Good evening. Good evening. I would like to call this meeting to order. I appreciate it. This microphone doesn't carry very well. Good evening everybody. I would like to call this meeting to order. Mr. Lennonheiser, may I have roll call, please? >> President Wade, let the record show that all four members are in attendance this evening. >> Thank you. Please join me in a moment of silence, followed by the pledge of allegiance.

I motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> I'll give that to Miss German. Seconding. All those in favor? >> I I >> I. Motion carries four to zero. This brings us to Mr. Lassenheiser for the superintendent report. President Wade, members of the board, we have a few different items in the superintendent report. But before we jump in, I'd like to just let the crowd know that this is kind of how we do it. We'll have a superintendent report where we will go through some different items and we'd appreciate it that when it's uh your time to get recognized, you come up and then you stay.

There will be a point in time where I'll say, "Hey, if anybody, you know, would like to go ahead and leave, it would be an appropriate time." So, I'll let you guys know when that happens. But I'm really excited about the different things that we're looking to celebrate today. Uh first of all, I just wanted to shout out to our campuses, to our students, to our sponsors, our club sponsors, our people who put together our Patriot Day celebrations from around the district.

And so our schools recognize the events of 9/11 and Patriot Day with ceremonies, public safety appreciation events, assemblies, service projects. You know, in Higgley, one of our pillars of our portrait graduate is a responsible citizenship. And you know how we uh recognize what happens on Patriot Day really exemplifies the importance that we have in teaching servant leadership and citizenship to our students at every level.

And I don't know if you were guys were able to go out and visit any of the different events, but fantastic things organized by students and by our sponsors of our clubs and by our leadership. And I'm just proud of uh what we do and what we do to remember and then turn around and support within student service project. So, I want to give a big thank you to everybody who worked hard to make that a special day around of our district.

I want to commend uh everyone who was involved with our business and community partner breakfast that happened last week. We welcomed more than 100 business owners, community leaders, and nonprofits to Kulie's campus for our fall business and community partner breakfast where we highlighted Sausman Spartan buddies and video productions programs and Centennial's participatory budgeting program. It's a great opportunity to network and brainstorm with our business partners on the future projects as we move forward into the school year.

Our question that we had was how we can we have our business partners connect with our participatory budgeting processes that are occurring on our campuses. We had great feedback about the conversation and as always our goal is to take conversation and turn it into action and how we can we can further commit to making sure that we work together because when we are working together it's going to provide our students the best opportunities possible.

So, thank you to everyone who was involved in setting up and and being a part of the business and community partner breakfast and we look forward to our next one in February. All right. Now, it's the time where I think a lot of you are here to see because we are very, very proud of Sasman Middle School's wrestling team for winning the East Valley Conference Championship. Let's give him a round of applause. All right, gentlemen, up here.

So, if I could have the team come up, please. All of you come up and I just want you to line up right over here. And I know we have our coaches and Mr. Keeling are here, but kids, I'm going to put you on the spot just a little bit. All right. First of all, congratulations for representing Higgley and Sausman and winning the wrestling championship. That is awesome. And what I'm going to do before I turn it over to Mr.

Keeling, we're going to just hand down the microphone and I'd like you to introduce yourself, what grade you're in, and what weight class you participated in. And if you were one of our EVC champions, would you tell us that you're the champion as well? So, do you guys got it? Okay, we're going to start with coach over here. >> Uh Josh Nisbet, assistant coach, been with Sman for seven years. Hi. Um, I'm TJ. Um, I'm in eighth grade.

Um, and I'm in the 83 um, pound weight class. >> I got second place. >> I'm Phoenix. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 98 weight class and I got fifth place. >> I'm Brooklyn. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 133 weight class. I'm Daniel. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 167 weight class. >> I'm Co and I'm in seventh grade and I participated in the 88 weight class. >> I'm Josiah. I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 142 weight class. >> I'm Dean and I participated in the 105 weight class. >> Uh I'm Jacob.

I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 104 weight class. >> Uh, third place. >> I'm Kaden. I'm in seventh grade and I participated in the 73 lb weight class and I won EVC's. >> I'm Jimmer. Uh, I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 78 weight class and I got second place. >> I'm Isa. I participated in the 111 weight class and I won ABC's. >> I'm Austin and I participated in the 118 weight class and I'm in eighth grade and I placed third place. >> I'm Mia Johnson.

I'm in eighth grade and I participated in the 125 weight class. >> I'm Paxton Romney. I participated in the 154 pound weight class. I came in third place and I'm in eighth grade. >> Uh I'm Kaisen. I wrestled in the 200 weight class and I placed second. >> And I am Coach Tid and I've been Sman for 10 years. Took me 10 years to get this done and this is the team that did it. Thank you boys. I'm Brandon Keeling. I'm the assistant principal and athletic director.

Uh we're not going to talk about my weight class. And so, um, Coach Tid has been coaching assassin for 10 years. Um, nine years ago at the same tournament, uh, there's a particular team that won it. We don't say their name around here. And, um, coach goes, we're going to catch those guys. and he spent the last almost decade uh building this program, working with coach Nesbbit, working with the high school um to create a fantastic program and great experience for our kids.

I'm so proud of coach, so proud of every single one of you showing up every morning at 6:30 to work hard and accomplish your goals and looking forward to uh seeing you guys back in this room next year as repeat champions. Way to go, Sasman. All right, let's give another big round of applause for these outstanding champions. All right, you guys are good to go back to your seats. Thank you so much. Congratulations. You know, Mr.

Keeling mentioned being there at 6:30 going above and beyond uh to participate in athletics and I just want to say thank you to all of you parents. You're here tonight. You're driving them in the morning and I know the sacrifices you make as a family when you're the uh parent of an athlete. So, thank you so much for supporting and we're so proud of the success of our students. So, what a great celebration it is for us tonight.

