001I'd like to call this meeting to order. We have students from Navajo Elementary here. Would you please come forward as we would love to have you lead us in the pledge of allegiance? They may say please stand. So let's say please stand. >> Please stand. >> Ready. Pledge 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. >> Red, white, and blue, we love you. [applause] >> What a wonderful way to start our new year together. >> Uh let's have roll call. Uh, Dr. Patensky. Yes, >> Matthew Patinsky. >> Okay, go ahead. >> Amy Carney. >> Mike Shy. >> Karen, are you on? >> Looks like she's waiting. >> Do we need to accept her arrival? It's
002>> It's on the screen. She's waiting. >> Do I admit? No, no, they should do that. >> We're waiting to admit uh Karen Warner in our meeting. >> It can you hear us? >> Okay, Karen, if you can hear us, we're we're working on admitting you into the meeting. I'm Donna Lewis and I'm present and we're waiting still for Karen to come in. We'll >> we'll wait since the first part of the agenda is important. Well, as they all are. There we go. Hi Karen, we're doing roll call. Welcome Karen. Can you hear me? Karen, are you on? >> And Karen, we're telling you to unmute. Not sure if you have that button in front of you. Seeing that we have quorum, I'm going to go ahead and uh move on to the next item.
003Karen, please let us know when you arrive. We realize that you're working on your technical piece. All right. Uh that brings us to approval of the agenda. Uh I'm going to remove uh 9F from the agenda. Uh just I think we have some communication clerical pieces to work out there and so we want to do so uh well before we approve 9F. Uh so we'll be removing 9F. I ask for any other amendments to the agenda. Did you want to I'm sorry, Miss Carney. >> Thank you, President Lewis. Yes. I would like to pull 9G, please. >> Okay. And then I would also uh like to request that we move uh 10F before 10E because the order of these items were swapped from what we originally given. And it's important that the board have discussion
004and vote on the creation of a planning and boundary committee before voting on the Puma boundary public hearing. Okay. So, we have uh our agenda with 9G pulled, 9F pulled for action. 9G removed, 9F >> 9 F, >> 9F removed, 9G pulled for action, and the switching of 9E and >> 10 F and 10 E. >> Thank you. Good teamwork. All right. I I make a motion to approve the agenda as I just presented. Second the motion. >> All those in favor? >> I I It passes four to zero. And I'm just going to check to see if Karen's with us at this point. >> Okay, we'll move on. Uh the meeting decorum is next. Citizens attending and/or participating in Scottsdale Unified School District meetings either in person, virtually, or telephonically are required to observe
005the same rules of order and decorum applicable to members of the governing board and staff. Unauthorized remarks or demonstrations from members of the audience, yells, outbursts, andor other disruptions are not permitted. Thank you. All right. Our first uh action item is election of governing board officers. Uh I'm asking for nominations. >> Can we swap it to wait till Miss Carney or Miss Wernner is on? >> You want to pause? >> I'd rather be here for it. >> Okay. I think I'm getting head nods to pause >> go on just go to >> Jennifer. Is that all right? >> Madam President, members of the governing board, you have approved the agenda as drafted. you could revisit that motion to move this item lower in the agenda and reapprove the agenda. I think that would be the
006best way to do that. All right. >> So, um, what you would need would be a revised motion to approve the agenda as written with this item coming perhaps after the information discussion items. >> We could probably do it after student and staff recognitions, governing board reports, and superintendent comments. I'd like to move it after item six. >> That's that would be fine. >> Okay. I'd like to make a motion that we revise the adopted agenda as modified with one more modification and that is to move item three to below item six. >> I'll second that motion. >> All those in favor? >> I I Okay. Thank you guys. All right. Student and staff recognition and celebrations. >> Well, good evening, President Lewis, Vice President Shy, members of the governing board. uh our SUSD families,
007friends, school leaders, teachers, and staff who are here for our first regular meeting of the 2026 calendar year. Many of our celebrations tonight recognize athletic championships and achievements from the end of last year, but we are excited to celebrate those publicly this evening. We are kicking off our celebrations with big athletic wins from both Desert Mountain and Chapperel high schools, including history being made. To help us celebrate numerous SUSD trailblazers, please join me in welcoming our athletic director, Steven Cervantes. >> [applause] >> Stephen, can you turn the mic on the little That's it. >> Okay, I'll start over again. Sorry about that. Thank you, [clears throat] Dr. Mensel. And good evening, President Lewis, Vice President Shy, governing board members, Dr. Mensel, and Miss Wagner. Tonight, I'm honored to recognize an exceptional group of student athletes
008whose consistency, dedication, and competitive excellence has established one of the strongest dynasties in Arizona High School athletics. We are here to celebrate the Desert Mountain High School girls swim and dive team, the 2025 AIA Division 2 state champions. Wolves, please join me at the podium. [applause] This past season, the Wolves continued their remarkable run of dominance, capturing their fourth uh state championship in five years in division two uh in division 2 um for the AIA. In a highly competitive field, Desert Mountain outscored Catalina Foothills with a powerful combination of depth, versatility, and standout performances across the board. What makes the achievement truly extraordinary is not just the championship itself, but the sustained excellence required to win it year after year. Season after season, these athletes demonstrate unwavering work ethic, team unity, and a commitment to
009improvement that sets them apart at every level of competition. Their success reflects countless early morning practices, hours in the pool and on the boards, the support and encouragement of their families, and the leadership of an outstanding coaching staff dedicated to developing athletes both in and out of the water. Wolves, on behalf of the district and our entire athletic community, congratulations on your state championship and on continuing the proud winning tradition of Desert Mountain Swim and dive. Your legacy is extraordinary and your achievements will inspire future wolves for years to come. At this time, I would like to invite Desert Mountains athletic director, Sheriff Ezen Meyer, to say a few words. [applause] Dr. Mensel and governing board members, thank you for giving us an opportunity to celebrate these young ladies. I was on the deck that
010night and they were like listening, you know, having fun at the season's over and then one team after another was being announced but they were not. So they're like, "What does this mean? Where are we landing?" And then they were announced the winners. So they won by six points, which means it's a huge team effort to get to that point. So congratulations, ladies. [applause] Thank you, Athletic Director Fezenmeer. Wolves, as a symbol of your accomplishment and the pride you bring to Desert Mountain High School, I am honored to present each of you with a challenge coin representing excellence, dedication, and championship standard you uphold year after year. Congratulations, Desert Mountain Wolves, for your state championship. [applause] ladies. >> Next, I have the privilege of recognizing extraordinary group of student athletes whose spirit, talent, and [clears
011throat] commitment have led to history being made for Chapperel High School. Chaperole varsity cheer. Will you please join me at the podium? [applause] The chaper varsity cheer team showcased their strength and competitive power taking the state championship title for AIFA division 1/2 game day chair for the small division. This marks their third consecutive state title. This is the first time chapel show cheer has won three state titles in a row. Across all divisions and events, these athletes have demonstrated discipline, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence that stands out on every floor they take. As a symbol of this historic victory and pride you bring on to Chaparel, I am honored to present each of you with a challenge coin. This challenge coins represents excellence, persever perseverance, and the championship legacy you have now exed into
012Chaparel's story forever. Congratulations. >> Thank you. [applause] The spirited celebrations don't stop there. Chaperel's varsity Palm team also dominated their season, taking home not one but two championship titles. Ladies, please join me at the podium. [applause] These ladies worked hard all season long and long hours, dedication, and true teamwork. The work shines at the AIA state championships where they were were deemed AIA Division 2 Palm State Champions and AIA Division 2 Game Day Dance Small Division State Championships. What an incred what an incredible season. Way to go, Chaperel Palm. At this time, I would like to invite Chaperel principal Josh Pantier to say a few words about both of these amazing teams. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Cervantes and and governing board for this opportunity to recognize our students. Uh, as he said, uh, Cheer
013has won three state championships in a row and Palm is two in a row. Uh I don't know that everyone understands how much time these girls put into uh training uh repetitive routines, choreography, memorization, and all the competitions and being in all the sporting events. Um here tonight, we only have our captains. The teams are much bigger than this. Um but it really takes a lot of work and dedication to have the success that these girls have had. So we're very proud of them. Uh congratulations. >> Thank you. [applause] Hold on a second. Hold on real quick, girls. As a symbol of your success and pride your team brings to Chapperel High School, I am honored to present each of you with a challenge coin representing excellence, dedication, and the championship standard you continue to
014uphold. >> Thanks, girls. >> Congratulations, Chapperel Palm State Championships. I am proud of all the SGSD athletes we're celebrating here today and throughout our first semester. I look forward to many more celebrations in the next year. Back to you, Dr. Menzel. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Cervantes. And congratulations again to our Desert Mountain and Chaparel state champion winners. We're very proud of all that you've accomplished. Now, to the outstanding Arcadia marching band and color guard who delivered an exceptional competitive season, also leading to a number one placement at state. To celebrate this incredible achievement, please join me in welcoming our fine arts coordinator, Michelle Irvin. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Dr. Mensel, Prince, President Lewis, Vice President Shy, Governing Boards Matter, Mrs. Wagner. If I could have the members of the Agar Arcadia marching
015band that could make it, their wonderful director, Nate Connell, and their incredible principal, Janelle Bansky. Come on up. [applause] Tonight, it's my great honor to present uh these exceptional young musicians. I got some of their awards there. Their new director, he's brand new to the district this year and their principal. Uh on October 5 on November 15th, the Abota State Marching Champion to Abodia's Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association, the Spirit of Arcadia once again claimed state championship title for division 4. They also received a caption in music performance, visual performance, and general effect. One of the very cool things about this is their wonderful director here, Nate Connell. He wrote the music for the show. So, he composed all the music. He wrote the drill for the show. Right. So, uh to me, and
016I know Dr. Yansky feels the same, Arcadia has gone through a lot over the last few years. They've had championships before, but four different directors, I believe. Right. The senior class, seniors. Yes. Um, and we talk about resilience and we talk about the grit it takes and the elevating excellence. I know Dr. Dansky and I were very concerned, but when we interviewed this young gentleman, we both looked at each other at the end and said, "Yes." Um, the passion, the drive, the enthusiasm. Even when I'm sitting back there talk doing these talk about jazz band and they have like what 11 saxophones and um just it's really wonderful to have someone of that level working with such a crazy amazing kids. These kids work through it all and they just excel. So it is my
017great honor to recognize you guys tonight. I know you couldn't all make it because it's the second day back from break and symphony. I'm sorry I went completely off your script. Um but I would like to take a moment as Dr. Dansky. Oh my gosh. You want to just grab a few of those? That wastes a time. So, what we're going to be giving you guys is challenge coins. It's a symbol of your achievement and the pride you bring to our disc. We're honored to give you this challenge coin. This represents your excellence, your artistry, and your championship. And we are so proud of you and your accomplishments. And Nate, we love having you part of SUSD, and you're never leaving us. So, can we hear it for the Arcadia High School Met? [applause] >>
018Congratulations. So proud of all that you accomplished. Thank you, Michelle. And now to a school making remarkable strides to improve student and community well-being. Navajo Elementary has officially been designated as a blue zone school. To share more about how this incredible achievement was made possible, I'd like to invite Dr. Christine Bono, assistant superintendent of elementary education to the podium. >> Thank you, Dr. Mensel. And good evening, President Lewis, Vice President Shy, governing board members, Dr. Mensel again, and Miss Wagner. Navajo Elementary and Blue Zone representatives. Would you like to come join me up here at the podium? Come on, guys. Jump up here so we can celebrate you. I am so excited to be back at the podium. I think four straight meetings now to recognize and celebrate another school that has earned blue zone
019certification. Tonight we recognize Navajo Elementary School led by principal Matt Patsoff as they've achieved this very desirable designation. At Navajo, the Blue Zones is not just a catchphrase. It's truly embedded in all they do. An example is the school's greenhouse and outdoor garden program. Students volunteer to plant and care for and harvest the fresh produce, gaining hands-on learning experience while building responsibility and teamwork. The garden's open to the entire school community of students and staff, and families are even invited to take fresh items home and incorporate healthy foods into their meals. Navajo is also committed to community centered events. And through celebrations such as the day of awareness, fall festival, and their participation in Scottsdale's Proidel Soul, Navajo intentionally brings together students, staff, families, and community members. These events strengthen relationships, foster a sense of
020belonging, and reinforce the shared purpose that defines the Navajo community. Together, these practices reflect Navajo core values, placing students first, building positive relationships, and creating a supportive environment where everyone feels connected, safe, valued, and empowered. At this time, we'd like to invite Chris Bio from Blue Zones to talk about the incredible work going on at Navajo. Thank you, Dr. Bono. Um, good evening and thank you for having me. I'm super excited to be here tonight to celebrate Navajo Elementary. um in becoming a Blue Zones approved school. A special thanks to Principal Matt and Assistant Principal Angie um for saying yes and embarking on this well-being journey with us. And as Christine, you kind of hit on a lot of these, but you're doing so many amazing things to create a healthy, happy place to learn
021and grow. From their wishes for wheels program, um which is giving second graders bikes and helmets also to their day of awareness that celebrates their students and staff. We already mentioned the amazing greenhouse and garden. And then um they seem like they're getting movement every day as well through their activity breaks, uh movement built into lessons, their PE programs where they're doing fun sports like yoga, pickle ball, jump rope, even their events like the jingle jog and the jump rope for heart that bring the whole school together. Everything you're doing, how you eat, how you move, and how you care for one another shows what a truly thriving school looks like. So once again, uh, congratulations and we're so proud of you guys. [applause] So again, I want to congratulate the whole Navajo team and
022we would like to distribute. Angie, would you mind passing out these challenge coins to your team? Thank you so much. And we'll hand these out. And then Torrance, would you like the team the kids to go ahead and get a photo taken? So kids and Navajo staff, you'll follow Mr. Patloff and we'll take their pictures. We're going to give you one more big round of applause. [applause] >> Congratulations, Navo Elementary, and thank you to our Blue Zones partners. Uh, finally, we are proud to honor an extraordinary young leader whose compassion, determination, and vision for positive change have already made a powerful mark on her school and her community. to share more about this incredible student and her most recent achievement. I'd like to invite assistant superintendent Dr. Malac Melissa Sackos forward. >> Thank you, Dr.
