[0:51] Good evening.

[0:58] Good evening. I would like to call this meeting to order.

[1:04] [snorts] I appreciate it. This microphone doesn't

[1:07] carry very well. Good evening everybody. I would like to call this meeting to

[1:10] order. Mr. Lennonheiser, may I have roll call, please?

[1:14] » President Wade, let the record show that all four members are in attendance this

[1:17] evening. >> Thank you. Please join me in a moment of

[1:21] silence, followed by the pledge of allegiance.

[2:03] I motion to approve the agenda. >> Second.

[2:06] » I'll give that to Miss German. Seconding. All those in favor?

[2:10] » I I >> I. Motion carries four to zero. This

[2:14] brings us to Mr. Lassenheiser for the superintendent report.

[2:19] President Wade, members of the board, we have a few different items in the

[2:22] superintendent report. But before we jump in, I'd like to just let the crowd

[2:26] know that this is kind of how we do it. We'll have a superintendent report where

[2:29] we will go through some different items and we'd appreciate it that when it's uh

[2:33] your time to get recognized, you come up and then you stay. There will be a point

[2:36] in time where I'll say, "Hey, if anybody, you know, would like to go

[2:40] ahead and leave, it would be an appropriate time." So, I'll let you guys

[2:43] know when that happens. But I'm really excited about the different things that

[2:46] we're looking to celebrate today. Uh first of all, I just wanted to shout out

[2:50] to our campuses, to our students, to our sponsors, our club sponsors, our people

[2:55] who put together our Patriot Day celebrations from around the district.

[2:59] And so our schools recognize the events of 9/11 and Patriot Day with ceremonies,

[3:04] public safety appreciation events, assemblies, service projects. You know,

[3:08] in Higgley, one of our pillars of our portrait graduate is a responsible

[3:12] citizenship. And you know how we uh recognize what happens on Patriot Day

[3:17] really exemplifies the importance that we have in teaching servant leadership

[3:21] and citizenship to our students at every level. And I don't know if you were guys

[3:26] were able to go out and visit any of the different events, but fantastic things

[3:30] organized by students and by our sponsors of our clubs and by our

[3:34] leadership. And I'm just proud of uh what we do and what we do to remember

[3:38] and then turn around and support within student service project. So, I want to

[3:42] give a big thank you to everybody who worked hard to make that a special day

[3:46] around of our district.

[3:52] I want to commend uh everyone who was involved with our business and community

[3:58] partner breakfast that happened last week. We welcomed more than 100 business

[4:02] owners, community leaders, and nonprofits to Kulie's campus for our

[4:05] fall business and community partner breakfast where we highlighted Sausman

[4:09] Spartan buddies and video productions programs and Centennial's participatory

[4:13] budgeting program. It's a great opportunity to network and brainstorm

[4:17] with our business partners on the future projects as we move forward into the

[4:21] school year. Our question that we had was how we can we have our business

[4:25] partners connect with our participatory budgeting processes that are occurring

[4:29] on our campuses. We had great feedback about the conversation and as always our

[4:34] goal is to take conversation and turn it into action and how we can we can

[4:38] further commit to making sure that we work together because when we are

[4:43] working together it's going to provide our students the best opportunities

[4:46] possible. So, thank you to everyone who was involved in setting up and and being

[4:50] a part of the business and community partner breakfast and we look forward to

[4:54] our next one in February.

[4:59] All right. Now, it's the time where I think a lot of you are here to see

[5:03] because we are very, very proud of Sasman Middle School's wrestling team

[5:08] for winning the East Valley Conference Championship. Let's give him a round of

[5:12] applause. [applause]

[5:18] All right, gentlemen, up here. So, if I could have the team come up, please. All

[5:23] of you come up

[5:28] and I just want you to line up right over here.

[5:33] And I know we have our coaches and Mr. Keeling are here, but kids, I'm going to

[5:38] put you on the spot just a little bit. All right.

[5:42] First of all, congratulations for representing Higgley and Sausman and

[5:45] winning the wrestling championship. That is awesome. And what I'm going to do

[5:49] before I turn it over to Mr. Keeling, we're going to just hand down the

[5:51] microphone and I'd like you to introduce yourself, what grade you're in, and what

[5:56] weight class you participated in. And if you were one of our EVC champions, would

[6:00] you tell us that you're the champion as well? So, do you guys got it? Okay,

[6:04] we're going to start with coach over here.

[6:07] » Uh Josh Nisbet, assistant coach, been with Sman for seven years. Hi. Um, I'm

[6:12] TJ. Um, I'm in eighth grade. Um, and I'm in the 83 um, pound weight class.

[6:22] » I got second place. >> I'm Phoenix. I'm in eighth grade and I

[6:28] participated in the 98 weight class and I got fifth place.

[6:33] » I'm Brooklyn. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 133 weight class.

[6:40] I'm Daniel. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 167 weight class.

[6:46] » I'm Co and I'm in seventh grade and I participated in the 88 weight class.

[6:52] » I'm Josiah. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 142 weight class.

[6:58] » I'm Dean and I participated in the 105 weight class.

[7:03] » Uh I'm Jacob. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 104 weight class.

[7:11] » Uh, third place.

[7:15] » I'm Kaden. I'm in seventh grade and I participated in the 73 lb weight class

[7:20] and I won EVC's.

[7:25] » I'm Jimmer. Uh, I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 78 weight class

[7:29] and I got second place. >> I'm Isa. I participated in the 111

[7:36] weight class and I won ABC's. [applause]

[7:42] » I'm Austin and I participated in the 118 weight class and I'm in eighth grade and

[7:50] I placed third place.

[7:54] » I'm Mia Johnson. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 125 weight class.

[8:01] » I'm Paxton Romney. I participated in the 154 pound weight class. I came in third

[8:06] place and I'm in eighth grade. >> Uh I'm Kaisen. I wrestled in the 200

[8:12] weight class and I placed second.

[8:18] » And I am Coach Tid and I've been Sman for 10 years. Took me 10 years to get

[8:23] this done and this is the team that did it. Thank you boys.

[8:28] [applause]

[8:32] I'm Brandon Keeling. I'm the assistant principal and athletic director. Uh

[8:35] we're not going to talk about my weight class. And so, um, Coach Tid has been

[8:40] coaching assassin for 10 years. Um, nine years ago at the same tournament, uh,

[8:44] there's a particular team that won it. We don't say their name around here.

[8:47] And, um, coach goes, we're going to catch those guys. and he spent the last

[8:52] almost decade uh building this program, working with coach Nesbbit, working with

[8:56] the high school um to create a fantastic program and great experience for our

[9:01] kids. I'm so proud of coach, so proud of every single one of you showing up every

[9:04] morning at 6:30 to work hard and accomplish your goals and looking

[9:09] forward to uh seeing you guys back in this room next year as repeat champions.

[9:13] Way to go, Sasman. [applause]

[10:13] All right, let's give another big round of applause for these outstanding

[10:17] champions. All right, you guys are good to go back to your seats. Thank you so

[10:20] much. Congratulations.

[10:25] You know, Mr. Keeling mentioned being there at 6:30 going above and beyond uh

[10:31] to participate in athletics and I just want to say thank you to all of you

[10:35] parents. You're here tonight. You're driving them in the morning and I know

[10:38] the sacrifices you make as a family when you're the uh parent of an athlete. So,

[10:43] thank you so much for supporting and we're so proud of the success of our

[10:47] students. So, what a great celebration it is for us tonight.

