PE facility. At the time when we were awarded we kept this location shelled out because we were limited on funding when we were in the pre-design. Based on the availability of the funds with the new schools facility division we were able to go back and add these locker spaces to support the growth on that campus. That's for boys and girls. As you can see in this picture the lockers have been installed and they're working on final sheetrock being completed this week. This will be ready for the start of school next month. Now we're going to move to the southern portion
005of our district going to Crismon High School. Currently at Crismon High School we have a portion of the main parking lot that has been gravel and we're excited to be able to complete that parking lot area for Crismon High School. Right now we have the curbs and concrete work starting this week. This is also expected to be completed before the start of the school year and we were able to utilize new school construction dollars for this project and uh to support the growth that's happening on that campus as we added an additional academic wing uh this last year. Remaining at Crismon High School, we have our hit space that again is PE space for our students. That will be an outdoor space. It's similar to what you see at Queen Creek High and E-Smart High
006School, so it makes our facilities pretty equitable um in what our student experience is for physical education. You'll see we're at the beginning stages of this project. We've started earthwork. We have underground utilities starting this week. We do expect this project to be done by the start of school so that um staff and students can utilize this space. Again, we're able to build this with the new schools facility division award that we had based on the growth that we're experiencing at the secondary level. The last project we do have is at Crismon High School. Just a reminder to the board, this is a warranty project, so this was um during phase one of construction for Crismon High School, and we've had some concerns on that field and track area, and so we're resolving that with
007the contractor this year or this summer. Uh the landscaper has now started setting the sprinklers. We have conduit and fabric being installed, and they're reworking the slope of the field to make sure that we have proper drainage in place. We are expecting this field to be done by the first home game. The goal is to allow those teams to be able to practice uh before that home game starts, but uh we have to make sure that we're on time with this project, and uh Mr. Wheeler's watching it closely. Uh so at this time um that that's it for our construction report. I'm happy to take any questions. Any questions? Thank [clears throat] you. >> Uh up next is our superintendent's report, Dr. Perryberry. >> Um President Davis, members of the board, community members, thank you
008guys for being here. Um I always give my superintendent report through the lens of our strategic plan and five priority areas. Going to quickly go through these five priority areas starting with number one, effective operations and systems. As preparations continue for the next school year 2026-2027, the transportation department is extremely busy. Um, a lot of early engagement for from families. Transportation registrations have increased significantly from 490 registrations reported in May to 891 registration as of June providing valuable information that allows our business office to work with um, the transportation department uh, to begin route planning, staffing projections, and resource allocation well in advance of the start of the school year. During the regular school year, Queen Creek transportation supports approximately 2,700 student riders every single day through a comprehensive network of 49 general education routes
009and 28 specialized routes designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Transportation services also continue throughout the summer and support of the district summer school, migrant education programs. And currently, 26 daily routes are in operation including five specialized routes that ensure students continue to have access to educational opportunities, enrichment programs, and support services during the summer months. So, shout out to the transportation department all the good work they're doing. Priority two is safe and healthy environment. Um, creating safe and secure supportive learning environments remains a top priority area across our district. District security personnel completed recertification training in nonviolent crisis intervention reinforcing their ability to effectively de-escalate situations and respond to disruptive and aggressive behaviors while maintaining the dignity and safety of all students and staff. District teams also continue to review and strengthen
