In a vibrant celebration of academic excellence, the Winslow Unified School District Governing Board honored the achievements of its students during the board meeting on March 6. Among the celebrated were participants of the recent county spelling bee, with special acknowledgment given to Shaunce’ Yellowhair, the District Spelling Bee Champion. Yellowhair’s victory earned her the opportunity to represent Winslow and Navajo County at the State Spelling Bee scheduled for March 16.
The competition saw a nail-biting finish between Shaunce’ and Spencer Whiting from Blue Ridge Junior High School. The decisive moment came when Spencer misspelled “illustrious,” a challenge that Shaunce’ successfully navigated before correctly spelling “ammunition” to claim her spot at the state competition.
Chris Atwood, the district’s Gifted and Talented Education teacher who also volunteers for the spelling bee, told the board that when he and the students from Winslow arrived for the county bee comments were made from the other teachers asking if Winslow was there to defend their title. It has been five years since Winslow last claimed the county champion title, and a year or two before that a Winslow student won three consecutive years. Atwood also informed the board of the county’s commitment to support Shaunce’ with funds for travel and accommodation at the state competition.
The spelling bee wasn’t the only competition in the spotlight. Thells Baker’s achievement as the Az Elks Hoop Shoot Champion, earning him a place in the competition in Las Vegas, was also recognized.
In addition to celebrating student accomplishments, the board announced a 5% salary increase for all staff starting the next school year, a move aimed at retaining teachers and maintaining competitiveness with other districts. This financial decision, spearheaded by the district’s Finance Manager Casey Hancock, is expected to have no adverse impact on the budget.
The board meeting also featured a presentation by Laura Rosensweet from Education Forward Arizona, a nonprofit focusing on promoting education beyond high school. Rosensweet emphasized the goal of achieving a 60% post-secondary education rate by 2030, highlighting the importance of vocational training and certifications in addition to traditional four-year degrees. She presented data demonstrating the economic and social benefits of higher education, including increased earnings, improved community welfare, and enhanced state fiscal health.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed the community’s perspective on post-high school education, with a poll showing that 80% of Arizona voters see it as vitally important. The emphasis was on the critical role of career and technical education (CTE) and dual enrollment programs in providing valuable hands-on experience to students.
During the public comments section, Renee Hardy proposed a travel accommodation change for student teams, suggesting the use of Airbnb over motels for trips to Phoenix or out of state. Hardy argued that this approach offers safer and more convenient lodging options, fostering a better environment for team unity and ease of management.
Lastly, the board heard the second reading of 16 new policy revisions first heard at the board’s second meeting in Feb. These policies are largely language updates to comply with state standards and have little impact on the intent of the policies.
In other business, the board:
* Approved contract renewals for Tyler Allen, Casey Ambrose, Natalie Barrios, Mackenzie Blackgoat, Theresa Breeze-Delmar, Tom Breeze, Penny Brimhall, Lachele Chatwin, Reese Chatwin, Sean Duffy, Monapoppy Dunton, Michael Duran, Cecilia Estudillo, Rachel Evans, Afton Foster, Lisa Foster, Monique Foy, Charlene Gile, Curtis Gordon, Quentin Hayes, Kourtney Hendricks, Kim Henling, Todd Hunt, Jeanette Jacobsen, Ryan Johnson, Michelle Jones, Bryan Lang, Bryan Larson, Janice Lyle, Laurel Poleyestewa, Taura Rush, Daniel Tafoya, Trista Thermen, Julie Thomas, Joanna Venegas, Stephanie Wofford, Rita Yazzie, Travis Dooley, Loren Begay, Stacey Berg, Scott Corum, Carlos Guerrero and Gloria Jackson.