[10:55] For upcoming events, um this Thursday we have our school visit with the cabinet

[11:00] and the governing board to Williamsfield High School and we're really looking

[11:04] forward so that Williamsfield can highlight what they're doing on

[11:06] campuses. I'm sure no one's counting down, but October 5th through 16th is

[11:11] fall break and so we will have two weeks off. During that time, we do have

[11:16] Tuesday, October 13th, that's at 10:00 a.m. will be our uh virtual board

[11:20] meeting so we can go through the AFR. And just remember, especially for

[11:25] parents out there, Monday, October 19th, when we come back from break, we do not

[11:29] have students on that day. So, the students continue to have Monday off

[11:32] where we'll do well. We do a professional development day. And then

[11:36] Tuesday, October 20th is when we resume school after fall break. So that

[11:42] concludes the superintendence report and thank you. So everyone who was here so

[11:47] that we could recognize and celebrate. But at this time we're going to switch

[11:51] to our business portion of our meeting. So if you would like to stay, you're

[11:55] more than welcome to stay. But we'll take a couple minutes if you guys would

[11:58] like to leave now. So thank you very much for being here and supporting.

[12:45] President Wade, that concludes the superintendent report.

[12:48] » Thank you, Mr. Lenheiser. Next on the agenda are the requests to

[12:53] speak. Please play the video.

[12:58] [music] We value input from our constituents.

[13:01] This time on our agenda has been set aside for anyone from the audience

[13:05] [music] who wishes to address the board. Those that wish to speak should have

[13:09] filled out speaker cards which are [music] due prior to the start of our

[13:12] meeting. Members of the board may not discuss, comment, or take action on

[13:17] matters raised that are not specifically identified on the agenda. Therefore,

[13:22] pursuant [music] to ARS 38-431.01i, 01 I action taken as a result of public

[13:29] comment will be limited to [music] directing staff to study the matter,

[13:32] responding to any criticism or scheduling the matter for further

[13:36] consideration and decision at a later date. Also, we ask that audience members

[13:42] practice proper public meeting to quorum, refraining from either negative

[13:46] or positive responses, including clapping or verbal outbursts to ensure

[13:50] fairness to all points of view. Those that refuse [music] to follow these

[13:54] rules may be asked to leave. In accordance with policy BEDH public

[13:59] [music] participation at board meetings, if considered necessary, the governing

[14:04] board president shall [music] set a time limit on the length of the comment

[14:07] period in order to ensure that each individual has an opportunity [music] to

[14:11] address the board. The president may also set a time limit for individual

[14:15] speakers. Thank you for your cooperation.

[14:33] Up first we have Maryanne Show.

[14:46] Good evening board members and our executive branch of Higgley Unified.

[14:53] I come here on the behalf of parents and students in our high school and middle

[15:00] school community who are really really frustrated

[15:06] with the software errors that are happening with their computers.

[15:12] It is my understanding from my own children that there are multiple issues

[15:18] going on with both Canvas and um

[15:25] oh gosh, parent view that is actually blocking our students from being able to

[15:33] get work turned in correctly and accountably.

[15:39] My oldest is a sophomore at Williamsfield in

[15:45] a year and a quarter. So between our freshman year and where

[15:52] we are now, she has had to switch out her computer 15 times.

[16:01] Um, our youngest is a freshman at Williamsfield.

[16:07] In this time period, she has had to switch out her computer 10 times.

[16:15] All of it is a software issue. Most of the time, the IT department is

[16:23] trying to hit it with hardware. The canvas is software. Parent view is

[16:32] software. We have contracts with those companies

[16:39] regarding the our students ability to learn. So

[16:47] this needs to be hit with two parts because our district is paying for those

[16:54] contracts and it is affecting our kids ability to

[17:00] learn and parents ability to actually track where their grades are.

[17:09] Um, our oldest spent an entire class period today with her teacher

[17:18] trying to figure out why Canvas wasn't loading correctly.

[17:28] So, I don't know how much we're paying per student, but at this point,

[17:36] we need to start looking at the contracts we have with both

[17:40] organizations. Thank you.

[17:47] [clears throat] Next, we have Timothy Show.

[17:59] It was last year about the same time we were talking about digitization of the

[18:03] classroom and the failures of bringing electronics without a redundant system.

[18:08] And historically we've had chalk chalkboards for well over 2,000 years.

[18:14] We have them left over there in the in throughout the world we come across

[18:18] them. the advent of computer going there without a proper roll out will lead to a

[18:23] decrease in the student learning. It's that's been repeated over and over

[18:28] again. One of the biggest areas was during COVID when they try to digitize

[18:31] every student out there. Uh I happen to have a bachelor of electrical

[18:34] engineering. It's a passion of mine. It's also a vocation. But without

[18:38] redundant systems, you're going to lose the kids. You you they're going to be

[18:43] frustrated. My oldest happens to be a natural engineer. Kind of comes with the

[18:47] territory. and she she chose not to pursue engineering as a natural female

[18:52] engineer. Carl Jung would say less than 1% of the population. That's something

[18:56] all the school boards I've ever heard try to try to f um try to

[19:01] encourage and prosper. It's not working. And it's not working because the kids

[19:06] are frustrated. It's not rolled out properly. It needs to be rolled out

[19:10] properly.

[19:18] Up next, we have Trevor Cook.

[19:25] Okay, it's going to be a little I'm pretty tall, so let's see. Okay. All

[19:29] right. There we go. All right. Good evening, U Madam Board President,

[19:33] members of the board. Uh my name is Trevor Cook. I am a former student of

[19:37] Higgley High School, also a former member of student council. Uh I am a

[19:41] 2016 graduate. Go Knights. Uh, I'm here to talk about today about there was an

[19:46] incident a few weeks ago of a of a student potentially who had violated the

[19:51] dress code. There was a shirt that it was a shirt that had a blood stain on it

[19:55] regarding the assassination of an individual. And this student has a first

[19:59] amendment right obviously. I I get that. I respect that. But at the same time, it

[20:04] is in violation of the dress code regarding basically when it uh contains

[20:08] or convenes obscene language symbols or messages. Uh I think that uh there

[20:14] should be some punishment for this because it is a dress code that this

[20:18] that the board adopted and the school has to follow. But and and look, I mean

[20:23] it doesn't matter what the student was wearing or who they support politically.

[20:26] It doesn't matter if it's Charlie Kirk, Martin Luther King Jr. It it doesn't

[20:29] matter. Schools are supposed to be a place of free speech and opportunity.

[20:34] They we can't they should not they it's just it's just they shouldn't be wearing

[20:38] stuff that violates the dress code. that could be distracting to other students

[20:41] and staff. Thank you so much.

[20:49] Up next, we have Travis White.

[21:01] Good evening, President Wade, members of the board, superintendent, district

[21:05] leadership, uh, and community members. My name is Travis White and I'm a proud

[21:10] parent of a first grader in the Mandarin dual immersion program at Coronado

[21:13] Elementary. Thank you for keeping elementary specials and language

[21:17] programs as part of your focus. This Saturday is National PTO appreciation

[21:22] day and I wanted to recognize our wonderful PTOs and booster clubs across

[21:27] our district. Our Coronado PTO has worked tirelessly during our recent

[21:31] direct donation drive and I wanted to thank them uh for their efforts in

[21:36] planning this year's Mid-Autumn Moon Festival that will be held this Friday.

[21:41] These fundraising efforts allow Coronado to have events where all families can

[21:46] attend for free and celebrate together as a school community. This is what true

[21:52] community and inclusion looks like in practice. Having the opportunity to

[21:56] invest directly in school communities and is one of the things that makes the

[22:00] work of supporting a school so worthwhile.

[22:04] Tonight's agenda for the fiscal year 2027 classroom site fund plan is a good

[22:09] example of that. Budgets are more than just spreadsheets and communication

[22:14] around them clearly outlines a district's values.

