HUSD surveys show positive parent and student outcomes

Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich also thanked Chee for her service, stating “She’s served our Native population, as well as our entire Roadrunner population, extremely well over the years. So, she will be sorely missed.”

The board opened the meeting to public comments from the Native American community according to Policy IHBJ. Alfred Clark spoke to the board about how he noticed several seniors at the Holbrook High School (HHS) were not allowed playing time at a basketball game, leaving both parents and students disappointed. “I believe that the school district owes an apology to these students and to the parents of these students.”

District II Supervisor Alberto Peshlakai also addressed the board, stating an individual approached him stating that two buses for IWES did not have air conditioning units and wanted to bring it to the board’s attention. Dr. Koerperich responded that they are in the planning stages of purchasing buses with air conditioning. “We buy two new buses every year. Eventually we’re hoping that all of our buses have air conditioning.”

IWES Principal Andrea Tomlin presented the yearly results of the student and parent surveys to the board. According to Tomlin’s presentation, 80 parents took part in the survey, which is a 50% increase from the previous school year. “Eighty-five percent of our parents rate Indian Wells Elementary School as effective or highly effective, which is up from the 76% of some years past.”

In IWES student surveys, 94.8% of sixth graders felt confident they will be able to do well at Holbrook Junior High School (HJHS) the following year, which saw an increase from the previous year by 6.1%. Although confidence increased, students feeling that IWES prepared them to be ready for HJHS decreased by 4.6% from the previous year at 92.3%.

Positive behavioral interventions and supports saw an increase, with 94.8% of students stating behavior expectations were clearly taught and understood.

Hulet and Park elementary schools’ Principal Dr. Kevin Fosburgh gave an overview of the surveys from those schools as well. The average rating between the two schools showed that 82% of parents believed the education programs were highly effective. “Something that showed up quite a bit this year that I thought was interesting was around enrichment and gifted programs, which is not something that we talk about too often in our system.”

Fosburgh explained that while gifted programs are offered, not every student is screened like some other schools and is often done on request. “One thing that we’re going to work really hard on next year is to be sure that we are communicating with our families about the enrichment programs that we do have available.”

Fifth grade exit student surveys saw an increase of student participation at 84%, of which 91.2% felt they had been acknowledged for their positive behavior and 98.3% feel there is an adult who cares about them and their success.

HJHS Principal Cheri Grau presented the school’s parents surveys, which saw an increase of parent participation of 10% from the previous year, with a total of 40% parents participating.

“One of the things that stood out to me was that 29% of the respondents say they’re still experiencing issues with reliable internet,” stated Grau, adding that the school will be more diligent about making sure work in Google Classrooms will be available offline for students.

It was also noted that 83% of parents rated HJHS educational programs as effective, and 87% of eighth graders completed their exit survey, 90% of which felt their time at HJHS was a positive experience as well as being ready for high school.

“One of our most valued pieces of data here was the question, ‘Do they feel they’re valued as a person at the Holbrook Junior High School?’ 95% of our eighth graders agreed or strongly agreed. And last year, that was only 79%.”

Holbrook High School Principal Clete Hargrave noted 93 parents participated in the survey, but no percentage was provided. Of those who participated, 76.3% believed HHS education program to be effective. “Roughly 90% of parents said that the school culture is very positive or positive,” stated Hargrave.

It was noted that 82.5% of the 80 seniors who partook in the student survey stated they were on track to graduate, with an additional 13.7% answering “maybe.” “We did graduate a higher percent of these students,” added Hargrave, although the exact amount was not stated.

He noted that 31.3% of participating seniors stated they planned to attend a two-year college, 28.7% chose four-year college and 17.5% selected to begin in the workforce. In the survey 76.3% stated that they thought HUSD helped prepare them for life after high school.

Hargrave stated in student comments he noticed a trend. “One thing that did come up repeatedly, was ‘I wish I had known that I was not on track to graduate sooner.’” He noted that these students were freshmen and sophomores when the pandemic began and ended up missing things because of it. “As they came back, they didn’t realize some of the deficiencies they had and those were conversations we were having all year. They did the work, they made it up. They made it across that stage and got their diploma and we’re very proud of them. But they all just said ‘I wish we had known sooner.’”

Hargrave explained that the school has had similar conversations this year with underclassmen and thinks they are getting the message sooner in hopes that this isn’t a future issue for them as well.

The board also received a presentation on action research programs that Grau and Hargrave done within their schools. Dr. Koerperich explained that an action research program is a study within schools on a particular problem, something that they need to study to be able to say if there are outcomes that they can improve.

In other business in the absence of Board Member Olivia Jaquez, the board:

* Reviewed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 proposed district budget and took public comment on the proposed budget, to which there was none. The board then approved the proposed budget to be posted for public review on the district website. The total aggregate budget for FY 2023-24 is nearly $36.6 million.

* Approved the list of authorized check signers for School Year (SY) 2023-2024.

* Approved all the governing board members, superintendent and executive secretary to attend professional development opportunities throughout SY 2023-2024.

* Approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Judicial Branch Peacemaking Program of the Navajo Nation to provide peacemaking student intervention programs for substance abuse, truancy, domestic issues and other student related social issues that are detrimental to students being enrolled at HUSD.

* Approved the 2023-2024 intergovernmental agreement between Vail Unified School District and the 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 the Winslow Indian Health Care Center (WIHCC) MOA for health care services with the Holbrook schools. The agreement allows for virtual and in-person health care presentations, activities and health screenings.

* Approved an updated Holbrook Junior High School (HJHS) athletic handbook for SY 2023-2024. The handbook has updated procedures for HJHS athletics to be utilized in all HJHS athletic programs.

