Erika Copeland

The meeting commenced with a Study Session focused on the FY27 Compensation Recommendation Update and a discussion/first read of an update to Policy 5-208. The subsequent Regular Meeting included reports on construction, the Superintendent's report, and recognition for Employees and Students of the Month. Key actions involved approving donations, January 2026 expenditures and revenue, the utilization of cooperative contracts, and an affiliation agreement with Rocky Mountain University. Significant action items included the approval of employee compensation packages, identified market adjustments, and staffing for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The personnel section addressed the approval of certified and classified personnel items, supplementals, and salary schedules for the 2026-2027 Fiscal Year. Multiple site and department reports for January and February 2026 were also received.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence. Key discussion items included approval of prior board meeting minutes from November 18th. A construction update detailed two action items for Mountain Trail Academy: the installation of new bicycle racks providing approximately 80 spaces, and the installation of a new crosswalk across Mountain Road in coordination with the Maricopa Department of Transportation, which includes ADA accessible sidewalk ramps and signage. The Superintendent's report covered strategic plan priorities, noting a 19% decrease in rule violations for the first quarter, updates on the Heinfield and Meech audit, and outreach for the local wellness policy committee. Recognition was given to coaches named Region Coach of the Year and student athletes achieving All-Region honors and state championship placements (including the Division 2 Dive State Champion). Employee and Student of the Month awards were presented for Jack Barnes Elementary and Gateway Polytenic Academy. The session included a public hearing regarding the proposed expenditure revision for fiscal year 2025-2026, focusing on optimizing fund usage, incorporating updated enrollment projections (ADM capture), and detailing the financial impact of the voter-approved override, which supports salaries, class size reduction, academic support (interventionists, bridge programming), gifted services, JROTC, and arts/CTE programming.

The meeting commenced with a Study Session that included a call to order, adoption of the agenda, and a discussion and presentation on Board Legal Training by an external attorney. The Regular Meeting of the Governing Board covered a construction update, the Superintendent's Report, and recognition for Employees and Students of the Month. The Consent Agenda included approvals for expenditures and revenue for November 2025, approval of vouchers, acceptance of donations, utilization of Cooperative Contracts, approval of Revised Policy 5-209, approval for transfer or disposal of assets, and approval for additional and updated overnight trips for athletics for the 2025/2026 school year. Revisions to course catalogs and handbooks for the 2026/2027 school year, and approval of a Licensed Training Provider Agreement with The American National Red Cross were also addressed. A Public Hearing was held regarding the 2025-2026 Expenditure Revision, followed by actions to approve the FY25-26 Revised Expenditure Budget and several construction-related contracts for improvements at Mountain Trail Academy. The Board also awarded a contract for Transportation Services, approved Certified and Classified Personnel Items, and Supplementals. Finally, the Board convened in Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent's Evaluation and Performance.

The segment of the meeting primarily focused on announcing upcoming board meeting schedules and a calendar of events. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for January 13th, February 3rd, and March 3rd, all including study sessions and regular sessions. The calendar of events included the Queen Creek Kuanas car show on December 13th, early release for all schools from December 17th through 19th, and winter break from December 22nd through January 2nd. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting included discussions and actions regarding various topics. There was recognition of Queen Creek High School's palm and cheer teams, kindergarten round-up activities, and the CTE program. The Barney middle school Robo Bucks robotics team was also recognized for their achievements. The board discussed and approved the termination of a restrictive covenant for Desert Mountain Elementary and Park. Additionally, they approved the Booster and PTO Handbook and the Student Activities Club Sponsor Handbook. The meeting also included a discussion on personnel matters in an executive session.