[22:18] It's wonderful that we're committing these statutory dollars to the base

[22:21] addition, stipens, performance pay, and even subsidizing the 3% base increase

[22:26] for our hardworking certified staff. While this increase is vital to

[22:31] supporting our educators in today's inflationary environment and competitive

[22:36] East Valley market, it only just keeps pace.

[22:40] While our focus should continue to be on maximizing state uh CSF dollars, our

[22:45] ongoing imperative as a district must be rigorous financial oversight and

[22:50] operational efficiency. This will allow us to determine additional ways to

[22:54] increase compensation for our educators over time. Whether it's parents stepping

[22:59] up to ensure all families can celebrate together at a festival or the board

[23:04] directing funds where they impact students learning most, our focus must

[23:09] stay locked on supporting the people who make Higgley great. Thank you for your

[23:13] time. Let's keep showing that together we got this and that Higgley's public

[23:17] schools can can continue to lead the charts by supporting our educators in

[23:22] their journey to provide a world-class education for every student. Thank you.

[23:32] Up next we have Heather Balch.

[23:39] » Good evening board members and um cabinet. It's nice to be here this

[23:43] evening. I think that as a a school district we often stop thinking about

[23:47] our kids after they graduate. Uh our kids graduate from high school and then

[23:52] we really don't know what happens after that. Um, and tonight I'm here to share

[23:57] the rest of the story with you. My son started preschool at Santan Elementary

[24:02] back in 2007. He continued his elementary career through uh sixth grade

[24:07] at Santan and then went to Sasson Middle School. While at Sassimon Middle School,

[24:12] he found his love of robotics with John Burke, who fostered a an opportunity for

[24:18] him to explore um something of very much interest to him. sports was not his

[24:24] thing. Um and then from there he went on to Higgley High School where he got

[24:28] involved in the CTE engineering programs. Jason Sixkiller just um ran an

[24:33] amazing program while he was there. Um [snorts]

[24:36] during one class period, Embry Riddle came to present to our kids and tell

[24:41] them about what a great opportunity the university is. And he actually ended up

[24:45] going there. He graduated in May and he was just hired um at Honeywell. So,

[24:52] Higgley students do great things and I just wanted to share that with you

[24:54] tonight. Thank you.

[25:01] Up next, we have Mindy Brocker.

[25:16] Thank you so much, President Wade, and members of the governing board for

[25:20] allowing me to speak tonight. I'm asking that you reject the proposed changes to

[25:24] policy KB. I want to be very clear. I support parental rights, religious

[25:30] liberty, and Higgley complying fully with Arizona law and the Supreme Court's

[25:35] decision in Mahabmood versus Taylor. But these proposed amendments are

[25:39] unnecessary and they create serious operational risks in our classrooms.

[25:43] HUSD's existing policy already provide substantial protections. Section E

[25:48] allows parents who object to instructional materials as harmful to

[25:51] withdraw their children and request alternative assignments, specifically

[25:55] including objections involving religion. Section F guarantees advanced access to

[26:01] instructional materials. Rejecting these board member drafted amendments does not

[26:06] mean rejecting parental rights. The changes proposed by board member Van

[26:10] Hoke go considerably further. Legally, Mimmude and the First Amendment address

[26:16] instruction that substantially interferes with religious development or

[26:19] poses a substantial threat to faith. In law, substantial is a high bar. It

[26:24] addresses severe burdens, not incidental exposure to regular pre-approved

[26:29] academic content. Yet under proposed section E, that threshold completely

[26:34] disappears. A parent need only identify an activity and claim a conflict. Staff

[26:38] are forbidden from questioning or evaluating it, and the student must

[26:41] immediately be pulled from all instruction and exposure while the

[26:44] request is pending. In practice, this turns a standard into any perceived

[26:49] compl conflict, no matter how routine. Consider our classrooms where a standard

[26:53] middle school science lesson on genetics or a history unit on world religions or

[26:57] an English novel with diverse characters does not pose a constitutional

[27:01] violation. Yet, under this language, an objection to any ordinary topic can

[27:05] force an immediate and automatic removal. Education amongst your peers

[27:10] cannot function if every classroom must be individually customized instantly to

[27:15] immediately accommodate every family's personal beliefs. Before adopting this

[27:19] language, the board should ask, "What is Higgley's existing procedure and

[27:24] response time when an objection is submitted right before instruction

[27:27] begins?" If there is a procedural gap, let's fix that gap. Parents do have

[27:32] rights, teachers have responsibilities, and students have a right to a coherent

[27:37] education. Please reject these amendments and

[27:40] direct staff as needed to craft a narrowly tailored procedure that

[27:44] protects legitimate rights without disrupting our classroom learning. Thank

[27:48] you.

[27:53] » Okay, that concludes our request to speak. Uh Mr. Lotsenheiser, if we can

[27:58] get uh in our superintendent report an IT update, if if things are happening,

[28:04] is it happening across the board, intermittent all that jazz?

[28:08] » Yes. >> Thank you.

[28:12] This brings us to consent agenda items. I motion to approve consent agenda items

[28:16] 5.1 through 5.13. >> Second.

[28:19] » That would be Miss Schultz. Seconding. All those in favor?

[28:23] » I >> I I motion carries four to zero. We'd

[28:27] like to thank AMZ, Tall and Mechanical, McGra Hill, UHG, Kerry Coxin, DLR, DLR

[28:34] Group, Arizona Students Recycling, Use Technology, Higgley Palm Boosters, and

[28:38] Higgley Cheer Boosters for their generous donations to the district and

[28:41] its students.

[28:45] » [clears throat] >> This brings us to action item 6.1,

[28:48] approval of fiscal year 2027 classroom site fund plan. Any questions or

[28:53] comments from the board before a motion?

[29:05] President Wade. Um, I just noticed that we got the numbers

[29:10] back in the uh Q&A and I noticed that the uh total projected cost of all four

[29:20] components was 13.5 million and the revenue is projected to be 12.7 million

[29:28] and there's a difference of about 828,000.

[29:32] And I'm just wondering if uh [clears throat] do we plan on using the

[29:37] classroom site fund balance to cover that difference?

[29:45] President Wade, uh board member Van Hook. Yes. I mean, we are currently

[29:48] carrying well, we came into this year with about 16 million in budget balance

[29:54] carry forward. So, yes, we're trying to start spending that down because that's

[29:58] a large dollar amount to be carrying in this fund.

[30:02] Thank you.

[30:07] » Nothing. >> Okay. I motion to approve the fiscal

[30:10] year 2027 classroom site fund plan. >> Second.

[30:14] » I'm going to give that to Miss Gar. Seconding. All those in favor?

[30:18] » I. >> I. Motion carries 4 to zero. Next, we

[30:21] have 6.2 second read and approval of BEDBA school board operational goals.

[30:27] Any questions or comments from the board before I motion?

[30:33] President Wade, uh, I had suggested changes to the policy and

[30:41] the policy currently requires agenda and supporting material to be distributed at

[30:47] least 24 hours before the meeting. Um, but it does not establish a minimum of

[30:52] standard for the supporting material. Uh I met with uh Superintendent

[30:58] Lutzenheiser and during our meeting we agreed that the board should receive

[31:03] complete agreements or documentation when um asked to approve or amend or

[31:09] renew contracts. Um and also for the public to have access to those

[31:15] documents. Um my

[31:22] and actually I was I was told that that would go in the communication protocols.

