001Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. >> 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. >> All right, thank you. First up, discussion and possible action to approve the board meeting minutes dated April 7th, 2026. >> I move to approve the board meeting minutes. >> Second. >> First and second, all in favor. >> Aye. >> All right, up next, construction update, Amber Bordes. >> President Davis, members of the governing board, tonight's construction update looks at three projects that we have for the current month. This presentation falls under the priority area of effective operations and systems. In a district that's growing with limited funds, it's important that we're optimizing the use of our
002funds to provide space for our students at our campuses. And so, the goal of this presentation tonight is to show three projects that we're focusing on within our district to help support those needs. So, an overview of Queen Creek Unified School District, we are 48 square miles. We're currently serving 15,600 students and are expected to continue to grow. For planning purposes, we look at our district in three regions. We have the northern portion, which is in the city of Mesa or the Eastmark area. We have our central portion of our district, which is really the center part of the town of Queen Creek. And then, we have the the portion in blue, which is the southern portion of the town of Queen Creek. Our first project is located in the northern portion of our district.
003It's at Eastmark. Um for Eastmark, we are finalizing one of the last parking lots to support student and family parking. Um this parking lot is located near the gym field um and it has begun construction and it's expected to be completed by July of 2026 to welcome students and families. Um it's important to note that this project is funded by the schools facility division. We were awarded new school construction dollars for the academic space and with those remaining funds we're able to add the additional parking to support our growth. Continuing to look at Eastmark High School, um we recently added PE academic space um and with that we had to shell out to some of the areas to make sure that we remained within budget. At the completion of that project, we did have additional
004dollars with this school's facility division funding that we received on that campus. And so now we're going back and we're adding the additional locker rooms and bathrooms for both boys and girls to complete that PE academic space that just opened most recently. The goal of this is to have this space uh ready for students in July of 2026. The last project is located in the southern portion of our district. Um this is our multi-purpose multi-purpose field at Crismon High School. Uh this field was built during the initial phase of Crismon High, but we've had some drainage issues um that have caused some concerns with our track and through our field. Um so this summer we're going to be working with the contractor under warranty to um install a French drain system to help mitigate the
005water intrusion that we continue to see on track. Um with that, they're also going to install pressure regulators at each irrigation valve to make sure that the water distribution is even to support that drainage. Lastly, you'll see that there was a repair and resurfacing to the track. We completed that during spring break. That portion's complete. So, now we're just looking at uh the water mitigation for this summer. This will kick off right after graduation and is expected to be done by the start of the school year. And at this time, I'll take any questions. >> You said that was a warranty repair on the >> It's a warranty repair, yes. At no cost to the district. >> Awesome. Thank you. Next up is our Superintendent's Report, Dr. Berry. >> Uh President Davis, members of the
006board, community members, welcome. I always give a Superintendent Report. Tonight it's going to be very brief through the lens of our strategic plan and five priority areas. I want to start with uh priority one, which is effective operations and systems. Behind the scenes, uh we're continuing to be thoughtful about how we grow as a district. One example of this is our partnership with SRP. We've been able to receive several rebates tied to Mountain Trail Academy, our brand new state-of-the-art elementary school up in Southeast Mesa with uh several academic wing projects over the past few years. Um Uh that's This is very important because it means that we're building schools that are not just great for the students, but they're also energy efficient, sustainable, and responsible for our community long-term and moving forward. Under priority two,
007safe and healthy environment, safety is always at the front and center of what we do. Um as we head into the summer months, Mesa and Queen Creek Police Departments are working with our high school students to educate them on new ordinances related to e-bikes. And we've seen more e-bike usage and young drivers on the road than we've ever seen. And we're really trying to do a good job in being a partner in to educating and awareness to help our students safe. Under effective uh partnerships, priority three, our team recently participated in the town's Transportation Action Planning Committee where we sat alongside community leaders looking at real data, five years worth, to better understand trends on how we're we can improve safety across Queen Creek. It's a great example of what happens when we all come
008to the table focused on the same goal and doing what's best in keeping our kids and families safe. Exceptional personnel, um priority number four. Um last week was a big one. We held our seventh annual Awards of Excellence uh dinner over at the Performing Arts Center. And I'll tell you it's also one of my favorite nights of the year. We had an opportunity to honor 31 teachers and support staff throughout the district who are nominated by their peers. And these are the people um just like many of our staff who show up every day. They go above and beyond and they truly make Queen what it is. Um a special congratulations to the two um winners, Eric Pilon, the PE teacher at Neil Barney College Prep, our district educator of the year, along with district