For upcoming events, um this Thursday we have our school visit with the cabinet and the governing board to Williamsfield High School and we're really looking forward so that Williamsfield can highlight what they're doing on campuses. I'm sure no one's counting down, but October 5th through 16th is fall break and so we will have two weeks off. During that time, we do have Tuesday, October 13th, that's at 10:00 a.m. will be our uh virtual board meeting so we can go through the AFR.

And just remember, especially for parents out there, Monday, October 19th, when we come back from break, we do not have students on that day. So, the students continue to have Monday off where we'll do well. We do a professional development day. And then Tuesday, October 20th is when we resume school after fall break. So that concludes the superintendence report and thank you. So everyone who was here so that we could recognize and celebrate.

But at this time we're going to switch to our business portion of our meeting. So if you would like to stay, you're more than welcome to stay. But we'll take a couple minutes if you guys would like to leave now. So thank you very much for being here and supporting. President Wade, that concludes the superintendent report. >> Thank you, Mr. Lenheiser. Next on the agenda are the requests to speak. Please play the video.

We value input from our constituents. This time on our agenda has been set aside for anyone from the audience who wishes to address the board. Those that wish to speak should have filled out speaker cards which are due prior to the start of our meeting. Members of the board may not discuss, comment, or take action on matters raised that are not specifically identified on the agenda. Therefore, pursuant to ARS 38-431.01i, 01 I action taken as a result of public comment will be limited to directing staff to study the matter, responding to any criticism or scheduling the matter for further consideration and decision at a later date.

Also, we ask that audience members practice proper public meeting to quorum, refraining from either negative or positive responses, including clapping or verbal outbursts to ensure fairness to all points of view. Those that refuse to follow these rules may be asked to leave. In accordance with policy BEDH public participation at board meetings, if considered necessary, the governing board president shall set a time limit on the length of the comment period in order to ensure that each individual has an opportunity to address the board.

The president may also set a time limit for individual speakers. Thank you for your cooperation. Up first we have Maryanne Show. Good evening board members and our executive branch of Higgley Unified. I come here on the behalf of parents and students in our high school and middle school community who are really really frustrated with the software errors that are happening with their computers. It is my understanding from my own children that there are multiple issues going on with both Canvas and um oh gosh, parent view that is actually blocking our students from being able to get work turned in correctly and accountably.

My oldest is a sophomore at Williamsfield in a year and a quarter. So between our freshman year and where we are now, she has had to switch out her computer 15 times. Um, our youngest is a freshman at Williamsfield. In this time period, she has had to switch out her computer 10 times. All of it is a software issue. Most of the time, the IT department is trying to hit it with hardware. The canvas is software. Parent view is software.

We have contracts with those companies regarding the our students ability to learn. So this needs to be hit with two parts because our district is paying for those contracts and it is affecting our kids ability to learn and parents ability to actually track where their grades are. Um, our oldest spent an entire class period today with her teacher trying to figure out why Canvas wasn't loading correctly. So, I don't know how much we're paying per student, but at this point, we need to start looking at the contracts we have with both organizations.

Thank you. Next, we have Timothy Show. It was last year about the same time we were talking about digitization of the classroom and the failures of bringing electronics without a redundant system. And historically we've had chalk chalkboards for well over 2,000 years. We have them left over there in the in throughout the world we come across them. the advent of computer going there without a proper roll out will lead to a decrease in the student learning.

It's that's been repeated over and over again. One of the biggest areas was during COVID when they try to digitize every student out there. Uh I happen to have a bachelor of electrical engineering. It's a passion of mine. It's also a vocation. But without redundant systems, you're going to lose the kids. You you they're going to be frustrated. My oldest happens to be a natural engineer. Kind of comes with the territory. and she she chose not to pursue engineering as a natural female engineer.

Carl Jung would say less than 1% of the population. That's something all the school boards I've ever heard try to try to f um try to encourage and prosper. It's not working. And it's not working because the kids are frustrated. It's not rolled out properly. It needs to be rolled out properly. Up next, we have Trevor Cook. Okay, it's going to be a little I'm pretty tall, so let's see. Okay. All right. There we go. All right.

Good evening, U Madam Board President, members of the board. Uh my name is Trevor Cook. I am a former student of Higgley High School, also a former member of student council. Uh I am a 2016 graduate. Go Knights. Uh, I'm here to talk about today about there was an incident a few weeks ago of a of a student potentially who had violated the dress code. There was a shirt that it was a shirt that had a blood stain on it regarding the assassination of an individual.

And this student has a first amendment right obviously. I I get that. I respect that. But at the same time, it is in violation of the dress code regarding basically when it uh contains or convenes obscene language symbols or messages. Uh I think that uh there should be some punishment for this because it is a dress code that this that the board adopted and the school has to follow. But and and look, I mean it doesn't matter what the student was wearing or who they support politically.

It doesn't matter if it's Charlie Kirk, Martin Luther King Jr. It it doesn't matter. Schools are supposed to be a place of free speech and opportunity. They we can't they should not they it's just it's just they shouldn't be wearing stuff that violates the dress code. that could be distracting to other students and staff. Thank you so much. Up next, we have Travis White. Good evening, President Wade, members of the board, superintendent, district leadership, uh, and community members.

My name is Travis White and I'm a proud parent of a first grader in the Mandarin dual immersion program at Coronado Elementary. Thank you for keeping elementary specials and language programs as part of your focus. This Saturday is National PTO appreciation day and I wanted to recognize our wonderful PTOs and booster clubs across our district. Our Coronado PTO has worked tirelessly during our recent direct donation drive and I wanted to thank them uh for their efforts in planning this year's Mid-Autumn Moon Festival that will be held this Friday.

