The Winslow Unified School District governing board reorganized its leadership for 2026 during its Jan. 14 meeting, beginning the evening with its annual election of officers.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the board opened nominations for president. Todd Wilcox and Debbie Martinez were both nominated. After nominations were closed, the board conducted a roll call vote. Martinez received a majority of the votes and was selected to serve as board president for the 2026 year.

The board then moved to the election of vice president. Isabel Britton and Janice Childers were nominated for the position, with Britton accepting the nomination. After voting, Britton was elected vice president.

Nominations were next taken for clerk. Josephine “Dodie” Doty was nominated and accepted the position. Janice Childers was also nominated but declined, stating that she believed Doty should serve in the role. With no further nominations, the board voted to appoint Doty as clerk.

Wilcox and Childers will serve as board members following the reorganization. After the elections concluded, the board confirmed that its regular meetings will continue to be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the governing board meeting room.

District employees were recognized during the meeting, including Transportation Supervisor Tony Mora, who was named Administrator of the Quarter. District leaders credited Moore with supporting staff, making fiscally responsible decisions and maintaining a hands-on approach to student safety. Superintendent Dr. Amber Martinez said Mora routinely places himself in difficult situations to support students and the district. “In times of crisis, Tony goes above and beyond by being directly involved in searching when students go missing,” she said. Julie Thomas was recognized as Certified Employee of the Month for her work with students in the classroom and through athletics.

The board approved the consent agenda with Board President Martinez recusing herself due to a family member included among the items. During discussion, board members spoke in support of and approved compensating Johnny Ortega, who had been volunteering as a crossing guard at Jefferson Elementary School for several months. Members described Ortega as effective in slowing traffic and building positive relationships with students near the campus.

In new business, the board voted to formally confirm the district’s grade-level school configuration. Administrators explained the action was required after the state indicated it had no record showing the district formally approved the transition from neighborhood schools to grade-level schools approximately 16 years ago. The vote allows the district to document the configuration as officially approved.

The board also reviewed testing results from fall to winter benchmarks. Dr. Martinez reported that districtwide growth exceeded the 50% benchmark in math, reading and science, a level she said reflects progress toward closing achievement gaps. She explained that administrators and teachers use the data to identify students needing targeted intervention, including those close to moving into higher performance bands. “Sometimes the best bang for our buck when we go into state testing is to get these students because they’re right, close to proficient,” she said.

Board members shared highlights from the recent Arizona School Boards Association conference, including sessions focused on school safety, student behavior and parent engagement. Discussion emphasized the importance of clear leadership during emergencies, consistent application of district policies and proactive communication with families.

Business Manager Casey Hancock presented a mid-year financial update, showing district spending through December remained on track. Board members also noted that auditors completed their work earlier than expected and said they were awaiting final feedback.

In other business, the board:

* Approve past meeting minutes and the ratification list.

* Approved a donation from Brett and Renamarie Drey for $1,500 to Jefferson Elementary School.

* Approved hiring Jaleisa Hayes as an inclusion paraprofessional and Robert Crossland and Renee Hardy as district substitute teachers.

* Approved the following resignations: Asdzaan Huenemann, paraprofessional; Zacharry Herrin, grounds worker; Brandi Taha, high needs paraprofessional; and Zachary Atchison, paraprofessional.

* Approved the following coaches: Carlos Quezada, Janeen Barton, Michelle Jones, Andrew LeGate, Taylor Mills, Gary Roland, Christie Bratt, and Karla Curley for track; Christopher Garrett, Jordan Payne and Bryan Larson for baseball; and Quentin Hayes, Josue Barrios and Alicia Vigil-O’Haco for softball.

* Approved the following volunteers: Wilburt Barton, Kim Henling, Steve Henling, Jocelyn Andrews, Caitlyn Turner, Sal Hernandez, and Larissa Richards for track; Phillip Moncayo, Brady Needens and Brandon Sedillo for baseball; and Mike Branson and Eddie Johnson for softball.

* Approved the following fundraisers: Winslow High School Student Council, Sweetheart Dance; WHS Student Council, Sweetheart Dance concessions; WHS Criminal Justice Club, MILO (firearms training) Simulator; WHS Criminal Justice Club, Valentine’s flower gram; WHS Criminal Justice Club, donut sale; WHS Wrestling Club, concessions; WHS Wrestling Club, Doc Wright food trucks; WHS Spiritline, kids dance clinic; WHS Skills Construction, project sales; WHS Art Club, nutty buddy snacks; and WHS Indian Club, community shoe game concessions.

* Approved out of state travel for Travis Dooley and Briana Conatser, Las Cruces, N.M., and WHS Spiritline, Anaheim, Calif.

The next governing board meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28.