023Mensel. And good evening, President Lewis, Vice President Shy, governing board members, Dr. Mensel, and Miss Wagner. Uh yes, this is our last celebration, but certainly uh most important, right? Yeah. Um I'd like to uh introduce Karina Copicar um as we honor her. Now you can see her amazing picture right up there. Karina is a remarkable student from Chapperel High School who has been awarded the Jenkins Youth Leadership Award, a prestigious recognition given to leaders who demonstrate extraordinary service, character, and commitment to bettering the communities. Karina has distinguished herself as a leader in youth empowerment, education, and mental health advocacy. She has developed programs that connect students with members, promote inclusivity, and create opportunities for personal growth. Her efforts have strengthened the culture of support at Chapparel and inspired countless students to keep confidently um step
024confidently into their own potential. Her leadership is not only impactful, it perfectly reflects the values that we uphold here at SUSD. integrity, empathy, unity, inclusion, trust, and excellence. Karina lifts others through her actions and demonstrates what it means to serve with purpose and heart. While Karina has already been formally honored with the Jenkins Youth Leadership Award, tonight we celebrate her accomplishments as a district, recognizing the positive and lasting influence she brings to her school and to her community. Um, at this time, Principal Prantier, I believe you want to say a few words, and Karina did give you permission to do so. [laughter] >> Uh, Karina is just an amazing all-around student. Uh, if you Google her name, you can find numerous articles online about her and about all the great things she's done in high
025school, whether it's uh leading clubs or starting a nonprofit or winning other leadership awards around the the valley. Uh, she's just an amazing kid. And not only has she done a lot for Chapperel and the community around her, um she's a she's a good person. She's respectful. She's respected by her peers and her teachers. Uh and we just can't wait to see what she's going to do after high school. So, congratulations, Karina. [applause] >> And Karina was offered a challenge coin to commemorate your achievements. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Sacos, and congratulations, Karina. That was a moment of SUSD pride uh when we saw the award presented at the Scottsdale leadership event. Finally, uh just for those who may not know, January is governing board appreciation month. And this evening, we are
026honored to recognize the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board for its leadership, service, and commitment to excellence in education. The work of the SUSD governing board reflects our district's core values, placing students at the center of every decision, leading with integrity and fostering collaboration and trust across our schools and community. Serving on a governing board is uh often a thankless job. It certainly doesn't pay any money. Uh but of the the rewards are often seen in the celebrations as we've had this evening and in the students as they walk across the stage prepared for the next journey in their lives. Uh through your governance uh you're you help set a clear vision for the district, ensure responsible stewardship of resources and support highquality learning environments where all students are encouraged to grow, achieve, and excel.
027So on behalf of our students, families, educators, and staff, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your leadership and partnership. Your dedication helps ensure Scottsdale Unified School District continues to uphold a standard of excellence in teaching, learning, and opportunity for every students. I to invite the people who are in the audience to join me in a round of applause for our governing board. [applause] [applause] And that concludes our celebrations. >> I'm a little clump. Okay. Uh so we'll move to our governing board reports. Uh let's start down here. Dr. Patensky, >> does the fact that I'm seated here mean that forever I'll always be the one that goes first. Um, so I just want to say thank you to the principles of the schools in the Chapel Learning Community. Um, I've had an opportunity
028to visit each. They provided tours, talked about the issues that they're experiencing in their schools. Sometimes joining the um the uh uh oh gosh, the site council, sorry, why was I blanking on that? Sometimes joining the site council, sometimes just the schools themselves. So, I want to say thank you. And then I also want to say thank you to the Chapperel Deca Club and to the district for helping to facilitate an opportunity for me to meet with them and talk about how our future business leaders uh may want to take on the opportunity of practicing the art of marketing and playing a role in our enrollment strategy at SUSD. So that is my report. >> Nice. All right, Amy, no report. Mike, >> no update here. and and uh none for me here except to
029say just I wish everybody a happy new year and a wonderful you know give it your all because January and February are such intense learning months. We really throw our all into these next two months and as we concentrate before testing this is such prime time for learning. So uh welcome back everybody. Our superintendent's report now. >> Well thank you Dr. Lewis and uh because uh board member Wernern is in the parking lot and walking in, I am going to talk until she gets here and and then we will be set. Uh but two things that I really wanted to highlight. First, on December 13th, we held a ribbon cutting for the 68th and Oak Street athletic facility. Thank you, board member Carney, for being present for that as well. Uh it was it was
030really a joyful occasion. If you had the opportunity to talk to the neighbors who were a part of the ongoing conversation over many years related to the future of that site, you would see a lot of joy and expressions of gratitude for the work of Mr. Aaylor and uh the construction and architectural team that put together a really nice project. So kudos and shout out to Willilmeg and to all of the others who have been a part of making that project special and uh to Mr. for um carefully listening to the voices of the community as part of that project. Uh and then the other thing that I want to mention is that on the 15th of this month, uh we will be part of the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration here in Scottsdale that's
031sponsored by the community celebrating diversity. Uh on that day, we host a voices event at Sarro High School. Invite all of our governing board members to attend. And then that evening there is a communitywide event. And so we look forward to uh celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King on January 15th. and we'll be able to report more about that uh after the event trans occurs. With that, I concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Mensel. All right, that brings us to item number three that we reordered and welcome. Uh and for our our agenda, uh roll call. Uh Karen Warner has a join has joined us. As we move into item three, uh we're looking for election of governing board officers. So, I ask for nominations for president. >> Dr. Pensky. Well, this
032is awkward since I haven't asked whether you'd be willing to do it, but I actually would like to nominate you to stay on for another term as president. I think that there's a learning curve to being president and we're, you know, we want to benefit from that learning curve. As well, we're engaged in a lot of multi-year, very challenging agenda topics. And I think in that context, having consistency of leadership has a lot of um benefits to it. And then last but not least, I think you've done an excellent job with a board that has sometimes very different priorities, very different ways of communicating, very different ways of approaching issues. And I think you've done a great job creating space for people to help shape the agenda, communicate fully their their thoughts, and then ultimately
033get to a board consensus. So, I nominate you to continue for a second term as president. Uh you being Dr. Lewis. >> Thank you. Uh so when we've had multiple nominations in the past, we do the nominations and then the nominees would say why they should be elected. So I'd like to do that today. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. So I would like to nominate Amy Carney as president. Uh she is uh the most seasoned on the board. She knows policy better than anyone on this dis. Uh she has put forth policy that has made effective changes here in the district. She collaborates and wins hearts and minds when it comes to staff, parents, and the community. And I think that she would be an excellent leader to lead us into this fourth year as
034governing board members. Thank you. Any other nominations? All right, we need a second for the nominations and then we >> speak to you. Miss Mlullen. >> Uh, Madame President, I believe Miss Carney's asked that each of you decide if you're going to accept the nomination and provide information. Um, so that could be first, but um, if there is a nomination, it doesn't need a second. You just need to start with the vote and typically we would vote in the order of named individuals. So, we would vote on Dr. Lewis and if Dr. Lewis doesn't pass, then we would vote on Miss Carney. >> Thank you for your guidance. Uh, thank you Dr. Patensky for the um compliment. Uh it has certainly been um I think a pretty healthy discussion amongst us over the years as
035we've had different viewpoints and similar viewpoints. I think we've begun to learn a lot about one another and I think we have tremendous potential for our continued synergy even with those varying perspectives and I so feel that we grow when we get different perspectives and consider each other's points of view uh seriously. So, I appreciate the compliment and hope to continue that uh that momentum and trajectory. Uh so, it is with a great honor that I accept the nomination. >> And now it would be time to hear from Miss Carney. Thank you for the nomination for president of the board for 2026. Um over the past three years, I uh have consistently brought forward agenda items with practical solutions aimed at moving our district forward. I've attended every regularly scheduled board meeting and I made
036it a priority. I have visited or attended events on every school campus in our district outside of schools that my own children attend. I remain uh deeply invested in this community and as a parent with two children still in our schools. Um and as a board member committed to respectful collaboration and steady leadership, I would appreciate your support and your vote for board president for 2026. Thank you. With that, we call for a vote on the first nominee. So, all those in favor of Donna Lewis for president, say, "I." >> I. All those opposed. >> No. No. All right. The motion passes three to two. And therefore, we're done. Is that right? Thank you, Miss Carney. I really appreciate uh running with you. All right. Next, we uh have a nomination for vice president. I'm
037asking for nominations. Dr. Patensky. >> So, with the same logic, not surprising and also awkwardly since I haven't had a chance to ask if you would accept. Um, I would nominate that Mr. Shy continue as vice president. Again, I think there's a learning curve. I think you've worked very well together as a team uh when Mr. Shy has stepped in. I think he's done an able job leading the meetings. Um, and again, we've got a lot of complicated multi-year type agenda topics, and I think consistency and stability of leadership has a lot to offer itself, especially when we're fortunate to have uh, Mr. Shy having done such a great job as vice president. So, for those reasons, I nominate him. >> Thank you. Do we have another nomination? All right. I need a second. I
038don't need a second. I can just call for the election unless I should pause. I should ask Mr. Shy if he accepts the >> nom. I accept the nomination. >> All right. Do you accept the nomination? Thank you. All right. All those in favor of Mr. Shy for vice president say I. >> I. All those opposed? >> No. >> All right. Passes three to two. Thank you everybody. Okay. That brings us to public comment. In compliance with open meeting law, the governing board may not discuss or take action tonight on any matters raised during public comments that are not on the agenda. However, the governing board members may respond to direct criticism, ask staff to review a matter, or that a matter be placed on a future agenda. Public comments will be conducted in accordance
039with policy board policy BEDH. As a reminder, each speaker will have two minutes. The screen will indicate the time. Please be prepared to close your comments and relinquish the floor at conclusion of your time. The board asks that each speaker please introduce yourself by stating your name and whether you live within our school district for clarity on the record. We thank you for your time and attendance here this evening and your cooperation in following the meeting decorum and protocols. I will read the name of the speaker. When you hear your name, could you please come to the podium? I will read the name of the next speaker to be ready on deck. Once you start speaking, your time will start. Our first speaker is Debbie Shaun Shunneser. Shoeacher, I'm sorry, I didn't see the M.
040Schumacher. Thank you. Uh, and Puma and then that'll be followed by Emmy Cardella on school closure vote. Thank you, Miss Schumacher. My name is Debbie Schumacher and I am a homeowner in SUSD. I am concerned that the board appears to be offering every possible option and opportunity to the phase 2 schools that was requested by Puma. For example, families at Cheyenne were informed that if Cheyenne and Copper Ridge could not reach an agreement, both schools would be removed from consideration and alternative options would be pursued. Given that these two schools have more affluent populations, it raises questions about whether their perspectives are being given greater weight. I urge you to reconsider the decision to close Puma and provide Puma with the equivalent opportunities for growth. I ask the board to consider how an Arizona district
041with a single school in Mobile, Arizona can maintain their staff and facilities for eight students, none of which live in the city of Mobile. They are bust in from Maricopa. Whereas SUSD says they cannot support 296 students in a new state-of-the-art building in a populated city. I'm here tonight to also request that the board discipline Scott Menuel for publicly defaming an SUSD employee during his meeting with the families at Cheyenne on December 16th. The employee has the right to pursue litigation for the liable and slanderous statement made by Scott. And with the number of witnesses and recordings of the meeting, the employee would most likely be victorious. And Scott, I want to know how you look at yourself in the mirror every morning knowing you accepted a performance-based bonus that you did not earn. SUSD
042is in worse condition than when you arrived 5 years ago. >> Thank you. And we have Emmy Cardella followed by Jeff Ret on personal moder. >> Good evening governing board. Dr. Mensel and Glattus. My name is Emmy Cardella and I am a parent in the district here. At the last meeting, the board made the painful but necessary decision to start consolidating schools. I was deeply disappointed that this vote was not unanimous. This is an extraordinarily difficult time for families and staff affected by these decisions and it would have been far better for our board to act as a unified team. Board members Carney and Warner, you voted against the closure, but you offered no alternatives to address the budget crisis that we face. You advocated for taking no action at all, a position that would
043have resulted in a significant budget shortfall and inevitably next year there would be reductions in take-home pay by our teachers and staff. Your claims that this process came out of nowhere and that more should have been done suggest either you have not been paying attention during the past three years that you've been sitting on this board or that you have been dis deliberately dishonest. You sat through more than a dozen budget updates, listened to multiple presentations on enrollment and demographic trends. None of this is new information. You continue to insist that more options are needed. This room is filled with people holding advanced degrees in accounting, finance, law, education, and other fields. They worked for months and developed a menu of options to address the budget shortfall. But you refused to consider any of them.
044You didn't engage in any sort of productive conversation. Instead, you simply pointed fingers and complained about the options. If you have better, if you think they exist, what exactly are you doing to find them? Your vote last month amounted to pretending that some easy solution was waiting to be discovered. It is not. There is still extremely difficult work decisions ahead. I'm asking that you stop playing games and start doing the serious work that this position demands. Your fellow board members researched the options, educated themselves, and made a decision. You refuse to do so. If you truly believe better options are out there, then go find them. >> Thank you. I would like to invite Jeff Ret up followed by TJ Buckley. on insurance RFP. Once again, I have here the form which banned me from
045Arcadia High School for refusing to call girls by boys names without the parents permission. In other words, to change the rostered names that I was given by the office that morning. It's signed by the principal. In addition, the transgender students were solicited for these letters, claiming they were so traumatized by my actions. I immediately went to the district office and spoke with Amy Goff, who told me to stay away from the school, which confirmed to me that this was initiated by Scott Menzel. I found these letters, which were secretly placed in my personnel file after I was fired, which explains why I was banned from Arcadia for three years. A federal judge ruled that school districts cannot force teachers to call girls by boys names. If you do, you are violating that teacher's first amendment
046right to freedom of speech and there cannot be free speech retaliation. Another federal judge three weeks ago ruled that parental exclusion policies are unconstitutional. President Trump has threatened to freeze all federal funding to the Scottsdale Unified School District. Benzel continues his DI policies. The state superintendent reported to the feds that this Democratic le school board violated a signed agreement not to practice diversity, equity, and inclusion. What's missing in the discussion, of course, is the role Gus Rosenfeld Law Firm has played in all this. My situation should have been settled two years ago. Instead, Gus Rosenfeld has advised the board to simply ignore me. Mr. Shy, did Jennifer Mlelen tell you that the average settlement for a DEI lawsuit in which teachers are forced to call girls by boys names is $500,000 and no suits involve
047teachers who resigned rather than call girls by boys names. Menzel fired me. My initial impression was that Gus Rosenfeld wanted to fleece the taxpayers out of large sums of fees when a lawsuit gets filed. But here's my theory. I think Gus Rosenfeld wants to make a name for themselves on the national stage defending DEI against two federal judges and the president of the United States. Mr. Shy, you invited me to an executive board meeting to resolve the issues, then voted to send me home before I even had a chance to speak. Of course, neither you nor Gus Rosenfeld have anything to say when your fellow Democratic board member hosts drug and alcohol parties for teen. >> Thank you. >> TJ Buckley uh is next followed by Mike Benert on Dr. Manzel. >> Good evening, Madame
048President, members of the board, superintendent. I am TJ Buckley, president of Scottsdale Education Association. Our association is appreciative of the health insurance RFP process and supports the recommendation brought before you tonight. We have long had an interest in addressing the rising cost of insurance and while there are still steps to be completed in the process, we are encouraged by our progress. Blue Cross and Blue Shield will create cost savings as compared to competitors. While increases may continue, we are hopeful that they will be at a lower rate than our current plan. Representatives from all employee groups participated in the process. This was a great team effort and I appreciate I especially wanted to thank you all for calling uh this process to be initiated as you listened and acted on the needs of your employees.
