Higley Unified School District public meetings in 2024
29 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
PreK - 12th Grade Supplemental Committee
The PreK-12th Grade Supplemental Material Review Committee is meeting to evaluate educational materials based on a rubric for merit and sensitive content. The committee will review state law ARS 15-120.03 regarding sexually explicit materials. Any recommendations made by the committee require final approval from the Governing Board.
- Review of ARS 15-120.03 regarding sexually explicit materials
- Evaluation of K-3 Writing Structured Literacy Writing Curriculum from Teachers Pay Teachers
- Evaluation of ST Math for SpEd Math
- Evaluation of Whoos Reading submitted by HTA
- Evaluation of Borenson Math Hands on Equations submitted by Power Ranch
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing on a revised FY2025 budget after the Arizona Department of Education found the district exceeded its unrestricted budget limit. The board will also discuss hiring the Frantz Law Group for social media litigation in executive session. Consent agenda items include personnel actions, travel requests, and gifts.
- Public hearing on FY2025 Budget Revision #2 after ADE found district exceeded unrestricted budget limit
- Executive session to discuss engagement with Frantz Law Group for social media litigation claims
- 11 district schools and the district itself received 'A' letter grades for 2023-2024
- Approval of overnight and out-of-state student travel requests
- Recognition of booster clubs and PTOs for insurance coverage
6th - 12th Grade Novel Review Committee
This meeting of the Higley Unified School District's 6th-12th Grade Novel Review Committee was postponed. The committee is tasked with reviewing and recommending novels for grades 6-12 under the revised Policy IJJ. Future meetings are scheduled for January 15 and February 18, 2025.
- Round 2 book presentations include: Patron Saints of Nothing (grade 10), The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (grade 10), The Devil's Highway (grade 11 AP Lang), Understanding Comics (grade 9), Where the Crawdads Sing (grade 11), Atomic Habits (grade 9)
- Committee recommendations go to the Governing Board for final approval
- Meeting scheduled 5:30-7:30 PM in the Governing Board Room on Jan 15 and Feb 18, 2025
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board met to approve a consent agenda including personnel appointments, financial reports, and various travel requests. The board also reviewed reports on school 'Points of Pride' and upcoming district events.
- Amendment with Compass Group (Chartwells) for Community Ed snacks at $1.00 to $1.25 per snack
- Approval of overnight and out-of-state travel for staff and students, including a Chicago Dance Tour
- Ratification of staff appointments, terminations, and supplemental pay
- Approval to waive liquidated damages fees for employees released from contracts
- Approval for the disposal of district assets
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board held an executive session on legal issues regarding litigation and vendor selection, then approved a consent agenda covering personnel actions, contract releases, payroll, financial reports, staff and student travel, gifts, and booster club recognition. The meeting also included a superintendent's report on school programs and upcoming events.
- Executive session on pending litigation and vendor selection issues
- Approval of personnel action items including staff appointments and terminations
- Release from contract and waiver of liquidated damages fees for employees
- Approval of overnight/out-of-state travel for staff and students to Anaheim, CA and New Mexico
- Acceptance of gifts and donations to the district
6th - 12th Grade Novel Review Committee
The 6th-12th Grade Novel Review Committee will hear presentations and vote on recommendations for seven books, including 'Out of My Mind' for grade 7 and 'Punching the Air' for grade 10 and up. All recommendations require final approval by the Governing Board. The committee will also review meeting norms and schedule future meetings.
- Round 1 book presentations and recommendations for 7 titles across grades 7-11
- Grade 7: 'Out of My Mind' by Sharon Draper
- Grade 10 and up: 'Punching the Air', 'They Called Us Enemy', 'The Rent Collector'
- Grade 11: 'Big Fish' and 'The Beantown Girls'
- Round 2 book assignment: 'Where the Crawdads Sing' for grade 11
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing to update the community on programs or capital improvements financed through the district's maintenance and operation override, as required by state law. The board will also consider a consent agenda including personnel actions, contract releases, financial reports, and approval of student travel. A work study session will review the Danielson's Framework for Teaching and the district's cell phone policy.