These fundraising efforts allow Coronado to have events where all families can attend for free and celebrate together as a school community. This is what true community and inclusion looks like in practice. Having the opportunity to invest directly in school communities and is one of the things that makes the work of supporting a school so worthwhile. Tonight's agenda for the fiscal year 2027 classroom site fund plan is a good example of that.

Budgets are more than just spreadsheets and communication around them clearly outlines a district's values. It's wonderful that we're committing these statutory dollars to the base addition, stipens, performance pay, and even subsidizing the 3% base increase for our hardworking certified staff. While this increase is vital to supporting our educators in today's inflationary environment and competitive East Valley market, it only just keeps pace.

While our focus should continue to be on maximizing state uh CSF dollars, our ongoing imperative as a district must be rigorous financial oversight and operational efficiency. This will allow us to determine additional ways to increase compensation for our educators over time. Whether it's parents stepping up to ensure all families can celebrate together at a festival or the board directing funds where they impact students learning most, our focus must stay locked on supporting the people who make Higgley great.

Thank you for your time. Let's keep showing that together we got this and that Higgley's public schools can can continue to lead the charts by supporting our educators in their journey to provide a world-class education for every student. Thank you. Up next we have Heather Balch. >> Good evening board members and um cabinet. It's nice to be here this evening. I think that as a a school district we often stop thinking about our kids after they graduate.

Uh our kids graduate from high school and then we really don't know what happens after that. Um, and tonight I'm here to share the rest of the story with you. My son started preschool at Santan Elementary back in 2007. He continued his elementary career through uh sixth grade at Santan and then went to Sasson Middle School. While at Sassimon Middle School, he found his love of robotics with John Burke, who fostered a an opportunity for him to explore um something of very much interest to him. sports was not his thing.

Um and then from there he went on to Higgley High School where he got involved in the CTE engineering programs. Jason Sixkiller just um ran an amazing program while he was there. Um during one class period, Embry Riddle came to present to our kids and tell them about what a great opportunity the university is. And he actually ended up going there. He graduated in May and he was just hired um at Honeywell. So, Higgley students do great things and I just wanted to share that with you tonight.

Thank you. Up next, we have Mindy Brocker. Thank you so much, President Wade, and members of the governing board for allowing me to speak tonight. I'm asking that you reject the proposed changes to policy KB. I want to be very clear. I support parental rights, religious liberty, and Higgley complying fully with Arizona law and the Supreme Court's decision in Mahabmood versus Taylor. But these proposed amendments are unnecessary and they create serious operational risks in our classrooms.

HUSD's existing policy already provide substantial protections. Section E allows parents who object to instructional materials as harmful to withdraw their children and request alternative assignments, specifically including objections involving religion. Section F guarantees advanced access to instructional materials. Rejecting these board member drafted amendments does not mean rejecting parental rights. The changes proposed by board member Van Hoke go considerably further.

Legally, Mimmude and the First Amendment address instruction that substantially interferes with religious development or poses a substantial threat to faith. In law, substantial is a high bar. It addresses severe burdens, not incidental exposure to regular pre-approved academic content. Yet under proposed section E, that threshold completely disappears. A parent need only identify an activity and claim a conflict. Staff are forbidden from questioning or evaluating it, and the student must immediately be pulled from all instruction and exposure while the request is pending.

In practice, this turns a standard into any perceived compl conflict, no matter how routine. Consider our classrooms where a standard middle school science lesson on genetics or a history unit on world religions or an English novel with diverse characters does not pose a constitutional violation. Yet, under this language, an objection to any ordinary topic can force an immediate and automatic removal. Education amongst your peers cannot function if every classroom must be individually customized instantly to immediately accommodate every family's personal beliefs.

Before adopting this language, the board should ask, "What is Higgley's existing procedure and response time when an objection is submitted right before instruction begins?" If there is a procedural gap, let's fix that gap. Parents do have rights, teachers have responsibilities, and students have a right to a coherent education. Please reject these amendments and direct staff as needed to craft a narrowly tailored procedure that protects legitimate rights without disrupting our classroom learning.

Thank you. >> Okay, that concludes our request to speak. Uh Mr. Lotsenheiser, if we can get uh in our superintendent report an IT update, if if things are happening, is it happening across the board, intermittent all that jazz? >> Yes. >> Thank you. This brings us to consent agenda items. I motion to approve consent agenda items 5.1 through 5.13. >> Second. >> That would be Miss Schultz. Seconding. All those in favor? >> I >> I I motion carries four to zero.

We'd like to thank AMZ, Tall and Mechanical, McGra Hill, UHG, Kerry Coxin, DLR, DLR Group, Arizona Students Recycling, Use Technology, Higgley Palm Boosters, and Higgley Cheer Boosters for their generous donations to the district and its students. This brings us to action item 6.1, approval of fiscal year 2027 classroom site fund plan. Any questions or comments from the board before a motion? President Wade. Um, I just noticed that we got the numbers back in the uh Q&A and I noticed that the uh total projected cost of all four components was 13.5 million and the revenue is projected to be 12.7 million and there's a difference of about 828,000.

And I'm just wondering if uh do we plan on using the classroom site fund balance to cover that difference? President Wade, uh board member Van Hook. Yes. I mean, we are currently carrying well, we came into this year with about 16 million in budget balance carry forward. So, yes, we're trying to start spending that down because that's a large dollar amount to be carrying in this fund. Thank you. >> Nothing. >> Okay. I motion to approve the fiscal year 2027 classroom site fund plan. >> Second. >> I'm going to give that to Miss Gar.

Seconding. All those in favor? >> I. >> I. Motion carries 4 to zero. Next, we have 6.2 second read and approval of BEDBA school board operational goals. Any questions or comments from the board before I motion? President Wade, uh, I had suggested changes to the policy and the policy currently requires agenda and supporting material to be distributed at least 24 hours before the meeting. Um, but it does not establish a minimum of standard for the supporting material.