009support staff of the year winner, Heather McMann, a reading specialist. Let's give them a a round of applause. >> [applause] >> I'm very lucky to have so many great people in our district. Um Also, a quick shout-out. It's kind of a unique uh award we have not received before, but I want to give a shout-out to Drew Ramirez and our entire grounds crew up at Eastmark High School and at Queen Creek High School. Um one of the things that they they take great care of the playing surfaces of our competitive fields. And those baseball fields voted by all of the regional coaches throughout the the valley were named both of the these fields were named um baseball fields of the year. And I I just want to recognize Drew um and his staff for all
010the hard work that goes into playing keeping those safe. >> [applause] >> And priority number five, the reason we're all here, um is student success. And this is the time of the year it's all about our students, and we're very proud of Alay Dewey from Mill Barney College Prep who earned second place in the Chamber of Commerce National Civics Bee Round Up, which is an incredible accomplishment. Um also want to recognize Julius Bradley, a sixth grader at Silver Valley Elementary, who was named the SchoolsConnect uh Student Champion of the Year. Let's give them a quick round of applause, and we're going to watch a quick video >> [applause] >> that features Julius. Let's take a look. >> [music] >> To me, leadership is an example. Just because you have the title of a leader doesn't
011mean [music] that you are a leader. And you really have to show it by being a role model and setting an example for others. Everybody should have the chance to learn and really get out there [music] and find their own place, whether it be in engineering or [music] in a beauty shop. I seek impact. It's not always about popularity, it's about [music] the impact that you make on people. Some people might not be able to be heard cuz they might be shy or quiet, but I want everybody to know [music] that they're heard, and there's always someone out there for So, I just see people giving out to >> [music] >> homeless or people in need, which really gives me an inspiration in equality, and I really think it really breaks my heart to see
012it. [music] So, I partner with my friends, and we did uh we helped out Park [music] Project I Am, I think, and it's basically made care packages for uh the homeless. And always, [music] whenever I see someone homeless on the side of the road, I always give them one of the packages. [music] And another thing that I did was also with my friends, we at a park we set up a booth and we sell uh we sold lemonade and we raised up to like $200 for uh >> [music] >> St. Jude's Hospital. And humility really means like being yourself and you always don't want to try to be [music] someone that you aren't. You always want to just be who you are, whether that being [music] funny, kind, honest, uh just be true to yourself
013always. I have like a heartwarming [music] feeling when I help or give. There's always someone in need that needs help, [music] needs guidance, and needs someone to be out there for them and I feel like if I'm out there to do it, I feel like it feels really nice and great to just be able to help others out in that my struggle. Grateful that I'm able to have education [music] in general, but also have a roof under my head and to be able to be here with my [music] family and my friends and be able to enjoy life. All of my teachers and especially my parents [music] and my principals, they've all set example for me. That's how how I became who I am today. >> [music] [applause] >> Uh Julius and the entire Bradley
014family are here tonight. Would you please stand to be recognized? >> [applause] [applause] >> And finally, in our alumni spotlight, we love these moments. We're uh celebrating one of our uh relatively recent graduates, Isaiah Glass, a Queen Creek High graduate from the class of 2021, who last week signed with the Carolina Panthers. Yeah. So, from Queen to the NFL, a bulldog to a panther, that's pretty special and something our entire community can be proud of. And that concludes my superintendent report. >> [applause] >> Awesome, thank you. Well, that brings us to why most of you are here, our years of service and our retiree recognition. So, um we will get started with the years of service. Each year we honor employees that have worked for the district for a number of years. Our employees that
015have worked for 5 and 10 years will be recognized at their sites in a staff meeting. Tonight it's my honor to recognize our employees that have worked for QCSD for 15, 20, 25, 35, and 40 years. We are going to call each of you up to the front. We ask that after your group is recognized, you go to the back of the room and wait for photos. Once all years of service employees and retirees have been recognized, we will take more photos. If you would like to take your own personal photos, you will have time after the district photos have been taken. All right, first I would like to recognize those individuals who have worked for QCSD for the last 15 years. Sarah Belvidow. >> [applause] >> And I apologize if I mispronounce anyone's name
016tonight. David Beverage. >> [applause] >> Amanda Diadato. >> [applause] >> Holly Gilbert. Jennifer Holland. >> [applause and cheering] >> Jamie Incardone. >> [applause] >> Janine Kamnik. >> [cheering] [applause] >> Grant Odom. >> Tina Allestad >> [applause] >> Jessica Piccirillo >> [applause and cheering] >> Jennifer Pinkerton >> [applause] >> Denise Stone >> [applause] >> and Sherry Towns >> [cheering] [applause] >> We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset and we are delighted to honor your dedication, service, and commitment to this school district. The success of QCSD is a direct result of your efforts and dedication. On behalf of the governing board, it is with great pride and admiration that we congratulate you on this service anniversary milestone. Today, we celebrate you and we look forward with great expectancy to many more years to come. Thank
017you. >> [applause] >> Now, I would like to recognize employees with 20, 25, 35, and 40 years of experience in QCSD. 20 years Antonio Antonia Batista >> [applause] >> Tara Bernier >> [applause] >> Sarah Barely Karen Brown >> [applause] >> Elizabeth Davis Reynolds >> [applause] >> Erica Donovan >> [applause] >> Jennifer Goodman >> [applause] >> Shari Hamblin Veronica Anafrey >> [applause] >> and Tishie and Linda White. >> [applause] >> All right, up next we have 25 years. Angie Cummins Seth Kessler >> [applause] >> and Joseph Powell. All right, and 35 years Sandy Cumard >> [cheering] [applause] >> And now for 40 years, Indica Morris >> [applause] [cheering] >> Through the years your talents and efforts have helped our success. We are impressed with your commitment and accomplishments. Congratulations on your years of service. On behalf