Alisha Jones, Christa Knox, Drew Luzier, John Maine, Maria Perales, Erick Petranovich, Lyra Rose, Lynne Sawyer, Claire Seel, Michelle Simmons, Debra Smith, Leroy Thomas, Sabrina Vasquez, Sharon Vasquez, Mary Ann Bratt, Lavinia Cody, Karsyn Ellis, Ginger Fischer, Christopher Garrett, Sharon Greenwood, Kim Gonzales, Jerron Jordan, Terrirae Milligan, Taylor Mills, Laura Pontel, Debra Stacey, Chris Atwood, Billie Avelar, Kimberly Baber, Deanna Burns, Karla Curley, Samantha McGuire, Gabby Muse, Natasha Naha, Marie Putman, Dominique Reid, Jennifer Remington, Rebecca Reichel, Chase Edwards, Kassandra Setalla, Briana Conatser, Leslie Powers, Briana Huskon, Tracy Herms, Madisyn LaFon, Jaydon Payne, Jessica Scott, Kelbie Flake, Kayla Tafoya, Mica Vasquez, Debbie Hearell, Coretta Agnew, Virginia Hatch, Kasye Reynolds, Dominique Alberry, Diane Woods, Christie Bratt, Krisy Greer, Felicia Breeze, Jonnie Vargas and Remedios Cimafranca.
Monica Hernandez, Kristie Corum, Roseann Sundwall, Lindsey Dewitt, Kae Warwick, Cathlyn Diaz, Tammy Canales, Heather Fallaha, Romalea Chatwin, Debble Fulton, Telisha Galvan, Senaida Gonzales, Michaal Luther, Sheri Hatfield, Amanda Curutte, Charizthea Hinay, Tracy Turley, Jana Jordan, FaLisha Solinger, Allison Meritt, Carleen Walton, Laura Osuna, Amanda Candelaria, Betsy Pollard, Pollie Curley, Tanya Riggs, Jessica Montoya, Gail Tsosie, Madison Venegas, Joanna Vergel de Dios, Aimee Wilcox, Toni Villanueva, Ashley Baker, Gloria Alcott, Darrin Cavasos, Jeryinn Chatter, Jay Decker, David DeGroff, Maurice Dunham, Joshua Fussell, Marguerita Gally, Christopher Gonzales, Cheryl Jodie, Ernestine Mora, Jose Mora, Lawrence So, Gary Roland, Albert Romero, Cindy Scafe, Pamela Salazar, Ashlynn Therman, Jonnie Woods, Tina Luther, Marcus Armijo, Vera Baldwin, Juvy Beggs, Taylor Decker, Kevin Garret, Nora Gilles, Eugene Henry, Randy Hummel, Tanya Luna, Otis Lunsford, Eleo Petet, Sharlinda Shirley, Mark Faust, Bennie Yazzie, Luis Petet, Lembert Curtis, Clifford Wells, Brian Wilcox, Irvin Yazzie, Thomas Pentz, Patrick Young, Maurice Dunham, Sean Jimmle, Brooke Santos, Lindsay Dewitt, Ashlee Branson, Monica Skaggs, Amie McCrickard, Margaret Sanchez, Loretta Chischilly and Jeff McCrickard.
Christina Schultz, Denise Estudillo, Casey Hancock, Sal Hernandez, Steve Henling, Valerie Huerta, Brayannen James, Elaine Larsen, Amanda Leonard, Nathan Lindaman, Debra Lopez, Amber Martinez, Tony Mora, Larissa Richards, Jennifer Sanderlin, Paul Sheats and Lisette Wilkie.
* Approved hiring Madison Lymer as an emergency substitute and Alexis Vargas as a parent liaison.
* Approved the resignation of paraprofessionals Debra Kamzelski and Samuel Setalla, and the termination of James Kuwunvana Sr.
* Approved retirement for Nola Cardani, Lita Gonzales and Leona Jue.
* Approved the following fundraisers: Art Club Ceramics sale, Class of 2025 prom and concessions, Student Council spring color dance and concessions, Track Club Sedona track meet, Track Club Snap Raise email fundraiser, Track Club Bradshaw Mountain track meet, Indian Club Easter egg hunt, Winslow Junior High School Art Club Scent Co., and Book Club Easter grams.
* Approved agreement with Navajo County Education Service Agency Special Services Consortium for three years of physical, occupational and speech therapy.