049With the theme of listening, teamwork, and collective action, I would like to address some of the changes that will be discussed at future meetings. I encourage the board to continue to listen to all employee groups and their needs. In addition to repurposing two schools, more cost-savings options have been shared with you and more will come in the coming weeks. IBN is in the process of reviewing these options. I participate in the IBN process and understand the gravity of the situation. I support the decisions of the group. However, it is important to note that while we as leaders and representatives review these options, specific employees that are affected by these changes have not been involved. While many of these options have been public for months, I fear many employees and community members not involved within the
050process do not see how real these options are and how we will be affected by each individual option. I believe there will be a great amount of anxiety and reaction to them in the coming weeks and months. I encourage you to give the affected individuals space to be heard. I also encourage definitive decisions and directives on each of these options to pro provide everyone with clarity on the changes as you did with health insurance and school repurposing. I encourage you to listen to your employees and community to form your opinions and actions around what's best for the people of this district, not just the numbers on a spreadsheet. Thank you. >> Thank you, TJ. Uh Mike and uh uh Benert, followed by Jason Clinki. SUSD recently posted a 2025 rap on Instagram celebrating the graduation
051of roughly 1,800 students. Yet more than 600 of those graduates are not performing at grade level in ELA. 800 are not proficient in math and 1400 are not proficient in science. Let's look at some other SUSD highlights from 2025. Four employees were removed for inappropriate behavior involving children. A substitute teacher who reported mirrors were placed in a classroom was left to defend herself without district support. $674,000 was spent on an AP honor social science curriculum that promotes leftist ideological content, including claims that gender is a choice, policing is inherently bad, and more. Taxpayer dollars were used to train teachers to affirm students gender confusion. $26,000 was spent to send 75 students to gender identity camp. Elementary students were exposed to LGBTQ plus sexual orientation lessons without parental opt-in. A high school math teacher reports that
052students entering her class are performing at a fifth grade level. SUSD has received more than two million for students with disabilities. Yet only seven students were served. Shy publicly stated that community members opinions do not matter to him. Patinsky held an alcohol-fueled rave for un rage for underage private school students. After campaigning on a promise not to close schools, Sharky Lewis and Patinsky voted to close Puma and Echo Canyon. Enrollment in SUSD has been declining for years with no meaningful action taken to reverse the trend. You blame it all on lower birth rates, ESA, and demographic changes. You never take responsibility for anything. For the past three years, exit surveys have consistently identified the same top concerns. Discipline and policy enforcement, bullying and safety, special ed services, dissatisfaction with leadership, lack of academic rigor. Given
053these realities, one would expect a greater focus on safety and academics and less emphasis on DEI, SEAL, and gender ideology. Parents, wake up, speak up, and take action. Mensel and his loyal board majority are destroying SUSD. [applause] >> Thank you, Mike. Uh Jason Klowski. Can you hear me? Hi, Jason Klowski. I sit in the uh audit committee with Mr. Shy, formerly with Mrs. Warner, and with former board member Patty Beckman. Um donated a lot of time and money over the years uh to SUSD over the last 20 and uh serve on a civic organization that's given millions to the district, but I'm not here representing them. Um I will just say the audit committee was surprised to see the agenda item for the insurance change today. Uh and there was some dialogue back and forth
054that uh we were just kind of like, "Wow, we're supposed to have a meeting out of order on the 16th of January to digest the pharmacy audit and uh we just were surprised by it." Um the gentleman with the union obviously is in favor of it. We just seem to be a little bit confused. The it's a $20 million decision seems to be being made without the input of the committee which has some extremely qualified members including someone that we just brought on because we thought we had the year and he has uh he's employed by one of the largest uh healthc care providers in the state without saying names. Uh I've negotiated many of these contracts and the devil is always in the details. um some of the metrics in the uh we don't
055know what metrics were used and when we saw the slides that are going to be presented this evening there was kind of a lack of information that we were kind of like okay how do we even know how this decision was made or this recommendation was made um were there any interviews done by the respondents why is Mesa school district opting into Kyros and we're opting out these are just questions don't know the answers they may have great answers but we were curious as to why um it brings me no joy to say these things because um it could be perceived that I am standing in contrary to people that I know and trust in this room and have known for many years. Um and healthcare is an incredibly important decision for every person in
056this district. As a member of the audit committee, we would just ask that you give us time to provide some input uh even if it means delaying implementation. Thanks. >> Thank you board. That's that concludes our speakers. Are there any responses, comments, questions? Thank you. That brings us to information discussion items. Uh, Miss McClennon is first with our annual open meeting law training. Madam President, members of the governing board, Dr. Mensel and Miss Wagner, thank you very much. I'm here today to present to you the annual open meeting law training that the governing board has traditionally uh persisted with and so we will go through this very important topic um the basics um under the open the open meeting law is a sunshine law it's similar to the Arizona public records law the idea of
057it is that there should be transparency in government so the basics of it are that it applies to all public bodies which includes this governing board it applies to uh boardappointed committees. It requires public officers to take legal action in duly noticed meetings. It has requirements regarding the posting of agendas and regarding the keeping of minutes. And I want to thank publicly Miss Wagner for doing such a good job with both. Um legal action has a specific definition. It means a collective decision, commitment or promise made by the public body pursuant to its constitutions or its in your case the um specified statutes that enable you to act. Meeting is the gathering whether in person or through electronic means of a quorum of the public body. Because you are a five member board, that means
058if three of you gather and speak, that is a a meeting. And so in order for three of you or more to gather or speak, um you must do that with the appropriate guard rails, including the posting, the minutes, um and um 24 hours notice to the public. the definition of legal action. Um, it previously included that it had to involve a majority of the members of the public body, but the attorney general's office deleted this um pursuant to recommendation to the legislature in the last 10 years. And in part they did that to prevent inadvertent um open meeting law violations and also to acknowledge that proposing legal action so one board member proposing legal action to a majority of the board can also violate the open meeting law. Um it so again it includes
059both discussions and deliberations that occur outside of an openly open and duly noticed meeting as well as proposing or taking any legal action. The open meeting law permits a call to the public. This board has traditionally permitted call to the public and you all have done a good job of um only responding to criticism asking that the superintendent review a matter or um asking that a matter be placed on a future agenda. Um you cannot open up into a discussion when you respond to the call to the public. And because you have created this limited public forum under the first amendment, you can only have reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions with respect to permitting that call to the public. a member of the public body cannot direct any staff member to communicate in violation
060of the open meeting law. You uh members of the public including myself, including Dr. Mensel, Miss Wagner, cannot facilitate any violations of the open meeting law. Um and so the um the you have to prevent the spokes of the wheel. So transmission of um your deliberations through a third party is also forbidden. Um the public open meeting law does allow for the board to present current events. Your governing board traditionally has done that as well. And when you do that, I would encourage you to stick to um most recent things that you've attended. Um highlighting certain events that have occurred with respect to the district, but not get into um if you can refrain from getting into national public issues or using it as a forum to voice your opinion on upcoming votes. It is
061meant just to reiterate what you have done as a board member and celebrate both your um what you have been doing as well as your district. The open meeting law does have a definition of executive session. The board is permitted to meet in private away from the the members of the public for certain specific reasons. It is up to the governing board um who which individuals are necessary to be present in those executive sessions. And these are the listed reasons for why you can conduct um executive sessions under the open meeting law. These aren't all the reasons, but these are some of them. The open meeting law requires that executive me session minutes um recite who's in attendance as well as any direction given to say the attorney or um a real estate representative. um
062the notice for the executive session. I do work on those with Miss Wagner as have your prior general counselss to make sure that it doesn't defeat the purpose of revealing um too much, but that it also says enough so that members of the public are aware of what you're going to be talking about behind those closed doors. Um and the open meeting law does permit the release of executive session information to um overseeing agencies such as the attorney general's office. There is a $500 penalty for each violation of the open meeting law. The law specifies that um that penalty must be paid from personal accounts and not from um public monies. Um and so that's a very rare um rare instance, but I have in my career had at least one board member centured in
063this manner. And with that, I'll take any questions that you might have. Thank you very much for all your efforts. I honor all of you this governing board uh recognition month and appreciate being able to work with you. Thank you. >> Thank you, Jennifer. All right, that brings us to status update regarding phase one and phase two repurposing of schools. Dr. Menzel. >> Well, thank you, President Lewis, Vice President Sharky, members of the governing board. uh subsequent to the uh meeting on December 9th, there have been a lot of things that have taken place and we think it's important to uh not only share with all of you um what we do in writing but also publicly at the regular governing board meeting so that the community can hear a status update as well. Uh
064in the agenda you'll see the first three bullet points really talk about the communication that we had following the board decision update regarding uh services and outreach to families and information regarding enrollment decisions. I've asked on my leadership team uh Leam Mitchell to serve as the point person or quarterback for our work in terms of providing concierge service and so I'm going to ask her to provide the update with respect to where we are in support of families at Puma at Echo Canyon. >> Sure. Thank you so much for uh the opportunity. Good evening governing board members. Um also thank you for the feedback from the written uh communication before break. I really appreciate just knowing I want to make sure I'm providing you guys the information that you most desire. So any additional feedback
065is always welcome. Um just wanted to share that uh we've been very pleased that between Echko and Puma 170 students and their families will receive welcome calls and outreach from their new school leaders and staff members this weekend next. So we have 170 families who've already made those decisions and well on their way. Um and that's just as of December 19th. This um it's been amazing to see the collaboration among our school leaders and staff who are working tirelessly to support each other. but most importantly to support our students and our families in finding the school that's the just best fit for their child. Um we also want to share that our support services team led by Shannon Cron, they've been on site at both ECHK and Puma and have had the opportunity to connect
066with students and families who need extra layers of support through this transition. They've provided individual supports to students and families, worked with them to share resources, guidance, and help them navigate forward. and we've just asked that the staff at the school continue to check in with all students and all families and should any additional layers of support be needed, we all stand ready um to provide those. Um as we shared in our last meeting, we do have that cadence of accountability for district teams and school leaders. Um and we've already had a couple of those check-ins this week. Uh the others happening uh tomorrow and Thursday with the district team. In yesterday's check-in, we learned that school leaders have hit the ground running um and are already making the second contact to families. The vast
067majority of families received contact before break and their school principles and concierge teams from their current school are already receiving that follow-up contact. How are you doing? How can we help? What can we be supporting you with? I would say likely by the time of this the end of this meeting um nearly half of of students at one of our schools have been contacted and getting very close in the other as they are ramping up with their concierge services. Also um over the break we have learned of a few families who are currently attending SUSD and will not be returning to our schools next year as they'll be heading to their home districts um in Maricopa, Buckeye, and one family in Kraton in part due to the school closures. We'll continue to monitor this and
068do additional layers of outreach to see how we may further accommodate um or support keeping them here in SUSD. In terms of concier services for our amazing staff, they're really on on our minds and I know they've come back ready to work, ready with to clear up the uncertainty that's at their doorstep. And so, um they have received some communication uh that week before break from HR and we'll have individual points of contact that will be providing one-on-one support throughout this process. Uh, we know our staff are really eager to move beyond uncertainty and like Mr. Buckley mentioned earlier, our IBN teams are working diligently, tirelessly, a little overbreak, um, and the rest of this week to really start hammering out what those practices and procedures will be. It is the aim to be able
069to notify staff either by the end of this week or early next about those procedures um, with our any of our displaced teachers from Echko and Puma being prioritized throughout the process. Lastly, as it relates to the overall sentiment that has been shared by staff members who are working directly with families, there continues to be sadness and frustration um worry about what is next and many of our Puma families are uncertain and awaiting boundary decisions before making um their next decisions. But I also want to say we've heard some amazing stories about resiliency, friendships that were forged over break, kids that are excited and already asking for t-shirts from their new schools. Um, and we're just really committed to working with each student in each family, no matter where [snorts] they're at in the transition.
070I would say right before break, we and throughout this whole process, there are things we're going to get right and there are things that we are not going to get right. Um, most importantly, we want to make up when we don't and and make corrections and make sure each and every one of our students starts next year feeling like they have a sense of belonging, they've been welcomed, and they're in a school that they will come to love. Last but not least, I counted numbers just right before we came. And so I want to share that um of our 266 Echo students that um are we're working on right now, we have um 115 that have already made decisions for next year and are fully enrolled or in the queue, meaning tonight when Synergy processes,
071they'll be fully enrolled tomorrow morning. Um that's 43% of Echo Canyon. uh we have 101 Puma families that have made decisions. That's 41%. And so while there are many Puma families who've expressed a desire for boundary decisions to drive their decision, we also have a a large number that have already made decisions. And like I mentioned, principles at receiving schools are beginning probably already today made some of those welcome calls. And some of our students did choose to start in January at their new schools. And so we know that different district teams and schools have been working through um child care and and really working with different agencies and entity entities to try to facilitate those processes too. >> Thank you, Leah. Appreciate that update. And after we go through um the last two bullets,
072we'll give the board an opportunity to ask any questions that you might have. So with respect to phase two, uh one of the things that we started before the break was holding meetings with families and staff first at Copper Ridge, then at Cheyenne. Uh we started uh those conversations um at the before the break in part because of the questions that had been raised and also uh the conversation around the potential of of one campus moving to another. Uh there was an extended period of of dialogue about 85 people at the Copper Ridge meeting and 75 at the Cheyenne meeting and and uh we didn't make specific commitments except for that we were going to survey uh families to identify uh their thoughts with respect to that potential of moving and gather information from them.
073Uh we also scheduled meetings with the other phase 2 schools uh throughout the month of January and a couple I think moved into early February. Now there there are a couple of differences and so I've talked about the importance of creating a a committee actually said not necessarily just one committee I think there's at least two uh in order to be able to get community feedback as you know we've heard a lot and received a lot of feedback from the Puma and Echo Canyon conversations and we're working to incorporate improvements in our process as a result uh when you look at the schools that are on that phase 2 um list Yavapai and Toni are different than the ones up in the desert mountain learning community plus Copper Ridge. And so I would envision at
074least two committees. One that talks about the Desert Mountain Copper Ridge conversation. And there the goal remains the same as we outlined on November 18th. And that is uh we need to reduce our footprint by at least two more buildings. So a total of four by the 2829 school year so that we rightsize our utilization of our facilities or maximize that in order to put the resources not in underenrolled schools but to put it into full and thriving schools and to invest in programs that are attracting and retaining students. So that's that's still part of the goal. So the committee in the desert mountain copper ridge area that's part of the conversation on what are the options related to how do we reduce our footprint by two and there are many different potential options. It's
075one of the reasons why we didn't think that moving quickly was the right thing that we needed to take more time to vet all of the different scenarios with respect to tonal and yavapai. We've made the decision with respect to one elementary school in the coronado learning community. uh we believe that uh with targeted effort we can support Yavapai and Tanalia to put them on a path of growth along with Hokum so that we can maintain a solid stream of students into Coronado High School. So the work in in the South Scottsdale um community will be really focused on those growth strategies with respect to Hokum Yavapai Tonalia into Coronado Desert Mountain. It's a different conversation about what are the options to reduce our footprint by two in order to be able to ensure that
076we're leveraging resources in the proper manner. Uh it's going to be an extensive number of conversations between now and the time that we expect the board will ultimately asked to make a decision which is in October. Uh so this is just the beginning of the journey. No final uh decisions have been made but we are open to suggestions from the community. And then finally uh we've been asked um by people not only on the governing board but by others with respect to the repurposing of Puma and Echo Canyon. And we had shared previously with the board two ideas that have been uh reviewed and will be brought forward as potential options for the governing board related to how we believe those two facilities can be used while reducing the impact on maintenance and operating funds.