018of the governing board it's with great pride and admiration that we congratulate you on this service anniversary milestone. Today we celebrate you and thank you for your dedication to QCSD. Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right, next on our agenda is the retiree recognition. I'm honored to invite the following individuals up to the front who will be retiring from Queen Creek Unified School District this year. Kristen Barber >> [applause] >> Jose Barrera Pina >> [applause] >> Lisa Bartelme >> [applause and cheering] >> Alfred Berry Ruth Biggs Ann Riley Cope Jacqueline Diego David Dozerman Dwight Edwards Susan Fishback Gregory Flatmo Concepcion Granillo Sherlyn Hammer >> [applause] >> Terry Henderson Marsha Hall >> [cheering] [applause] >> Lafon Berry >> [applause] >> Barbara Lane Rebecca Lowe Karen Lynn >> [cheering] >> Maria Macellis >> [applause and cheering] >>
019Julie McBride And Dika Morris >> [applause] >> Quincy Nelson >> [screaming] >> Maria Pina Merlin Plouster Maria Swain James Von Lemden Donna Weedman And Michael Wolf >> [applause] >> All right, our PR and marketing team has put together a video with a few words from their supervisor. So, check it out. >> Many of our students began their school journey in Mrs. Lynn's preschool class. For the past 10 years, she has been dedicated to teaching with a gentle compassion and an enthusiasm for making learning fun. We thank you, Mrs. Lynn, for the incredible legacy of kindness you leave behind and for the positive impact you've made on so many at KMBE. Congratulations on your retirement. We wish you the best. >> All of us at Desert Mountain Elementary are wishing Mrs. Kristen Barber a very happy
020retirement. [music] Her contributions to DME have made our school and our community stronger, and her impact will be felt for years to come. [music] We are so grateful for her dedication and wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter. Happy retirement. >> We in the transportation department would like to recognize and sincerely thank Dwight Edwards for his 11 years of dedicated service as a special needs bus driver. Safely transporting students requires patience, consistency, and a strong sense of responsibility, >> [music] >> and his commitment to this important role has supported both students and their families in meaningful ways. His work helped ensure that students arrived to school and returned home safely each day, contributing to their overall success and well-being. We appreciate the time and effort he has given to the district and
021the care he demonstrated through his service. We wish Dwight a well-deserved retirement filled with health, happiness, and new opportunities ahead. >> Quincy has been a trusted and valued member of our district, serving as the highest-ranking executive assistant [music] to the superintendent and to the governing board. From her time as a parent volunteer with kids in our school system to her time in the HR department, Quincy's impact has been felt across every level of our organization. >> [music] >> We are deeply grateful for Quincy's commitment, professionalism, and care for our community, and we extend a heartfelt thanks to Quincy's family for their support and patience at home. We wish Quincy a truly well-deserved retirement. >> Jose Pena dedicated over 17 years of service as a groundskeeper for the school district, beginning his career on July 28th,
0222008, >> [music] >> and retiring on August 5th, 2025. Throughout his tenure, he took great pride in maintaining safe, [music] clean, and welcoming outdoor spaces for the students, staff, and community. Known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and quiet commitment, >> [music] >> Jose played an essential role behind the scenes and created an environment where learning could thrive. His attention to detail and care for the district's campuses left a lasting impact that will be appreciated for years to come. As he steps into retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service >> [music] >> that will not be forgotten. >> For 19 years, Ann Cope has been a part of the Pickett community supporting [music] first-grade students and families. We appreciate her years of service and dedication to Pickett and wish her the best
023in her retirement. >> Mary Miselis retires after 22 years of dedicated service >> [music] >> as a school psychologist. Mary started as the district's first and only psychologist. She did this for several years. She now leads a team of 15 psychologists. Mary laid the foundation for comprehensive student support services guiding the district through significant growth. Mary has provided exceptional crisis response and counseling [music] offering steady leadership and compassion during some of the district's most emotionally difficult times. >> [music] >> A true pioneer, Mary developed the district's initial safety and crisis protocols >> [music] >> and set standards that continue to protect and support students and staff today. Thank you, Mary, for all of the great work you have done over the years. We wish you luck in your retirement endeavors. >> For 24 years, Marcia
024Hall has contributed greatly to Jack Barnes Elementary with her compassion, caring, [music] and positive attitude. Students have blossomed while in her care. We are grateful for her dedicated service to our students [music] and greater school community and wish her the very best in retirement. >> When you think of science in QCUSD, LaFon Berry immediately comes to mind. For over 20 years, LaFon has supported students and fostered a genuine love of science throughout the district. Whether creating blue bubbles or launching rockets, she, alongside her husband Tom Berry, has inspired curiosity and ignited young minds. LaFon, thank you for your many years of dedication and commitment to both students and teachers. >> Maria Pena is an employee who throughout her career has distinguished herself as a highly hardworking and responsible [music] and committed individual. She consistently performed
