Scottsdale Unified School District Arizona’s Most Excelling Schools!

Superintendent Dr. John M. Baracy presented his proposed redesign of the Scottsdale Unified School District organization. The objective of the redesign is to improve academic achievement for all students, provide exceptional customer service, provide information on risk taking, create financial security, efficiency and effectiveness and place students and teachers in the center of the district’s efforts.
 
Dr. Baracy developed an organizational chart to allow the district to be more effective and efficient, including creating new positions in the district. Implementation will begin in March with a complete transition by July 1, 2005. The item will be placed on the Feb. 8 Board Agenda as an Action Item.
 
To view Dr. Baracy’s reorganization presentation, please visit the district Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/presentations/OrgRedesign.pdf
 
In addition, the Board listened as Janey Kaufmann, Curriculum coordinator, discussed the Elementary (K-5) Science Adoption. The elementary science adoption committee worked many hours to select the best kit materials for elementary students. The researched-based materials are engaging for students and will help teachers to teach efficiently and effectively, which will help all students master the standards and curriculum successfully. The committee will come before the Board in the near future to recommend supplemental books that align with the materials.
 
The Science Adoption Committee composed of classroom and special-area teachers, parents, and administrators began meeting in March 2004. Subcommittees were formed to focus on specific grade levels needs. Committees worked to come to consensus for each grade level selection.
 
The item will be brought back as a Consent Agenda Item at the Feb. 8 meeting.
In addition, the Board supports the City of Scottsdale’s recommendations of improvement for the ball field at Cochise Elementary School.
 
In other action, the Board:

• Approved the replacement of the current student information system (SASIxp) with Genesis. The implementation plan will begin in the third week of February with an elementary school pilot. The next phase will begin in March at 19 elementary schools. The Secondary schools phase will begin in October.
   
• Approved the option agreement between Phoenix Newspapers, Inc. and SUSD. The purchase of additional land at Arcadia High School is included in the 2004 bond approved by the voters. At approximately 34 acres, Arcadia is the smallest high school site in the district.
   
• Approved the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University West and its College of Teacher Education and Leadership and Scottsdale Unified School District. SUSD has participated with ASU West in this program for several years under an affiliation agreement to provide learning experiences for ASU teaching candidates. This IGA is for five years ending September 24, 2009.
  
  District administrators and staff are in favor of providing this opportunity for teaching candidates. There is no cost to the district for this agreement and teaching candidates provide valuable assistance to district teachers who supervise them. The ASU West teaching students are under constant supervision by our district teachers and at no time work directly work with our SUSD students without direct supervision. ASU provides the district with appropriate indemnification for their students. Kim Clark, executive director of Legal Affairs has reviewed and executed the agreement.
   
• Accepted gifts valued at $27,583. The gifts were received from Chaparral Vocal Music Council, Cheyenne Traditional School Student Government, Saguaro Lettermen’s Club, Ingleside PTO, Navajo PTO, Bill Bauman, Tina Buskirk, Charro Don Chiappetti, Mr. and Mrs. Oster, Wells Fargo and Michael D. Wilson.

An Executive Session/Special meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Education Center. The next Regular Governing Board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 8, at the Education Center.

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