077At the same time, we've had outside uh parties interested in leasing space from the district that have connected with Mr. Raylor who have toured the facilities and I'm going to be inviting them to submit a proposal for what they would like to uh be considered for. Uh we have the facility use rubric that was adopted by a prior board that will be used to present um an analysis of the options available and our ultimate goal is to bring the recommendations for repurposing of Puma and Echo to the board by the March 10th meeting. We know that these decisions are important to make. We also want to allow enough time to make sure that we fully vetted the different options available to the governing board and and so we are committed to continuing to update our
078website with respect to where we are on phase one and phase two to engaging in robust dialogue and and to maintain focus on that that uh destination picture of of moving towards better utilization of our district assets and facilities uh so that we can invest in our people in a way that's important to attract and retain Talon and with that we'll open it up to any questions >> comments board members Mr. Shy >> uh Miss Mitchell on the comment of puma families or maybe it's pan echo but puma families um waiting for the boundary decisions um given open enrollment can you tell me what the logic is and what the need is for that because I'm not >> transportation >> oh >> so uh that's my as what I ascertain from the families who are
079waiting for boundary decisions they're waiting because they um likely are either dependent or would prefer um transportation I know when I as when my kid was in school age she went to whatever school the bus took them to. And so I think that's really what's playing into that desire to wait for the boundaries is to see will our new boundary also then will we get transportation to the place I want and so that seems to be really related to transportation. >> Thank you >> Dr. Patensky. Um, staying with you, Miss Mitchell, can you speak a little bit to the concern that I know we heard during the process around not just finding a school for a K5 or K6 student, but also early childhood early learning and wanting to which often can be tighter spots
080to get access to. Is there remind me is there a concierge service for families whose older kids are affected to help support their younger kid also getting an option so that you don't have to split across multiple sites. >> Yes. Um absolutely and I would if I misspe I know Dr. Bono who also oversees early learning will support with that. Um, but our early learning concierge team is working in concert with the district and the school. And so whenever those uh conversations are happening, if you have an older kid and a little or you have a little and an older, um, our our teams are working to see are those programs offered there? What other programs could be offered? And so those conversations are happening regularly with Mr. Nunan and his team, schools and families.
081And we know that child care is so critically important. Having your kids in the same area is also important. And so we are working with local businesses to try and figure out how can we support families in in helping to expedite that. But early learning is playing a big role. Um and that team, the early learning team has worked with all of our students currently in early learning and are making those sibling connections. >> Thank you. And I just wanted to thank you for your report and the reports that the board is getting and just um endorse the idea of keeping this as a regular agenda item and ensuring that we are consistently getting updated on both the level of care that families are getting but also you know that critical retention statistic which may
082still be a little early to calculate. Um but once we feel like we have enough confirmations, starting to be very transparent about the retention uh metric because it's such an important consideration for the district. >> Absolutely. And if there's any additional information you would like in those weekly Friday updates, please don't hesitate to reach out or let me know if you want to have any conversations about them. I'm very uh I want to be really available to have any conversations about this process. It's so important. >> Miss Carney. Thank you, President Lewis. Um um could you go back to the surveys and the plan for that? Who will be getting surveyed? When will those be going out? What's the platform that you're using to send those out? >> So the um the survey hasn't been
083developed yet. There were conversations at Copper Ridge that talked about, you know, rank order surveying in terms of preferred options, those kinds of things. At Cheyenne, it was it was more direct. Do you want do you want to relocate or not relocate? That was the uh comments from the families. Uh the instrument that we would use, we'd use our engage platform that we do our other surveying on so that we would have a robust data set we can break down uh demographically uh to be able to see where we are. I think the real question becomes um what's the appropriate time uh to do surveys and uh should we do something um in stages or should we wait until we have all of the conversations with the other families as well? Uh but but uh
084at the in in the fall when we met with Copper Ridge and and Cheyenne families, I thought that it made sense to to move quickly to get feedback and so that was what I discussed with them at the time and we have not finalized what the survey questions would be yet. >> Okay. Um and so those will be unique to each survey will be unique to to that building. >> Yeah, they have to they have to be customized. It's at least as I envision at this point, it's not a um standard survey that because there are different um considerations based on on the school facility itself and and what the potential options might be. >> Okay. And then lastly, I would just ask if um the board could receive the let's talk uh responses that
085have come in for any of the schools on phase one or phase two since December 9th. I did have a parent a couple days ago ask me if I had read her let's talk and I told her the board does not receive those. So, if we could receive those from any uh community members from any of those schools on phase one, phase two. >> If I may, just staying on the topic of the surveys, I'm I'm a little concerned. I certainly endorse surveys to be clear, but I think Miss Schumacher made a comment in the omen comment period that I think resonates here, which is one of the pieces of feedback we heard in phase one is that families at some schools felt like other schools decisions were therefore preconfiguring what would happen to their
086school and in that way they were getting preferential treatment. And I worry that that while it's a natural thing to offer, especially if you're, you know, up in front of these families, I worry that offering two of the six schools an opportunity first to give feedback on what they're comfortable with will repeat that same mistake. Uh, I'll describe it as a mistake in my view of phase one where then the rest of the schools say, "Wait a minute. If we're all in this together and it's about a district level concern, why are we picking certain schools to go first and allowing them to then kind of have an order of operations, you know, or a path dependency that works negatively. I mean, stepping back, I think my math is right. It may not be exactly
087right, but in the six schools in phase 2, we have 3,300 students in schools that support 6,300. So, we're only at 53% utilization. Again, I hate to talk about numbers when these are families, but that is the decision to do that is a financial decision to direct resources that could be going in other places to support our our our excellence in our district. Um, and so this is a a um community level issue. It's not just two schools, it's all of the schools. And so, especially if we're going to be considering the formation of committees, whether it's a superintendent committee or a board committee, to frontr run that by doing surveys and to also frontr run some schools by doing surveys at other schools, um, gives me serious pause. Again, I I believe in surveys.
088I just believe in doing them with everybody and all schools that are involved and as part of an orderly process. Miss Carney, >> I I agree with board member Patensky as well on that. I second that. >> Yeah, I appreciate the macro perspective as it look as we look at the ripple effects across all of the services we can provide to all of our kids. Thank you. Uh on the repurposing component, if you would be so kind as to send us the facility use rubric, I would like to look at it as we consider those options later. >> Other comments? >> We will do that. >> Thank you. All right, great discussion. Thank you for the update. Uh we are at first read uh now on uh item 8C for the middle school planning guide
089for 2627. Dr. Jadinski >> I'm Dr. J, but I want to get it right. >> Jagazadinski. >> Jazinski >> Jagazinski. >> There you go. >> Thank you. Good evening, President Lewis, Vice President Shy, governing board members, Dr. Dr. Mensel, Miss Wagner, and guests. I am happy to be here this evening to present to you the first read of the proposed middle school planning guide for the 2627 school year. The work of the middle school planning guide committee has been designated to align with the support with our strategic plan and key performance indicators. The planning guide we are bringing forward to you today is the outcome of the work of the middle school planning guide committee. This committee met weekly last semester during the months of November and December. This year, we began with a comprehensive
090review of the current middle school planning guide. We conducted an audit to review course participation over the past few years, particularly in our elective courses. The committee reviewed stakeholder input from teachers, administrators, and district leaders, and reviewed 12 new course requests that would support student needs and interests. We worked closely with Simmer to align courses and codes for accurate reporting and compliance. We are excited to bring you nine new courses today for your review. This allows us to expand opportunities for our middle school students. In addition to new courses, we made edits and updates to existing content for clarity and consistency. I would like to take a moment to recognize the members of our committee for their time and efforts in creating this year's planning guide. The middle school planning guide committee and a collaborative
091team represent a diverse experience across the district. This group includes leaders from teaching and learning, education services, state and federal programs, as well as specialists in gifted education, professional learning, fine arts, world languages, and digital innovation. We also have instructional coaches for core content areas, principles and assistant principles from our middle schools, and coordinators from SIMR to ensure accurate course coding and alignment. This broad representation allows us to make informed decisions that reflect the needs of students, staff, and the community. This year, we reviewed 12 new course proposals, resulting in nine new elective courses for your consideration. Under the category of fine arts, we've added beginning and intermediate dance, giving students a chance to explore movement and performance at different skill levels. We've also introduced sculpture and 3D design, which provides hands-on experience in creating
092three-dimensional art. For our IB middle years program, we've aligned these new course offerings in the arts, including IBM my beginning dance and IBM intermediate dance, ensuring that students in the IB pathways have access to the same creative opportunities. These additionals uh courses reflect our commitment to providing diverse and engaging options and hope that these new offerings will provide additional opportunities for students to engage in their passions at the middle school level. In addition to our fine arts offerings, we're excited to share additional new courses that broaden opportunities for middle school students in both STEM and financial literacy. Under engineering and STEM, we've added coding three and coding four, which build on foundational coding skills and introduce more advanced programming concepts. These courses are designed to prepare students for a high school computer science pathways and
093future careers in technology. We have also introduced a financial literacy course that equips students with essential money management skills, including budgeting and understanding financial decision-making, critical life skills that support liflong success. Finally, we've added a middle school JAG course that will allow students at Tonalia Middle School a head start into Coronado's JAG program. The primary mission of the JAG middle school program is to help students in grades 6 through 8 develop leadership skills that will help them transition successfully from middle school to high school. This unique elective focuses on student academic performance, school behavior, attendance, confidence, participation, and self-esteem. These courses were selected based on student interest, workforce readiness trends, and feedback from educators. We hope they will spark curiosity and build a strong foundation for high school and beyond. >> Hard copy anywhere. >>
094In addition to adding new courses, we made several important updates and revisions to the middle school planning guide to ensure clarity and alignment. First, the cover and table of contents were updated to reflect the new school year, and the middle school directory has been refreshed for accuracy. We added new language in the counseling services and student academic service sections to include specialized academic programs and exceptional student services. Course sequencing pages for ELA math, science, fine arts, PE, world languages, and IBM have been updated for consistency and the history and social sciences section has been reorganized to reflect an alphabetized core curriculum format. Finally, several course descriptions have been moved from the core curriculum session sections to electives, including intervention courses, fine arts, PE, world languages, and math intervention support. These changes make the guide easier
095to navigate and better reflect how these courses function within the middle school experience. We have removed courses that are no longer aligned with current standards or enrollment trends. These courses included pre-AP algebra, aeronautical science, several world language 1A and 1B courses, game design, and gifted humanities. We've also made a few title changes for clarity and consistency. For example, the computers elective section is now listed as technology. Coding courses have been renamed from CS 101 and 102 to coding 1 and two. Several courses have updated descriptions or prerequisite requirements such as accelerated math, algebra 1, Mandarin Chinese 2, investigation courses, and IBMP individuals and societies. Finally, we've added new language in the exceptional student section to better define support for English language development, gifted services, and special education. These changes ensure the guide is accurate, accessible,
096and aligned with district priorities. Thank you so much and I'm happy to take any questions or comments or feedback that you have. >> Dr. Patensky, >> thank you for this. So many of these electives sound awesome and I've got a middle schooler um who I think would be interested in them. Finding teachers who can teach them and teach them well is challenging. Um, and so I'm curious, how do we know whether these courses after we approve adding them actually end up delivering what we hope? How do we know that students are actually learning in these classes in those particular topic areas that we got the right teacher and that the course and substance is what it seems in the catalog? >> That's a great question and there is some work to be done in our
097elective courses at the middle school level. Um, in regards to oversight, the middle school electives kind of fall in a not core curriculum category um that currently does not really reside in our academic coaches um that oversee those. So, that's some of the restructuring that we'll be doing for next year. The courses that are being brought forth for your consideration um were actually suggested by individual campuses that were part of the request process and in bringing those forward had teachers already identified for them and we know that so much of the elective world at the middle school level um comes down to the teacher and who's teaching those classes and the excitement that they're able to bring to those courses. So really just working from my end on the teaching and learning department to really
098work with those teachers um to ensure the dance. Um I was actually really surprised that we didn't have middle school dance after being in the middle school world here in Scottsdale for a very long time. So I'm excited about that. So that would be overseen by Michelle Irvin. Um so really just consistency and checking in with those courses um as we continue to develop them. >> Yeah. if that is a little bit of a kind of middle space that doesn't have good co cover coverage. It is one of the areas that I do hear from parents >> that sometimes they get excited, they sign their student up for an elective, >> you know, and probably urban legend, you know, they took computers and they never used the computer. Yeah. >> Or, you know, they took
099finance and they never learn. >> Yeah. It really is debits and credits are. It's not a gray area, but it I mean, as a former middle school principal and teacher, middle school electives were were designed to be fun and bring kids in and allow them to explore their passions and their interests and um but there does need to be oversight in that curriculum in order to fulfill the responsibility that we're providing in the planning guide. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, Dr. Mr. Sharpie, >> um on the coding three and four and AI part of it. So, I love the descriptions. I'm glad it's in there. Very fluid topic technologywise there. Um don't want to put you in the spot if you don't have an answer. This is first read so we could always follow up.
100But um where is the content coming from? Is someone providing sort of a self-contained module? Um and then how are we whatever we is staying on top of how that changes because it literally could change semester to semester. >> Correct. Right now our coding one and two utilize techsmart. Um so it's a vendor that we utilize through um the three and four would piggy back off of that if we continued with Texmart. There are additional um vendor pathways um that actually might improve additional services that would allow us to move into three and four. So while I don't have a definitive answer at this point, I can follow up um before the action item. Um but there are lots of resources out there that we're currently looking at, our new digital innovation coach, uh Lotus
101Kaplan and I are kind of working through that at this time. and we wanted to make sure that it was in the planning guide so that we could get that approved and then start working on that. >> Yeah. Sort of in the same vein. If we're going to offer it, I want to make sure it's >> correct >> as solid as it can be knowing that that's a tough challenge. >> Yeah. And it's the one and two have been just from my experience at Tonalia um have been really um fulfilling for the students that are engaged in that. Um there are students that are looking for additional course offerings because they've already gone through one and two and are ready for more. >> You said techsmart. >> Tech smart. >> Thank you. [clears throat] >>
102Yes. Well, of course, I'm thrilled to see financial literacy. Thank you for including that. I have at least four questions, so bear with me, please. >> Um, I want to thank you for the citations by page just to help us get there. I know the one I'm going to study the closest is page 72. Okay. >> Uh, I was looking at the research on the best of the financial literacy components that our children need from a K12 perspective. So, part of my question at the end will be where does this fit in our K12 vision? And maybe we can talk about that since it's a first read later. Uh, but I wanted to just kind of check eventually to crosswalk. You've mentioned budgeting was in there. Tracking expenses. Now, I'm not sure that we'll be
103fully aligned, but it can be roughly aligned. Saving regularly savings um or an emergency fund. Distinguishing needs versus wants. Banking knowledge. Uh, understanding interest. That's hard and abstract and I hope by middle school we're introducing that. Uh avoiding bad debt. Uh using credit wisely. I most of our young adults don't know how their credit score is determined. Uh setting financial goals, basic investing, understanding inflation, managing income streams, insurance awareness since it's on our topic later today. Um avoiding scams. Uh I don't know where that would be introduced, but I'd like to see it in the K12 vision. Um uh just in terms of as we become more AI tsunami, you know, how do we become critical readers financially of where we're getting duped? >> Uh tax basics or taxation. Uh planning for retirement. 12-y olds
104don't want to talk about that, so we can probably move through that a different way. [laughter] of smart spending, conspicuous consumership, recordkeeping, and continuous learning about it. I just have a a real passion that these are skills many of our very wonderful, hardworking parents >> didn't get either. >> Yeah. >> And are in difficult situations. So, thank you for putting it in there. Thank you for the citation. My question is uh is it in the elective category and and it's not in the math or social sciences? >> Correct. It is in the elective category. There are uh financial standards that are woven throughout um again I know speaking from the middle school perspective. Um 8th grade touches a lot of these briefly as well um throughout the standards but it would be an elective course.
