Brad Herrington

The board meeting included discussions on data reports from NWEA, state assessments, AASA, and AzSCI, focusing on school growth and future plans for student achievement. A district-wide update covered the closeout of the 24-25 school year, preparations for the 25-26 school year, summer school progress, and construction projects at various schools. The board addressed expense ratification, revised student activity reports, and policy revisions. The approval of the 2025/2026 proposed budget was a key action item, along with adjustments to district banking signatures and student activity account signatories. Further discussions involved changing a job title, reclassifying job positions on the salary schedule, and approving attendance at the Annual ASBA Law Conference. The board also discussed liability insurance renewal, a proposed school lunch price increase, surplus disposal, revisions to board powers and responsibilities policy, and personnel matters.

The meeting included discussion and information regarding the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Due to the state legislature not approving a budget, the district will use last year's budget forms and funding levels. There is an approximate 2.6% reduction from the prior year's budget, mainly in Operations and Maintenance of Plant. A question was raised about the teacher experience index and its effect when a teacher retires and is rehired as an ESI employee.

The meeting included recognition of students for creating an inclusive environment and students in the Southern AZ Band and All-State choir. The Superintendent provided a district update, including the challenges of bus shortages, the implementation of digital signatures for contracts, and the discontinuation of BoardDocs in favor of Dillegent Community. The FHASD AI Principles and Guidelines for Acceptable Use and Magic School AI were reviewed. The board discussed fencing and access control at Colonel Johnston Elementary School, audiovisual equipment purchases for Colonel Smith Middle School, and a resolution for signature authority for property transfer. Personnel matters were reviewed, including waiving liquidated damages for a resigning employee and the potential hiring of a counselor.

The Revised Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 involved a discussion led by Mrs. Karen Nieto, who reviewed the revision and additional funds received by the District. She also explained areas with higher expenditures compared to the previous year. The agenda included opening procedural items such as the call to order, Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and adoption of the agenda, as well as a closing adjournment.

The board meeting included reports on student achievements, principal's updates on school activities, and parent survey results. Discussion points covered district updates, including transportation challenges, new HR programs, AI taskforce progress, and the transition to a new board document management program. Consent agenda items included expense ratification, student activity reports, revised district policies, and general consent items. An executive session was held to discuss the superintendent's contract renewal and performance pay. Action items included the superintendent's contract renewal, performance-based pay, approval of AI principles and guidelines, fencing and access control at Colonel Johnston Elementary, purchase of audiovisual equipment for Colonel Smith Middle School, resolution for signature authority on property transfer, and personnel matters including waiving liquidated damages for an employee and hiring a new counselor.