HUSD principals present outcomes on action research projects

Indian Wells Elementary School (IWES) Principal Dr. Andrea Tomlin presented her action research on increasing parental self-efficacy for enhanced student success. “The question that I looked at was how to increase parent involvement with self-efficacy and how it influences the success of Indian Wells students academically.” The University of Kansas provided training sessions for IWES teachers to teach self-efficacy to students, which Tomlin then applied to a home setting with parents.

Tomlin’s effort involved sending out surveys as well as self-advocacy tips to parents. The parent survey’s that were done showed only a slight increase in self-efficacy, since most rated themselves highly in the pre-survey. Tomlin noted that self-efficacy should be action oriented, culturally relevant and include community connection, but she only noted the surveys and tips in her outreach efforts.

Holbrook High School Principal Clete Hargrave presented on his school-wide writing initiatives. He discussed a method called “write-pair-share,” which has students write a given topic, verbally sharing it with a peer, then sharing it with the entire class. “This is kind of a strategy that we’ve identified using for several years, but I really wanted to focus my action research on how does the writing part of the writing-pair-share impact student performance on the ACT,” explained Hargrave. Write-pair-share was meant to be implemented by every teacher every week, but it was found that 13% of teachers implemented the subject into their teaching, and 66% implemented it but not every single week. Reactions from students on the implementation were mixed.

Hargrave presented the data on ACT results in the last three years, as well as the most recent which included the new strategy. The data showed the writing-pair-share project had little impact on ACT results this year. “So overall impact on ACT scores, except in the English subs category, where fewer students were now in the lowest performing band.” Hargrave explained that he would like to continue this into future years and see if there’s a greater impact.

Hulet Elementary Principal Nichole Tow presented on her research on family engagement and Academic Parent Teacher Team (APTT) meetings and if it impacts student achievements. APTT meetings are a family engagement model where teachers and parents work collaboratively to support student learning.

Tow listed results from surveys which showed higher scores and better attendance among students whose parents attended meetings but was unable to find a way to improve those numbers. “In conclusion, my recommendations and thoughts for this are kind of all over the place, because when I looked at individual students, individual needs, things like that, it’s inconclusive.” Tow further stated, “Overall, if I take an average, we can see that participating in Academic Parent Teacher meetings does help our students when reviewing parent participation data over the past four years.”

Indian Education Coordinator Director Bernice Gover’s focused on implementing the Culturally Responsive Assessment of Indigenous Schooling (CRAIS) tool to enhance cultural development practice in high density Native American school districts. “The goal of my action research was to evaluate and improve cultural responsiveness in classrooms, curricula and school wide practices to support Native student success.”

CRAIS is used to evaluate how schools integrate Indigenous knowledge and culture. “The CRAIS tool benefits all students when we’re thinking about cultural responsiveness,” Gover explained. Through surveys and research, Gover explained her conclusions. “CRAIS is effective for identifying gaps, but sustained personal development and resource allocation are critical.” She also recommended expanding Navajo language programs daily based on survey results as well as more community collaboration.

Business Manager Lauren Maestas presented on improving operation efficiencies within food services by focusing on things such as reducing food waste, decreased discretionary and personnel costs, eliminated food delivery options from apps like DoorDash and increasing school meal participation, which resulted a reduced deficit in the food services budget.

The board also received a presentation of Fiscal Year 2026 proposed budget for HUSD and accepted public comment. No one from the public spoke. The board then approved the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 26) proposed budget.

The proposed FY26 budget totals nearly $29.8 million, with the revenue coming from state and federal aid, as well as local taxes. The budget will focus on high quality programs, professional development and enhancing technology in district facilities. Koerperich noted that the state has not yet set their own budget, which means the district’s FY26 projected budget will need to be amended in December, and again in May in accordance with the state.

In new business, the board:

* Opened the meeting for public comments from the Native American Community according to Policy IHBJ, during which no one from the public spoke.

* Approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Indian Policies and Procedures (IPP) that outline strategies for gathering feedback from our Native American communities.

* Approved the use of IWES for the Navajo Nation Chapter Summer Youth Employment program as applicable. Chapters request that students are allowed to work at IWES under the guidance and direction of the Indian Wells staff to complete summer work for the school. Pay, insurance and other aspects of employment will be covered by the respective Chapter Houses. * Approved the governing board meeting dates for the 2025-2026 school year, which generally fall on the second Tuesday of each month.