010campus safety protocols, emergency preparation procedures, and the list goes on and on. Next priority is effective partnerships. Um, They remain a critical component of our strategic plan and um the educational experience we provide our students. Queen Creek has recently been awarded a $46,000 grant from Meta and that brings virtual reality technology to the clearing college and career centers at every one of our high schools. This innovative investment uh provides students with um career exploration experiences, allowing them to explore industry environments, develop job-specific skills, and gain deeper understanding of high-demand career pathways. By connecting these students to real-world workforce experiences, this innovative uh this initiative strengthens career readiness and supports our students in making informed decisions about their high school pathways. Also, by the end of the next school year, history students over at Eastmark High
011School had the opportunity to hear from a retired Navy submariner, Dennis Gardner. Mr. Gardner shared first-hand experiences from his service and provided students with real-world perspectives that enhanced their classroom learning and understanding of American history. I want to thank Mr. Gardner, he's been in our district a long time. >> [clears throat] >> Next priority is exceptional personnel. Um as always, the success of our district is made possible by great programs, but more importantly, the people in those programs. This month, we recognize two head coaches from Queen Creek High School. First, Queen Creek High School head softball coach Ann Pierson was named the 6A Conference Coach of the Year. In addition, Queen Creek High School head baseball coach Michael Marino was also named the 6A Conference Baseball Coach of the Year. I'd like to give them
012a big shout-out and a round of applause. Not in my board report, but I also want to give a shout-out to Dr. Erica Copeland. This is her last governing board meeting. She's been in our district a long time. How many years, Erica? >> 10. 21 years, served as a principal, HR director, all kinds of district office positions, and now she has accepted her first superintendent position over in Superior, Arizona. So, thank you for all your years of service, Erica. >> [applause] >> Priority five is the reason we're all here, and that is student success. Um as we reflect on the accomplishments of the class of 2026 and our students district-wide, there is a lot to celebrate. And I would just want to touch on a few things. This year, Queen Creek Unified School District graduated
013976 students who collectively earned $33 million in scholarships. In addition, 20 graduates have committed to serving our country through military service, demonstrating leadership, dedication, and commitment to something larger than themselves. That's great accomplishment, $33 million. >> [applause] >> A lot of a uh outstanding um celebrations for students that uh competed in athletics toward the end of the year. And I'd like to have some students, if they're in the crowd, to come up to the front to be recognized, and I'll share a few things. Is Jackson Hawkins here? Come on up. Grady Callahan. Come on up, Grady. >> [applause] >> These are two students from Eastmark High School. I just want to recognize them and their families and their coaches. Divi- uh Jackson was the Division III state champion in the javelin, and then Grady was
014the Division II state champion in boys tennis singles. Congratulations, guys. >> [applause] >> You guys can have a seat, and or you can kind of move back to the back of the room, and Scott's going to take your photo with us here in just a minute, okay? Um from Queen Creek High School, I know Nicole Ripperdan is in the crowd. Would Nicole, would you come on up and is Dash >> [applause and cheering] >> Dash Watson here? Dash is not here. Okay. I've got a lot to say about Nicole. She was a state champion in the 800 meter run, division one champion in the 400 meter and 800 meter runs and I wanted to share some of these things with you. I just got this today. Uh I have sources. But she was the school
015record holder in the 400 meter dash, time of 53 54, the second fastest time in Arizona history, school record holder in the 800 meter with a time of 206 05, also the fastest time in Arizona state history, two-time state champion in the 800 meter run, one-time state champion in the 400, and she's going to be attending Utah State University in the fall of 26 to run track and we can't wait to watch your career unfold next at the next level. Congratulations, Nicole. >> [applause] >> And that concludes my superintendent report. >> Wonderful. Thank you. Congratulations to you all. Uh Okay, we're going to take a quick minute break for some photos in the back with the students. So, we'll be right back. >> Mhm. >> Is this mic working? Are we working? Okay. All right,
016we're going to go ahead and resume our meeting and we're on to um the call to public. Individuals who wish to address the board are requested to complete the appropriate form prior to the meeting and give the form to the board secretary. Members of the board may not discuss items that are not specifically identified on the agenda. Members of the board are also not able to comment even if the information is incorrect. Therefore, pursuant to ARS 38-431.01H, act 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 The board requests that all comments be limited to 1 and 1/2 minutes or 3 minutes or less and that the public refrain from the use of speech or