[31:27] Um but I don't know if the when I pulled

[31:33] the communication protocols at the time um if that was that wasn't

[31:38] in there. Uh but my concern is if we're being asked

[31:46] to approve uh material

[31:51] um that that the agenda include the materials that

[31:57] we're being asked to approve and some you know when we do the Q&A I'll ask uh

[32:05] for the information and then it's sent to us after the act, but I think it's

[32:09] important to ensure that it's attached to the agenda. So, not only are we being

[32:15] able to see that um the changes or whatever it is that we're approving, but

[32:22] that the community is able to see that as well. Um that was the only um

[32:31] thing. Let me see here. So complete agenda backup material and

[32:37] then um the sum summary of material revisions uh

[32:43] when we are sent uh information that things are changing and right now it's

[32:50] practice that uh if an agenda item or or supporting document is changed uh

[32:59] Christine is is good at providing those changes to us. Um,

[33:06] but again, I I wanted to make sure that it's in

[33:11] whether it's in the communications protocol or whether it's in policy, uh,

[33:16] that [clears throat] it states that. Um, and that was not included.

[33:23] Um [sighs] [gasps]

[33:24] and then emergency deviation when for some reason if there's if we have to

[33:31] deviate from um the agenda for some reason uh my request was that we

[33:38] document uh in in the meeting records why that

[33:44] deviation occurred. And I was told during our meeting that

[33:49] uh policy beed uh and and it was cross referenced also

[33:56] I believe but I didn't see it in that policy either. Um

[34:02] but this doesn't my recommendation wouldn't

[34:07] prevent the superintendent from responding to emergency situations.

[34:11] It's just document making sure that we document why why we

[34:17] deviated from um the agenda. So

[34:26] those are three concerns that I still have about the policy. Um, and

[34:35] I might I would like for us to be able to have further discussion

[34:42] um to see if we can incorporate um these items within that policy,

[34:50] if that makes sense. Mr. Lsonheiser, do we have in our

[34:55] communications protocol the 24-hour notice? I mean, I see we have 24-hour

[34:59] notice on here and ultimately it is in our practice. So, where is that within

[35:03] our >> Well, the the policy does outline that

[35:06] we have the 24 hours and and board member Van Hook had sent a list of

[35:10] different things. Um we are asking that uh the board approve as written what we

[35:16] have done with in terms of changing this policy because going through our legal

[35:20] as well as uh looking at what we consistently already do. Um we felt like

[35:25] this is the most appropriate thing that would happen for our [clears throat]

[35:29] policy. When we talk about supporting materials, supporting materials varies

[35:33] significantly by every single different um item that comes forward. And I know

[35:39] that we do provide our supporting materials and we do list those things

[35:43] ahead of time. And if there ever is an issue, then that is a strong way with

[35:48] the communication that we do have and the processes we do have in order to be

[35:51] able to provide those because when we do post them and post them publicly, they

[35:55] are going to be at least 24 hour 24 hours prior to the meeting. In terms of

[36:01] the communication protocols, we did not include copies of those in there because

[36:05] that is more of a regulation or something that we do together. But we do

[36:10] follow through with what is accepted in terms of what the uh emergency

[36:15] communication we already have it in a different policy and the worry is when

[36:18] you start writing it into both different policies. I don't want to ever get

[36:22] confused. So that's why we turned around and referenced and um we have been very

[36:27] consistent about when changes happen because we do get the agenda to you guys

[36:31] out on Wednesday for the next Tuesday and sometimes there are things that get

[36:35] updated and so uh that has been a consistent thing. We I do know that is

[36:39] being added to the communication protocols that outlines those different

[36:42] times as we're moving forward. President Wade, my concern was that for

[36:50] instance, if we uh for instance are being asked to

[36:57] a previous board, let's say approved a an agreement of of some sort uh whether

[37:03] it's an MOU or an agreement and then now and and as we know board changes every

[37:09] two years and so we are then asked to extend that that agreement for an

[37:16] additional five years and the initial agreement isn't attached to the policy.

[37:23] Uh so we don't necessarily know what the previous board approved. So my ask is

[37:29] that that agreement should be included as part of the agenda so that if we're

[37:35] being asked to extend a previously approved agreement uh that we see what

[37:41] we're approving. Um that's just one example. board member Van Hook, do you

[37:45] have a specific example because we we went back. We're very cognizant of the

[37:49] conversation we had and looking like is there a time when we've asked to approve

[37:53] MUS where we have not provided it for you?

[37:56] » No, it's not just providing it like when we we've asked. We've had many instances

[38:02] where I've had to ask for doc documentation and it's been sent to us

[38:08] uh with the Q&A. Um, and while we were meeting, I try to go through uh my

[38:15] emails. Um, but we have had those situations where it's been sent once

[38:21] it's been asked for. Uh, but I I think that it's not something

[38:26] that we should have to ask for. I think it should just be included as part of

[38:30] the agenda. Uh

[38:34] again, whether it's an agreement or even if it's

[38:41] you know when you talk about like material changes

[38:45] if there's

[38:50] let's say a 30page contract of and uh the contract is amended. uh being able

[38:59] to outline exactly what those changes are

[39:05] um when we talk about identifying, you know, revisions of material. Um but

[39:12] I've seen it many times where we've had to ask for

[39:18] documentation. So it is being provided after we ask. All I'm asking is that it

[39:25] be included without having to ask for it. Um, that's all. And and as I said, I

[39:32] looked in policy BDA and I did not see in there where it covers these things

[39:39] that I've mentioned. >> President Wade. Um, so after I reviewed

[39:46] kind of this, um, I could see the point that board member Van Hook was kind of

[39:50] making. Obviously, we want to see all the information. I mean, as a board

[39:54] member, I learned that board member 101, you need to know how to search in board

[40:00] docs and you need to be thorough and figure out what are good search words,

[40:03] all that kind of stuff. And um but I could see how a general statement that

[40:10] is hard to identify like what what exactly documents would need to be

[40:15] uploaded perhaps and stuff like that. So, I could see how the district would

[40:20] potentially be confused and um and some of us like it provided via email. Some

[40:26] of us do utilize the search. So, that's where it was kind of hard is I think it

[40:31] would be hard for the admin to predict what specifically. So, I love the Q&A,

[40:38] the option to always ask a question. They they do such a good job releasing

[40:43] these questions ahead of time so we really have time. So, I could see kind

[40:47] of the frustrations on both ends, but I ultimately think that, you know, we've

[40:52] utilized the Q&A.

[40:57] » Um, President Wade, board members, if I could just um walk through a couple of

[41:02] the concerns. I I did um meet with the superintendent last week uh to go

[41:07] through the proposed changes and um the version in front of you is what my

[41:13] recommended changes are. And this is really intended to comply with the open

[41:16] meeting law, right? So open meeting law requires that you receive the

[41:20] [clears throat] agenda, the public can see the agenda and supporting documents

[41:24] um 24 at least 24 hours ahead. Many districts have a practice that you get

[41:28] the documents much earlier than that, right? Because your governing board

[41:32] agenda often has voluminous documents. And so it sounds like that's what the

[41:36] practice is here as well. Again, your Q&A um practice exceeds what's required

[41:42] by the open that's not in the open meeting law, right? But that's just

[41:44] another opportunity for board members to inquire about matters so that when they

[41:48] get to to your meeting things can run more smoothly.

[41:52] Um so with regard to member Van Hook's

[41:57] question or issue about the emergency I did if if I understand your concern

[42:02] correctly um member Van Hook the 24hour um meeting notice can be waved if

[42:07] there's an actual emergency and that is contained in policy BEDA.

[42:12] I've never advised a governing board to hold an emergency meeting because I've

[42:17] never seen one. Um, and so that's very used very sparingly, but obviously the

[42:22] governing board would have to document what the true emergency was, why they

[42:26] couldn't provide 24-hour notice to the to the public. And I'm happy to answer

[42:30] any questions. >> Um, yes. And and that's exa I that's

[42:35] exactly what I'm asking is that we document uh which I don't see in the

[42:41] policy is having to ensure that we document that and I hope we never have

[42:47] to have an emergency meeting like that. Um I mean there are states where there's

[42:52] a tornado and there's a roof that blew. I mean there's like districts that have

[42:57] had issues like that. My concern with that specific section is

[43:02] just to ensure that we're documenting and put it in policy to say whether it's

[43:07] policy or whether it's regulation to say let let's make sure we're documenting.