Uh I met with uh Superintendent Lutzenheiser and during our meeting we agreed that the board should receive complete agreements or documentation when um asked to approve or amend or renew contracts. Um and also for the public to have access to those documents. Um my and actually I was I was told that that would go in the communication protocols. Um but I don't know if the when I pulled the communication protocols at the time um if that was that wasn't in there.

Uh but my concern is if we're being asked to approve uh material um that that the agenda include the materials that we're being asked to approve and some you know when we do the Q&A I'll ask uh for the information and then it's sent to us after the act, but I think it's important to ensure that it's attached to the agenda. So, not only are we being able to see that um the changes or whatever it is that we're approving, but that the community is able to see that as well.

Um that was the only um thing. Let me see here. So complete agenda backup material and then um the sum summary of material revisions uh when we are sent uh information that things are changing and right now it's practice that uh if an agenda item or or supporting document is changed uh Christine is is good at providing those changes to us. Um, but again, I I wanted to make sure that it's in whether it's in the communications protocol or whether it's in policy, uh, that it states that.

Um, and that was not included. Um and then emergency deviation when for some reason if there's if we have to deviate from um the agenda for some reason uh my request was that we document uh in in the meeting records why that deviation occurred. And I was told during our meeting that uh policy beed uh and and it was cross referenced also I believe but I didn't see it in that policy either. Um but this doesn't my recommendation wouldn't prevent the superintendent from responding to emergency situations.

It's just document making sure that we document why why we deviated from um the agenda. So those are three concerns that I still have about the policy. Um, and I might I would like for us to be able to have further discussion um to see if we can incorporate um these items within that policy, if that makes sense. Mr. Lsonheiser, do we have in our communications protocol the 24-hour notice? I mean, I see we have 24-hour notice on here and ultimately it is in our practice.

So, where is that within our >> Well, the the policy does outline that we have the 24 hours and and board member Van Hook had sent a list of different things. Um we are asking that uh the board approve as written what we have done with in terms of changing this policy because going through our legal as well as uh looking at what we consistently already do. Um we felt like this is the most appropriate thing that would happen for our policy.

When we talk about supporting materials, supporting materials varies significantly by every single different um item that comes forward. And I know that we do provide our supporting materials and we do list those things ahead of time. And if there ever is an issue, then that is a strong way with the communication that we do have and the processes we do have in order to be able to provide those because when we do post them and post them publicly, they are going to be at least 24 hour 24 hours prior to the meeting.

In terms of the communication protocols, we did not include copies of those in there because that is more of a regulation or something that we do together. But we do follow through with what is accepted in terms of what the uh emergency communication we already have it in a different policy and the worry is when you start writing it into both different policies. I don't want to ever get confused. So that's why we turned around and referenced and um we have been very consistent about when changes happen because we do get the agenda to you guys out on Wednesday for the next Tuesday and sometimes there are things that get updated and so uh that has been a consistent thing.

We I do know that is being added to the communication protocols that outlines those different times as we're moving forward. President Wade, my concern was that for instance, if we uh for instance are being asked to a previous board, let's say approved a an agreement of of some sort uh whether it's an MOU or an agreement and then now and and as we know board changes every two years and so we are then asked to extend that that agreement for an additional five years and the initial agreement isn't attached to the policy.

Uh so we don't necessarily know what the previous board approved. So my ask is that that agreement should be included as part of the agenda so that if we're being asked to extend a previously approved agreement uh that we see what we're approving. Um that's just one example. board member Van Hook, do you have a specific example because we we went back. We're very cognizant of the conversation we had and looking like is there a time when we've asked to approve MUS where we have not provided it for you? >> No, it's not just providing it like when we we've asked.

We've had many instances where I've had to ask for doc documentation and it's been sent to us uh with the Q&A. Um, and while we were meeting, I try to go through uh my emails. Um, but we have had those situations where it's been sent once it's been asked for. Uh, but I I think that it's not something that we should have to ask for. I think it should just be included as part of the agenda. Uh again, whether it's an agreement or even if it's you know when you talk about like material changes if there's let's say a 30page contract of and uh the contract is amended. uh being able to outline exactly what those changes are um when we talk about identifying, you know, revisions of material.

Um but I've seen it many times where we've had to ask for documentation. So it is being provided after we ask. All I'm asking is that it be included without having to ask for it. Um, that's all. And and as I said, I looked in policy BDA and I did not see in there where it covers these things that I've mentioned. >> President Wade. Um, so after I reviewed kind of this, um, I could see the point that board member Van Hook was kind of making.

Obviously, we want to see all the information. I mean, as a board member, I learned that board member 101, you need to know how to search in board docs and you need to be thorough and figure out what are good search words, all that kind of stuff. And um but I could see how a general statement that is hard to identify like what what exactly documents would need to be uploaded perhaps and stuff like that. So, I could see how the district would potentially be confused and um and some of us like it provided via email.

Some of us do utilize the search. So, that's where it was kind of hard is I think it would be hard for the admin to predict what specifically. So, I love the Q&A, the option to always ask a question. They they do such a good job releasing these questions ahead of time so we really have time. So, I could see kind of the frustrations on both ends, but I ultimately think that, you know, we've utilized the Q&A. >> Um, President Wade, board members, if I could just um walk through a couple of the concerns.

I I did um meet with the superintendent last week uh to go through the proposed changes and um the version in front of you is what my recommended changes are. And this is really intended to comply with the open meeting law, right? So open meeting law requires that you receive the agenda, the public can see the agenda and supporting documents um 24 at least 24 hours ahead. Many districts have a practice that you get the documents much earlier than that, right?

