HUSD reviews research projects for improved student outcomes

Indian Wells Elementary School (IWES) Principal Andrea Tolin reviewed her action research topic of school-wide chronic absenteeism, which she explained has been a nationwide concern since the COVID-19 pandemic. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student misses 10% or more of school days in a given school year. Tomlin explained that chronic absenteeism was 48% last year, significantly spiking from the before the pandemic in which IWES saw a 7% in chronic absenteeism. In hopes of reducing absenteeism, tactics implemented were incentives, communicating more with parents and applying a multi-tiered support program to provide help with excessive absences in the next year.

Dr. Kevin Fosburgh, the principal of Hulet Elementary School, discussed his action research project, in which he examined the effect of teaching certification pathways on student achievements. “We at Hulet have hired quite a bit of nontraditional teachers over the last couple of years, and so I wanted to see if there’s really any difference that is shown on academic assessments between a teacher who’s gone through a traditional pathway to education versus a nontraditional teacher.” Fosburgh noted that nontraditional teachers were defined within the study as those who don’t have a teaching certificate but are still able to teach, either as long-term substitutes or other capacities.

The study delivered mixed results but did note an enhanced retention and efficacy of nontraditional teachers with targeted professional development. “What our findings kind of suggest is that there are not statistical differences between traditional and nontraditional teachers and their students’ academic progress.” He did add that this was a very small test group and would like to look into the long-term impacts as well, noting that the supplemental support nontraditional teachers receive play a role as well.

Clete Hargrave, principal of Holbrook High School (HHS) provided a summary of his research on the impact of Instructional Time Model (ITM) on student outcomes. ITM provides a more flexible framing of instructional hours that was implemented during the pandemic. HHS has utilized ITM by allowing students with grades above 75% to attend school remotely on Fridays, while students below 75% attend in person schooling. Hargrave stated they have seen positive effects from ITM since its implementation two years prior with an exception within the group of students who are expected to attend every Friday but do not attend.

Superintendent Robbie Koerperich chimed in to explain the importance of parent support to ensure their children attend school on Fridays, stating, “If you’re ever approached about a student that is maybe failing, or a student at risk of not graduating (ask them) have you been attending ITM Fridays?” Hargrave stated a survey showed the majority of teachers, students and parents would like to continue ITM Fridays, while finding solutions for minor issues to ensure optimal use.

The board also approved the proposed budget for HUSD for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 to be posted for public review. Dr. Koerperich stated that although the budget forms have been released, the final budget number from the Auditor General and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) is pending due to the state not finalizing its budget. The HUSD FY proposed budget is estimated to be approximately $33 million. Prior to approving it for public review, the board made a motion to take public comments, to which there was none.

HHS, HJHS, Hulet, IWES and Park student handbooks for the 2024-2025 School Year were also approved. A notable policy change for HJHS is the prohibition of food delivery apps during school. Other cell phone policy changes were noted as well.

HHS raised the athletic eligibility grade from 60% to 70%, which was stated to be common. Grade requirements for attending in person schooling on ITM Fridays was also changed to 70% from 75%, to help align with the athletic eligibility change.

In other business, the board:

* Approved a list of library books for Park and Hulet elementary schools to be utilized as classroom libraries for student reading programs for final adoption. The list has been vetted through the site councils and have undergone a 60-day review. The list is comprised of books recommended by teachers within the Park/Hulet schools.

* Held a public hearing for comments from the Native American Community according to Policy IHBJ. No public comments were given. The board also received status reports on how the district disseminates and gathers information with the Native American community and the Navajo Nation. This included survey results from students and parents of each school, which were stated as overall positive.

* Authorized acceptance of the final Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III Grant as approved by the Arizona Department of Education.

* Approved governing board meeting dates for the 2024-25 school year. Meetings will continue to be generally held on the second Tuesday of each month.

* Approved all governing board members, superintendent, and executive secretary to attend professional development opportunities associated with governance and school operations throughout SY 24-25.

* Approved the list of authorized check signers and student activities treasurer. The board is required to designate school officials who may sign checks from the various checking accounts used by our district.

* Approved the 2024-2025 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Vail Unified School District and HUSD for the use of the Beyond Textbooks Program. Beyond Textbooks provides a standards-based scope and sequence for teachers in grades K-12 to assist teachers in teaching the Arizona State Standards.

* Approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for health care services between the Winslow Indian Health Care Center (WIHCC) and Holbrook schools. The agreement allows for virtual and in-person health care presentations, activities and health screenings.

* Approved the use of IWES for the Navajo Nation Chapter Summer Youth Employment program. 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 Heather Morgan to student teach at HHS during the fall semester of 2024. Morgan is an education major at Grand Canyon University (GCU) and has her fingerprint clearance card on file.

* Approved Drama Teacher Academy as a curriculum resource for Stagecraft I and Drama courses at HHS for SY 24-25. The curriculum proposal will be posted on the district website for 60-day review.

* Approved an update to Policy GBEF Staff Use of Digital Communications and Electronic Devices for first reading. The policy update outlines some names of technology and technology platforms that are currently used. The policy outlines the acceptable use of district technology and appropriate technology platforms that can be used by staff members of HUSD.

* Approved the final reading and adoption of Policy GCDA Housing for Professional Staff Members.