- Public hearing on Maintenance & Operation Override Update, including amount expended in previous fiscal year and current budget
- Approval of personnel action items including staff appointments, terminations, and supplemental pay
- Request to release employees from contracts and waive liquidated damages fees (up to $1,000 per policy)
- Approval of overnight/out-of-state student travel for HHS Spiritline-Pom Nationals, WFHS Boys Basketball Matador Invitational, and WFHS Spiritline-Cheer Nationals
- Addition of Substitute Bus Driver to classified hourly schedule at $19.72/hour
PreK - 12th Grade Supplemental Committee
The PreK-12th Grade Supplemental Material Review Committee will meet to establish operating norms, review Arizona law ARS 15-120.03 on sexually explicit materials, and finalize a rubric for evaluating supplemental materials. The committee will also discuss the process for recommending materials for possible inclusion in the core curriculum. No specific materials are being reviewed at this meeting.
- Review of ARS 15-120.03, which prohibits sexually explicit materials in schools with exemptions
- Committee will define operating norms and review a rubric for evaluating educational merit and sensitive content
- Future meeting dates set: Dec 11, 2024 and Feb 12, 2025 at 5:30 pm in the Board Room
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board held an executive session on school safety, then approved a consent agenda including personnel actions, payroll, travel, and donations. The board voted 4-1 to cancel a planned town hall on cell phone towers after the Verizon agreement was terminated. An information item reviewed AP and dual enrollment results from the prior school year.
- Cancelled community meeting on cell phone towers (motion passed 4-1, with Anna Van Hoek dissenting)
- Approved consent agenda including ratification of payroll and expense vouchers
- Approved overnight and out-of-state staff travel for conferences (e.g., AZAEA, Edupoint, National Braille Association)
- Approved overnight and out-of-state student travel (e.g., AZ HOSA Leadership Camp, Los Angeles Theater Tour)
- Recognized booster clubs and PTOs for insurance coverage (e.g., Williams Field High School Girls Soccer Booster Club, Cooley Middle School PTO)
6th - 12th Grade Novel Review Committee
The committee will review its objectives, establish norms, and learn the process for evaluating novels for grades 6-12 using a rubric. Members will also discuss how to recommend books for possible inclusion in the curriculum.
- Review of Arizona Revised Statute 15-120.03 on sexually explicit materials
- Discussion of the novel evaluation rubric and recommendation process
- Committee will read and evaluate a book using the rubric
- Future meetings scheduled: Oct 23, Dec 3, Jan 15, Feb 18
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board held a regular meeting on August 27, 2024, approving a consent agenda that included the purchase of two special education buses for $244,380.59, personnel actions, travel requests, and financial reports. The meeting also featured a superintendent's report on district programs and upcoming events.
- Authorization of $244,380.59 for two 14-passenger special education buses from Arizona Bus Center
- Approval of overnight and out-of-state staff travel requests
- Approval of overnight and out-of-state student travel requests
- Acceptance of gifts and donations to the district
- Approval of an intergovernmental agreement amendment with Arizona Department of Economic Security for students with disabilities
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing and vote on FY2025 Budget Revision #1 to correct a budget error. The board will also consider consent items including a $124,457.69 expenditure for a new serving line at Williams Field High School and authorization of up to $1 million in cooperative vendor purchases. Work study items include a review of AI literacy efforts and first readings of policies on technology use, board member qualifications, and graduation requirements.
- Public hearing and vote on FY2025 Budget Revision #1 to address a budget error
- Authorization of $124,457.69 expenditure for WFHS serving line to Arizona Restaurant Supply, Inc.
- Approval of cooperative vendors purchasing threshold to exceed $100,000, estimated total $1,000,000
- First read of Policy IJNDB on use of technology resources in instruction addressing AI
- First read of Policy IKF on graduation requirements to increase Holocaust and genocide instruction
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board approved a consent agenda including a $150,000 contract with ACES for special education transportation, personnel actions, travel requests, financial reports, and recognition of booster clubs and PTOs. The meeting also included a superintendent's report on Higley Adventures and upcoming events, and public comment period.