025her duties with dedication [music] and showed strong interest in meeting the standards of her role. >> [music] >> She is known for maintaining a positive attitude, being respectful towards both coworkers and supervisors, and always willing to help others when needed. >> [music] >> Her teamwork and work ethic contributed to a harmonious and productive environment. Without a doubt, Maria was an excellent coworker and leaves behind a positive [music] impact to team. >> Today, we proudly recognize Indica Morris, an extraordinary educator whose 38 years of dedicated service have left a lasting impact on the Queen Creek community. Over nearly four decades, she has taught mathematics over 5,000 students, >> [music] >> shaping not only their academic foundations, but also their confidence and problem-solving abilities. [music] Beyond the classroom, Indica has inspired countless of students through her work
026as a cheer coach, National Honor Society advisor, Key Club advisor, and [music] a steadfast and visionary math department chair. Her leadership has cultivated academic excellence, strengthened school spirit, [music] and fostered a culture grounded in service and integrity. Generations [music] of students have been gifted by Indica's encouragement, mentorship, and unwavering belief in their potential. >> [music] >> Today, we celebrate her remarkable legacy defined by dedication, leadership, and an immeasurable impact that [music] will continue to be felt for years to come. >> [music] [music] >> I um was just looking at the list and I think we might have misrecognizing Frank Norris. Did we misrecognizing him as a retiree? Is he here? He's not here anymore. Okay. Well, congratulations, Frank. Um congratulations to all of you. Thank you for your time, energy and dedication to our students
027and making Queen Creek such a great place for students to learn. We wish all of our retirees the best in their future endeavors. So, thank you and we'll meet in the back for pictures now. >> Mhm. >> I don't. All right, thank you all for coming. We're going to go ahead and resume our meeting now. Um because of the changes that happened to the agenda, we are moving to item 10, the executive session. We will get to the others after the executive session. Pursuant to ARS 38-431.03A1, the governing board may convene in in executive session to discuss and consider the superintendent's performance pay. Can I get a motion to go into executive? >> Go into executive. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> Aye. >> Second. >> Mhm. >> All right, welcome back. Thank you
028for your patience. Moving on, we are moving to 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, 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 3 minutes or less, and that the public refrain refrain from the use of speech or language that is offensive or inappropriate pursuant to board
029policy 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 discussion whenever she deems such action appropriate to the proper conduct of the meeting. All right, first up is Christine McLean. Is that right? If you could just make sure when you push the microphone that it turns green on that little button. There you go. >> Perfect. >> Um President Davis, I'm looking >> I don't know. Can we hear you? Just want to make sure that >> President Davis, can you hear me? >> guys hear me? I don't think so. >> Is it It's green up there, but >> It's green here. I can just turn on my teacher voice. >>
030Well, [laughter] that That works. >> Okay. Um President Davis, members of the board, I'm addressing you this evening only because um I'm a teacher in our district, but also a parent, and I have a ninth grader. And I was sitting in the um band and orchestra concert last night at Crisman, and it kind of occurred to me that maybe we don't say enough thank you to some of those teachers out there who uh these children, by the way, were brilliant. Like they played of course they played Star Wars because it was May 4th. And I closed my eyes and I felt like I was listening to the soundtrack. Um they put the orchestra and the band together to have a symphonic concert. If you've never been, I highly recommend you go, but I just wanted
031to give accolade to Mr. Lloyd, and I wish I knew the orchestra. I know she's Miss P. Um they have done an amazing thing over there, and I know their program is still relatively new because the school is relatively new. Um but just as a parent and as a teacher and someone who was I was a band geek all the way through college. I was in college marching band. Um played many instruments myself. I just Oh, I was just like, "You know what? Someone needs to say thank you to these guys over there." So, I'm here on behalf of teacher appreciation and to just give some massive shout-out because those kids are amazing. They They You can tell they love I mean, they just love their instructors. They look at them with big eyes and
032big smiles, and it's just something really special. So, I hope you get a chance to see them, and I just wanted to something positive for the day. So, thank you. >> Awesome. Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right, next is Jen Nentwig. >> All right. Well, good evening. Um and thank you for your time. My name is Jen Nentwig, and I'm a parent of children at Gateway Polytechnic Academy, and I wanted to share some concerns our family has about the district's budget, classroom sizes, and staffing assignments. Our son has had Mrs. Andrews for first grade, and she is one of those teachers who really makes a lasting impact. Um she's made a lasting impact on his confidence, his education, and his overall love of learning. We recently learned she's being moved to another school besides
033or because GPA is losing FTEs, and that was really hard to hear. And it raises a bigger concern for us. When a school starts losing strong teachers like Mrs. Andrews, it affects the entire environment, not just for one classroom, but for all students. Looking at the district budget, which I know is up later in your agenda today, um we see enrollment has grown significantly and we understand that growth brings challenges. But we also see changes like reductions in support services and shifts in funding that ultimately show up in the classroom. What we want as parents is simple. We want to see staffing decisions that keep pace with enrollment so class sizes stay manageable. We want to see schools like GPA supported in retaining the teachers who make such a big difference. And we want to