105>> Yeah. I I would like to see it one day as we work towards a K12 vision operationalized in a in a more um a firmer manner in some way that that we know our children are leaving school financially ready >> uh and and at a oneandone elective will most likely be selected with a partnership of a interested parent. >> Yeah. And I I what I'm really concerned about is if this is an elective approach, it will potentially be on the removal list. You know, I look at aeronautical science and think that was such a great idea and it just faded. Yeah. >> So, somebody got excited about it. It had a pop and then it faded. And I don't I don't want financial literacy to be a pop. >> Um so, that's just a
106personal >> Thank you. >> passion for me. Um, and so I I'm going to leave that at comments versus questions because I I heard you say elective. I heard you say, you know, the citations that you're crosswalking. You've heard me say K12. >> Um, and uh I I worry about the removal list one day having it on there because it's it may not be real attractive to a 12-year-old just yet. >> But we'll get them there. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay, I'm sorry. Questions, Miss Carney. >> Thank you, President Lewis. Um, first of all, I just wanted to say, yeah, I'm excited also to see the financial literacy and then the middle school JAG because I got to learn about that when I was over the Coronado community. And so,
107um, I'm happy to see that you're bringing that to Tanalia. I had a question though. When are you planning to bring this back for second read? because my concern is that the board has not yet discussed budget cuts on possible programs that are listed in here. >> Uh it's on my understanding is it's on um the next board meeting January 20th for action item. >> Okay. [snorts] Because I would just say in advance that we need to make sure that we have had time to talk through some of the programs that were listed um as budget cut opportunities. Uh for one, I will just mention uh AVID and I read in here that it said AVID is only offered at Engleside. Is that true? Correct. At the moment. >> So, we're down to just single
108side with AVID now. >> Correct. >> And >> right. Well, I mean for the middle school planning guide. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Uh other question is when I was reading through this, uh I did not notice anything about the gifted programming at Copper Ridge. Is there a reason? >> Are you referring to the all honors programming at Copper Ridge? I I guess I thought that was considered gifted. >> No, the um the offerings at Copper Ridge where students in sixth and seventh grade this year are in all honors pathway every student, not gifted only students. Um and so that will continue to be an offering at Copper Ridge. I know that principal Walker has been working with teachers and families. We've seen some mid-year data that proves and shows there's some strengthening
109academic outcomes. Um but at this time I believe Copper Ridge intends next year to also continue um their support of uh access all students accessing honors in ELA science and social studies for their core academics. >> Okay. So that doesn't need to be listed in the middle school planning guide. >> Uh that could be for your consideration. Those are courses. Honors ELA sixth grade is a course offered at every school. Um so the courses are listed in the planning guide in that way. I don't know that we call out every single school's specific program models, but should that be a desire, we could consider that. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Wonderful job. >> Thank you. We look forward to hearing more. >> That brings us to uh I have E on here.
110Should it be D? Anyway, >> should be D. >> We should be D. We just Oopsie. All right. First read governing board policy KM. Uh, Miss McClennon. >> Thank you, Madam President, members of the governing board. Um, so the presented for first read is a new governing board policy, KM, that would address memorials. Um, this is being brought forward to your attention and your consideration based upon certain recommendations from the Scottsdale Administrators Association. Um the district was um unfortunately had a variety of tragedies last year and the uh association and the your administrators thought that it might be a good idea to have a policy in place so that there's a very clear set of boundaries with respect to honoring um those involved when there has been a tragedy that affects one of your campus
111including providing support. Um, this sample policy is uh taken from the National Association for School Psychologists. Um, and so I would provide it for your consideration and welcome to take any feedback back um that I can edit the policy for a second read. The board also has the option of not considering the adoption of this policy. Um, if you think that it the needs of those who have been involved in a tragedy can be served on an individual basis as you you have done in your prior history. >> Mr. Shy, >> thanks for bringing this up, Miss McClennon. Appreciate it and especially given the the tragedies you experienced last year. Um, thanks for mentioning this is brought up by the SAA. I was curious of why this was brought to the table. Um, are you
112aware of any issues over the past year or prior that necessitates a policy? Was there disagreement or discrepancy that said, "Hey, we don't want to do this. If it happens in the future, can we have policy?" Like, what problem is it trying to solve? So my understanding um is that there have been certain instances in which for instance families come onto a campus expecting to find a memorial that was there at one time but given construction it's no longer there and so some of your school administrators have had to address that issue. Um so that's one issue that was brought up. I believe that there may also have been um issues concerning um honoring students at graduation. What is a uniform way of doing that? um as well as um making sure that in the
113in the immediacy after a tragedy that um that utilization of the school campus is used in a uniform way for any types of gatherings. So those are some of the issues that I know about. I don't know if Dr. Dazinski would like to speak um on that topic or if you have anything to add. No. Um, I'll just say my concern is being overly prescriptive in policy. Um, I I would hope that empathy and common sense would kind of get us where we need to go. I understand that may not always be the case. um reading through and understand this is just a um a sample and not the uh final wording, but there are things in there that circumstantially if you know there were issues with the deceased or things that happened, it may
114not be good to put them in the yearbook or have signage or recognize them at graduation. And um again, I just fear being overly prescriptive and having too much policy and therefore when you know hopefully it never happens again, but if it does that we now have the added burden of having to make sure we follow policy. Uh and so I respect those that have been directly involved because that's not me. Um but I just hope we're solving more problems than we're creating. And so I'm a little hesitant to be so prescriptive about if this happens, here are the things because most of the wording in here is we will we will do this. There's not a lot of should or may and that just seems like very very prescriptive to me. So that's my
115hesitation from the read. >> I'm curious who brought this forward to you. >> It was brought forward by the the SAA. >> Oh, the the Okay, question. Thank you. Thank you. >> Yes. Uh, go ahead, Dr. Patensky and then Dr. Mel. >> I'm happy to see >> Well, I was just going to add part of the the reason for and and I would argue notwithstanding maybe some changes in wording, the reason for a policy is that across our schools, even if you just take the five high schools, um, if one school treats a situation in a certain way and a different school does it differently, um, it becomes hard to know what the guidepost is and then families will compare and say, well, you didn't do enough or you did too much. And so having
116some parameters about what's a reasonable expectation for how the school can be supportive ensures some level of consistency. I I appreciate the the um the will which is very prescriptive versus um some guard rails that ensure a level of consistency across the district with without being overly prescriptive. I think if we can strike that balance it would be helpful. >> Yeah. My my views are very similar to Mr. Sharkies that we hope these incidents are very rare and when they do occur, they're always very particular and that feels challenging and obviously very emotionally loaded and that feels very challenging to kind of execute this type of policy. Um, and there's always the effect of following the policy in creating concerns from parents that we're not doing X, Y, or Z. That would seem to them
117to be the human thing to do. I'm curious. I understand this came from the um National Association of School Psychiatrists. Did you say >> that's correct? >> Um did the SS did the SAA have a chance to review this and is this also their view based on our traditions and practices and what they've seen pragmatically? Does it reflect that or are we starting from a completely generic starting point? And if it's a generic starting point, sorry. Um, how do we then is it in the next read that we'll actually see what the district thinks is the right policy for Scottsdale. >> So, let me answer your first question first. This was distributed uh to Dr. Ditzki as the head of the SAA and I believe that it was reviewed with the superintendent. Um, the there
118was suggested changes. So the memorials on facilities and grounds the sample policy had um sort of um had parameters for memorials and it was the suggestion of SAA that that be removed so that their memorials would not be permitted because of the concern that I mentioned before. Um so that's first. Getting to your second question. I'm happy to assist the governing board in workshopping this if you want to um have anyone specifically work with me to try to meet um some of your concerns and then uh bring it back to you for a second and third read if you want or we can proceed forward with not with just using past practice and not having a policy on it as I stated initially. >> I would be comfortable with this more as a procedural guideline.
119um so that there is continuity among the schools. I I agree with Mr. Sharky on the no words will is is a little too confining uh and might shift to you know for example if they don't have a school newspaper and we say it will be put in the school newspaper uh you know may be put in the school newspaper is more comfortable for me if it is to live in policy uh it it feels um like a good guidance document I'm not comfortable with it as policy to be overly regulatory Uh but uh I would I would go with the board as a whole wherever we want to take it from here. Do you have an interest in working on this more? >> So yes and just um for Dr. Mensel would uh would
120the SAA feel put out if the board said no we think it's too prescriptive please leave it. Would that cause more issues? Would it sound like obviously they brought it forward so it sounds like they would love to have some sort of guideline. um would be preferable to nothing. >> So I I I think that's accurate. So to have nothing means that it's at the discretion of each principal and what they may have done at that site in in previous unfortunate uh situations and then that may then translate to another school and and the facts might be different. So even if you pair this down and create more general guidance so that there's some guardrails and I'm using the memorials as sort of the example, you can walk on some campuses and no one knows
121what that memorial was there for at the time it meant something to someone or someone comes looking for the memorial and because a tree died and was removed, it never got replaced. You know, you have people who um are hurt by the fact that it's no longer there. So, I think um there's there's a way to maybe um meet in the middle on this to say here are some basic expectations, but we recognize that they're context specific and we we all agree that we hope very rare because it's an awful thing when you have to deal with the death of a student and on any campus. Yet, we also want to be sure that how we honor and recognize the deceased student and how we support the families is somewhat consistent across the district. I'm
122happy to take a pass at it, Miss McClennon, if you'd want to send me an editable version. I'll put my legal hat on and get my red pen out and save us a hour of billable time of you and take a stab at it. So, I'm more than happy to do that and hopefully come up with something that's works for all of us. >> Well, I will look forward to reading the bleeding pen on that page, Mr. Shy. So, thank you very much, >> Mclla. Nice first read. Thank you. All right, we are now at St. I'm so sorry. Keep >> Miss Carney, go ahead. Um, thank you. I just wondering do you are other districts using this policy as presented? >> Madam President, Miss Carney, they are not. This is a unique policy and
123I have not, you know, I work in the policy space. I have not seen a number of different districts adopt this type of arrangement. >> Okay. Then lastly, my uh other concern well concern with this is it's not there's no legal references and there's no cross references to other policy. So, I believe the direction I'm getting is to work with Mr. Shy to do it as a procedure and not bring it back for a second read. That's what I'm hearing from the board. If you do want to have this brought back as a second read, I'm happy to add those things. >> Thank you. Thank you for your summary. Any other comments? Okay. Uh we are going to uh make a motion for the consent agenda which will be 9 A through E and H
124and I. I move that 9 A through E, H and I be approved. I need a second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? It passes unanimously. All right. Uh, we are now on 9G. Miss Carney, >> thank you. I was just wondering um, with the change to the IVP, the identity verified Prince card, how long when did when did we make that change in that requirement? going to ask HR about that. >> No, I >> I believe that was a new DPS rule. >> Well, the the DPS rule has to do with um whether or not CDL license, >> right? >> But her question was with regards to the the cards that we now use. >> Yeah, >> I I can get more information on that for you, Miss
125Carney. I'm happy to do that. >> That's okay. The my main uh concern is are our contracted transportation uh providers, are those drivers also using are they required to use the IVP? >> No. >> Fingerprint card >> as well. turn on. >> It is. Is it not? >> We don't see green. >> I see green. >> Okay. Um, the contracted service drivers that we do, they have background checks that are required of them. I do, off the top of my head, don't recall any of them requiring those specific cards. Um, with this change, it does make it a little bit easier um to transport in smaller vehicles. Um, so of course the goal for us is to um be able to hire perhaps some drivers and get away from the contracted, but that is not
126to my knowledge I don't recall that being a recommended services. >> Okay. Could I ask for um David to give a head of transportation to give the board an update on that as far as what are the requirements for our contracted service drivers because I believe they should be the same as our bus drivers. Thank you. Yep. Any other questions or comments? All right. I'd like to move that we approve 9G, the approval of the revised job description for driver and bus driver as presented. All those in favor? I need a second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I. >> Any opposed? It passes unanimously. All right. Uh Shannon Croer is now going to present for us under action item 10A, approve the award of request for proposal 260001, employee medical and
127pharmacy benefits. Is this one on? Okay. Uh, good evening, Board President Lewis, uh, Vice President Shy, members of the board, Dr. Benzel and Guess. Um, tonight we are bringing forth a recommendation for medical and pharmacy. Um, it was a request of the governing board to have us go out and do an RFP for medical and pharmacy. Um, just because it's really expensive. Um so we will take a look at what the process followed with that was um and hopefully address some of the concerns that were brought forth uh earlier this evening. Um but so far with the process followed um we contracted with USI employee benefits to help with this process. Um medical and and pharmacy is incredibly detailed and specialized and that is not the forte of the district employees here. Um, and so
128we felt it was really important to have somebody with um, more background in that area to help us through that process. Um, so we did contract with them. I'd like to thank Denise Juul, who's here from USI, who helped us through that process. Um, they worked with our purchasing department and myself on the scope and RFP requirements. And then that request was sent out on September 19th. This is, like I said, a pretty hefty um, RFP to do and information to go through. So that went on on September. We sent it to 36 potential vendors. We did not limit it to direct contract or trust. We put that out to um anybody with medical and pharmacy. And that RFP closed on October 15th. I do want to say there's a lot that is pulled [snorts]
129on an RFP. So, I want to also thank Kyros who um worked um quite a bit with us and USI to go through that process and get all the required information um to help evaluate um just pulling all of the claims information and administrative fees that go along with that. Uh within that process, we received four responses. Two of them were trusts, two of them were direct contracts, so directly with a vendor. um USI reviewed those submissions for completeness and then analyzed the responses. One of the things they also did for us is they did a cost analysis um looking at what our experience is, what our claims have been and then putting that through um an actuarily stud actuarial study to um look at what they believe those costs would be moving into the
13026 27 year to help the team evaluate this process. Um because we were looking at both trusts and direct contract, we asked them to also include an estimated price for a third-party administrator, knowing that um if you have a trust, there's somebody who takes care of all of that behindthe-scene work. Um if we were to go direct contract, we knew that we would need to hire a third party administrator to help us um with those technical things that come along with medical and pharmacy. So, when we looked at the price of things, we did ask them to include that in so that we could compare both options as close to possible, knowing that they're not exactly the same, but to get them as close as possible. Um, with that process as well, there is procurement
131um rules that we have to follow um as well as there are some timing issues that were hitting with um with when this needed to be completed. Um, so I do want to apologize. Um, I know there was a comment made uh from the audit committee if there was some kind of misunderstanding. Um, I know we did talk with them um and the self- insurance trust that um, you know, there are some concerns timing with this being that um, to be able to have this ready for open enrollment in the spring. We're really at needing to I mean, we originally were going to do this and have this to the board in December, but felt we needed to take more time. Um but because of the amount of time that it will take if we
132were to change vendors knowing that time is of the essence. Um so we did address those. I know there's um the audit committee is also looking at the um at auditing the medical and that was a concern that was brought up is knowing that things and how the timing was going to work wasn't going to be the best um fit there. Um, but we also have to follow procurement rules and so there isn't an opportunity for us to discuss with anybody before this goes to the governing board. um outside of the audit committee or I'm sorry, outside of the RFP committee that was selected um to discuss who the decision was made with, there's a confidentiality agreement that all RFP reviewers have to sign that basically says what was discussed in that room has to
133stay and that we cannot um share what the recommen recommendation is with anyone until um it comes to the board. Um with that process and the review, we uh asked each of the four employee groups to give us two representatives from each employee group. Um we got that for the most part and I want to thank those that um did participate. We had two from everyone except for the site administrators. Um there there was an issue that came up that limited one of them out. Um but I want to thank them. We had Angela Lucero um and TJ Buckley from certified, Michelle Jennings and Julie Gildersleeve from classified, Amanda Rand from site administration, Patty Bilbury and Sarah Torion from district admin, and then our benefit specialist Kimberly Davis um for looking for being on the
134first round of this. It's it's intensive and there's a lot of thought that goes into this. Um there pe people have a lot of emotions and feelings and um ideas on insurance rightfully so. You're you're talking about their medical choices. And so there was a lot of review that went into this from this team looking at what the options are. Um looking at other things beyond just cost. Um making sure that whatever decision was made that there was a you know that we were the least disruptive to our employees. Anytime you make a change there's going to be disruptions. But we wanted to make sure that um we impacted as few as few people as possible. Um so there was a lot of discussions based around around that um especially when it comes to doctors
135pharmacy um and changing your health savings account can be very um difficult and burdensome and costly um because there are fees with it. So there was a lot of discussion based around those areas when we looked at this. Um like I said, we did a two-step process. So we had the employee groups look at it and our benefit specialist review. Then myself, uh Dr. Cruz in our payroll director reviewed it. um and made score uh reviewed really all of them, but we looked at the top two um that were brought forth from the employee groups and um all agreed on the recommendation of Blue Cross Blue Shield. Um based on that offer, it is direct with Blue Cross Blue Shield PO. Um the pharmacy benefits would change to Optimum RX uh which has different tiers
136which in some cases will benefit um some employees meaning that the prescription drugs might be lower for them based on where it's tiered. Some employees might see um an increase. It really is dependent. Um but we did look at how many people that would impact. uh they offered a $200,000 wellness fund credit for the district to use as well as a $500,000 optimum pharmacy credit for year one and two and a $250,000 optim pharmacy credit for year three. Um so with that and again factoring in what was an estimated cost for a third party administrator um looked at between those two about a savings of $956,000. Um, we do have representatives here. Like I said, Denise Juul is here as well as representatives from Bluec Cross Blue Shield. Um, we our intent is to keep
137the plans as similar, right? At least this first year is what they are right now, the offerings with the PO um, and the various HSA plans. However, we are talking about adding an additional plan um, depending on what that looks like. Um, one of the things that Blue Cross Blue Shield offers is something called Preso Health. Um, which is kind of like an all-inclusive clinic that, um, if you are on a PO is completely free for the employee. Um, if they're on an HSA, it's free once you um, meet your deductible. Um, but because of HSA regulations, there is a cost for them. But one of the ideas we have is looking at a fifth option that could be um lower cost for employees, but they would have some requirements of using the Preso healthcare