* Approved Foundation of Personal Finance by Ramsey Education for a 60-day review. The personal finance curriculum will be utilized as a math credit for HHS students as part of the four required credits for high school graduation.

* Approved Splash Publications Social Studies supplemental curriculum for 60-day review. Curriculum will be utilized in third and fourth grades at Hulet Elementary School. The curriculum reviews will be posted on the district website for public review. Funding for the curriculum will come from federal program funds.

* Approved the extension of the contracted mileage program for summer related school activities to ensure HUSD No. 3 students have access to summer education programs effective May 31. Funding for the extension of the program would be paid through district funds.

* Approved Arturo Morales as a vendor for cement work exceeding the $10,000 bid threshold for FY 2023 and as sole source for cement work for FY 24 due to his expertise, availability and experience as a lead for cement work to help with HUSD cement projects.

* Approved out of state travel for Dr. Koerperich to attend West Ed Board meetings in October, January, April and July. All reimbursable expenses will be paid through West Ed.

* Approved out-of-state travel for Loren Silver, HJHS and HHS Navajo Language Teacher, to attend the Art of Teaching Training in Sacramento, Calif., from July 10-14. The training will focus on enhancing pedagogy to be used in Navajo Language classes. The professional development will be funded through Title VI and JOM.

* Approved Northern Arizona University student Katy Brown to conduct 450 hours of social work experience during SY 2023-2024 under the direction of Cheri Grau and HJHS Counselor Heather Ludwig. Brown has been screened and interviewed, and has fingerprint clearance.

* Approved the use of IWES for the Navajo Nation Chapter Summer Youth Employment program. Students will be 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 an updated job description for clerical assistant as presented.

* Approved a policy update to Policy JLCD Medicines/Administering Medicines to Students for first reading. The policy update updates the policy to include new regulations for hand-held inhalers, diabetes management, auto-injectable epinephrine and seizure management plans as well as training requirements.

* Approved a policy revision to Policy IGA Curriculum Development, IGA Curriculum Adoption and IJJ Textbook Supplementary Materials Selection and Adoption for first reading. The policy revision updates the policy to include that board authorized textbook selection committees shall comply with open meeting laws as outlined in policies.

* Approved support staff employments of Brenda Mangum, substitute at Hulet/daycare; Tina Nez, district summer painter; and Kim Queen, Hulet A-Team.

* Approved the support staff resignations of Dominque James, transportation bus monitor; and Cayla Serna, HHS secretary.

* Approved certified employment of Desiree Brewer, HHS/special education (SPED) high needs teacher; Anika Francis, IWES Teacher; Shawn Goza, IWES Emergency Safety Intervention (ESI) teacher; Brittiny Hegi and Hilary Pruett, both Hulet teachers; Jamal Johnson, Hulet resident substitute; Zane Morgan, HHS physical education/health teacher, transfer from Hulet; Jennifer Smith, IWES transfer from second grade to fourth grade; Katelyn Willis, Park resident substitute; Cayla Serna, HHS personal finance teacher, Career and Technical Education (CTE).

* Approved certified resignation of Lelia Demuth, assistant cross-country coach; Ericka Hunt, Park teacher; and Markos Serna, HJHS resident substitute social studies.

* Approved extra duty for Lena Begay, Rachel Benally, Derek Bitsilly, Kaylene Bitsilly, Earlene Lano, Kathy Yazzie, and Kim Yazzie, all summer school drivers; Dawna Bitsoie, summer school supplies; Jessica Paz, SY 2023-2024 Broadcasting Club Sponsor; Andrea Williams and Theresa Yazzie, both for IWES summer school; Barbra Williams, Hulet summer library aide; Jesus Luna and Jacob Baker, both as facility services supervisors; Victor Padilla, project manager; Ryan Fraley, district tech; Shawn Tow, transportation supervisor; Cordell Yazzie, custodial; Florence Denetso, Marcellino Montoya, and Theresa Luna, all for HHS custodial; Judy Spencer, Park custodial; Kathy Yazzie, district custodial; Pete Tracas, HHS custodial/maintenance; Ron Attakai, HHS/district office custodial/maintenance; Abrian Dickson, IWES facilities; and Tommy McLaws, facilities/cement.

* Approved volunteer Jonathan Sample, SY 2023-2024 football; and Melvin Tsosie, summer basketball camp.

* Approved professional leave for Charles Haussman, Association for Career and Technical Education Arizona (ACTE AZ) summer conference, cost to the district is $1,389; Jeremy Madison, ACTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,055; Jason Foutz, ACTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,513; Cheryl Carlson, ACTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,135; Joel Daniels, ACTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,247; Dale Larsen, ACTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,297; Makenzi Ulibarri, ACTE AZ summer conference, cost to the district is $1,409; and Lauren Maestas, Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) budget workshop and summer conference, cost to the district is $1,616.

* Approved expense and revolving vouchers totaling nearly $1.1 million.

* Approved payroll and expense vouchers totaling nearly $2 million.

* Approved personnel pay for Brianna Allison, STAR training, $325; Kevin Fosburgh, doctorate degree salary advancement, $3,000; Cindy Percy, HHS deseg. PD, $500; Beth Self, Park School PD, $500; Loren Silver, Native American student leadership training stipend-Schoolhouse P.A.L.S. professional development, $986; Prop 301 Good Faith, $70,965; Power of 5, $69,465; April bus driver retention, $3,710; May bus driver retention, $2,930; bus driver incentive accident free, $3,800; bus driver incentive deadhead mileage, $1,500; bus driver incentive trust trainings, $600; SY 2022-2023 leave buy-back, $19,758; and HJHS staff Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) summer PD, $1,200.

* 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.