Because your governing board agenda often has voluminous documents. And so it sounds like that's what the practice is here as well. Again, your Q&A um practice exceeds what's required by the open that's not in the open meeting law, right? But that's just another opportunity for board members to inquire about matters so that when they get to to your meeting things can run more smoothly. Um so with regard to member Van Hook's question or issue about the emergency I did if if I understand your concern correctly um member Van Hook the 24hour um meeting notice can be waved if there's an actual emergency and that is contained in policy BEDA.

I've never advised a governing board to hold an emergency meeting because I've never seen one. Um, and so that's very used very sparingly, but obviously the governing board would have to document what the true emergency was, why they couldn't provide 24-hour notice to the to the public. And I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Um, yes. And and that's exa I that's exactly what I'm asking is that we document uh which I don't see in the policy is having to ensure that we document that and I hope we never have to have an emergency meeting like that.

Um I mean there are states where there's a tornado and there's a roof that blew. I mean there's like districts that have had issues like that. My concern with that specific section is just to ensure that we're documenting and put it in policy to say whether it's policy or whether it's regulation to say let let's make sure we're documenting. Um but my issue isn't the 24hour notice uh when it comes to backup material. My issue is ensuring that the documents are attached to the agenda so that we don't have to ask for it.

Um that it's standard practice to provide those documentations and also um so that the public can see the documents as well. And as I explained, if it's if we're being asked to extend an agreement that's been approved by a previous board and that agreement isn't attached to the agenda, then how do we know where we're exactly? You know, sometimes they just put like verbiage instead of attaching the actual document. There's just like language for that specific agenda item.

And in addition to that language, there needs to be the initial document so we know what we're extending or what we're approving. Um, President Wade, I don't mean to crosshairs, but saying that there's no documents provided, that's kind of a mistruth. I feel like that there's the district always attaches and stuff like that. It's very visible. So, I don't know. Um, I don't believe your statement is 100% accurate. Um, you can believe whatever you'd like.

Um, but for instance, I believe 5, what was it? 512. Um, maybe it was last meeting, but there was an agenda item. Uh, I believe it was last meeting where it was just just language and I don't remember what it was about at this moment. Um, but we've had several instances where there is no document and I've had to ask for it and it's been sent to us with the agenda Q&A. Um, so calling it a mistruth, I don't know what you're even talking about, but um, the point is ensuring that the documentation um, is attached uh, and that not only we see it as board members, but the community sees the document as well.

That's all I'm asking. >> First, I would like to um express gratitude both to the district and board member Van Hook and that you all work together to, you know, update certain aspects of this policy with in accordance with the law. Um I I do think it is important to keep in mind we have access to this information as board members. We have access to board docs. we can go back through these things and even greater as a board member when I decide I don't want to go through and look through that or I'm having problems when I'm looking through it because I don't exactly know what to look for as board member German brought up or sorry vice president German um I can ask the district and we get access to that.

So I I it feels as if we're we're making statements that we're not having access to this information. And at the end of the day, what I hear repetitively throughout that is yes, you may have had to ask for it, but you still get it. And I think that is important. And I do believe that there are certain aspects of this that again, we can go back and look at because it's as if we have these things in record to be able to do so.

Um, and so I I do feel that at this time I personally am going to recommend what our lawyers are suggesting in terms of in accordance with the law. As far as the documentation piece of making sure that we document should we ever have an emergency and we have to cancel a meeting and we're unable to fulfill that, which I recognize we have not had to do, that would not be in this specific policy since it's already addressed in the BEA. >> Yes, madam.

Yes, that's correct. And Madam President, if I could just say um that specific portion of the policy, it says a 24-hour meeting notice is not required in the case of an actual emergency. However, notice shall be given and procedures followed in accordance with the open meeting law. So that would cover the document, the reason why an emergency meeting was called without the 24-hour, >> meaning we would have to provide that to the public because we are legally obligated to do so. >> You would have to put it on the record why you're holding an emergency. >> Okay.

Thank you. Perfect. Um, Miss Van Hook, do you have more you wish to comment before I make a motion? >> Um, yes. I want to say yes. We when we ask for it, we get it. But the problem then is the community doesn't get it. The community doesn't see it um as part of the agenda item. So, that is one of my concerns. But we can move on. I motion to approve beba school board operational goals goals. That's weird. Second, Miss Schultz seconded.

All those in favor? >> I. >> I. Motion carries four to zero. >> This brings us to 6.3 second read and approval of IHA instructional program. Any questions or comments from the board before I motion? When you look at the change request uh for number three, I originally requested language to ensure that the uh curricular and non-curricular programs do not diminish the instructional time resources um during the policy review.

Um it was proposed alternate language uh and um we did discuss that language when we met. Um and I understood that uh it would be incorporated into into the policy. Um but then when we got the updated policy, it looks like it was removed. Um let's see. The existing policy states that uh prioritizing reading and mathematics should not result in neglect of other curricular area curriculum areas. And I want to ensure that the reverse is also true.

That other programs and initiatives do not diminish the instructional time and resources necessary for students to achieve proficiency in our core academic subjects. Um and and just based on the language that was put in as the opposite of that. Um and then number three instruction and other um let's see sorry. Yeah. So I I would like to just understand like why would we uh protect other curricular areas from being neglected? um but not protect core academics.

Madame President, board members, um I again I worked with the administration on to harmonize the ASBA model changes and board member Van Hook's changes and requested changes and um essentially I made a modification to number two, I believe, paragraph two. um because that incorporates a program around math, mathematics, and then uh the literacy coach. And then as far as number three, I I did not recommend making that change because of the um the detail and the administrative burden that would be created by this um assessment that the superintendent would have to do.

Can you explain what the burden would be to ensure that we're not neglecting course subjects? >> Sure. Um so member Van Hook um board members, this was just very specific. Obviously the superintendent is charged with ensuring that many of these things already occur, right? So not neglecting other areas of the curriculum. Um, it's just I I've not seen another governing board adopt a policy with a specific requirement on a superintendent um as part of an initiative that that seemed more the administrative function delegated to the superintendent. >> Okay.