[43:13] Um but my issue isn't the 24hour notice uh when

[43:19] it comes to backup material. My issue is ensuring that the documents are attached

[43:27] to the agenda so that we don't have to ask for it. Um that it's standard

[43:34] practice to provide those documentations and also

[43:39] um so that the public can see the documents as well. And as I explained,

[43:46] if it's if we're being asked to extend an agreement that's been approved by a

[43:52] previous board and that agreement isn't attached to the agenda,

[43:57] then how do we know where we're exactly? You know, sometimes they just put like

[44:01] verbiage instead of attaching the actual document. There's

[44:06] just like language for that specific agenda item. And in addition to that

[44:13] language, there needs to be the initial document so we know what we're extending

[44:18] or what we're approving. Um, President Wade, I don't mean to

[44:24] crosshairs, but saying that there's no documents provided, that's kind of a

[44:28] mistruth. I feel like that there's the district always attaches and stuff like

[44:32] that. It's very visible. So, I don't know.

[44:36] Um, I don't believe your statement is 100% accurate.

[44:41] Um, you can believe whatever you'd like. Um, but for instance, I believe 5, what

[44:46] was it? 512.

[44:53] Um,

[44:56] maybe it was last meeting, but there was

[45:02] an agenda item. Uh, I believe it was last meeting where it was just just

[45:07] language and I don't remember what it was about at this moment. Um, but we've

[45:12] had several instances where there is no document and I've had to ask for it and

[45:17] it's been sent to us with the agenda Q&A. Um, so calling it a mistruth,

[45:24] I don't know what you're even talking about, but um, the point is ensuring

[45:28] that the documentation um, is attached uh, and that not only we see it as board

[45:35] members, but the community sees the document as well. That's all I'm asking.

[45:41] [clears throat] >> First, I would like to um express

[45:45] gratitude both to the district and board member Van Hook and that you all work

[45:49] together to, you know, update certain aspects of this policy with in

[45:54] accordance with the law. Um I I do think it is important to keep in mind we have

[46:01] access to this information as board members. We have access to board docs.

[46:05] we can go back through these things and even greater as a board member when I

[46:10] decide I don't want to go through and look through that or I'm having problems

[46:13] when I'm looking through it because I don't exactly know what to look for as

[46:16] board member German brought up or sorry vice president German um I can ask the

[46:22] district and we get access to that. So I I

[46:26] it feels as if we're we're making statements that we're not having access

[46:30] to this information. And at the end of the day, what I hear repetitively

[46:33] throughout that is yes, you may have had to ask for it, but you still get it. And

[46:38] I think that is important. And I do believe that there are certain aspects

[46:40] of this that again, we can go back and look at because it's as if we have these

[46:45] things in record to be able to do so. Um, and so I I do feel that at this time

[46:52] I personally am going to recommend what our lawyers are suggesting in terms of

[46:57] in accordance with the law. As far as the documentation piece of making sure

[47:01] that we document should we ever have an emergency and we have to cancel a

[47:04] meeting and we're unable to fulfill that, which I recognize we have not had

[47:08] to do, that would not be in this specific policy since it's already

[47:11] addressed in the BEA.

[47:15] » Yes, madam. Yes, that's correct. And Madam President, if I could just say um

[47:19] that specific portion of the policy, it says a 24-hour meeting notice is not

[47:24] required in the case of an actual emergency. However, notice shall be

[47:27] given and procedures followed in accordance with the open meeting law. So

[47:30] that would cover the document, the reason why an emergency meeting was

[47:34] called without the 24-hour, >> meaning we would have to provide that to

[47:37] the public because we are legally obligated to do so.

[47:39] » You would have to put it on the record why you're holding an emergency.

[47:41] » Okay. Thank you. Perfect. Um, Miss [clears throat] Van Hook, do you have

[47:45] more you wish to comment before I make a motion?

[47:47] » Um, yes. I want to say yes. We when we ask for it, we get it. But the problem

[47:53] then is the community doesn't get it. The community doesn't see it um as part

[47:58] of the agenda item. So, that is one of my concerns.

[48:03] But we can move on. [clears throat]

[48:09] I motion to approve beba school board operational goals goals. That's weird.

[48:15] Second, Miss Schultz seconded. All those in favor?

[48:19] » I. >> I. Motion carries four to zero.

[48:24] » This brings us to 6.3

[48:29] second read and approval of IHA instructional program. Any questions or

[48:33] comments from the board before I motion?

[48:49] When you look at the change request uh for number three, I originally requested

[48:53] language to ensure that the uh curricular and non-curricular programs

[49:00] do not diminish the instructional time resources

[49:04] um during the policy review. Um it was proposed alternate language uh

[49:13] and um we did discuss that language when we

[49:17] met. Um and I understood that uh it would be incorporated into into the

[49:23] policy. Um but then when we got the updated policy,

[49:31] it looks like it was removed. Um

[49:39] let's see. The existing policy states that uh prioritizing reading and

[49:44] mathematics should not result in neglect of other curricular area curriculum

[49:49] areas. And I want to ensure that the reverse is

[49:55] also true. That other programs and initiatives do not diminish the

[50:00] instructional time and resources necessary for students to achieve

[50:04] proficiency in our core academic subjects.

[50:10] Um and and just based on the language that

[50:15] was put in as the opposite of that. Um

[50:23] and then number three instruction and other um

[50:28] let's see sorry.

[50:39] Yeah. So I I would like to just understand like why would we

[50:46] uh protect other curricular areas from being neglected?

[50:51] um

[50:54] but not protect core academics.

[51:01] Madame President, board members, um I again I worked with the administration

[51:05] on to harmonize the ASBA model changes and board member Van Hook's changes and

[51:12] requested changes and um essentially I made a modification to

[51:20] number two, I believe, paragraph two. um because that incorporates a program

[51:26] around math, mathematics, and then uh the literacy coach. And then

[51:32] as far as number three, I I did not recommend making that change because of

[51:36] the um the detail and the administrative burden that would be created by this um

[51:42] assessment that the superintendent would have to do.

[51:47] Can you explain what the burden would be to ensure that we're not neglecting

[51:52] course subjects?

[51:57] » Sure. Um so member Van Hook um board members, this was just very specific.

[52:03] Obviously the superintendent is charged with ensuring that many of these things

[52:09] already occur, right? So not neglecting other areas of the curriculum. Um, it's

[52:14] just I I've not seen another governing board adopt a policy with a specific

[52:18] requirement on a superintendent um as part of an initiative that that seemed

[52:24] more the administrative function delegated to the superintendent.

