Westside Consolidated School District 5

The board meeting included recognitions for educators and the WHS Boys Bowling Team, alongside a service recognition for a board member. Key discussions and actions involved facilities project updates, a school data presentation on special education, and the approval of the school calendar and salary schedules for certified and classified staff. The board also addressed classified personnel committee recommendations, Pre-Kindergarten tuition rates, a water treatment facility resolution, and policy updates. Financial actions included the approval of insurance invoices, asset inventory deletions, budget reviews, and monthly financial statements. Additionally, the board acted on various voluntary resignations and approved administrative hiring recommendations for the upcoming school year.

The primary focus of this special board meeting was to conduct a student disciplinary hearing regarding a student accused of violating multiple Westside High School policies, including prohibited conduct, disruption of school, and drug and alcohol regulations. The Superintendent recommended expulsion for one calendar year (365 days). School personnel presented details regarding the incidents, noting this was the student's second offense concerning the drug policy. Following presentations and questioning from board members and parents, the board moved into executive session to deliberate. Upon returning to open session, the board modified the Superintendent's recommendation, approving an expulsion period covering the remainder of the 2025-2026 second semester and the entirety of the 2026-2027 first semester, with a return date set for January 1, 2027. The agenda for the meeting itself was also approved.

The meeting began with the availability of the public comment sign-in sheet, though no participants signed up to speak. The agenda was approved with the addition of an extension for Financial Disclosure for Board Member Myca Ferguson. The Westside High School Volleyball Team was recognized for their outstanding season, achieving Conference Champions and Region Champions status, and finishing as the 4A State Runner-Up. The Consent Agenda was approved, including confirmation of the district's enrollment at 1740 and details on school transfer applications. A facilities discussion provided an update on the Westside High School building project, with the next phase focusing on interior and exterior colors, for which authorization was granted to Board Member Myca Ferguson. Presentations included a report from Westside Middle School Teachers on advancements in the Art Department through student projects. Action was taken to delete a SMART Board model from the Asset Inventory List. The Board adopted the Proposed Budget of Expenditures with Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2027-2028. Purchasing decisions included the approval of a 2015 school bus and an addition to the Classified Stipend Schedule for Bus Aide Extended Route. Policy updates for ASBA policies were approved, and a $5 million reinvestment into Certificates of Deposit (CDs) with First Community Bank was authorized. The October 2025 Financial Report was approved. The Board entered and exited executive session to discuss confidential matters. Finally, motions were passed to approve voluntary resignations and several new hire recommendations, including WHS Paraprofessionals, a WES Paraprofessional, and contract extensions/hires for Bus Aides and Drivers.

Key discussions included monthly student/staff recognitions presented by the Superintendent. The Consent Agenda covered enrollment figures (1742), school transfer applications (Net: -3), and school choice applications (Net: 4). Facility discussions included an update from Tate General Contractors on the high school project, noting the classroom slab pour and wall construction commencement, and a presentation by Jeff Steiling on the field house placement options. An OPPA! Review Presentation covered key highlights, opportunities, community engagement, and student survey results. The Board approved the hiring of Cynergy Rehab Group for Speech Therapy Services for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year. An update was provided on the Water Treatment Facility partnership funding application, which was approved by the state pending ADEQ approval, with a total qualified cost of $774,900. The Board conducted a first reading of the ASBA Model Policies 2026 Winter Update and approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar. The Board accepted resignations and hire recommendations for paraprofessionals and a teacher. Finally, the Board extended Superintendent George's contract through June 30, 2028, and requested the development of a five-year plan addressing facilities, students, and staff.

The primary purpose of this special board meeting was to conduct a student disciplinary hearing regarding a student (ID 16021003) for whom the Superintendent recommended expulsion for one calendar year (365 days), covering the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year and the first semester of the 2026-2027 school year. The student was accused of violating multiple Westside High School policies, including Prohibited Conduct, Disruption of School, Student Assault or Battery, and Fighting. The hearing included the viewing of video footage of the altercation, testimony from the school principal and an ALE teacher, and statements from the student and parent. The parent ultimately indicated agreement with the superintendent's recommended expulsion. The Board subsequently voted 4-0 to approve the recommendation for expulsion.