- Approved $150,000 contract with The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students (ACES) for special education transportation for 2024-2025
- Approved release from contract and waiver of liquidated damages fees for certain employees
- Approved overnight and out-of-state staff travel requests
- Approved overnight and out-of-state student travel requests for HHS and SMS groups
- Recognized six booster clubs and PTOs for insurance coverage under the School Risk Retention Trust
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board held a public hearing on the FY2024/2025 adopted budget and a second hearing on updating the Instructional Time Model (ITM) to support homebound students. The board also approved consent agenda items including personnel actions, contract releases, travel, and financial reports.
- Public hearing on FY2024/2025 adopted budget
- Second public hearing on Instructional Time Model update
- Approval of personnel action items (appointments, terminations, adjustments)
- Release from contracts and waiver of liquidated damages fees
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board held a public hearing and work study on June 5, 2024, to present the proposed FY2025 budget and an update to the Instructional Time Model (ITM) for state reporting. The board also approved a consent agenda including personnel actions, travel, financial reports, and a $414,315.76 expenditure for signal light improvements at Higley High School.
- Public hearing on FY2025 proposed budget
- Public hearing on Instructional Time Model update
- Approval of $414,315.76 for signal light improvements at Higley High School
- Approval of $203,952 in Pay for Performance allocations for 59 administrators
- Approval of contract releases and waiver of liquidated damages fees
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing on the FY2024 Budget Revision #1, which must be approved before May 15. The board will also convene in executive session to discuss a possible contract extension, and will consider consent agenda items including personnel actions, contract releases, travel requests, and financial reports.
- Public hearing on FY2024 Budget Revision #1
- Executive session to discuss possible contract extension
- Approval of personnel action items (appointments, terminations, adjustments)
- Request for release from contract and waiver of liquidated damages fees ($500-$1,000)
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers 1084-1097
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board met in executive session to discuss contract issues and contemplated or pending litigation or settlement discussions, as permitted by Arizona law. The board voted unanimously to convene the closed sessions and to direct the attorney to follow the guidance provided. No public action items were on the agenda.
- Executive session on contract issues (A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3)&(4))
- Executive session on pending litigation or settlement discussions
- Motion to direct attorney to follow executive session direction
- Meeting held at 2935 S. Recker Road, Gilbert, AZ
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board met in executive session on April 22, 2024, to receive legal advice from its attorneys. The board voted to convene the session and to direct the attorney to follow the guidance given. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Executive session held under A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3) for legal advice
- Board voted to convene executive session (motion passed 5-0)
- Board directed attorney to follow direction given in executive session
- Meeting adjourned after no further business
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board is meeting in executive session to discuss a personnel matter, contract issues, and pending litigation, all under Arizona law. The board also voted to direct its attorney to follow the guidance given in the closed session. The meeting is limited to these closed-door items and adjournment.
- Executive session on personnel matter (A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(1))
- Executive session on contract issues (A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3)&(4))
- Executive session on pending litigation (A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3)&(4))
- Motion to direct attorney per executive session direction
- Adjournment
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board is meeting to approve routine consent agenda items, including personnel actions, financial reports, and travel requests. Notable items include a $114,117.33 expenditure for a K-3 phonics program and an agreement with Commerce Bank expected to generate about $110,000 in revenue. The board also approved the agenda and consent items as presented.
- Approved $114,117.33 for K-3 Core Phonics Program from 95 Percent Group
- Approved agreement with Commerce Bank for electronic vendor payments, expected to generate ~$110,000 next fiscal year
- Approved release from contract and waiver of liquidated damages for certain employees
- Approved overnight/out-of-state travel for staff and students, including conferences and camps
- Approved disposal of assets and acceptance of gifts and donations
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board met in executive session to discuss contract issues and pending litigation, with all five members voting to convene. The board also voted to direct the attorney to follow guidance from the session, then adjourned. No public action items were on the agenda.