[52:28] » Okay. I I I'm sorry. I'm I'm a bit baffled that we

[52:34] would put in language that would protect uh

[52:45] programs um

[52:52] over core academic subjects. That that just doesn't make sense to me. Um, and

[52:58] when you say you haven't seen other other boards, but at the same time, I

[53:03] think it's our role as board members to uh be

[53:08] able to work work on policies that impact our own district and it shouldn't

[53:13] matter that other boards don't do it. Um, it's our role to do it for our own

[53:18] district. Uh but I I am truly baffled that we wouldn't want to prioritize core

[53:27] academic subjects over other other programs. But board member Van Hook, if

[53:32] I may, um almost every aspect of our children's education is geared towards

[53:39] core subjects. Uh it's part of the reason why those core subjects are

[53:43] tested every spring. Um, and so I

[53:49] I think it's important to keep in mind every other aspect of our educational

[53:55] policies and procedures and how what those are geared towards. And we have

[53:59] spent so much time with respect to our focus on student academic performance on

[54:03] these tests because they are mandated by the state that we have to do them. And

[54:07] so much of your child's time is spent taking benchmark assessments. For those

[54:10] of you who have kids, you've gotten notice in the past couple of weeks of

[54:13] the benchmark assessments that they have been taking. All of those are core

[54:16] subjects. So there is ample policy that is centered around making sure our core

[54:21] subjects are of focus. So, it would make sense to me, at least in my perspective,

[54:26] why we should have a policy that says, hey, because we are focusing in all

[54:30] these other areas, it's still important that we maintain a well-rounded

[54:34] education because we also recognize and understand the data that goes into

[54:38] things like art, music, other types of studies, social studies, for example,

[54:43] that gives critical thinking. All of those classes help perform in core

[54:47] academics. So I I think and correct me if I'm I'm wrong here from a at least

[54:53] the way I understand this from a legal perspective is that because we already

[54:56] do it in these other areas saying it yet again it's kind of like we just talked

[55:00] about with our previous agenda item having it in multiple places can create

[55:05] problems for us when it comes to updating new laws or redundancies and

[55:09] those types of things. Is that correct?

[55:14] Madam President, board also I would also say it it could run a f a foul of

[55:18] compliance, right? So if you're directing the superintendent to do

[55:20] something and it's not cross cross reference in policy correctly, you know,

[55:24] that could be a challenge. Um, I just wanted to address member Van Hook, you

[55:28] know, the statement you made about customizing policies according to your

[55:32] community's needs is absolutely correct. You know, Higgley has many custom

[55:36] policies that aren't the model ASBA policy. That's just my legal advice and

[55:42] you know your board is welcome to take my advice or not take my advice advice

[55:45] but that was just my recommendation to to the board.

[55:49] » Thank you. Uh yeah I just our our I think the district's priority should

[55:57] always be our core subjects. uh and but the way that the existing policy

[56:06] it states that prioritizing reading and mathematics should not result in neglect

[56:10] of other curricular u curricular areas. I just I want to ensure that we are in

[56:19] fact uh prioritizing our core academic subjects because

[56:25] that is what our kids are graded on. that is what our district is graded on.

[56:31] Um, and those have to be a priority. And I just

[56:37] I think that the way that the language currently is in the policy, uh, it it

[56:43] reverses what should be a priority. Um my other concern also is uh for

[56:55] change number four we had parental rights language in there

[57:01] and that language was completely removed after uh

[57:08] it was reviewed by um Miss O'Brien. And I'm curious to know why parental rights

[57:15] um was removed, parental notification,

[57:19] parental rights, parental consent.

[57:30] It's for uh section F uh mental health instruction.

[57:35] Again, I I just thought that that was redundant

[57:40] because that's in other board policies,

[57:47] but I mean that wasn't that's been in our policy. Uh and

[57:57] that wasn't even a request to change. that's something you decided to remove

[58:01] when in fact it should have remained because parents

[58:06] should be notified. Parents should give consent uh and

[58:16] it I I just it should have never been removed. Miss O'Brien, um what you mean

[58:22] by redundant is that again we have other policies that mandate we have to notify

[58:26] students uh and students parents of specific uh classroom content that

[58:31] they're going through. Opt out is provided in all kinds of our policies

[58:34] with respect to like English for example and books and all of these things. Is

[58:38] that what you mean by redundant? >> Yes, that is what I mean by redundant.

[58:41] [clears throat] Those policies are believe I believe are housed in chapter

[58:44] K. >> Okay. Again, I am going to be inclined

[58:47] to listen to the legal advice of the individual we employ to

[58:53] understand the law and recommend policies that are in accordance with the

[58:56] law that looks at uh you know all aspects of that. Again, to be clear, we

[59:02] still have parental rights. Those are addressed in multiple policies, one of

[59:06] which we'll be talking about again later today. Um so I think that's important as

[59:11] far as clarity. Miss Van Hook, do your mic is still on. Do you still have more

[59:15] questions or comments before I motion? >> Yeah, I mean clearly

[59:19] I don't oppose the entire policy. Uh, but I think that

[59:26] it >> should be included in there because this

[59:32] specifically talks about certain instruction

[59:38] and

[59:41] yes, I understand we have um

[59:47] clearly Arizona parental bill of rights. Uh but when it comes to a policy that

[59:54] discusses specific instruction, I think it's important for people to understand

[1:00:01] that that specific instruction um

[1:00:06] would require parental notification and consent,

[1:00:11] but we can move on. >> Sure. um for future. You also can motion

[1:00:16] if you wish to put one of those things and ultimately you may feel that way but

[1:00:20] the rest of the board won't or wouldn't if we're not motioning for that kind of

[1:00:24] deal then it's not an option but you can motion and we can vote on it to see if

[1:00:27] we include it in that. I think at the end of the last meeting when we had

[1:00:31] conversations with that you had recommendations again just like our

[1:00:34] previous policy I am grateful for the opportunity that we as board members

[1:00:38] have to work with our administrators and our legal team to say hey here are some

[1:00:42] of the things that I have and we have updated those changes and and especially

[1:00:46] when they are you know beneficial with respect to the law but again I am

[1:00:51] inclined to listen to our legal advice on what we should include our policies

[1:00:56] » right and president Just so you're aware, I don't just

[1:01:02] uh sit there and create these policies on my own. Um I do work with uh many

[1:01:09] attorneys that I I am in contact with to help me with language. Uh so I don't

[1:01:14] want you to assume that this is just me without uh an expert um sitting and just

[1:01:22] creating policies. Um that I am in fact working with attorneys. I know I

[1:01:27] understand that and that you have mentioned that before. I find that

[1:01:30] concerning. I find that concerning because again we as a board and as a

[1:01:34] district have legal employee that we purchase and we pay for. I have no idea

[1:01:40] any of the legal advice that you have received. Who are they from? What are

[1:01:43] their interests or any of that? like I I I recommend and I I I commend your

[1:01:49] desire to, you know, clearly seek out other alternatives, but um the idea that

[1:01:56] just because you do that means that therefore it is something that is

[1:02:00] appropriate here, I have concerns with because there's a there's a lot of

[1:02:04] things that are taking place there that that none of us have any eyes on. Um and

[1:02:10] that's concerning. uh President Wade. Uh and it's not something that uh I have

[1:02:16] every right as a board member to be able to get um help from people to be able to

[1:02:22] write policy. Um so if that concerns you, I'm sorry. Um I think that that's a

[1:02:28] a personal issue. Uh but as board members, we have a right to do that. Um

[1:02:33] I can contact somebody from ASBA to help me with my policy.

[1:02:37] um there's several different organizations that I can contact uh in

[1:02:42] order to help me with the policy. And so if you think that that's concerning,

[1:02:45] then you might want to uh better understand your role uh because we have

[1:02:52] the ability to do that as board members. Um and I have asked uh several times

[1:02:58] that I I would love to be able to discuss policy with our own attorney.

[1:03:03] Um, but that has not been um something that I've been able to do. Um,

[1:03:11] if it's something I can do, that'd be great. I'd love to meet with our

[1:03:14] attorney and discuss policy uh especially somebody who is familiar with

[1:03:18] our district. Um, but again, that has not been an option. So I have to do um

[1:03:25] and reach out to people that um are willing to help um at the time instead

[1:03:32] of after the fact. So again having a policy having our

[1:03:38] lawyers look at it that would be conferring with our lawyers is it not

[1:03:42] lawyer I recommend these policies these are the interests that I have lawyer

[1:03:46] provides feedback back of what they recommend and what they don't recommend.