I I I'm sorry. I'm I'm a bit baffled that we would put in language that would protect uh programs um over core academic subjects. That that just doesn't make sense to me. Um, and when you say you haven't seen other other boards, but at the same time, I think it's our role as board members to uh be able to work work on policies that impact our own district and it shouldn't matter that other boards don't do it. Um, it's our role to do it for our own district.

Uh but I I am truly baffled that we wouldn't want to prioritize core academic subjects over other other programs. But board member Van Hook, if I may, um almost every aspect of our children's education is geared towards core subjects. Uh it's part of the reason why those core subjects are tested every spring. Um, and so I I think it's important to keep in mind every other aspect of our educational policies and procedures and how what those are geared towards.

And we have spent so much time with respect to our focus on student academic performance on these tests because they are mandated by the state that we have to do them. And so much of your child's time is spent taking benchmark assessments. For those of you who have kids, you've gotten notice in the past couple of weeks of the benchmark assessments that they have been taking. All of those are core subjects. So there is ample policy that is centered around making sure our core subjects are of focus.

So, it would make sense to me, at least in my perspective, why we should have a policy that says, hey, because we are focusing in all these other areas, it's still important that we maintain a well-rounded education because we also recognize and understand the data that goes into things like art, music, other types of studies, social studies, for example, that gives critical thinking. All of those classes help perform in core academics.

So I I think and correct me if I'm I'm wrong here from a at least the way I understand this from a legal perspective is that because we already do it in these other areas saying it yet again it's kind of like we just talked about with our previous agenda item having it in multiple places can create problems for us when it comes to updating new laws or redundancies and those types of things. Is that correct? Madam President, board also I would also say it it could run a f a foul of compliance, right?

So if you're directing the superintendent to do something and it's not cross cross reference in policy correctly, you know, that could be a challenge. Um, I just wanted to address member Van Hook, you know, the statement you made about customizing policies according to your community's needs is absolutely correct. You know, Higgley has many custom policies that aren't the model ASBA policy. That's just my legal advice and you know your board is welcome to take my advice or not take my advice advice but that was just my recommendation to to the board. >> Thank you.

Uh yeah I just our our I think the district's priority should always be our core subjects. uh and but the way that the existing policy it states that prioritizing reading and mathematics should not result in neglect of other curricular u curricular areas. I just I want to ensure that we are in fact uh prioritizing our core academic subjects because that is what our kids are graded on. that is what our district is graded on.

Um, and those have to be a priority. And I just I think that the way that the language currently is in the policy, uh, it it reverses what should be a priority. Um my other concern also is uh for change number four we had parental rights language in there and that language was completely removed after uh it was reviewed by um Miss O'Brien. And I'm curious to know why parental rights um was removed, parental notification, parental rights, parental consent.

It's for uh section F uh mental health instruction. Again, I I just thought that that was redundant because that's in other board policies, but I mean that wasn't that's been in our policy. Uh and that wasn't even a request to change. that's something you decided to remove when in fact it should have remained because parents should be notified. Parents should give consent uh and it I I just it should have never been removed.

Miss O'Brien, um what you mean by redundant is that again we have other policies that mandate we have to notify students uh and students parents of specific uh classroom content that they're going through. Opt out is provided in all kinds of our policies with respect to like English for example and books and all of these things. Is that what you mean by redundant? >> Yes, that is what I mean by redundant. Those policies are believe I believe are housed in chapter K. >> Okay.

Again, I am going to be inclined to listen to the legal advice of the individual we employ to understand the law and recommend policies that are in accordance with the law that looks at uh you know all aspects of that. Again, to be clear, we still have parental rights. Those are addressed in multiple policies, one of which we'll be talking about again later today. Um so I think that's important as far as clarity. Miss Van Hook, do your mic is still on.

Do you still have more questions or comments before I motion? >> Yeah, I mean clearly I don't oppose the entire policy. Uh, but I think that it >> should be included in there because this specifically talks about certain instruction and yes, I understand we have um clearly Arizona parental bill of rights. Uh but when it comes to a policy that discusses specific instruction, I think it's important for people to understand that that specific instruction um would require parental notification and consent, but we can move on. >> Sure. um for future.

You also can motion if you wish to put one of those things and ultimately you may feel that way but the rest of the board won't or wouldn't if we're not motioning for that kind of deal then it's not an option but you can motion and we can vote on it to see if we include it in that. I think at the end of the last meeting when we had conversations with that you had recommendations again just like our previous policy I am grateful for the opportunity that we as board members have to work with our administrators and our legal team to say hey here are some of the things that I have and we have updated those changes and and especially when they are you know beneficial with respect to the law but again I am inclined to listen to our legal advice on what we should include our policies >> right and president Just so you're aware, I don't just uh sit there and create these policies on my own.

Um I do work with uh many attorneys that I I am in contact with to help me with language. Uh so I don't want you to assume that this is just me without uh an expert um sitting and just creating policies. Um that I am in fact working with attorneys. I know I understand that and that you have mentioned that before. I find that concerning. I find that concerning because again we as a board and as a district have legal employee that we purchase and we pay for.

I have no idea any of the legal advice that you have received. Who are they from? What are their interests or any of that? like I I I recommend and I I I commend your desire to, you know, clearly seek out other alternatives, but um the idea that just because you do that means that therefore it is something that is appropriate here, I have concerns with because there's a there's a lot of things that are taking place there that that none of us have any eyes on.

Um and that's concerning. uh President Wade. Uh and it's not something that uh I have every right as a board member to be able to get um help from people to be able to write policy. Um so if that concerns you, I'm sorry. Um I think that that's a a personal issue. Uh but as board members, we have a right to do that. Um I can contact somebody from ASBA to help me with my policy. um there's several different organizations that I can contact uh in order to help me with the policy.