034see budget priorities that clearly reflect the importance of strong classroom environments for our students. We care deeply about our school and our district and we want to see that growth handled in a way that preserves the quality of education our kids are experiencing. So thank you for your time and for the work that you're doing. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right, next is Jennifer Brosius. Brocious. Thank you. >> I forgot how to walk. Um thank you guys for having me and letting me speak today. Um partly I'm also from GPA. Um I'm here as a parent but also representing concerns that many of our families have been discussing. Last year we approved the override um Where did I I lost my spot? We approved the override that with the by the community with
035the understanding that would it would help maintain smaller class sizes. That commitment mattered to families and it directly impacts the quality of education our kids receive. We're now hearing that class sizes might increase next year and that's concerning. Large class sizes don't doesn't necessarily mean just mean more kids in a room. They affect how much individual attention each child gets, how teachers manage their classrooms and ultimately the in learning the learning environment as a whole. For students it can mean less support and more difficulty staying engaged. For teachers it increases workload and makes it harder to meet diverse needs. And for administrators it can can create additional strain in maintaining consistency and outcomes across the classrooms. I think what parents are really asking for is clarity and alignment. If the override was passed with the
036expectation of smaller class sizes, we'd like to better understand what has changed and how the district plans to uphold that commitment or what adjustments are being considered to support students and teachers if class sizes do increase. We appreciate the work that's being done and we're asking for transparency and a plan that keeps students in experience and their experience at the center because ultimately class size isn't just a number, it shapes the daily experience and success of every student in the classroom. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Can we um look into this and get that? Perfect, thank you. All right, next up is our consent agenda. I can take in its entirety. >> I move to take our consent agenda in its entirety. >> Jinx, sorry. >> Okay, first, do I have a second? First
037and second, all in favor? >> I. All right, with the passing of the consent agenda, I believe um >> Is it No, no, sorry. There we are. >> Sorry, that's my bad. Let me get to >> Okay. >> All right, that brings us to the public hearing. Go ahead and call to order the public hearing pursuant to ARS 15-905. Um pers- uh public hearing for proposed expenditure revision for 25-26, Jessica Johnson. >> Good evening, President Davis, members of the Governing Board. Tonight, we have a presentation about our final budget revision for fiscal year '26. Um tonight's presentation falls under the key priority area of effective operations and systems. Um and really all of the work that we do with through this process is to optimize the use of our funds through fiscal responsibility and really
038make sure that we are putting um our dollars in the classroom and making sure that we are making an impact on our students. Tonight, we'll take a look at the overarching timeline for the budget for the fiscal year. We'll review some ADM trends and the budgetary impact that they have on our school district. We'll look at some uh minor fund budget adjustments within this uh evening's revision and then do some quick over highlights of um what's occurred within our budget this evening. And then finally some next next steps for fiscal reporting for the remainder of the year. Um this is a very high-level overview of the um budget process throughout this year. Um a few of these dates are statutorily mandated. The proposed budget has to be presented to the board and the community by
039July 5th each year and then adopted no later than July 15th. This year we uh adopted on July 8th through a public uh hearing during our general session. Um there is an opportunity for school districts to revise budgets throughout the fiscal year with the final revision occurring no later than May 15th, which we are uh taking care of this evening. Um as far as the budget revision process uh in October after the annual financial report from the prior fiscal year and the final ADM or the first ADM capture of the current year, um school finance at ADE takes a look and confirms um all of the prior year carry forward amounts, the current year's ADM, and the current year's budget capacity, and then publishes those out to school districts. Um school districts are then in
040December required to revise their budget down if the budget that they that they adopted in July exceeds the calculated budget capacity by more than 1%. As a school district, um we are in the habit of um budgeting conservatively for conservative number of student growth in the summer, and so um in December when we did our budget revision, we actually revised up to regain some additional budget capacity. Um school district budgets are driven entirely um by enrollment um or average daily membership. And as you can see here, the average daily membership of Queen Creek Unified has grown over the last 10 years. Um some of that growth kind of leveling out or slowing down in recent years into a much more manageable pace, but the numbers on this chart represent um the ADM at uh the
041time of the final budget revision in May each of the Throughout um our budget, one of the key pieces of our um operating budget is our most recently um reauthorized or approved uh M&O override. Um districts have the ability to um go to their voters for a secondary property tax that can increase budget capacity in the operating fund by up to 15%. Um our voters did approve in November of 2024 a 15% override. And with that override came some reprioritizations of the original um components. So, there was a salaries and benefits component. There is a continuation of the reduction or the reduced class sizes at the K8 level, which is a district average um across those grade levels as far as those ranges. And then additionally, there was an academic support component um which um
042supported our reading and math interventionists at the um elementary level as well as secondary um math lab teachers um and summer bridge programming as well as some uh math professional development for our teachers to support that initiative. Um this also included um instructional assistants at all of our K3 classrooms, so additional support within those classrooms for student instruction um um the younger grade levels or the primary grade levels. Um Yes. Off the top of my head, I would not be able to tell you. I do know that the original um the original override, which was authorized in um 2015, reduced down um the average class size in each of those grade levels by three. And then we maintain those um within the district average. >> So, also just to clarify since it is on the
