Steven Carbajal

The meeting included discussions and presentations regarding various procedural and operational matters. Key topics included guidance on board member voting procedures, abstentions, conflicts of interest, and quorum requirements under open meeting laws. There was a detailed explanation regarding the specificity required for agenda items and proper use of board member reports for current events. Discussions also covered the handling of public communications via technology, such as social media and email, and adhering to open meeting laws concerning executive sessions for personnel matters, confidential records (including student-related issues governed by FERPA), obtaining legal advice, and instructing counsel. Additionally, the board received updates on the introduction of the 2025-2026 Interest-Based Negotiations (IBN) team, including progress on a compensation study with EXMI and an anonymous IBN survey sent to all employees. A presentation was also delivered on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for nutrition services, noting the department received three USDA recognition awards for healthy meals.

The meeting centered on a detailed review and discussion of Arizona Open Meeting Law compliance. Key topics included the definition of a meeting (in-person or electronic), requirements for regular and special meetings, quorum determination (a majority of board members), and the required majority for passing a motion. The presentation also covered best practices regarding board member communications (avoiding discussions via text, email, or social media), required specificity for agenda items, and proper procedures for executive sessions. Specific executive session reasons discussed included personnel matters (like superintendent contract review or termination appeals), confidential records (like student issues under FERPA), receiving legal advice, and instructing legal counsel, with emphasis on maintaining attorney-client privilege.

The meeting commenced with the board convening into a study session to review Chapter 5 policies related to students, specifically focusing on trust policy review as part of a transition from AASBA policy to trust policies, which is anticipated to be officially adopted in May or June. Key discussion points included policy 5100 (Student Enrollment) and 5101 (Attendance Boundaries), which were largely aligned with existing policies. The board also reviewed policy 5107, the Purple Star School Program, as a new addition to the trust policies, discussing implementation requirements like training and reporting. Furthermore, policy 5201 concerning patriotic exercises and observance days, including the recitation of the Declaration of Independence and 911 education requirements, was discussed. The review also covered policy 5202, which involves procedural safeguards for students under Section 504 and ADA, noting the required designation of the Director of Special Education as the contact person.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the November 19th, 2025 meeting. Key discussions included the approval of the consent agenda. The board received a presentation on the 95% Group curriculum update, which detailed the adoption and implementation of the 95% Group phonics core program to address deficiencies in phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, aligning with the strategic plan. The update covered tiered support structures for K-8, including multi-syllabic routine cards for older students and the phonics lesson library for intervention. The presentation also highlighted extensive professional training provided to staff and the use of diagnostic data for targeted instruction. Furthermore, the Superintendent celebrated excellence, acknowledging community donations to middle school bands and general community support for families via turkey dinner distributions.

The meeting included a presentation of student achievement data, focusing on the district's A through F school letter grades, which are based on proficiency, growth, and acceleration/readiness. The presentation covered the components of the letter grades, historical data, and factors influencing the scores, such as English learner proficiency and growth, special education inclusion, and chronic absenteeism.