[1:03:49] And to be clear I never said you don't have the opportunity to do that. You get

[1:03:52] to do whatever you want and and speak to whomever you wish. What I'm saying is I

[1:03:58] am inclined to go with the legal advice that we pay for.

[1:04:04] Right? And it would be wonderful to be able to utilize the legal advice that we

[1:04:09] pay for. The problem is I don't have that opportunity that I've asked for

[1:04:15] repeatedly. I would love to be able to meet with our attorney to be able to go

[1:04:19] over policy, but I think we're getting off track here.

[1:04:22] So I'm [snorts] going to point of order this.

[1:04:25] » I motion to approve IHA in structural program.

[1:04:28] » Second. >> That would be Miss Schultz.

[1:04:31] All those in favor? >> I I

[1:04:34] » I >> I motion carries four to zero. 6.4

[1:04:37] second read and approval of JJAB limited open closed forum. Any questions or

[1:04:42] comments from the board before I motion?

[1:04:46] President Wade. The only change I have is where it says if the principal

[1:04:51] chooses to accept materials, uh, it's a period and then the, it needs

[1:04:57] to be comma and then the.

[1:05:03] [snorts]

[1:05:06] » Mr. Lenheiser, do you see where that is? [snorts]

[1:05:10] » Thank you. >> Yes, I found that.

[1:05:15] » All right. I motion to approve JJAB limited open close forum with said

[1:05:19] comma. [snorts] >> Second.

[1:05:23] » That [clears throat] would be Miss German.

[1:05:26] That is a J. All those in favor? >> I

[1:05:29] » I >> I. Motion carries four to zero. This

[1:05:32] brings us to discussion and possible action regarding policy KB, parental

[1:05:36] involvement in education. Board member Van Hook asked for discussion on this

[1:05:40] policy. Board member Van Hook. >> Thank you. Um

[1:05:45] I understand that the point of uh per our discussion per my discussion with uh

[1:05:52] Mr. Latenheiser uh we talked about how Arizona law has parental rights um and

[1:06:03] that the district must comply with the Supreme Court ruling uh regardless

[1:06:08] whether or not we pass this policy or not. Um but that's precisely why I

[1:06:14] believe that [clears throat] these protections should be uh reflected in

[1:06:19] our policy. Um our policy should explain the rights of parent that the rights

[1:06:27] parents have and uh establish procedure for the district employees to follow. Uh

[1:06:35] parents should not have to research Supreme Court decisions and interpret

[1:06:39] statutes to understand how their rights how to exercise their rights uh when

[1:06:44] they have a religious objection to instructional material or activities.

[1:06:49] Our current policy already addresses parental objections to harmful learning

[1:06:55] material and provides advanced access to instructional material. However, it does

[1:07:00] not expressly explain the process of religious accommodation requests, what

[1:07:06] happens while a request is pending or how the district will provide meaningful

[1:07:11] advanced notice when a rel religious conflict is reasonably anticipated.

[1:07:16] Parents cannot meaningfully consider whether to request an accommodation if

[1:07:22] they don't know what particular material will be used for their children.

[1:07:27] The district may believe a lesson has a positive educational purpose, but that

[1:07:32] does not eliminate its obligation to request applicable parent parental

[1:07:36] religious um to respect applicable parental religious rights. My proposed

[1:07:43] changes would make those protections more visible to parents and establish a

[1:07:48] clear procedure for staff. They would also provide

[1:07:54] that if administration recommend recommends denying a religious opt out

[1:07:59] request, the governing board makes the final determination.

[1:08:03] Whether we amend this policy or not, the district must comply with applicable

[1:08:08] Arizona law and constitutional requirements established by the Supreme

[1:08:13] Court. Putting those protections into policy KB helps ensure that parents

[1:08:18] understand their right, staff understands their responsibilities, and

[1:08:22] the district has a clear, consistent process for complying with the law.

[1:08:28] Um, and so that is the purpose of my

[1:08:33] recommendations because of the Supreme Court ruling. And uh

[1:08:41] if a parent does object, then that child has to be prevented from

[1:08:49] participating in that material until

[1:08:55] the teacher and administration figure out what alternative that student

[1:09:01] alternative activity that student can do.

[1:09:04] uh they can't continue to expose the child to something that their

[1:09:09] parents are objecting to. So these are things that I think needs to be uh

[1:09:16] whether again it's regulations or whether it's in policy uh we have to

[1:09:24] abide by these laws. Um,

[1:09:31] so

[1:09:35] you know, I I'd love to discuss it whether you know, how do you how do you

[1:09:40] foresee us upholding

[1:09:45] these parental rights and and these laws without

[1:09:53] putting it in in the policy or regulation?

[1:09:58] Miss O'Brien, can you help me understand our current policy KB? Does it not

[1:10:02] already include in accordance with the law?

[1:10:07] Your policy KB, you have a regulation KBR that operationalizes Arizona law.

[1:10:14] And then um your policy KB has verbatim the parents [snorts] bill

[1:10:20] of rights. Um and then you have a KBEB. Um

[1:10:27] and also there's cross reference to policy I J which goes to instructional

[1:10:32] materials and then in um chapter A your policy ABAA also talks about parents

[1:10:38] rights. So it is already um discussed um quite a bit throughout your policies. I

[1:10:43] I don't recommend including the changes. The parents bill of rights is very

[1:10:48] rigorous. Nationally, Arizona's at the forefront of parents rights, you know,

[1:10:52] with regard to directing the moral and the religious upbringing of a child. And

[1:10:56] so, um, just because of all the different places those those options are

[1:11:00] in policy currently, I think it it meets the legal requirements, um, in Arizona

[1:11:06] law and the case of Mahammud versus Taylor. Um, if the board wished to to

[1:11:12] look at the regulation, it could do so, but looking at the face of it, it

[1:11:16] complies with the legal requirements currently in place.

[1:11:21] » Okay. Thank you, >> President [clears throat] W. Miss

[1:11:23] O'Brien. So with all these cross reference policies,

[1:11:32] where would we

[1:11:36] see uh if a parent does have a religious

[1:11:41] objection to something

[1:11:47] staff does at that sit with that situation?

[1:11:53] » Sure. Um, President Wade, um, member Van Hook, um,

[1:11:58] your policy KBR, um, says parents who wish to object to

[1:12:02] any learning materials or learning activities may do so under the

[1:12:06] provisions of J KBN regulations. It doesn't specify who that objection goes

[1:12:12] to, but um, I would say it goes to any adult. you know, if a parent received

[1:12:17] that, they would have a a professional duty to report that to an administrator

[1:12:22] and then honor that objection. Miss Van Hook, I can express at least

[1:12:27] from my experience in the past when a parent has recommended it to me um in

[1:12:31] that they don't want their kid to participate with this specific thing.

[1:12:35] So, like let's say there was per our policies something that we were doing in

[1:12:39] content that needed the parent permission slip to get sent home. when

[1:12:43] it does not come back, regardless if I've heard from the parent or not, that

[1:12:46] kid gets removed from that assignment. They're not allowed to participate. Um,

[1:12:50] when the parent contacts, we ultimately set that kid up and discuss with the

[1:12:55] parent what the alternative assignment is and what that plan looks like for

[1:12:58] that kid. Um, I have also had a situation, it wasn't for my class

[1:13:01] specifically, but instead of the parent coming to the teacher, the parent went

[1:13:04] to that admin, and then the admin went through the process of working with that

[1:13:08] teacher and that parent for that kid's alternative assignment.

