The Winslow Unified School District (WUSD) is grappling with significant challenges related to aging and failing HVAC systems across several of its schools, with the high school gym being a top priority. During the latest WUSD board meeting Facilities Manager Paul Sheet provided a detailed update on the status of the HVAC systems, revealing both progress and pressing concerns that need to be addressed.
Sheet noted that while some schools are in better condition, others are dealing with equipment well past its prime. At Bonnie Brennan Elementary, most systems have recently been updated, except for the music room. The music room got its new system the day after the presentation was given last week. The replacement of this unit is particularly significant, as the one being removed is over 30 years old, which shows the district’s reliance on outdated equipment.
Jefferson and Washington Elementary Schools were reported to have all systems functioning well, which stands in contrast to the more serious issues at the high school. The high school gymnasium, in particular, is experiencing significant HVAC failures. Sheet explained issues with its air conditioning units in the side offices, such as coach and athletic director offices. “We’ve got three air conditioner units in some of those side offices that need replacement, complete replacement, they’re dead,” Sheet told the board.
The gym’s main air conditioning units also pose a problem. The district faces challenges in replacing these units due to regulatory changes that now require the units to be installed on the roof instead of on the ground.
Sheet discussed the complications this has caused, noting that a structural engineer had to be brought in to design roof supports. This additional work has led to a $40,000 cost increase, which requires approval from the School Facilities Board before proceeding. Board President Debbie Martinez’s priority was getting it sorted for the high school gym because of how cold it can get during winter sports. Martinez stated, “We’ve been without it for so long that, you know, I think that we need to do everything we can to get that up and going.” Sheets explained that it would not be ready in time for winter sports. District Business Manager Casey Hancock suggested they look into renting heaters for the ground level of the gym to help combat some of that during the winter activities.
In addition to the gymnasium, the HVAC system at the Industrial Arts building is also in the process of being addressed. The bid for this project is set to open soon, with the expectation that work will commence after bids are reviewed and awarded in mid-September.
As the discussion concluded, it was clear that while some progress has been made, significant challenges remain. The district’s reliance on outdated equipment, combined with the complications of modernizing the systems, has backed the district against a wall. The board and district officials are hopeful that with the necessary approvals and timely execution, the HVAC issues, particularly in the high school gymnasium, will be resolved by next summer.
The district’s new food service provider, Southwest Food Excellence (SFE), presented its program to school officials during this meeting as well. The presentation, led by Regional Manager John Joiner and General Manager of Food Services James Armenta, emphasized SFE’s commitment to quality food, customized programs, and innovation, while also underscoring a strong dedication to cultural inclusivity.
One of the standout aspects of SFE’s presentation was their commitment to incorporating local and traditional foods into the school menus. Recognizing the unique cultural needs of the region, which includes a significant Native American population, SFE has partnered with local Navajo and Hopi chefs to create culturally appropriate meals.
When asked about the possibility of including traditional foods, Armenta confirmed that they are actively working to integrate these options into the menu. Board member Dodie Montoya asked, because they are not able to have fry bread, if they would be able to have blue corn mush or other indigenous food for students. Armenta told her, “We’ve been working hand in hand with some local Navajo chefs, as well as Hopi chefs, to come up with child nutrition-approved traditional foods as much as we possibly can.” The company is focused on providing alternatives that adhere to nutritional guidelines while honoring cultural preferences. “We can make it just a mush, we can make them pancakes, we can make them however which way possible,” Armenta told the board.
The company already runs food programs in several school districts in the area, including the Chinle and Window Rock Unified School Districts, and has a long history of working with schools on the Navajo Nation. This experience has given them insight into the cultural significance of food for Native American students and a leg up when it comes to building a more inclusive meal plan.
The board expressed appreciation for SFE’s efforts to be not just a vendor, but a true partner in the community. The company’s willingness to participate in school spirit weeks, the chamber of commerce’s Good Morning Winslow and other activities was particularly well-received. Armenta told the board, “We encourage them [his employees] to participate in your spirit weeks because we see ourselves, I know we are a vendor, but I see us as a partner.”
As the district moves forward with SFE, there is a sense of optimism that the new partnership will bring not only improved food services but also a greater sense of cultural connection for the students of Winslow.
In other business, the board:
* Approved past meeting minutes and the ratification list.
* Authorized donations from Sean Gravier for $100, Flagstaff Bone and Joint to Winslow Junior High School (WJHS) for $10 and Little Colorado Medical Center for $1,940.
* Approved hiring Jacob Otterblad as a high school English teacher, Lori Stewart as an emergency substitute and Brittany Mayer as a focus zone paraprofessional.
* Approved resignations by English Teacher Marvin Nacionales and Focus Zone Paraprofessional Kelci Valdez.
* Approved volunteers Tommy Martinez, softball; Brian Sewell, football; Chad Sullivan, football (originally hired as paid coach and switched to volunteer); Mark Gerber, soccer (originally hired as paid coach and switched to volunteer); Brandon Sedillo, baseball; and Ralph Sedillo, baseball.
* Approved extra duty pay for Tyler Allen, Band; Tyler Allen, orchestra; Bryce Barris, yearbook; Cheyne Lowry, student council; Michelle Jones, honor society; Bryce Barris, career center; Marie Putman, PAC manager; and Clint Weishan, football.
* Approved the following fundraisers: Winslow High School – Anime Club, ice cream sales on Thursdays, $1-$3; Anime Club, ice cream sales and dances, $1-$3; Band Club, Worlds Finest Chocolate, $1; Band Club, marching band invitational/concessions, $10/$1-$3; FBLA, Coffee shop “Bulldog Brew,” $4-$5; Cross Country, Joseph City Invitational-workers, not noted; cross country, calendar fundraiser, donations; cross country, Chuck Hardt Invitational-workers, not noted; Class of 2025, WHS parking spots, $10; Volleyball Club, volleyball camp, $30; Volleyball Club, volleyball games concessions, $.25-$10; Dance Line, football programs, $1; FFA, metal project cales, $40 and up and student council, spirit bus to away football games, $10.
* Approved the following fundraisers for WJHS; ILS Classroom, Popcorn sale, $2; Honor Society, concessions at home games, 25 cents to $2 and Honor Society, dance/concession, 25 cents to $5.
* Approved a fundraiser at Jefferson Elementary School’s high needs classroom for snacks for staff, $1-2.
* Approved the first reading of the Arizona School Board Association’s policy recommendations concerning: board member qualifications, professional staff hiring, support staff hiring, basic instructional program, graduation requirements, admission of transfer students, open enrollment, exclusions and exemptions from school attendance; and medicines/administering medicines to students.
The next regular meeting of the WUSD school board will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, in the meeting room, located at 800 N. Apache Ave.