017language that is offensive or inappropriate pursuant to board policy 1-302. In the event that there are more than five requests to speak, the time will be limited to 1 and 1/2 minutes for each comment. The board president also reserves the right to limit whenever she deems such is necessary um according to the proper conduct of the meeting. All right, and so we're going to limit it to 1 and 1/2 minutes because we have six comments um and just remind all those who are speaking that on the dais there is a timer and it won't buzz at you, but you'll be able to see the countdown for the 1 and 1/2 minute and then our board secretary Katie will also remind you. Um up first, we have Michelle Dillard. >> Also, reminder just to push the
018button to make your microphone turn on. It you push the little button and it'll turn green. Thank you. >> Okay. My name is Michelle Dillard. I'm here to speak directly to this board that has chosen to put money first and students last. Giving the benefit of the doubt, I'm assuming that you just haven't been given all of the information. CTED districts like EVIT were created to provide much-needed skilled labor in the state. CITED funding is for CITEDs to use for their CITED programs that provide CITED students with a career. It's workforce development and it's designed to benefit the students in the state. Only 22.6% of the students that take satellite CITED courses in Queen Creek continue the course to completion and certification. That's an inappropriate use of CITED workforce development funding. EVIT has proposed an
01981% pass-through rate. That's a decrease of just 6% from previous IGAs. That 6% would allow EVIT to provide direct support for their satellite CITED programs through instructional specialists, curriculum development, and professional development that ultimately benefit the students and make better use of taxpayer workforce development dollars. To put it in perspective, West-MEC's pass-through rate is 46% and Pima JTED's is 64%. And if you've been told that the 6% will mean canceling programs or cutting teachers, you can review your own financials. Check the remaining balance in fund 596. I did. It's $2,878,004. Each one of you has both the authority and the duty to reach out to EVIT to resolve this. You're not just decorations on the dais, you're supposed to serve. >> All right. Up next we have Maria Salas. Sorry if I mispronounced that. >>
020Good afternoon, board members. I'm here to uh voice for parents and and children. Um I'm a pro- I'm proud of my So, I'm here to speak regarding districts removing school bus transportation for all AM and PM students attending EVIT programs at the main and power campuses. I'm a pro- I'm proud of my son for successfully completing 1 year of EMT program offered by EVIT while keeping up his regular classes at his high school and finishing his junior school year with good grades. As a full-time working mom, a single parent household without any family in Arizona, I rely heavily on the bus transportation system. Um it takes a village to raise a child and the educational system is my village. Um my son needs to successfully complete his second year and EVIT offers just that for
021him. My son participated in the city of Chandler leadership program and for the first time in 2027, the city of Chandler is going to open up EMT positions for the fire department. My son has a passion for serving the community, for being a first responder. He's passionate. He's going to complete it. We do need assistance. We need that that get the yellow buses rolling for these students that need to complete the second year. Um please don't give up on these students. Please, they are our future leaders. You are failing them if you give up on them. Please put them first. Um for parents, the yellow bus offers safety. It means safety for me, peace of mind as I'm working my job in human resources over 29 years serving public as a public servant. Um >>
022I'm sorry, your time is coming to an end. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um up next uh Renee Toledo. Is that right? >> Nervous. Can you hear me? >> Um I don't know. Can you hear me? >> Hello. >> No, now it's off. >> It's on screen. There you go. >> Hello. Hello. >> No. >> He's coming. Okay. >> Try to turn it off and turn it back on. >> See. Hello. Hello. >> You can try that. Hello. Okay. Good evening, board members. Um I'm a mom of three fantastic kids, one of whom here's tonight and she's weak. I had an obligation to speak up as a parent of a child who has been looking forward to attending EVIT since she was 11. Now she's 16. Please think of her. Please think
023of her friends and all of the other kids attending EVIT this coming fall who are depending on the bus to transport them. Stop this lawsuit nonsense. Uh do not go to court. Take the deal with EVIT. What is this standstill with EVIT proving? It's only revealing what the district is getting away with, the misinformation being told, and the truth ultimately trumping. This is hurting our kids. Whose side are you on? Prove to us why we voted for you. Um what happens What happens if I unenroll my daughter and hundreds of other parents follow? We can play that game. ARS 15-393 U states a school district or charter school may not prohibit or discourage students who are enrolled in that district or charter school from attending courses offered by CTE district. QCUSD is breaking a law.