043agenda and we can talk about it. Um so, do we have any plans on increasing that overall district class size? We're keeping with the override, so we won't be increasing class sizes. >> Um we we have to maintain the district class size average at the K-8 level through this authorization, and we monitor that weekly. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um this override also supports academic programming such as gifted education, JROTC programming, and our new um naval program at Eastmark High School, as well as music and arts opportunities, and CTE programming. Overall, the 15% override for this fiscal year is about $16 million additional to our operating budget, which we're grateful to our voters for approving. This slide captures um just high-level um each of the revisions and the changes with Our base level support is
044again driven by um that ADM or that average daily membership. The transportation revenue control limit is also calculated based on average daily miles as well as ridership. The override is calculated in there, and that override has adjusted as um the fiscal 25 uh ADM settled after the statewide um recalculation. And so, those pieces um the override is funded on prior year ADM or calculated on prior eight year ADM. Um our general budget limit has increased slightly, as well as our unrestricted capital budget. I'm going to capture a little bit more detail on this um slide here. So, within um our um uh override, we see a little bit additional funding um after that last data capture of $37,000. Um our adjusted DAA decreased slightly. And then, as far as the one-time funding adjustments, um these
045are monies that were appropriated in the last legislative session. They're one-time um funds, but they are also based on ADM, and so the adjustments that we had to our ADM did also adjust the calculations for these. So, we see a slight increase in the state aid supplement, the district additional assistance supplement, as well as the free and reduced um group B supplement for this year. So, to summarize um the highlights of our budget revision, our revenue control limit or and our operating funds did increase. There was an ADM increase as well as a slight um increase to our our uh B weights. Um we did um an adjustment to um last year's transportation, which did result in a slight increase in our transportation support level, as well. Um we did make an adjustment in the
046M&O to our um free and reduced group B supplement, and that uh that um equated to about $380,000 increase to our operating budget this year. Um on the bottom half, you'll see the um capital or unrestricted capital or district additional assistance. There was um some adjustment to those one-time monies again that we had allocated to capital at the beginning of the year for continuing expenses. Um and that was a state aid supplement as well as a district additional assistance supplement. Um there was a slight increase um that we adjusted in our um fiscal year 25 interest. We're able to capture that interest in the capital fund and apply that as budget capacity in the subsequent fiscal year. And that uh equated to an overall increase in that um budget of about $1,700 for this year.
047Um coming up upon approval tonight, we'll of course submit the budget file to school finance and to the AG's office. Um the next steps will be that we'll be I'll be back before you next month for a proposal for the fiscal 27 budget and then we'll have our public hearing and adoption in July for that and then you can look forward to the annual financial report for this fiscal year in October. And with that, I'm happy to take any questions. Any >> Do you know like the grade breakdown of the 200 new students? Is this in a particular grade level? Is it more K-8 or high school? >> Um the growth that we saw this year was more at the secondary level. >> Mhm. >> And kind of one of the things that I know
048we're working on and and thinking about as we go forward, uh a lot of our schools are in an aging status and so we've got to start putting some money aside for capital to do some of the repairs. We're seeing an increase in those repairs that are needed because um some of our schools are getting to that point now. So, I know that's something to keep in mind as we I know you guys are working really hard on that, so I appreciate that. >> Good job keeping up the grants. >> Yeah. That's awesome. Any other questions? All right. Um request to speak regarding the 25-26 expenditure revision. Do we have any requests to speak? Okay. I can take a motion to adjourn the public hearing. >> So moved. >> Second. >> First and second, all
049in favor? Aye. All right. That brings us to action items. 9A, discussion and possible action to approve the fiscal year 26 revised expenditure budget, Jessica Johnson. >> Madam President, members of the governing board, use presentation of this year's May budget revision for the fiscal year 26. Um recommend approval. >> Yeah. Any questions? All right, I'll take a motion. >> I move to approve the fiscal year 2026 revised expenditure budget. First, do I have a second? Any discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. All right. Item B, discussion and possible action to approve MTA shade canopy project with McCarthy Building Company's Amber Borders. >> President Davis, members of the governing board, this title is a little confusing because it's more than a shade canopy project. Um with the Mountain Trail Academy project, we do have remaining funds
050within the SFD award, the schools facility division award, uh which is how we built that new elementary school. So, based on the current status, we have additional funds and we're looking to maximize those funds and invest in long-term projects that'll support that campus. So, this request receipt approval to utilize those funds for exterior campus improvements. So, those um enhancements include installation of shade canopy's on the east and south portion of the building, so it'll be for parent pick-up, but also for bus drop-off to provide shade to families and students while they're waiting for those opportunities uh to go home or to go to school. >> It's an opportunity. >> have an extension of the sidewalk at parent pick-up and drop-off zone because we've learned it's not it's not wide enough, so we'd like to widen