* Approved board members, superintendent and executive secretary to attend professional development opportunities associated with governance and school operations throughout the SY 2025-26.

* Approved the HHS, HJHS, Hulet, IWES and Park student handbooks for the 2025-2026 school year, including yearly student handbooks and Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports handbooks.

* Approved first reading for the following policies: CA Administration Goals/Priority Objectives, CB Superintendent, CBA Qualifications and Duties of the Superintendent, CBCA and CBCA-R Delegated Authority, CBI, CBI-EB Evaluation of Superintendent, CCB Line and Staff Relations, CFD, CFD-E, CFD-R School-Based Management, CHD Administration in the Absence of Policy, CK Administrative Consultants and CM School District Annual Report.

* Approved the classified retirement of Annie Dickson, transportation bus driver; Juanita Nells, transportation bus monitor; and Jeanette Yazzie, HJHS custodian.

* Approved the classified resignation of Ayla Hayden, Hulet special needs assistant.

* Approved the classified employment of Julian Chavez, substitute cafeteria worker SY 25-26; Jayme Hughey and Ivan Jeffers-Sample, both academic advisor SY 25-26; Ezekial Knight, maintenance student worker SY 24-25; Audrianna Quezada, HHS school nurse SY 25-26; Kelsey Ramsay, special needs assistant SY 25-26; Michaela Saxton, district federal projects manager/student information systems SY 25-26; and Barbara Williams, Hulet Elementary library aide June/July.

* Approved the certified retirement of Elizabeth Self, Park/IWES music teacher.

* Approved the certified employment of Connie Gover, HJHS Principal SY 25-26; Cheri Grau, HJHS student services July 1 – Oct. 10; and Amy Miller, Hulet Elementary teacher SY 25-26.

* Approved extra duty for Gishie Arviso, Ashley Attakai, Yolanda Attakai, Destany Begay, Cory Iashie, Shurrell Nardi, Tina Nez and Randi White, all summer painters; Lena Begay, Kaylene Bitsilly, Rico Espitia and Wayner Silvers, all summer workers; Derek Bitsilly, summer school bus driver; Athina Lewis, summer school IWES; Rochelle Nez and Marc Yazzie, both summer bike program; Audrianna Quezada, addendum for IWES SY 25-26; and Jonah Williams, summer technology worker.

* Approved professional leave for Karen Estridge, Arizona Department of Education special education (SPED) teach camp, Scottsdale, July 8-10, cost to the district is $714 and use of a district vehicle; Bernice Gover, Navajo Nation Johnson-O’Malley regional meeting, Flagstaff, June 24-25, cost to the district is use of a school vehicle; Sylvia Jackson, Advancement Via Individual Determination training, San Diego, Calif., June 14-18, cost to the district is $1,000 and use of a district vehicle; and Lauren Maestas, Arizona Association of School Business Officials 2025 annual conference, Tucson, July 15-19, cost to the district is $1,571.

* Approved expense and revolving vouchers totaling nearly $700,000.

* Approved payroll and expense vouchers totaling nearly $2.6 million.

* Approved personnel pay for May 2025, “White Fleet” driver’s stipend, $120; June 13 extra pay No. 25 bus driver incentive, $11,720; June 13 extra pay No. 25.1 performance pay, $481,630; June 27 extra pay No. 26 leave buyout, $22,938; and June 27 extra pay No. 27 contract pay, $345,644.

* Approved a donation from Don Benally of Winslow Indian Health Care Center of water bottles to IWES for SY 25-26.

* Approved the following policies for final adoption; Policy AA School District Legal Status, ABA Community Involvement in Education, AC & AC-R Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity, ACA Sexual Harassment, ACAA Title IX Sex Discrimination BA School Board Operational Goals, BAA Evaluation of School Board/Board Self-Evaluation, BK School Board Memberships, BJ School Board Legislative Platform, BIE Board Member Insurance/Liability, BB School Board Legal Status, BBA Board Powers and Responsibilities, BBBA Board Member Qualifications, BBBD Board Member Removal From Office, BCA Board Member Ethics, BDA Board Organizational Meeting, BCB Board Member Conflict of Interest, BDD Board-Superintendent Relationship, BDE Board Committees, BDG School Attorney, BE School Board Meetings, BED Meeting Procedures, BEDA Notification of Board Meetings, BEDB Agenda and BEDH Public Participation and News Media Services at Board Meetings.

* Approved consent agenda items and expense vouchers.