And so if you think that that's concerning, then you might want to uh better understand your role uh because we have the ability to do that as board members. Um and I have asked uh several times that I I would love to be able to discuss policy with our own attorney. Um, but that has not been um something that I've been able to do. Um, if it's something I can do, that'd be great. I'd love to meet with our attorney and discuss policy uh especially somebody who is familiar with our district.

Um, but again, that has not been an option. So I have to do um and reach out to people that um are willing to help um at the time instead of after the fact. So again having a policy having our lawyers look at it that would be conferring with our lawyers is it not lawyer I recommend these policies these are the interests that I have lawyer provides feedback back of what they recommend and what they don't recommend. And to be clear I never said you don't have the opportunity to do that.

You get to do whatever you want and and speak to whomever you wish. What I'm saying is I am inclined to go with the legal advice that we pay for. Right? And it would be wonderful to be able to utilize the legal advice that we pay for. The problem is I don't have that opportunity that I've asked for repeatedly. I would love to be able to meet with our attorney to be able to go over policy, but I think we're getting off track here.

So I'm going to point of order this. >> I motion to approve IHA in structural program. >> Second. >> That would be Miss Schultz. All those in favor? >> I I >> I >> I motion carries four to zero. 6.4 second read and approval of JJAB limited open closed forum. Any questions or comments from the board before I motion? President Wade. The only change I have is where it says if the principal chooses to accept materials, uh, it's a period and then the, it needs to be comma and then the. >> Mr.

Lenheiser, do you see where that is? >> Thank you. >> Yes, I found that. >> All right. I motion to approve JJAB limited open close forum with said comma. >> Second. >> That would be Miss German. That is a J. All those in favor? >> I >> I. Motion carries four to zero. This brings us to discussion and possible action regarding policy KB, parental involvement in education. Board member Van Hook asked for discussion on this policy.

Board member Van Hook. >> Thank you. Um I understand that the point of uh per our discussion per my discussion with uh Mr. Latenheiser uh we talked about how Arizona law has parental rights um and that the district must comply with the Supreme Court ruling uh regardless whether or not we pass this policy or not. Um but that's precisely why I believe that these protections should be uh reflected in our policy. Um our policy should explain the rights of parent that the rights parents have and uh establish procedure for the district employees to follow.

Uh parents should not have to research Supreme Court decisions and interpret statutes to understand how their rights how to exercise their rights uh when they have a religious objection to instructional material or activities. Our current policy already addresses parental objections to harmful learning material and provides advanced access to instructional material. However, it does not expressly explain the process of religious accommodation requests, what happens while a request is pending or how the district will provide meaningful advanced notice when a rel religious conflict is reasonably anticipated.

Parents cannot meaningfully consider whether to request an accommodation if they don't know what particular material will be used for their children. The district may believe a lesson has a positive educational purpose, but that does not eliminate its obligation to request applicable parent parental religious um to respect applicable parental religious rights. My proposed changes would make those protections more visible to parents and establish a clear procedure for staff.

They would also provide that if administration recommend recommends denying a religious opt out request, the governing board makes the final determination. Whether we amend this policy or not, the district must comply with applicable Arizona law and constitutional requirements established by the Supreme Court. Putting those protections into policy KB helps ensure that parents understand their right, staff understands their responsibilities, and the district has a clear, consistent process for complying with the law.

Um, and so that is the purpose of my recommendations because of the Supreme Court ruling. And uh if a parent does object, then that child has to be prevented from participating in that material until the teacher and administration figure out what alternative that student alternative activity that student can do. uh they can't continue to expose the child to something that their parents are objecting to. So these are things that I think needs to be uh whether again it's regulations or whether it's in policy uh we have to abide by these laws.

Um, so you know, I I'd love to discuss it whether you know, how do you how do you foresee us upholding these parental rights and and these laws without putting it in in the policy or regulation? Miss O'Brien, can you help me understand our current policy KB? Does it not already include in accordance with the law? Your policy KB, you have a regulation KBR that operationalizes Arizona law. And then um your policy KB has verbatim the parents bill of rights.

Um and then you have a KBEB. Um and also there's cross reference to policy I J which goes to instructional materials and then in um chapter A your policy ABAA also talks about parents rights. So it is already um discussed um quite a bit throughout your policies. I I don't recommend including the changes. The parents bill of rights is very rigorous. Nationally, Arizona's at the forefront of parents rights, you know, with regard to directing the moral and the religious upbringing of a child.

And so, um, just because of all the different places those those options are in policy currently, I think it it meets the legal requirements, um, in Arizona law and the case of Mahammud versus Taylor. Um, if the board wished to to look at the regulation, it could do so, but looking at the face of it, it complies with the legal requirements currently in place. >> Okay. Thank you, >> President W. Miss O'Brien. So with all these cross reference policies, where would we see uh if a parent does have a religious objection to something staff does at that sit with that situation? >> Sure.

Um, President Wade, um, member Van Hook, um, your policy KBR, um, says parents who wish to object to any learning materials or learning activities may do so under the provisions of J KBN regulations. It doesn't specify who that objection goes to, but um, I would say it goes to any adult. you know, if a parent received that, they would have a a professional duty to report that to an administrator and then honor that objection.

Miss Van Hook, I can express at least from my experience in the past when a parent has recommended it to me um in that they don't want their kid to participate with this specific thing. So, like let's say there was per our policies something that we were doing in content that needed the parent permission slip to get sent home. when it does not come back, regardless if I've heard from the parent or not, that kid gets removed from that assignment.