138uh or Presano um clinics um to help keep those costs lower for the district and for them. Um but so we are like I said trying to keep it um as minimally disruptive to our employees as possible. I think blue I think there's a pretty good crossover from United Healthcare doctors to um Blue Cross Blue Shield. We know there'll be a little bit of change within the pharmacy. Um and then we hope to be able to keep costs as contained as possible. Um knowing that health insurance is just expensive all around. Um but we're trying to find ways that we can help our employees with that. >> Shannon, will you go back a slide, please? >> Sure. [clears throat] >> Thank you. All right, Mr. Shy. [snorts] So just kind of feel like we're bearing
139the lead. The cost of the plans for our staff. Is there a chart that says here's what we're playing paying today versus or is that we set that through the >> We set that once the process gets going. And because we're self-insured, there's not like they come to us and say this is what you shall charge. We have to work with them. Um and it'll be important for us to get a third party administrator in place very quickly um to help work through that process. But we will then work through them. Um what we've done the process we did last year and I envision doing the same thing this year is when we get a this is the dollar the bottom line of what you've got to get to we think your claims will be
140your costs will be then we will work with um our employee groups again identifying and working through the process of okay this is the different plans we have how many people we think will be on each plan and then pricing it out based off of where we need to land to get to that bottom line. So, did the RFP only do the cost side of the equation and not the revenue side? >> Yes, the RFP is just what what options are out there for medical and um and and are there ways that we could be saved through that? >> Okay. Um the 950K in savings, is that recurring annual? Um, so the fund allowance, my understanding is I did not hear that that was a one-term >> 500,000 for two years. >> Yeah. For the
141for the um optimum pharmacy credit, that's for years one and two and then year three it would drop. So for the first for the first two years, I'm going to confirm the wellness fund allowance the first two. Yes. >> So do you mind coming to the microphone to join in the tandem responses? Thank you. So then year one savings is 956. Year two savings is 456. >> Year one would be year one and two would be 956. Um and then year three >> would drop by 250 >> and then year four would drop by 250 after that. >> Right. Right. There's there's some other elements that um will come into play as it relates to the future year costs. one being the potential addition of this person plan which you know we've got representatives from
142Blue Cross Blue Shield here. That plan is designed to slow your cost trends going forward and the cost of the plan is lower than some of the plans that are being offered by the district today. So the idea and we heard it loud and clear when we met with the evaluation committee that affordability for staff for their own coverage but also for their families is important. So what we're trying to develop are strategies to lower to create more affordable options for for staff and their families. >> So just by projections though on the cost side in year four it'll be 200k less than where we are today assuming all things given >> yeah everything stays the same. Yeah that's right. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And as you think about the the fifth plan of affordability
143pack family package, where are we in our our thinking about that? Because that's a high priority for our staff. Yeah, we've done some initial pricing with some guidance from Blue Cross in terms of understanding the cost relativities and the plans are pricing out um about 10% belowish about 10% below what a a nonprano plan would price out. So, >> so with the volume of our staff apparently seemingly smaller, I'm I'm either excited or duped. I don't know which. This is where I need financial literacy. Um we we ran this based off of the information we have now, the claims that we have now um projecting out through this year. >> Um I mean obviously every year our the staff changes um the amount of people who even take our insurance changes. We've seen that decrease
144as well. Partly I think because families are saying I can't afford the insurance or I can only take it on that. But when we looked at pricing within this, it was looking at what do we know now and comparing that now across all >> our actual cost with our actual employees. >> Yeah. >> Because that's got to be how you're doing your trajectory, >> correct? Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I mean, your projections. Yeah. >> 85% of the cost of the plan is how employees and families are actually using the plan. >> Okay. >> And incurring healthcare. So if this is a say a net 200k difference looking at our annual expenses that we do that's down to negligible which Shannon to me means we realistically we're not going to be able to change the employee
145cost of the plans that much. It's, you know, that's a question that came up during the RFP when we were reviewing it was how much is is everybody going to save, right? And that's not a question. There are so many different variables that could come into play. Do we give everybody the same, you know, do we give every plan and then family, employee, children, do we cut them all the same amount? Well, that may not be the right method to go. Do you take everything by a percentage? Do you specifically target certain plans? When we were building the plans for this year and the cost for this year, we made sure that we kept one plan, the 3500 3,700 plan, we made sure that we kept that the same rate as what it was last
146year. That's that's the difficult thing. I mean, it's great to be self-insured. That means we get to decide how things go, but it means that there's thousands of different variables and ways that we could >> slice the pie, but at the end of the day, we got to get to the same number. So, it's hard to say an employee is going to feel a $50 savings or $100 savings because maybe we don't touch the employeeonly portion, but we target the family portion so that we can bring those costs down. That's that's what makes it a little bit more difficult >> and that that product mix that we do today in the past x years and I respect what you know you and the team collectively have done, right? the the PO, the high deductible 1,700,
1473,000, 5,000 plans. What's our mix? What's our cost? >> We're still going to do that. And we still can turn all those levers and the variables. If the expense side of the ledger is 200k cheaper on a 710 million a year basis, >> it's not going to make a huge difference. >> It's not going to be right. It doesn't seem like again the lead is what's this going to cost our employees and will they save from there and I'm hearing there's not a lot of wiggle room to change that >> and if I could add >> we're asking employees to take a operational burden in terms of the potential disruption of providers >> without the ability to say confidently but we're doing this in order to help bend the curve of your of your health
148care costs. >> I I that is absolutely another thing a topic that was heavily discussed is um what is the burden that it puts on um our benefits staff which is a staff of two um as well as what it >> I'm talking about every employee every employee >> as well there's a staff like that has my doctor is my doctor going to be covered and we don't have the ability to say yes but we're doing it in order to lower your health care costs. >> Yes. Um, and when it really comes down to, and one of the things I think we have to look at is, you know, one of the biggest issues that impacts us and it impacts everybody is the cost and the choices that we make and how we how we
149utilize our health care. And so I think part of that and and part of what that wellness fund we talked to another school district that's doing this they have they they use those dollars to really inform staff to help drive down those costs um and claims. The only way to really address health care in the for us is with any meaningful impact is really about how do we drive down claims cost because the rest of it it really just falls in I mean they're giving us some credits but a lot of it falls into um administrative costs um but the bulk of what we pay is in claims and and so it really comes down if we really want to drive down medical insurance it really comes down to how do we drive down our
150claims and are those claims costs. So on that note, I know with the current model we have the Teddoc uh EAP nurse navigators. Are there similar plans programs in this new world because those seem to be benefiting and driving down that? So is it fairly onetoone in offerings there? >> Yeah, they call them different things. Um you know, we're not going to have nurse navigators. That's something that um Kyros as the trust has hired. Um but they have I don't think they call it TEDoc. They call it >> I don't need the diesel. >> Yeah. But I mean they have the same type of things when it comes to the EAP plans and those types of things. We will we're so the second part of this this covers medical and pharmacy. There's a second part
151that's ancillary that would cover like your EAP, dental, vision, those types of things. That RFP is going out. If not, if it didn't go out today, it should be going out tomorrow. Um and so that would address those. The thing is that yes, we want to keep the same services as much as possible. They may have different names. Um I know there's nurses that are through Bluec Cross Blue Shield. There's um like I said the the TEDoc things. There might be services that you know Kyros is offering that we may not have the same type of thing um because they're offering it as a trust with individual packages. We can do RFPs to do ancillary on that. Um, but a lot of those same things, >> it's not going to look exactly the same, but
152the the big things should >> have matches. >> Sure. And just one comment I want to make because of the comment from the audit committee, and there's colleagues of mine from the audit committee here. I looked at my notes. We had a September meeting in the audit committee um saying that it took time to get the NDA in place to do the audit. The audit won't be done in time for the RFP because that was going out a week after that meeting. Uh but we said the audit will be done in the spring. However, we'll get benefit from the partial audit that would be ongoing to inform the RFP and then we said we'll have another update on it in December and we didn't have it on the December agenda. So, I'm not taking sides
153on it either way. Uh Mr. Kloski, I appreciate you making the comments. Just saying that we did address it there, but I don't know what happened um between September and December on that. So, just to put that out there, I'm glad you brought it up as a as a comment. So, thank you. >> I'd be happy to >> do you want to comment on that? >> So, so, um, the the December moved to January 16th because, um, the delay in getting the information that we needed to do the prescription drug audit. And I think it's relevant here that the projected savings, you see, the 500,000 optimum pharmacy credit for year one and year two addresses in part what we aren't going to be able to get if we stay with Kyros. I'm not antirust, but
154I know that we need to do something different if we're going to be able to drive down the cost. And and I asked previously uh Shannon in terms of what's an exit provision. We're not locked in for 5 years. If this isn't working and we need to make another change, we have opportunities to do that down the road. But what we know is if we keep doing what we're doing now, the costs are going to continue to go up and we're not going to be able to address the the ex ex excessive pressure on our on our employees with respect to family coverage, which is why that fifth option is really important and being able to work directly with the blues versus through an intermediary. So while we're self-insured and we get the benefit of
155that from Kyros, what we get in the Kyros arrangement is we they bid it out. They had UMR at one point. They had Blue Cross Blue Shield. So, they're the ones who pick what our insurance company's going to be. This changes our relationship, the dynamic between the district and the provider in a way that gives us more ability to customize based on the need of our employees than we have when we're in the trust. We have we have different kinds of benefits from the trust. This is different. and having spoken with a health care professional from Microsoft, uh someone who helps navigate in this space, uh his response to me was that this is absolutely a preferred uh alternative for a district of our size dealing with these challenges. >> I'll just kind of put
156my position out here. Um to me, this is the staff decision. I appreciate Mr. Buckley um supporting it here. They're the ones who are paying the premiums. they're the ones who have to deal with doctors and pharmacies. Um, so, you know, my comments about the financial viability are me trying to get a gauge on where the dollars might lie. Um, but if the folks involved in the decision are confident that that there's buyin from staff from those who will be impacted, that overrides my opinion any day because those are the ones who are impacted by this. >> Dr. Patensky. Um so you touched on I mean naturally for employees a concern is the degree of doctor overlap or provider overlap. Um it sounds like we don't have a there's not a precise calculation where we
157can say 90% of providers that our employees were using are also covered by or is there a metric like that? We requested that data from Kyros and they only gave us the top 50 providers that were utilized which was a 100% match. So Blue Cross confirmed that we can't say with complete certainty that there won't there won't be a couple of physicians or or services that will fall out of out of the Blue Cross network. But what I can tell you from my personal experience um is the network overlap between United Healthc Care and Blue Cross in Maricopa County is virtually identical. It's virtually identical. So from a doctor and and hospital perspective, there should be minimal disruption. And I just want to comment if that's okay on the pharmacy. So, we did look at
158the um Blue Cross has a direct relationship and a direct uh partnership with Optum RX, which is the PBM that would be providing the pharmacy benefits under this under this um this structure. And we compared the contract terms that were provided and quoted by Optum to the current uh Maxer and and they changed their name. >> I only know it as Maxer >> to the current Maxer contract and and all components of the deal are improved. So the discounts off of the drug pricing in addition to the rebate position are all improved. So you know we feel confident Bluec Cross did do a formulary disruption. So so in looking at where all the drugs sit on their formulary in comparison to where what members have today there are to Shannon's point earlier there are as
159many people who benefit from the formulary change as as members that will be disrupted. So the formulary is actually pretty neutral in my opinion in terms of the overall impact. >> Thank you. You anticipated my second question. And then the third um is is there a difference in what is covered? So for example, Ky Ross covered >> um IVF. >> Yeah. >> And Blue Cross does not. So that's the beautiful thing about being self-insured is you really control the provisions and and your plan design around how you want benefits to pay. So the starting point for Blue Cross will be and they've already looked at the benefits and can support all all of the benefits based on the summary plan description that we provided to them that was provided to us from Ky Ross. There
160will be some they may have some recommendations around some things that that they might recommend be done differently and that will be up to HR and finance to to determine what what makes the most sense but we will go through that process. >> We get to design that. Yeah. Like most normal people I find this topic to be Byzantine. Not that you're abnormal. Um >> the and then my last question just coming back to the process question. I'm a little confused. I would have thought from the earlier comment that something like this would normally go to the audit committee before coming to the board and then it seemed as if actually it wouldn't go to the audit committee because our procurement rules wouldn't allow it to. >> So >> anyway, so the last time >>
161the last time we changed providers, what was the process in terms of any steps between the RFP process and the board ultimately getting a recommendation? And are we deviating from that this time? >> Well, the last time we changed, we went from a trust uh valley schools trust to Kyros trust. When you are doing a trust, it is not required to follow an RFP process. So, there wasn't an RFP. It was the um CFO administrative team um basically saying we we believe we should move from here to here. Um, and the I'm sure there was anticipated cost savings and reasons behind why that choice was made. Um, it should I would have to go to the board for approval. So, it would have been >> Would it have gone to the audit committee first? >>
162No, we didn't we didn't even have an audit committee back then. Yeah. Yeah. Um, it did not go to I don't think we we had a self- insurance trust, but it didn't include medical, so it wouldn't have even gone to that. Um but because there is that conf you can you have to have certain people who are a part of that review process within the procurement law. Um you know you can have a community member but that's not something you could do in an open meeting to take to like an entire audit committee to say here's here's this process. Um because it would require it it's a procurement which requires governing board. That's why it would come to you first and I'm going to look at Jennifer to make sure that I'm not off on
163something procurement wise. >> Madam President, thank you, Miss Treasure. The procurement code would permit for community members to be on an RFP committee. So that would be permitted but I think ultimately factually in this instance um it would have been difficult to run both processes both through the audit committee and through an RFP process at the same time. >> Thank you. >> I just wanted to add that we did an RFP uh we didn't change providers but we did an RFP a couple of years ago that also didn't run through the audit committee. So, so the audit committee is looking at areas where we can improve. It narrowed in on the prescription drug piece because we identified that as a particular concern based on other conversations and seeing what was happening in the market and
164not certain that we were getting the best value for the dollar. So, we wanted to look at are we actually seeing all the rebates that we earn? Are there other things that could be restructured that would maximize our savings on the prescription drug benefit? So, it's truly an audit of what we were experiencing then. That was why there was some angst about the timing because we knew we had to move forward on the RFP for health insurance and we also knew that it was going to take a while to to finish the prescription drug audit. But we do believe that there's still going to be benefit from what we learn in that audit even with the a change in providers here. But the way the audit committee is structured is it's not set up to
165be a recommener of health insurance options for the district. It's really looking at what are the opportunities for improvement. um we've had audits related to construction management, audits related to um processes within human resources. So that's a different function than the RFP process which is governed by a different statute. >> I I wouldn't say that that also would be the case of the self- insurance trust board. So the self- insurance trust board was aware that we were doing an RFP process, but again they weren't, you know, they and and I couldn't even tell them beforehand this is who we're recommending to the governing board. Um, relative to the wellness fund allowance, is that new to us or have we had one? >> Um, we have not had one. Um, we have this year we designated
166as part of the costs for us um through Kyros to have a designated um, uh, nurse navigator. Um, so that would be the but we funded that through you know through this is it got added into the dollar amount. We had to come up to for the final dollar amount. Um but we have not had a wellness fund. We've talked quite a bit about do we need to have something to encourage um staff members to do certain you know healthy choices. Um that's something we've done in the past is offered you know a credit if you walk so many steps a month or you know do certain checkups and whatnot. Um, so I envision that being something we can that's something I think that we need to look at of how can we address and
167make it work the best way for us. Um, and again help to address lowering those claim costs. >> Exactly. >> And being healthier. >> Well, it's it's shown that it uh it pays off financially. >> You have a healthier group of employees. There's less claims. Yeah. >> Um, and so I was just curious, how did we get to the $200,000 wellness fund allowance? Was that required as part of the uh agreement or and is that cash coming to the district and then we get to create a program with that? >> Correct. That's correct. Yes. That um Blue Cross is willing to give the district a check for $200,000. They actually have dedicated wellness consultants on staff that will be available to support the district in designing a wellness program and we can bring resources on
168site to help. >> I assume that's one time. No, that will be on >> annual. Yeah. >> Great. >> Um [snorts] and we did reach out to um Tempe Elementary, I believe it was, um who is on Blue Cross Blue Shield, um to speak to them exactly about what they're doing with their wellness fund and get some ideas. So, that was one of the when we were asking for some references back from districts that um are on this. That was one of the thing things that they talked about is that they they actually pay a person to be a wellness coordinator within the district within those funds. >> Yeah, I've seen it be very effective. So, I find that exciting and um a little lighter heart than the other parts of our important discussion. Any
169other questions or comments? >> All right. I make a motion to approve the award of RFP request 260001 employee medical and pharmacy benefits. >> I second the motion. >> It's it's not listed, so I didn't Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. I'll second the motion. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any opposed? It passes unanimously. Thank you for your hard work and many hours. Uh our next agenda item is to uh select a delegate and I'll turn it uh I'll turn it to uh the Arizona School Board Association's delegate assembly. I served in that role last year. Um and I'm happy to do it again. I know that you guys are chomping at the bit for this one. So, uh, you know, I I don't want to take up any space. If that's
170your pleasure, but if you would like me to continue as your delegate, I will. >> I nominate I'm in the [laughter] business of nominating you. >> It's a selection. You don't have to nominate. >> I I have no interest in doing it. >> I I just have a question. Is Is there um a conflict with you being on the Aren't you on the ASLA board? >> There's not. And thank you for asking. Yes, I am on the Arizona school board's governing board. Um, and several people have served in both functions. So, there's no conflict for ASBA nor us unless unless I need to recuse myself for something that one of us in is involved in, but it wouldn't affect policy or anything we're doing. >> Okay. And you don't you don't take compensation from them?