* Approved the FY 25 Classified Staff Salary Placement Schedule.

* Approved support staff resignation of Sandi Duran, food services; Antasia Kennedy, HHS registrar/receptionist; and Jasper Tunney, computer services.

* Approved support staff employment of ​​ Gishie Arviso, Cory Iashie and Tina Nez, all summer painter/skilled worker pay scale increase to $16 for 2024-25; Ashley Attakai, Shawna Bailey, Patsy Etsitty and Chantell Slade, all summer painter/skilled worker pay scale increase to $15.50 for 2024-25; Derek Bitsilly, Shurell Nardi and Shyann Nardi, all summer painter/skilled worker pay scale increase to $15.75 for 2024-25; Cassandra Bordeaux, HHS attendance clerk pay scale increase to $16.77 for 2024-25; Zoe Daniels and Shelby Tsaipi, both Hulet/daycare pay scale increase to $15.50 for 2024-25; Rico Espitia, transportation CDL trainee; Brenda Mangum, District return to work 2024-25; Heather Manygoats, IWES/District increase hours for summer school contracted mileage; Heather Manygoats, District transportation, homeless, parent and tribal liaison; William Nez, food service student summer worker; Mark O’Dell, warehouse pay scale increase to $17 for 2024-25; Marissa Richards, food service cafeteria worker; and Ashley Speers, computer services summer worker.

* Approved certified resignation of Marcus Espitia, Hulet physical education (PE) teacher; Nicole Espitia, Park PE teacher; Dwayne Hawk, HHS art teacher, Jennifer Smith, IWES fourth grade.

* Approved certified employment of Hannah Gabaldon, Park resident substitute physical education teacher SY 24-25; Rasheed Hollins, Hulet/Park student services SY 24-25; Linda McMahon, HHS/SPED case manager 90 contract SY 24-25; Jeff Meeks, SPED director contract extension 10 days SY 23-24; Cary Simpson, SPED case manager 90-day contract SY 24-25; Katy Brown, social worker SY 24-25; and Julie Fields, federal projects.

* Approved extra duty for Leona Baldwin, Jade Espitia, Norma (Raquel) Garcia, Nikki Gonnie, Star Gonnie, Nora John, Allyson Knight, J Martinsen, Maria Quezada, Marissa Richards, Evangelita Salazar, Margaret Smith and Randi (Nicki) White, all food service summer workers; Davina Begay, Gypsi Gover and Courtney King, IWES intramural game help; Mike Burks, computer services summer worker; Alicia Jimenez and Erik Salley, both HJHS 2024-25 student council co-sponsors; Daniel Orton, HJHS 2024-2025 athletic director; Marc Yazzie, summer bike program at IWES; and those hired as summer workers.

* Approved professional leave for Marc Yazzie, Mountain Bike 101/201 Skills Clinic, cost to the district is $373; Nichole Tow, Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Principals’ Leadership Academy, cost to the district is $1,707; Anne Lang, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), cost to the district $849; Lauren Maestas, Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) summer conference 2024 and audit compliance workshop, cost to the district is $2,205; Charles Haussman, Michael Burks, Cayla Serna, Joel Daniels, Michael Nilsson, Jamie Justman, Dale Larsen, Conner Prestwich and Jeremy Madison, Career and Technical Education (CTE) AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $250 each; Galen Knight, CTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,406; Kyle Gardner, CTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,545; and Meghan Carbonneau, CTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,585.

* Approved expense and revolving vouchers totaling nearly $1.4 million.

* Approved payroll and expense vouchers totaling nearly $2.7 million.

* Approved personnel pay for Brianna Allison, Good Faith, $1,500; Tiana Begay, Kevin Fosburgh, Cheri Grau, Clete Hargrave, Dwayne Hawk, Meagan Newton-Pender, Beth Self, Cary Simpson, Andrea Tomlin and Karalyn Reidhead, action research, $5,000 each; Cheryl Carlson, Ramie Hatch, Linda McMahon and Shannon Knight, new teacher mentoring, $2,500 each; Heidi Hunsaker, Hulet professional development, $500; Anne Lang, Lauren Maestas and Bernice Gover, Prop 301 performance pay, $5,000; Mary Mondragon, Prop 301 Power of 5 Good Faith, $2,000; Mary Mondragon, Hulet/Park professional development $500; Shalea Palmer, quarter four Prop 301, $1,000; Beth Self, professional development 02/03/24 and 01/20/24, $500 each; IWES, Park and Hulet, Power of 5 $36,000; May White Bus stipend, $560; April 2024 bus driver incentive, $3,210; May 2024 bus driver incentive, $9,780; leave buy out 2023-24, $26,003; and Prop 301, $125,560.

* Approved request by IWES student council to sell Field Day shirts, expected to earn $1,200.

* Approved final adoption of Policy GCBDA Housing for Professional Staff Members.

* Approved consent agenda items and expense vouchers in items A, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, B, C, 1, 2, 3, D, E, F, and G. Detailed information for all District expenditures may be obtained by contacting the School District business office located at 1000 North 8th Avenue, P.O. Box 640, Holbrook, AZ 86025. Phone 1-928-524-6144.

* Board Member Linda Yazzie provided an overview of the Board and Leadership Training Series and Summer Leadership Institute.