The Holbrook Unified School District (HUSD) No. 3 Governing Board met last Tuesday, during which the board received an overview of the 2023 Fiscal Year audit from HUSD Business Manager Lauren Maestas.

HUSD contracted with CWDL Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to conduct the audit, which had 16 findings. Maestas explained that none of the findings showed gross neglect or system-wide failure and held less findings than the previous year. “Annual audits provide a unique opportunity for us to learn and progress. Our district is committed to being fiscally responsible.” Maestas listed each finding and how changes are being made to bring the district into compliance, mentioning that several of the findings have already been resolved. To view the findings as well as the financial audit, visit the HUSD website at holbrook.k12.az.us.

The board then accepted the independent auditor’s report and the Uniform System of Financial Records Compliance Questionnaire findings for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich, and board members Linda Yazzie and Claudia Jaquez gave an overview on the National School Boards Association (NSBA) they attended.

Also, in new business, the board:

* Approved Kairos as the district insurance provider and the Open Enrollment Insurance Program for School Year (SY) 2024-25. The Open Enrollment plan outlines insurance options and the implementation of an Employee Wellness Plan.

* Approved the annual renewal of the Client Service Agreement with Educational Services Incorporated (ESI) for the 2024-2025 school year. ESI specializes in providing temporary and long-term contract employees in schools. The agreement allows HUSD to retain highly qualified retired staff and substitute teachers benefiting both the district and the employees. Employees are hired through ESI as per the district’s Post Retirement Employment Option Plan and as a third-party employment agency. All associated rates will remain the same for next school year.

* Approved the open enrollment administrative procedure that outlines guidelines for accepting both resident and non-resident students based on open enrollment capacities. Governing Board Policy JFB Open Enrollment requires the district to post open enrollment capacities on the district website on an annual basis.

* Approved policy updates to Policy EBAA Reporting of Hazards/Warning Systems, EB-R Environmental and Safety Program, BGE Policy Communication/Feedback, JFABDA Admission of Students in Foster Care, EBC Emergencies, JHD Exclusions and Exemptions from School Attendance, GDC Support Staff Leave and Absence, ECB Building and Ground Maintenance, & JIH Student Interrogations, searches and arrests.

* Approved the Bus Driver Attraction and Retention Plan administrative procedure update, which reflects the new driver rate for first year placement at $18.74 per hour.

* Approved an emergency purchase for roof repair from Mountain Roof Repair to perform temporary repairs to the Indian Wells Elementary roof while the district is procuring a total roof repair. The emergency purchase exceeds $10,000, requiring three quotes. Mountain Roof Repair was able to perform the work in an expedited manner.

* Consideration of two agenda items which concerned student placements for NAU students Amy Nilsson and Shundeen Salazar were struck from the agenda. Koerperich said the board did not need to vote on it due to it being removed.

* Approved Dorinda Bah and Jacqueline Benally for a practicum placement at IWES during the fall semester of 2024. Bahe and Benally have secured fingerprint clearance cards.

* Approved a 60-day review of classroom library books to be utilized as classroom libraries for student reading programs. The classroom libraries have been vetted through the site councils. The list of book titles and item numbers will be posted on the HUSD website for a 60-day review.

* Approved an International Alliance Group (IAG) Host School Agreement to recruit highly qualified international teachers for positions that are open in the HUSD. IAG will recruit teachers, ensure visas are processed, and assist with the transition to become certified teachers at HUSD.

* Approved the 2024-2027 Dual Enrollment Intergovernmental Agreement with Northland Pioneer College (NPC). This has been a very successful partnership for high school students for several years, allowing students to earn college credits while in high school. Board member Jackson abstained from the vote.

* Approved the district Post-Retirement Employment Option (PREO) procedure, which has been updated with current insurance coverage information.

* Approved a Rural School Bus Route Resolution to be submitted to the Northern Arizona Council of Governments to conduct a study upon bus route conditions that cause adverse effects on student attendance, cancellation of bus routes and impacts to student attendance.