171>> I do not take compensation, but if it's offered, I'll let you know. [laughter] >> No, I'm just confirming that. >> That's great. Thank you. Are you comfortable with uh me serving as your delegate? I'm really comfortable handing it over to anybody else who would like it. [laughter] All right. We did not have a delegate uh an alternate alternate last time. Would somebody like to to join here and there and get acquainted with ASBA delegate assembly? All right. I will uh show up at everything. >> Okay. That good enough? We don't need to do we need a vote on that? Yes, ma'am. >> Okay, we need a motion. >> I make a motion that uh Dr. Donna Lewis be the delegate and alternate to the ASPA. >> Seconded. >> All those in favor? I >>
172I All right. Passes 50. >> Thanks, guys. Uh item C, approval of selection of audit committee member. So, I I want to commend the chair of the audit committee, Sarah uh Rean, for the work that she did in in guiding the review of numerous community members who applied for the audit committee. We had an exceptional um group of individuals and a larger than typical pool. And so, we were grateful to be able to have that option. We narrowed it down to uh to three candidates that had the range of experience that are identified in the governing board policy. And ultimately the committee uh reached consensus on the recommendation of Derek Hamshshire to serve on the audit committee to replace Patty Beckman. At that meeting, board member Shy recused himself because he was going to be
173able to vote tonight on on this topic. Uh and so the a three to zero uh vote by the audit committee unanimous to recommend Derek uh to serve in replacement of Patty. And I'll just reiterate the fact that we had an amazing pool of candidates and uh also that what Sarah did in her job of vetting and uh creating a rubric and talking to so very impressed by the process. >> Would you like to make a motion? >> Uh I'll make a motion that um Derek Hampshire is selected as the newest member of the audit committee. >> I will second that. Any other discussion? All those in favor? >> I passes unanimously. 50. All right. Item D, uh, approval of selection of self-insurance trust board trustee. Yes. Um, board president Lewis, uh, Vice President Shy,
174members of the board, um, we had a vacancy, uh, that occurred just from the normal term limit ending. um that's been sitting vacant for the past couple of months. Um we like the audit committee. We put both of those options um or both of those uh applications out there through parent square and gosh we got a lot of applications for that as well. So that was great to see. Um some were employees, some were um not employees. They were just members of the community. But we did also have I I want to say somewhere between 12 to 15 applications for that which was wonderful to see. Um we followed basically the same process as the audit committee. um the the members of the self- insurance trust board were given um all of the applications. We
175had to take out the ones that were employees as there's we can only have one employee on that committee. But um anyone who was not an employee was forwarded to the members of the self- insurance trust and they were asked to rank them based off of um what was in the applications and um so the recommendation that was pretty unanimous um from the audit committee was to recommend John Kerry um and that is for a three-year term which would go July 1st, 2025. So, we're already partway through it um through June 30th of 2028. >> And I'll be obstaining because I was part of the selection voting process uh as a member of the trust board. >> Questions or comments regarding John Kerry's selection? Want to make a motion? >> I move that John Kerry
176be appointed. >> I second. All those in favor? I >> I it passes four to zero with one abstension. Uh item E and we're going to reverse that, right? Okay, we're going to do item F, action to revise governing board policy JC to create a standing committee regarding boundary design. This is a first wave and so we're uh a first read. So we're waving to go straight to second read of the policy. Miss Carney, >> thank you. President, so I brought forward in addition to policy JC to include a planning and boundary design advisory committee um which I've been asking for the the consideration of this committee since October 7th and didn't get it on the agenda for discussion until December 9th. But because I understand the need to move quickly uh on this due
177to employees and families needing to know the new boundaries and pertinent information, I brought this as an action item tonight. Um, unfortunately I feel this committee should have been formed long ago, but here we are and would like to hear your comments. >> I think that we've had this Oh, thank you. I think we've had this conversation so many times that uh I think we I'll just move to approve agenda item eight. What where are we at? Nine. >> I have some comments. And respectfully, this is the first time we're actually seeing a specific proposal. >> Oh, so I'm still talking. >> Oh, sorry. >> Yeah, I'm just trying to find the right item here. >> Uh, yeah. So, I move to approve action item 10F. My second. >> Okay, the item's been moved and
178seconded. Now, we'll go into discussion. Go ahead. Um, this is the first time that I think a specific policy structure has actually been put forward to the board. I know that in the past there was discussion that we should have a committee, but it wasn't really specifically defined. Um, I think there was reference to the MESA committee, which I committed to learning about and did. Um, my best to to to read the materials that were sent out. Um I think this is a pretty significant committee if we would put it in place. So from a process perspective, I don't love the idea that we're skipping the first read, second read sort of approach. Um so to the contrary of what was said, while the idea of it I you know certainly has been discussed, this
179is the first time the board is being asked to consider a very specific structure and mandate. And I think that's something that should span more than one board meeting. Um and I We'll defer to Mr. Shy, but I have a bunch of questions also. >> So, uh, so JC says the board determines the boundaries. So, we have that ability. So, that's set. BDE says we can set up a committee uh for an advisory committee for whatever reason. Um, and it has the specifics of how that is formed. and it says the committee will automatically dissolve once the purpose for which it was formed has been satisfied. So I don't see a need to change any policy. BDE says we can form a committee. So we talked about this last month. You and actually I was
180very supportive and appreciative that you wanted to have community involvement and an advisory committee. The policy seems to already allow that. BDE says if you or any board member puts a proposal on the table says I want to form a committee. here is the goal of that committee and then we vote on whether to form it or not and then as BDE says um once that goal is achieved that committee dissolves. So I already see all the tools at our fingertips to do this put together a proposal. We want a a boundary committee to do AB and C. We vote on it and I would vote yes to have that committee and then when it's done it's gone. So I don't see the need to modify policy. I see all the tools already there. So,
181am I not seeing something that isn't already included in our policy? Um, I just looked back at when the audit committee uh was formed in 2021 and just uh modeled this after what they did >> because we're this is not going to be a short-term uh I what my goal is or what I was hoping is that we would understand we need a high level committee for year a few years on this. Um, and that's why I, like I said, I looked at what was done for to create the audit committee, and that's what I had done here. >> So, you want it as a long-term persistent committee. >> Yes. A PABDC is a long-term committee like Mesa has used it for, I don't know, decade or more as a continual. >> Apologize. I didn't
182do my homework on Mesa. So, what is its goal? because I see what I like about BDE is you state a goal of a committee, form it, and once the goal's been achieved, it dissolves. Um, what is this persistent purpose that's different? Because like we're talking about 10E next, which says we made a decision as a board about changes to schools. We now need to have discussion about boundaries and we'll include the community in that. That to me is a very uh temporal committee that will be formed. Um, I'm not understanding why this needs to be a persistent committee if it's about boundaries. Boundaries to me come into play when we have decisions to make like a school closure. >> Well, it would have been helpful if we would have had this years ago because
183we did uh reboundry a few years ago. This is something that is ongoing in school districts and this is just something that actually helps community members get involved and it's the the superintendent would decide how often they would meet, what exactly would be done. Um this is just what I brought forward because no one else was. So I I feel like that there is a is a oversight committee that needs to happen and this is what I feel um needs to be done and like I said open for >> I wasn't here during the last boundary division when you say oversight that needs to happen why does it need to happen what what went wrong in our current process in your mind is insufficient when it comes to how we do um redistricting. >> Well,
184I also wasn't on I wasn't on the board then. That was be right before we got on. But that changed Puma's boundaries at that point and obviously we see that affected Puma. So maybe if we had a a bigger oversight committee with members of the community with more eyes on it with more um data that could could serve us better. >> But I guess I'm asking how did the prior process not serve us well? I understand some people may not have liked the decision, you know, in any I imagine boundary choices. There are winners or losers of people who like or dislike it. But, um, as best you recall, since you're proposing it, was there something in that process was the that the public felt they weren't told of or that there wasn't the requisite
185public hearing meetings or I'm just trying to understand what we're >> I'm not necessarily speaking to the the the prior rebounding that's not agendaized. I'm t I'm talking about what I've seen with what just occurred with puma and echo with uh phase one and that's why I'm bringing something forward to try and come alongside us to build more trust in the in the community. Um and I I just think it's something we need. We're moving right into rebounding. And what what do we what do we know as five of us? We need more eyes on it. Um more community members are asking to be involved. This has been successful in another districts. >> So this is what I'm >> one of my questions as I read the Mesa policy it does the committee has no
186responsibility for school closures and as I read this policy that this committee would have no responsibility for school closure decisions and you had previously articulated this as partly addressing what you felt were shortcomings in the recommendation of those school closures. So, is your intent for this to cover school closures or not? >> My intent for this is is for long-term planning >> that of what? >> School closures. >> Planning of of what we plan to do with our school sites, what we plan to do with with our bound our our boundaries. Instead of being reactive, I'm looking for ways to be proactive and and not fall into what just happened to us. >> So, again, I think there's a difference of opinion of whether what happened was actually good [snorts] regular order where a professional
187decision recommendation was made, community hearings happened, we ultimately made a difficult decision. We obviously heard a lot from the families affected. There are also a multiple of those families who I hear from that think we made the right decision and felt like the board generally approached it well. So, it's not obvious to me that there's anything in what we just did that needed to be fixed. I understand you may think differently, but I guess what I'm calling out and one reason why I might recommend that we have more than one read is as I read this policy, correct me if I'm wrong, um, Miss McClennon, this policy would not give the committee the mandate to make recommendations or review school closure decisions. It only would be triggered when there's a need to do reboundering after
188a school closure decision. I could be wrong about that, but that's how I'm reading it and how I read Mises. >> Madame President, Dr. Patinsky, the purpose as designated in this item, I don't know if it can scroll down a little bit because there was some more definitive. The purposes are listed. Thank you. Right there. So um it would be to gather community input on the boundaries, provide recommendations regarding proposed changes to school attendance boundaries and long range recommendations to future school sites. So I don't know if that is meant to encompass in that fourth bullet the long range planning recommendations could potentially be a planning recommendation to close or repurpose. Um, but >> well, I mean, I read it to be future school sites, like what we're adding, not what we're subtracting. >> I
189think it could be read either way. Regardless of the boundary the the committee established, the board would still need to go through the statutory process for school closure that you just endured. So, um, if if you do delegate to a committee that initial work to look at that long range planning, you could modify this language to include or not include school closures. But regardless of what you do, you cannot abdicate that statutory responsibility. >> Understood. Thank you. I think one option sort of a middle ground is to use the ability we have with BDE to set up um a board committee committee of sort of a uh scaffolding a structure of this committee set it up with a goal of determining uh the viability of that group um what its goals should be so basically
190to set up a committee to say because I think having it say we're going to put it in the polic policy that it exists and it's a permanent thing. Um, I'm not convinced that's a needed thing. Again, I want community input. So, please don't read those two things differently. Um, but to create a committee now and say, "Let's get the community input uh on the future planning." Some of these things need to be a little more specific on the wording. Does it include um suggestions, advising on closures, on moving, swapping, repurposing? Um I think those all can be included but that would help to be a very prescriptive goal of this committee going back to BDE that says let's have a committee have a set of goals vote on setting it up when those goals
191are achieved be done. So say you know it takes us um you know five months of having meetings and saying here's what I think that's great input to have. I'm not convinced we need to codify a um planning boundary and advisory committee in the policy today. That seems like we're getting way ahead of ourselves, but I really do appreciate the community input. I want the same thing. >> Okay. Well, I I obviously believe that we we do need this um that it's not short term, that this is something that could benefit us uh long term and there's a motion on the table so we can vote on it and then I would ask that you bring back your proposal under BDE for the next meeting. >> Dr. Menzel. >> So, I appreciate the conversation. I
192would um point out a couple of things that I think should be considered as it relates to the proposal in front of us. The in building on what uh Vice President Shy said as a permanent committee, what this doesn't have that the audit committee does is specific talents desired by the board in order to be able to do the work. Right? So the way this is structured, there are 10 people, two appointed each by a board one. Each board member gets to appoint two. There are no criteria for who those people are. So you could theoretically end up with 10 people that are all from the chaperel learning community because we've not said that we want to have diverse representation from the district. We've not talked about what specific expertise the individuals of this planning
193and boundary design committee would have that is going to lend confidence that it's gathering the information that the board's expecting from the policy that's here. the audit committee goes further in saying what specific skill sets we're looking for in order to be able to serve that function. So I I have a concern that we've not defined specifically which opens it up to uh what could be arbitrary. Not saying that it would be malicious of an intent, it just illdefined uh from this perspective. Secondly, I I think the conversation about board committees is really important and if the board decides to appoint a committee, we'll work to support it per governing board policy. Uh I would submit that with respect to the current Puma conversation that that uh if we adopted a policy tonight, we have
194to start over with that process, which means we won't be able to meet our timeline of February 10th to let the families know who are waiting on what their enrollment decision is going to be with respect to what the the new boundaries for their children will be. So, so that becomes part of the challenge if we delay on that on a go forward basis. I agree with board member Carney that that uh as we're looking into phase two and the options that are there, there's going to be a lot of conversations. And so whether it's a boardappointed committee or we convene a committee like we do on committee hub and invite a lot more people to the table, I think we need two committees, not one. uh in order to be able to get input