- Executive session on contract issues (A.R.S. 38-431.03 (A)(3)&(4))
- Executive session on pending litigation (A.R.S. 38-431.03 (A)(3)&(4))
- Motion to direct attorney per executive session guidance
- All votes passed unanimously (5-0 or 4-0 with one absent)
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 5:00 pm. The agenda includes procedural opening items, approval of the agenda, a request to speak period, a consent agenda with routine items (minutes, personnel, payroll, travel, gifts, asset disposal), a third review of the 2024-25 budget, and second-read approval of several policies (BE School Board Meetings, BEDB Agenda, IKF Graduation Requirements). The board may also move into executive session for legal advice.
- Approval of consent agenda including personnel actions, payroll and expense vouchers, overnight/out-of-state staff and student travel, gifts/donations, and disposal of district assets.
- Third review of the 2024-25 Maintenance & Operations budget (presented by CFO Tyler Moore).
- Second read and approval of policy BE School Board Meetings.
- Second read and approval of policy BEDB Agenda (and regulation).
- Second read and approval of policy IKF Graduation Requirements.
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board is meeting to approve the superintendent's contract and authorize its execution, along with a consent agenda that includes personnel actions, financial reports, and a $184,984 expenditure for a stage renovation at Higley High School. The board will also hear the superintendent's report on district highlights and upcoming events, and take public comment.
- Approval of Superintendent Contract and authorization to execute
- Authorization of $184,984 expenditure for Higley High School Stage Renovation to McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
- Approval of personnel action items including appointments, terminations, and supplemental pay
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers (Voucher Summaries 1060-1070)
- Approval of overnight/out-of-state staff and student travel requests
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board is meeting in executive session to discuss personnel matters (employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining, or resignation) and to consult with attorneys for legal advice. The board will also consider directing the attorney to follow the guidance given in the session, then adjourn. No public action or decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Executive session under A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(1)&(3) for personnel and legal advice
- Action item: attorney to follow direction given in executive session
- Adjournment after session
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board is meeting for an executive session to discuss personnel matters and seek legal advice, as permitted by state law. The board will also consider directing its attorney to follow guidance from the closed session, then adjourn. No public action or decisions are expected during this session.
- Executive session under A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(1)&(3) for personnel and legal consultation
- Action item: attorney to follow direction given in executive session
- Meeting held at 2935 S. Recker Road, Gilbert, AZ 85295
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board is meeting in executive session to discuss personnel matters, specifically the selection of a final superintendent candidate. The board will consider employment-related issues and may take action to select a candidate by number to begin contract negotiations.
- Executive session for discussion of employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining or resignation of public officers or employees
- Selection of final superintendent candidate by number to begin contract negotiations with legal counsel
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board is meeting in executive session to discuss personnel matters, specifically the selection of candidates for the second round of superintendent interviews. The board will also consider a motion to enter executive session for discussion of employment-related issues, and then adjourn.
- Executive session under A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(1) for discussion of employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of a public officer, appointee, or employee
- Action item: select candidates for 2nd round of superintendent interviews by number
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board is meeting in executive session to discuss personnel matters and to select candidates for the first round of superintendent interviews. The board will also consider adjournment after the session.
- Executive session under A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(1) for discussion of employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of a public officer or employee
- Action to select candidates for 1st round of superintendent interviews by candidate number
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board held its regular meeting, electing Michelle Anderson as Board President and Anna Van Hoek as Vice President for 2024. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included personnel actions, contract releases, travel requests, financial reports, and other routine items.
- Elected Michelle Anderson as Board President and Anna Van Hoek as Vice President for 2024
- Approved release from contract and waiver of liquidated damages fees for employees (fees ranged from $500 to $1,000)
- Approved overnight and out-of-state student travel for CMS Close Up DC, HHS Choir to NYC, HHS Softball to El Paso, and WFHS Drumline
- Approved overnight and out-of-state staff travel, including ASBO Leadership Forum and WFHS SpEd Staff
- Approved disposal of district assets with no cost implications