*Approved support staff employment of Fana Begay, food services substitute worker; Antasia Kennedy, HHS registrar and receptionist; Hanna Yazzie, IWES school secretary and student information system; and Marc Yazzie, IWES bicycle maintenance.

* Approved support staff resignation of Michelle Mary Scott, food services.

* Approved support staff retirement of Alfred Clark, homeless student and parent liaison.

* Approved certified employment of Bryan Lang, HJHS social studies teacher; and Annie Delos-Santos-Jones, HHS English teacher.

* Approved certified staff resignations of Aira Austra, HHS English teacher; Kevin Fosburgh, Hulet/Park; Monica Liddle, HHS English teacher; and Deseree O-Laughlin, Hulet third grade teacher.

* Approved certified staff retirement of Leslie Baldonado, HHS physical education teacher; Linda McMahon, HHS SPED teacher; and Annette Rothman, IWES second grade teacher.

* Approved extra duty for Jace Allison, Slade Allison, Gishie Arviso, Shawna Bailey, Lena Begay, Tim Begay, Derek Bitsilly, Kaylene Bitsilly, Megan Haney, Cory Iashie, Jerry Joe, Hunter Love, Benjamin Meeks, Shurrell Nardi, Mark O’Dell, Wayne Silvers and Chantell Slade, all as spring break workers; Abrian Dickson and Jessica Lano, both IWES game officials; Gypsi Gover, IWES game official and STEAM club; Lori Williams, IWES game official and intramural sports; and Marc Yazzie, IWES bike club sponsor.

* Approved professional leave for Jesus Luna-Almendariz, Arizona Association of School Business Officials (AASBO) 2024 spring conference, cost to the district is $731; Cheri Grau, 2024 Teachers Institute and Leading Change, cost to the district is $940; Patty Clark, Arizona Speech Hearing Association (ArSHA) convention, cost to the district is $415; Karalyn Reidhead, ArSHA convention, cost to the district is $751; W. Ray McLaws, School Nutrition Association of Arizona (SNAAZ) professional growth conference, cost to the district is $389; Shawn Tow, Transportation of America annual conference, cost to the district is $985; Bernice Gover, Arizona Professors of Educational Leadership (APEL) leadership conference; Dwayne Hawk, Power School training; and Lori Williams, athletic director meeting.

* Approved expense and revolving vouchers totaling nearly $790,000.

* Approved payroll and expense vouchers totaling nearly $1.6 million.

* Approved personnel pay for Suzanne Powell, IWES professional development, $150; Chantelle Taylor, HJHS deseg. professional development, $500; RayAnn Terry, IWES professional development, $500; February Bud Driver Attraction, $3,570; March 2024 White Fleet Sports Drivers, $160; and HHS deseg. professional development, $15,500.

* Approved requests by IWES student council Words of Encouragement/snack fundraiser, expected to earn $100; IWES student council Haircut and styling fundraiser, expected to earn $200; IWES student council spring craft night fundraiser, expected to earn $100; IWES student council bingo night fundraiser, expected to earn $100; and IWES student council k-4 sports clinic fundraiser, expected to earn $100.

* Approved donations from Navajo County for $1,000 to the HHS choirs and 58 dictionaries to IWES; and Rosella Gonzales for $250 to the golf team.

* Approved final adoption of updated policies BE School Board Meetings, BEDB Agenda, BGE Policy Communication/Feedback, CCB-R Line and Staff Relations, CFD School-Based Management, IHA Basic Instructional Program, IKF Graduation Requirements, IMA Teaching Methods, JJE Student Fundraising Activities, KEC Public Concerns/Complaints About Instructional Resources, JK-EA Student Discipline, JIH Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrests, and JH Student Absence and Excuses.

* Approved consent agenda items and expense vouchers in items. Detailed information for all District expenditures may be obtained by contacting the School District business office located at 1000 N. 8th Ave., P.O. Box 640, Holbrook, AZ 86025. Phone 1-928-524-6144.