195from the community with respect to those next level recommendations. But I'm I'm concerned that that this needs um if if it's going to be adopted, you need to have some expectation of what the criteria is, what's the expertise of the people you're appointing. And I I do believe you can accomplish something similar through BDE. And in BDE, it's it has a requirement for identifying the charter and some of the other things so that it would add more meat to the bones. Uh, I would like to like to respond to that. I mean, we're five professional individuals. I think we would make good choices on who would represent us on that on that committee. So, I I don't agree that you have to have a certain uh set of skills. I see that you created the
196Puma boundary committee and all you're looking for is parents. So, why would it be any different with this, >> Dr. Patensky? So, like governing board member Shy, I I think it's critical and I think it's a lesson learned from phase one that we have I'll say committees plural um that are involved and that they're inclusive of the community and that they create a venue for the community to learn and engage um and not have it feel as sudden as I know phase one may have felt for some members. Um, that said, I would much prefer to use our existing policies to accomplish that. I think it allows it to be dynamic. I think it allows us to design it specifically to the particular boundary or related topic that we're addressing. Um, I worry that I
197don't even know who would staff this. I mean, just speaking as a CEO of a company, it's like easy to say these things and then you have to actually do it and implement it and select it and staff it and that's just a lot of work. for what I think actually introduces a lot of rigidity to the current process as opposed to just staying very dynamic um with the current process. So I I don't support this. Um but I want to be clear, I do support and expect that we will use inclusive community committees much more actively in phase two than we did in phase one for the reasons that I think you articulated well, Miss Carney. Go ahead, Miss Card. >> Last thing I'll say is yes, I would like this this to have
198been done in October when I asked for it. We wouldn't be in a much better place to, you know, work with it. And I decide I I kind of got pushed in a hole. And I appreciate Miss McClennon for working with me quickly on this um and and presenting it tonight because we we're out of time. So, this was all that all that I could do. and I do think it's something very important um for our district to move us forward positively. >> We have a motion ready for uh a vote unless there's anybody else who has a comment. >> All right, it's been moved to approve the modified JC uh policy as presented. Uh, all those in favor? >> I. All those opposed? >> No. It the motion fails three to two. >> Uh,
199let's go to item E. Action to schedule public hearings regarding adjustment of boundaries for students residing in Puma Elementary School attendance area pursuant to ARS 1534137. Dr. Mensel. uh as uh Miss McClennon noted on the closure piece, there's also errors up in a statute with respect to uh redrawing boundaries. And so we have a proposal to hold the required uh public hearing on February 2nd. Uh we hope that all governing board members would be able to be in attendance. Uh we have uh recruited members to serve on a committee. That recruitment process is still ongoing. uh we believe that we don't have to have a separate town hall that the the February 2nd meeting could uh accomplish both purposes and uh we've been uh starting the process of identifying options so that when when the
200committee convenes and then ultimately we have the hearing we're not um going from from blank slate but we're really looking at what the the uh potential boundary options are that make the most sense given the board's decision to close and repurpose Puma Elementary School. So, it's our recommendation that we schedule that for February 2nd so that we can have a recommendation prepared for governing board approval on February 10th. The time is of the essence because we have to get postcard mailers out to all those in the affected zip codes. That's a part of our notice requirement so that that uh not only families of current students, but also property owners are all aware of this potential and have an opportunity to weigh in at that hearing on February 2nd. And so, it's our recommendation that
201we set that date for the hearing. So February 2nd is only what four weeks away. Can you walk us through then again in a lesson learned from phase one where things felt rushed? When will the community actually know the specific proposal that you're bringing forward to be able to then review it, research it, maybe give feedback on alternatives? like can you walk through that? >> Sure. Dr. Bono has been uh working tirelessly on this. So, I'm going to let her talk about the u the the timelines that we've identified. >> Thank you, Dr. Mensel, governing board member, governing president, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Batinsky. So, we have the committee dates scheduled. The first meeting is January 14th next week with a followup on January 22nd to review the proposals. We've been working with the demographer uh
202on maps and we have some drafts. We sent out the committee hub information. It went out preliminarily the week before break. It went out again to families through Parent Square via the communications department today. It's going out again tomorrow. So far, we've had one parent who has expressed interest and serving on the committee with us. The committee consists of, if I may look at the calendar invite to make sure I've captured everybody, uh, it's a wide net of district representation along with, as we look forward to having parent representation. Um, it is myself, it is David Jacobson, our director of transportation, Matt Patsoff, the principal of Puma, Maggie Feynan, the principal of Oh, Navajo, sorry. Thank you, Maggie Fein. Wanted to make sure you're all still awake. Uh Maggie Fine, the principal of Hookum, Kelly
203Perry, principal of Yavapai, uh Dr. Prreninsky, director of federal programming, uh Dr. Bach Bachna from our student information, uh principal Hodto, principal of Puma, Sarah Torion, our director of gifted, Brooke Williams, our director of special education, and then the parents who will be representing. Uh we will be sharing with them on the 14th. These are some of the options. There are four options right now that the demographer has shared with us. In these options, we'll be able to see how many students are impacted, exactly which students would be impacted, and then our hope is on the 15th to post those on our website to get public uh have to make sure the public knows uh where you know what the options will be that will be coming towards for the public hearing. Did that answer
204the question? sort of because the second committee meeting you said was after the 15th. >> Yeah, >> correct. That one is if needed if we get feedback. So as we get as we post those maps on the 15th, we will be getting I would imagine some great let's talk feedback, some feedback from the board, from Dr. Mensel, from cabinet. We might want to take that information, bring it back to the committee to say, are we missing a piece? Is there information we perhaps need more of? Um are we happy with these choices? and then finalize the to bring to cabinet and subsequently the board on February 2nd what those options are. >> Yeah, it just doesn't again I I understand that the hearing like the order of operations comment again from last time and that
205the hearing is not the decision and it's just a sense that you were about to turn on your microphone, Miss McClennon. Um, but if I'm living what a as a community member, I hear about something and then all of a sudden I've got less than a week or so before there's a hearing on it and that feels very tight. >> 20 days from the time the the options will be posted on the website to the public hearing Feb June on January 15th to February >> maybe unless you meet again as a committee and change. No, our hope is when we first meet the first meeting on January 14th, that next day our options will be on the website for public display. >> Okay. >> The maps, all the maps with the boundaries of who's where
206the resoning would be, the rebounding pursuant to board policy JC. >> And then when does the four go down to one? >> Mrs. McClennon, I'll let you handle that. >> Thank you very much, Madam President. Mr. Shy, I and Dr. Dr. Petitinsky, I agree with you that the process is stilt to the statutory process that has been created. It is similar to what you do with school closings in that you have to give this requisite notice. Although the statute does not specify how long you have to have a public hearing, you have to have the maps posted. Um, but the purpose would be on to get public input on February 2nd and then to make a decision to go from four to one on February 10th. That would be when the board would decide which
207of the four options, five options, two options that are eventually whittleled down you would make a recommendation from. And I would also advise that in other matters in which um school districts have considered school closures there ha it hasn't been a bifurcate bifurcated process. Um your district administration wanted this board to consider the closures before you went to this process. So in your planning you may want to think about whether in the future you want to do it in a bifurcated manner or do it all in one fell swoop. But but the time frame I have seen shorter time frames for the consideration of this issue in terms of getting public input because if you did it in a one um uh school closure and repurposing and boundary adjustments, you only are required to give
208the public that 10 days of notice prior to the public hearing. I'm not going to like follow my sword on it, but it does seem rushed. It does. I don't know if that was board schedules to attend the hearing, but it does feel like the hearing should have another two weeks or so >> distance between the committee making its information available and the community having time to digest it and be more capable of an informed contribution at the hearing. >> So, there are two weeks. So if the committee meets on the 14th and you've posted on the 15th and then you have the hearing on the 2nd, there's there's yeah you have 20 days almost three weeks between the time that the maps are proposed for the com the community to look at it. the
209committee will have reviewed it and and given their feedback and so it's an iterative process uh and and I would ask the board to consider uh at the end of the day uh the the implication for uh the people who are impacted by the boundary change largely the families who are waiting to make their decision about where to send their kids to school next year and they're waiting for the board to make a decision the people who are interested in this conversation and we did this when we redrew the boundaries U back in 2022 23 we we had the same hearing you have a number of people I don't know if it was 2530 you had people show up for the hearing uh we had people who engaged in other conversations that we had but
210you can extend the timeline that doesn't necessarily mean you're going to have more people who participate so I think the the better job we do at getting information out sending the postcard and not delaying our decision because if we delay we either schedule a separate meeting of the board to make this standalone decision or we make that decision on March 10th. Now, we've pushed for families that period of uncertainty for a much longer period of time and I I'm not sure what the benefit is based on the last reboundary process that we went through. There are in my mind a couple of fundamental decisions. Do you maintain the current configuration of the Coronado learning community or do you draw part of the puma boundary into the Sarro learning community? Those are the fundamental decisions. And
211then within that, if you're keeping the Coronado learning community intact, there's probably a couple of maps that allow you to do that to balance how students are distributed. And if you're going to consider redrawing the boundary so that some of what's currently in Coronado now feeds into Sarro, that's that impacts a much wider zip code. So So those are the substantive conversations. And I believe that if we get to the point where the board doesn't feel comfortable with the recommendation following the hearing, they don't have to make the decision on February 10th, that could be postponed because you don't feel good about the the information that we have. So there is a way to postpone and have more dialogue. If we go through this process and you get enough feedback from community saying we we
212don't we don't think this is going to work, you could delay. I'm just reluctant to do so at this juncture given what we know and the we do have you know multiple weeks in between each step in the process >> between 22 and 210 what is the body or the people that are recommending the four down to one >> madam president Mr. Sh Mr. Shy, the decision between the four options would be your board decision. Your admin administration will in all likelihood recommend one of the four, but all four would be on the table. >> Is that you as an individual? Is that a group? >> No, that that would be so we we've got we've got our team internally and it would be based on the feedback that we've received from the committee, from
213the hearing uh looking at the transportation implications. uh and >> sorry that that team is just so I >> aware so Christine Bono David Jacobson >> Dr. Dr. Pinsky all the principles who would be impacted Dr. Williams Dr. uh Miss Torion >> a special ed gifted >> and three parents and if we get more parents that are interested there's >> committee that was formed on the committee y committee hub has been hosted. >> The other thing that a delay impacts is our ability to address the staffing concerns because we can't uh give assurances to staff where they're going to go when we don't know where the kids are being rebounded to. So that also creates an extended period of angst for staffing decisions. Any other comments? All right, Miss Carney. >> Um, well, I could
214do this with my vote, but um, I had said yes that on the original date that was sent to us that I was available and then I'm not available on February 2nd. So, >> just >> Thank you. Will it be recorded? Is it something we can record? >> Yes, all of the the meetings will be recorded. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. I'll move to uh for the action to schedule public hearing regarding adjustment of boundaries for students residing in Puma Elementary School attendance area pursuant to ARS 1534137. >> Madame President, can you add on February 2nd, please >> for February 2nd? >> I'll second the motion. >> All those in favor? I >> I >> All those opposed? >> No. >> Motion passes four to one. >> Thank you. Once again, just a part
215of the tough part of our role, isn't it? All right. We are now at um item 11, future items. Board members may pro propose topics for future consideration. Anyone like to chime in? Mr. Dr. Patensky? >> Uh I have two. Um the first is I want to get back to algebra. I want to understand how we're doing the kinds of programs that we're investing in the ex adoption whether we're what kind of velocity we're seeing in terms of students engaging in skill development you know um ideally with some dimensionality in terms of grade levels and schools um but I think it's been uncomfortably long since we've talked academics and algebra is obviously our our our our big goal The other is um I don't know if this is a topic or an overlay to when
216we engage in phase two kinds of discussions um but something that I felt was lacking in phase one. I know when I've ever had to move office headquarters that's always a very sensitive thing. you're messing with your employees uh commute. And so we would calculate, okay, this new location, you know, how does it affect the median commute drive? Um how does it, you know, what's the extremes, the 25th, the 75th percentile um in that case and really understand the net difference that a change in office would be. And similarly as we think about you know how do Cheyenne you know if Cheyenne's program was at Copper Ridge I have no idea whether given where Cheyenne families live on average that would reduce the commute time increase the I mean in any given family it'll be
217all of the above. Um, but I'd like us to get to that level of spatial. I don't know if that's spatial analysis, but I'd like to get to that level of understanding as we think through one of the key areas of feedback in phase one, which is how the movement of a child affects the family, you know, and their their commute distance to uh to a school. So, those are my two items. >> Thank you. Anybody else? All right, that brings us >> Sorry, I do. >> I'm sorry. Go ahead. That's okay. Thank you, President. Um, the board has not delegated authority to member Shy to be presenting data to the public and district employees against policies BBAA and BCA. So, if this is to continue, please put this on the next agenda for a
218board vote. Anybody else? any response? Okay. Uh dates of upcoming meetings. Our next meeting is January 20th at 6 PM. It's a special governing board meeting. It'll be at MDA. And [snorts] uh I uh make a motion to uh adjourn. I request a second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? Hi. >> Hi. We are uh unanimous at 9:00