051that area. Um we would like to put a shade structure over the existing swing set um along with installing a new kindergarten swing set with a shade structure above that swing set um and then speed bumps to help manage our traffic on that great uh parent queuing loop that we have on that campus. Along with um a volleyball net installation with some sleeves. So, the goal of this is to provide items that we reduced in scope when we were trying to plan for this project and we weren't sure we were going to meet budget. Um we're happy to share that we did meet budget and we're going to add these items back in and if approved tonight, we'll start those over the summer um with the goal of our families and our students being able
052to enjoy all of those amenities for the start of the next school year. We recommend approval. >> Sounds wonderful. Any questions? >> Uh just to clarify, so those funds, just for everybody here, those funds are from the schools facility division. Those are very restricted and can only be used at that campus for those types of items. >> That's correct. And if we don't spend them, we lose them. >> We're not going to lose them. Hopefully. All right, with that I can take a motion. >> Move to approve MTA shade canopy project with McCarthy Building Company's. >> First, do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> Aye. We're not going to lose them. Okay, discussion and possible action to approve the 2026-2027 teacher performance plan, Dr. Amy Cram. >> President
053Davis, members of the board, we have three teacher leaders here tonight to present the work of our teacher pay for performance committee and to provide a recommendation for the 26-27 pay for performance plan. So, I'll invite them up to the podium. Teachers, there's a blue clicker there that you can use for your presentation. >> Um good evening, President Davis and members of the board. Um my name is Christina Um I am a sixth grade teacher at Pickett and it is my honor to be here this evening representing our dedicated educators of our district. Uh joining me tonight are my colleagues. >> I'm Jacob Hayscamp. I'm a seventh grade social studies teacher at Crisman High School. >> And Tanya Corona, I'm a second grade teacher at Salk. Uh we are here today to walk you through
054the teacher pay for performance plan. Maybe. There it is. Uh this is going to be uh we're bringing this process to you um as a recommendation for the 2026-27 plan including an overview of the process that we have used to develop this recommendation. Uh, we will be sharing how this supports our strategic our district's strategic plan as well under student success and exceptional personnel. >> It does not want to go. >> Uh-huh. >> Oh, it's going backwards. Oh. There it is. >> Oh, here we go. So, tonight we're going over the objectives for our presentation. We'll begin with a review of the 2025-2026 PFP members. And then we'll provide an overview of the PFP recommendation process. And lastly, our recommendation for next year's plan. So, this is a list of all the participants of the
055301 committee. We appreciate all the hard work of the community to get all schools represented decision-making process. I'll give you a moment to review the names. >> Um and I will be walking us through the work completed by the committee which helps provide a clear understanding of the process. We began by reviewing the current 25-26 plan. The committee had the opportunity to recommend changes and ultimately decided um to continue the plan as is. Following that, committee members presented the plan to certified teachers at each site, answered questions, and distributed a survey to certified teachers across the district. We're pleased to share that 98.5% of the 473 teachers um or I'm sorry, respondents voted to approve the current plan. And that brings us to our final slide and recommendation for the 2026-2027 pay for performance plan.
056With your approval, the 2026-2027 PFP plan would provide the opportunity for eligible staff to receive $500 through pay for performance. Of this, 300 would be awarded if the school earns an A or B letter grade. Um or $150 for a C. And then $200 would be based on teacher effectiveness ratings of highly effective, effective, or developing with no pay for ineffective ratings. The plan would also include an expectation that teachers attend professional development on half-day Wednesdays. Um thank you for your time and consideration of our recommendation for the 2026-2027 school year. >> Awesome. Any questions? >> Thank you guys for taking the time for that presentation. >> Mhm. >> Our pleasure. >> Yes, thank you. >> All right, with that I will take a recommendation or a motion. I'm off tonight. >> that we recommend
057the 2026-2027 teacher performance pay plan. >> First, I have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Item D, discussion and possible action to approve award of contract for RFP 26-05-31 for grounds maintenance, Vicky Harbor. Girl How do I say that? Sorry. >> Goudelay. There we go. I always mess that up. >> Um good evening, President Davis and uh governing board members. Uh we would like to um recommend an award for a contracted grounds maintenance um vendor. On February 23rd, we released an RFP on an RFQ on AZ purchasing platform um to a total of 46 vendors in those categories. We subsequently got three bids off of those. There was an evaluation committee that assessed those three bids on different criteria, price, and and some other areas as well. And
058they used a scoring rubric um to evaluate all of those proposals individually. Um we would like to recommend that the contract be awarded to um BrightView Landscaping Services for a total of an estimated total of $700,000 per fiscal year um for landscaping and groundskeeping services at all of the district sites. So, that would include elementary playgrounds, um non-competitive athletic fields, um and vacant lots, everything that that's in the QCSD um library. So, um the recommended vendor would provide comprehensive groundkeeping's maintenance across all of the districts and um routinely main- landscape care, irrigation management, weed control, and upkeep to ensure safe, clean, well-maintained outdoor environments. Um we recommend contract award for BrightView Landscaping. This recommendation is compliant with school district's procurement rules, and it is in the school district's best interest to approve this contract. Approval.