[1:13:12] » Okay. Um I just want to ensure that uh

[1:13:17] aside from the regular objections to whether it's explicit content or

[1:13:23] whatever that

[1:13:27] everybody is aware of the Mimmude versus Taylor ruling and that and that

[1:13:34] specifically applies to just religious um beliefs. Um and that in those

[1:13:40] instances that the accommodation is there just

[1:13:46] like we would accommodate anything else. Um that's my main concern.

[1:13:53] That's all. Thanks. Okay. So, um from a legal perspective,

[1:13:58] if we're not motioning, can we just move on or do I have to do something in order

[1:14:01] since there is no motion at hand if we're not um going to make any changes

[1:14:08] to this policy? U Madam President, you just agenda to to

[1:14:14] discuss and take possible action regarding the policy. So if the board

[1:14:18] doesn't wish to take any action, they could just move on.

[1:14:21] » Okay. Because the possible Miss Van Hook, do you want to motion or are you

[1:14:24] fine if we move on? >> I I um President Wade, I I don't know if

[1:14:29] the tech can pull this up. I mean, obviously everybody who's watching has

[1:14:33] like got some eyes on this, right? I would hope so because I am so grateful

[1:14:38] this uh Arizona is really generous with parental rights and that is something

[1:14:42] once I gotten more in this area um noticed that uh in here it's

[1:14:49] immunization opt out um it also talks about uh content parent choice to opt

[1:14:56] out um I I mean yes this is a strict policy so the wording is not

[1:15:05] long, but it is very specific and I feel like it's very thorough and gets to the

[1:15:11] point, gets to the meat, which um which I feel like we're treading on more

[1:15:16] procedure perhaps. Um so I'm really kind of confident in this policy. So I hope

[1:15:22] that you guys got some eyes on it. And um let's see, what did I write in my

[1:15:27] notes? uh par parental right and and per the

[1:15:32] parents bill of rights is constantly referenced in here. [snorts]

[1:15:38] So I'm comfortable where we're at legislatively. We don't need to change

[1:15:42] anything like the previous things on there. So I'm comfortable where we're

[1:15:46] at. Something else I'd like to add for parents who are listening at the start

[1:15:51] of every year we have curriculum night. Um come to curriculum night, learn what

[1:15:55] your kids are going to be going through for the whole semester. So, especially

[1:15:58] if you have concerns as a parent with respect to your religious belief at home

[1:16:01] or other just personal beliefs in general, if it is something that you

[1:16:04] have genuine concern about, come to curriculum night. Um, we even offset the

[1:16:09] times if you have kids that are elementary or middle and or high school

[1:16:12] so you can make it to all of them. >> President Wade, it even has in here

[1:16:16] library um references that parents always have access to that. Obviously,

[1:16:20] curriculum, we all know that we always have access to that, right? Reach out to

[1:16:23] the district if you guys have any questions. We also do that curriculum

[1:16:27] review before we adopt anything. So, you know, and whether or not parents show

[1:16:31] up, that's up up to them. Um, but I feel like this is really thorough.

[1:16:40] All right, I take it that I'm going to move on to 6.6 discussion and possible

[1:16:44] action regarding board self-evaluation. Um, it says board discussion on the

[1:16:49] holding of the board self-evaluation. Every year we've kind of voted on it.

[1:16:52] Um, in the time frame that I've been on here, we've done it some years and some

[1:16:56] years not. Um, I'm I'm open to discussion. I'll I'll lead off the

[1:17:00] discussion in that I don't recommend we have it this year. A, we don't have a

[1:17:04] full board currently. Um, and so I think that plays a part in this. Also, in at

[1:17:11] least the four years I have been on the board, so I recognize that's a a short

[1:17:14] window. um the year that we had uh an election in which possible seats were

[1:17:21] going to be changed um we didn't um so I am on the side of not doing that but I'm

[1:17:27] I'm willing to discuss with the group how everybody feels with respect to uh

[1:17:31] board eval

[1:17:38] » I'm okay with passing this this year >> with not doing so that is correct okay

[1:17:44] so we got two I agree with it being election year.

[1:17:48] » So then why don't I motion for that and then we'll we'll see where that lands.

[1:17:51] Great. Good call. I motion to not conduct a board self evaluation.

[1:17:55] » Second. >> That would be Miss Schultz seconding.

[1:17:58] All those in favor? >> I I

[1:18:00] » I motion carries 4 to zero. 6.7 approval of overnight andor

[1:18:07] outofstate staff travel for journalism. Any questions or comments from the board

[1:18:11] before I motion? President Wade,

[1:18:15] I did ask for this to be pulled. Um, just based on my research,

[1:18:22] I understand that uh

[1:18:27] the individual attending this, it's a volunteer role. Uh,

[1:18:35] he's providing, he's doing a presentation. Uh, I get that. Uh but

[1:18:40] again this isn't simply a journalism skills conference.

[1:18:47] They actually uh

[1:18:51] they require attendance uh for certifi for they require attendance at

[1:18:58] designated sessions for a specific official DEI certificate. Now, we aren't

[1:19:06] provided sessions. We aren't provided uh material as to

[1:19:14] what they plan to attend, what they plan not to attend. Um,

[1:19:19] but the organizers are specifically soliciting uh

[1:19:26] presentations addressing things that I've shared concerns about.

[1:19:32] um addressing DEI representation, newsroom

[1:19:37] diversity, and um they even talk about uh equitable

[1:19:46] grading and sexual orientation, gender identity.

[1:19:52] I mean, what that has to do with journalism is beyond me, but

[1:20:00] I've said this before and I'll say it again. I support professional

[1:20:03] development focused on whatever the skill is. Uh,

[1:20:09] but when they include,

[1:20:14] [snorts] you know, identity based programming and um

[1:20:19] all that other garbage. Uh I think it it dilutes the

[1:20:30] the purpose. Um so that's my concern with this. Um

[1:20:38] so we are aware this is the national high school journalism convention um

[1:20:42] which also includes aspects of yearbook um and journalism [clears throat] in

[1:20:47] general for the high school level. Um I I recognize your concerns with respect

[1:20:52] to DEI. One of the things that I think is important, our high school campuses

[1:20:55] have all manner of clubs. Um and it would be important for the individuals

[1:20:59] who are including those clubs in their yearbook or including those clubs in a

[1:21:05] newspaper write up and those kinds of things to um you know be accepting of

[1:21:09] the fact that there are students of all types uh that could exist on their

[1:21:14] campuses. I think it's remarkable that we have one of our very own presenting

[1:21:19] um at this and I think that's great. Uh so yeah, I I think uh it is to be

[1:21:25] commended the idea that one of ours gets to be chosen to present at a national

[1:21:29] convention.

[1:21:33] » President Wade, we have a DEI um waiver that all attendees for trainings uh sign

[1:21:40] that they will not attend. those. Was this signed for this

[1:21:46] individual? >> Yes. All of our employees do that.

[1:21:52] » Okay. I motion to approve the staff travel to National High School

[1:21:56] Journalism Convention. >> Second.

[1:21:58] » That would be Miss Schultz seconding. All those in favor?

[1:22:01] » I. >> I. No. Uh. All those opposed?

[1:22:06] » Nay. >> Motion carries 3 to one. Does anyone

[1:22:09] have any future uh requests for Sorry, I read that wrong. It's apparently later

[1:22:13] in my brain. Does anyone have any requests for future agenda items? That's

[1:22:17] how that sentence should go. Not today.

[1:22:23] » All right. Next time we'll get you in October. I motion to adjourn this

[1:22:27] meeting. >> Second.

[1:22:28] » That would be Miss Van Hook seconding. All those in favor. I motion carries

[1:22:34] four to zero. Meeting adjourned. Drive safe everybody.

GOVERNING BOARD MEETING AGENDA - Sep 22 2026

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