024Us parents are not blind. We will fight for what is right and what our students deserve. You're placing an enormous amount of stress on me and my husband, my daughter, and all of um our other fellow parents and their children to make difficult decisions. >> an end. Thank you. >> Oh, it said 30. I have 30 24 seconds left. >> So just to clear it up for everybody, our We have a 2-minute button, and so at a minute and a half is when I'm alerting you because of the time. >> the starting time. Thank you. Thank you. >> All right. Um Chloe Toledo. Hello. I've been looking forward to attending EVA since I was in sixth grade. As someone wanting to join the trades, automotive, I saw EVA as a perfect opportunity. But that all
025changed on the last day of school when QCSD sent out an email about not being able to transport students to and from EVA. I freaked out and went to my counselor looking for a possible solution, but all she could offer me was a plan B for my junior year schedule that excludes EVA because I cannot attend due to this issue. How is this supporting ARS 15-393? There is only a choice of eight CTE programs when EVA offers over 50. None of them are trades, which our family strongly supports and is what this country's backbone is made of. I've also like to point out that this is all my was all my last day of school this past May. All students had finals, were stressed about grades, and we really looked forward to attending EVA without
026any problems the following school year. I may not have I know I I may not know the full situation, but what I do know is that taking a massive opportunity away from me and many other students' careers. Please agree to EVA's proposal on helping transport me to my CTE program. Thank you. All right. Kelly Bowen. All right. Good evening, governing board members. My name is Kelly Bowen, and I'm a sports medicine CTE teacher, HOSA advisor at Crean Lutheran High School. Before entering education 3 years ago, I spent the majority of my career working in athletic training and sports medicine. Coming from an industry background, I have not had and not having the access to CTE programs during my own high school experience. I have been truly amazed by the impact Queen Creek satellite CTE programs
027have had on students. Prior to becoming a teacher, I understood the importance of career readiness from an employer's perspective. What I did not fully appreciate was how powerful these programs can be in helping students discover who they are and what they are capable of becoming. Every day I see students uncover talents, interests, and career aspirations as they may never have realized without these opportunities. I have watched students gain confidence, develop professional skills, and find a sense of purpose through their participation in CTE programs. Many of our students entering high school are unsure of their future, and others struggle to see the connection between what they learn in the classroom and the opportunities that exist after graduation. CTE helps bridge that gap. It gives students a reason to engage, a pathway to explore, and a vision
028of what is possible. What makes Queen Creek satellite CTE programs especially valuable is that students can access these opportunities while remaining on their home campuses. They do not have to choose between pursuing a career pathway and participating in athletics, fine arts, student leadership, clubs, and other activities that make high school a meaningful experience. >> is up. Thank you. Thank you. >> All right, up next Kimberly Rutherford. Good evening. My name is Kimberly Rutherford and I've been teaching for Queen Creek Unified School District for 19 years. I'm currently teaching early childhood education at Queen Creek High School, where I'm also a CTSO advisor for FCCLA and the CTE internship coordinator. The CTE satellite programs here at QCUSD create opportunities for students to gain career-focused experience without having to travel from their home campuses. That means students
029can earn industry certifications, participate in hands-on learning, and explore career pathways while remaining connected to the teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators who know them best. These programs also allow students to fully participate in athletics, performing arts, student government, clubs, and other school activities that are important part of the high school experience. Our CTE satellite programs allow students to prepare for their future while allowing them to be involved in their school communities. These satellite programs strengthen our schools because they are embedded within our campuses. They provide opportunities for students to explore careers, develop workforce skills, and build connections with peers and mentors in our community while remaining engaged in school. Well, when we, the district and the community, invest in QCSD's satellite programs, we are investing in opportunities that prepare students for college, career, military service,
030and life while preserving the experience and relationships on our school sites that help students thrive. I want to say thank you for your continued support of the QCSD satellite CTE programs, as well as thank you for your support for dedicated teachers who lead them, and our students whose futures are shaped by >> That's all of your time. Thank you. All right. And last up is Frank Norris. >> We good? Good evening. My name is Frank Norris, and I just retired as a marketing finance teacher at Eastmark High School, and I was a CTSO advisor for DECA. When people think about CTE, they often think about technical training. While this is certainly important, our satellite programs offer much more than just technical training. Through organizations such as FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, DECA, and FCCLA, students develop leadership,
