Scottsdale Unified School District No Dream Too Big . . . No Challenge Too Great

Ingleside Middle School and Mountainside Middle School were separately recognized by the Governing Board for their achievements at the national and state levels. Both schools also were recently honored, along with other schools and individuals from throughout the state, by the Arizona Department of Education as "stars of education."

Governing Board President Barbara Newby noted that Ingleside Middle School was selected as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. "This distinction is given for schools that demonstrate excellence in the following areas: Academic progress over a five-year period, parental involvement, student programming, a safe school, and leadership," Mrs. Newby said.

The Governing Board presented a certificate to Ruben Lara, principal, and members of the staff and PTO who were in attendance. Dr. Lara also shared with the Governing Board a plaque and a flag of excellence received last month by a delegation from the school who attended ceremonies in Washington, D.C.

Ingleside was one of only two schools in the state to be honored by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, noted Barbara Erwin, superintendent, adding that this may be the last year such awards are presented at the national level.

Mountainside Middle School also received a certificate from the Governing Board, recognizing achievement as an Arizona Educational Foundation A+ School. "The process to achieve this state distinction includes an in-depth application, including student achievement data; a two-day visit of the school that includes interviews with staff, students, and parents; and a final review by a team of citizens that represent education and the business community," Mrs. Newby said.

Principal Katy Cavanagh introduced three students who accepted the certificate on behalf of the school. Mrs. Cavanagh also introduced staff members and parents who played a significant role in preparing the documentation for the state award.

In other action, the Board approved a proclamation recognizing Nov. 17-23 as American Education Week in the Scottsdale Unified School District.

Board Member Tom Carey indicated that one clause in particular captured the essence of the proclamation. Mr. Carey read: "Whereas, Scottsdale Unified School District employees-be they community specialists or teachers, food service workers or librarians, nurses or principals, counselors or bus drivers-work tirelessly to serve and motivate our children."

Mrs. Newby singled out another clause to read: "Whereas, the success of public schools is reflected in the support given them by their community."

Also on the agenda was a presentation by Pam Krewson, president of the Scottsdale Schools Arts in Education Council. Mrs. Krewson and other members of the Arts in Education Council reviewed the variety of programs offered for SUSD students, including the masterpiece of art program and an opportunity for elementary students to attend a live performance.

"The arts programs are complementary to the curriculum," Mrs. Krewson noted. She stressed that the programs offered by the Arts in Education Council enrich, and are not substitutes for the fine arts programs offered everyday in the schools.

Research materials were distributed to the Governing Board that described the link between learning in the arts and student academic and social development.

"These are the kinds of programs that make schools enjoyable . . . and bring children to school," Mr. Carey said. "All the evidence is there that these programs help our children academically."

In another presentation, attorney James Martin, from the firm Lewis and Roca, gave an overview of Arizona law that restricts the use of school district resources to influence the outcome of an election. His timely presentation follows on Board action taken Oct. 22, putting a maintenance and operation budget override question on the March 11, 2003, ballot.

Mr. Martin presented a list of Do's and Don'ts relating to school district elections and political activities. He specifically reviewed section 15-511 of the Arizona Revised Statutes that addresses the use of school district resources or employees to influence elections. Additionally he noted that the law in particular prohibits giving students "written materials that are designed to influence the outcome of an election or to advocate support for or opposition to pending or proposed legislation."

Additionally, he discussed another section of the statutes that addresses the use of school district property and the rental of facilities for political purposes. "Paying renters may use the property as they wish," he noted.

In other work, the Board:

• Approved a Health Service procedure that is consistent with the exclusionary language of section 36-3251(H) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, that district personnel shall not comply with a "Do Not Resuscitate" directive presented to the district by or on behalf of a student.
   
• Accepted gifts valued at $48,491. Gifts were received from Cocopah Student Council, Mohave Student Council, Chaparral Girls Basketball, Anasazi PTO, Cocopah APT, Copper Ridge Elementary PTO, Ann Brenner, Jerry Williamson, Kathryn Frederick, Brunswick, Exxon Mobil Corp. Oasis Institute, Target, Motorola Foundation, Pfizer Foundation, Chase Sports Specialist, Washington Mutual, and Shammy Man Car Wash.
   
• Approved the award of a bid for musical instruments and equipment for an amount not to exceed $215,000 for fiscal year 2002-2003. The instruments and equipment were being procured as part of the routine annual replacement program at the elementary, middle, and high schools.
   
• Approved the award of RFP #3056 for lunchtime activity programs to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Scottsdale and the Valley of the Sun YMCA. These programs are funded from school tax credits, but go through the Board as part of the state procurement process.
   
• Approved the purchase of security fencing for Mohave and Supai middle schools.
   
• Approved a utility easement to APS in order for the utility to replace the existing underground electric cable line that feeds Cochise Elementary School.
   
• Approved the granting of a sewer line easement at Cocopah Middle School to the city of Scottsdale.
   
• Approved the granting of sewer line easements at the Copper Ridge school site, including a temporary construction easement to DC Ranch for installing an underground sewer line and a permanent easement to the city of Scottsdale for maintaining the sewer line and related facilities.

The next Governing Board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Education Center.
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