059>> Thank you. Any questions? All right, I can take a motion. >> I move to approve the award of contract for RFP 26-05-31 for ground maintenance. >> First have a second. >> Second. >> All in favor. >> Aye. All right. That brings us to personnel. I can take this in its entirety. >> Move to take personnel in its entirety. >> Second. >> First and second. All in favor? >> Aye. Now, with the passing of personnel, I'd like to turn it over to Dr. Kram to introduce some people. >> Uh thank you so much. With your approval tonight, we are proud to welcome three new principals and like to give them each an opportunity to introduce themselves and say a few words to the board. So, I'd like to invite Dr. Greg Mendez, new principal of
060Crismon High School, up to the podium. >> Good evening, Madam President and members of the governing board and members of the superintendency. First, I want to say I appreciate your leadership and your commitment to the Queen Creek Unified School District and I am grateful for the chance to join you this evening. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me to serve as the next principal of Crismon High School. I am truly humbled and honored to step into this role. I also want to extend my appreciation to Dr. Kram and Dr. Wolfe, the Human Resources Department, as well as the interview committees for their communication, support, and professionalism throughout this process. I look forward to building upon the strong foundation already in place at Crismon and continuing the great work of the staff, students,
061and the community. I'm eager to get started, to listen, to learn, and to work alongside everyone to ensure continued success and growth for all students. Thank you again for this opportunity and I look forward to joining the team. >> Welcome. >> [applause] >> And I I would like to say something. Elise, I would like to thank you for everything that you've done to for Crismon High School. You started it from the bottom up and we cannot thank you enough. Thank you so much. A round of applause. >> [applause] >> And and welcome to Queen Creek. I've been in the district for about 22 years with my kids graduating and so forth. So, we really appreciate you. It's a great community. You'll love it. Yes. >> Okay, and next I'd like to invite Dr. Kim Higginbotham,
062our new principal for Newell Barney College Prep and Queen Creek Virtual Academy up to the podium. >> Good evening, President and members of the board. I'm Dr. Kim Higginbotham. I'm very excited Thank you for this opportunity and for your confidence in me to serve I am generally generally excited to be a part of the community that's so clearly committed to students, families, Um I knew that coming in and it was reinforced with all of the joy that I found here tonight and the welcoming of my new colleagues. I was not expecting and felt very welcome coming in tonight. I believe wholeheartedly that strong schools are built by supporting the people closest to the students and creating systems that allow great teaching and learning to thrive every day. That is the work I care deeply about
063and I'm ready to jump into. I'm honored to be here, grateful for your trust, and excited to get started and serve this community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Welcome. >> [applause] >> And I would also like to mention if you'd like to step stand up, Kevin, right there. There we go. This wonderful man was at Newell Barney before it became Newell Newell Barney College Prep. Thank you so much. It was a It was a big task to overtake and we really appreciate you. Thank you for your all all your time at Queen Creek and God bless you all. Thank you and welcome. Yeah. >> [applause] >> And welcome. >> I'm sorry. Yeah, there you go. I get a little emotional. >> And next I'd like to invite Shannon Fuller Wright, our new principal of Schnepf
064Elementary, up to the podium. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> And what can we say about you, Ms. Faith? What can we say? Great pancake breakfast from the Schnepf family. I mean, you've got it dialed in there. You did an amazing being up job from the ground up. Just, you know, thank you so much. The kids love it. The teachers admire you, and we really appreciate all your service that you've been in Queen Creek. And thank you so much. We appreciate you. And welcome to the Queen Creek family. Thank you. >> [applause] >> We call Patty our cruise director because she helps us get pictures and lines us up and >> So I really am a flight attendant, so can you tell? There you go. >> Thank you all. Um up next we have our
065announcements, upcoming board meetings, Tuesday June 16th, 4:30 study session, 6:00 p.m. regular session, Tuesday July 7th, 4:30 study session, 6:00 p.m. regular session, Tuesday August 4th, 4:30 study session with 6:00 p.m. regular session. Our calendar of events are um Wednesday Is this crossed out on yours? No, okay. Wednesday May 6th, My Grow Education Program Achievement Ceremony, Wednesday May 6th, Crismon High School Senior Scholarship Award Ceremony, Wednesday May 6th, Eastmark High School Senior Scholarship Award Ceremony, Friday May 8th, 6:00 p.m. Crismon High School Senior Scholarship Award Ceremony, Thursday May 14th, 6:00 p.m. Adult Education Ceremony, Wednesday May 20th, 3:00 p.m. Queen Creek Virtual Academy Graduation, Wednesday May 20th, 7:00 p.m. Eastmark High School Graduation, Thursday May 21st, 2:30 p.m. Queen Creek High School Graduation, Thursday May 21st, 7:00 p.m. Crismon High School Graduation, and Thursday May
06621st is the last day of school and will officially end May-cember. So, um with that I will take a motion to adjourn. >> Motion to adjourn. >> Second. >> First and second, all in favor? >> Aye. >> Thank you all for coming.