031teamwork, communication, public speaking, problem solving, and professionalism. These experiences allow students to compete, travel, serve their communities, and represent their schools and communities with pride. Not only pride, we just had a eighth grader SkillsUSA place third in from Eastmark Junior High place third at international SkillsUSA event. These kids are getting it, they're learning it, and they're and they're exceeding all expectations. Very proud of them. Uh they're becoming leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and community members right here in Queen Creek. Our programs provide students access not only to career pathways and CTSOs, but also the opportunity to participate in these experiences without having to travel off campus and or spend significant time commuting each week. Students can participate in these experiences >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you all for coming to speak. Um I appreciate you
032sharing your opinions. We're going to move on to the consent agenda. Um I can take a motion for that. >> I move to take the consent agenda in its entirety. >> Second. >> First and second, all in favor? >> I. >> Okay, that brings us to action items. Uh first >> up is discussion and possible action to approve the proposed 2026-2027 expenditure budget. Jessica Johnson. >> Good evening, President Davis, members of the governing board. Earlier this evening, uh you saw a presentation of the proposed budget for fiscal year 27. Um each year the governing board is required to take action in a public meeting to authorize the publication of the proposed budget, and then uh the truth and taxation notice as well, as well as a notice of public hearing. The supporting documents that are
033attached uh show the items that will be published as well as a copy of the proposed budget, which we will look at in July for adoption. Recommend approval. >> Awesome. Any questions? >> In the proposed budget, do we have money allocated still for the transportation for Eva if we do adopt an IGA so that we have it set aside? >> There's not currently money budgeted for transportation since there is not an IGA in place right now. Should one Should we come to an agreement, and we would be able to revise to that effect. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other questions? Take a motion. >> I move that we approve the proposed 2026-2027 expenditure budget and authorize public publication of the public hearing notice for truth and taxation. >> First, do I have a second?
034>> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> All right. Discussion and possible action to approve change order number six with Core Construction for the CHS additional parking on Cloud Road access project, Amber Borders. >> President Davis, members of the governing board, this approval allow Core Construction to complete parking stalls along our Cloud Road exit to support student parking. It's currently gravel. This project aligns with the new school construction funding to support growth on our campus at Crismon High School. School's facility division funding will be used to support this project. It's right under 100 additional parking stalls, which is the increase for junior and senior class at this The junior and senior class at this time at Crismon. So, it should support the campus, and we're recommending approval. >> Wonderful. Any questions? All
035right. Take a motion. >> I move to approve the change order number six with Core Construction for the Crismon High School additional parking on Cloud Road access project. >> First, do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. >> All right. Discussion and possible action to approve the 2026-2027 stipend X duty and substitute salary schedule and the QCSD revised salary schedule with recommended changes for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. Dr. Amy Cram. >> President Davis, members of the board, this approval updates a variety of salary schedules for the upcoming school year. Um within the attachments are the revisions for each schedule and we recommend approval. >> Any questions? All right, I can take a motion. >> Move to approve the 2026-2027 stipend ex-duty and substitute salary schedule at the QCSD
036revised for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. >> The first, do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All right, that brings us to personnel. I can take this in its entirety. >> Move to approve personnel section in its entirety. >> First, do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All right, that brings us to announcements. Upcoming board meetings, Tuesday, July 7th, 4:30 study session with a 6:00 p.m. regular session. Tuesday, August 4th, 4:30 study session, 6:00 p.m. regular session. Tuesday, September 8th, uh study session at 4:30, regular session at 6:00 p.m. And calendar of events, July 2nd through July 3rd, the offices are closed. With that, I can take a motion to adjourn. >> And happy 250th America since we
037will be gone for that holiday. >> Absolutely. Do I have a motion to adjourn? >> Motion to adjourn. >> First, do I have a second?