They're not allowed to participate. Um, when the parent contacts, we ultimately set that kid up and discuss with the parent what the alternative assignment is and what that plan looks like for that kid. Um, I have also had a situation, it wasn't for my class specifically, but instead of the parent coming to the teacher, the parent went to that admin, and then the admin went through the process of working with that teacher and that parent for that kid's alternative assignment. >> Okay.

Um I just want to ensure that uh aside from the regular objections to whether it's explicit content or whatever that everybody is aware of the Mimmude versus Taylor ruling and that and that specifically applies to just religious um beliefs. Um and that in those instances that the accommodation is there just like we would accommodate anything else. Um that's my main concern. That's all. Thanks. Okay. So, um from a legal perspective, if we're not motioning, can we just move on or do I have to do something in order since there is no motion at hand if we're not um going to make any changes to this policy?

U Madam President, you just agenda to to discuss and take possible action regarding the policy. So if the board doesn't wish to take any action, they could just move on. >> Okay. Because the possible Miss Van Hook, do you want to motion or are you fine if we move on? >> I I um President Wade, I I don't know if the tech can pull this up. I mean, obviously everybody who's watching has like got some eyes on this, right?

I would hope so because I am so grateful this uh Arizona is really generous with parental rights and that is something once I gotten more in this area um noticed that uh in here it's immunization opt out um it also talks about uh content parent choice to opt out um I I mean yes this is a strict policy so the wording is not long, but it is very specific and I feel like it's very thorough and gets to the point, gets to the meat, which um which I feel like we're treading on more procedure perhaps.

Um so I'm really kind of confident in this policy. So I hope that you guys got some eyes on it. And um let's see, what did I write in my notes? uh par parental right and and per the parents bill of rights is constantly referenced in here. So I'm comfortable where we're at legislatively. We don't need to change anything like the previous things on there. So I'm comfortable where we're at. Something else I'd like to add for parents who are listening at the start of every year we have curriculum night.

Um come to curriculum night, learn what your kids are going to be going through for the whole semester. So, especially if you have concerns as a parent with respect to your religious belief at home or other just personal beliefs in general, if it is something that you have genuine concern about, come to curriculum night. Um, we even offset the times if you have kids that are elementary or middle and or high school so you can make it to all of them. >> President Wade, it even has in here library um references that parents always have access to that.

Obviously, curriculum, we all know that we always have access to that, right? Reach out to the district if you guys have any questions. We also do that curriculum review before we adopt anything. So, you know, and whether or not parents show up, that's up up to them. Um, but I feel like this is really thorough. All right, I take it that I'm going to move on to 6.6 discussion and possible action regarding board self-evaluation.

Um, it says board discussion on the holding of the board self-evaluation. Every year we've kind of voted on it. Um, in the time frame that I've been on here, we've done it some years and some years not. Um, I'm I'm open to discussion. I'll I'll lead off the discussion in that I don't recommend we have it this year. A, we don't have a full board currently. Um, and so I think that plays a part in this. Also, in at least the four years I have been on the board, so I recognize that's a a short window. um the year that we had uh an election in which possible seats were going to be changed um we didn't um so I am on the side of not doing that but I'm I'm willing to discuss with the group how everybody feels with respect to uh board eval >> I'm okay with passing this this year >> with not doing so that is correct okay so we got two I agree with it being election year. >> So then why don't I motion for that and then we'll we'll see where that lands.

Great. Good call. I motion to not conduct a board self evaluation. >> Second. >> That would be Miss Schultz seconding. All those in favor? >> I I >> I motion carries 4 to zero. 6.7 approval of overnight andor outofstate staff travel for journalism. Any questions or comments from the board before I motion? President Wade, I did ask for this to be pulled. Um, just based on my research, I understand that uh the individual attending this, it's a volunteer role.

Uh, he's providing, he's doing a presentation. Uh, I get that. Uh but again this isn't simply a journalism skills conference. They actually uh they require attendance uh for certifi for they require attendance at designated sessions for a specific official DEI certificate. Now, we aren't provided sessions. We aren't provided uh material as to what they plan to attend, what they plan not to attend. Um, but the organizers are specifically soliciting uh presentations addressing things that I've shared concerns about. um addressing DEI representation, newsroom diversity, and um they even talk about uh equitable grading and sexual orientation, gender identity.

I mean, what that has to do with journalism is beyond me, but I've said this before and I'll say it again. I support professional development focused on whatever the skill is. Uh, but when they include, you know, identity based programming and um all that other garbage. Uh I think it it dilutes the the purpose. Um so that's my concern with this. Um so we are aware this is the national high school journalism convention um which also includes aspects of yearbook um and journalism in general for the high school level.

Um I I recognize your concerns with respect to DEI. One of the things that I think is important, our high school campuses have all manner of clubs. Um and it would be important for the individuals who are including those clubs in their yearbook or including those clubs in a newspaper write up and those kinds of things to um you know be accepting of the fact that there are students of all types uh that could exist on their campuses.

I think it's remarkable that we have one of our very own presenting um at this and I think that's great. Uh so yeah, I I think uh it is to be commended the idea that one of ours gets to be chosen to present at a national convention. >> President Wade, we have a DEI um waiver that all attendees for trainings uh sign that they will not attend. those. Was this signed for this individual? >> Yes. All of our employees do that. >> Okay.

I motion to approve the staff travel to National High School Journalism Convention. >> Second. >> That would be Miss Schultz seconding. All those in favor? >> I. >> I. No. Uh. All those opposed? >> Nay. >> Motion carries 3 to one. Does anyone have any future uh requests for Sorry, I read that wrong. It's apparently later in my brain. Does anyone have any requests for future agenda items? That's how that sentence should go.

Not today. >> All right. Next time we'll get you in October. I motion to adjourn this meeting. >> Second. >> That would be Miss Van Hook seconding. All those in favor. I motion carries four to zero. Meeting adjourned. Drive safe everybody.