Scottsdale Unified School District Arizona’s Most Excelling Schools!

The presidents of the employee groups, Sue Kaminskas, Scottsdale Education Association (SEA); Wendy Cohen, Scottsdale Affiliated Administrators (SAA); and Howard Peterson, the Scottsdale Support Personnel Association, presented to the Governing Board.

Donna Schell, NCLB professional development specialist, presented the high school social studies adoption to the Board. The committee worked many hours to select the best materials for students. These materials are engaging for students and will help teachers efficiently and effectively assist all students master the standards successfully. The committee was composed of teachers from each high school special area teachers, parents and administrators. The item will be brought back on the Consent Agenda at the January 24 meeting. The presentation is available on the district’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.htm.

Kim Clark, general counsel, reviewed Open Meeting Laws with the Governing Board. This annual review is held every January.

Additionally, Dr. Ildi Laczko-Kerr, director of student information management and accountability reporting, discussed changes to Policy JFABC – Admission to Transfer Students, with the Board. The district needs to develop policies and procedures for admission of high school students from those utilizing certified programs and services, as well as those instructed through non-certified methods. This policy adds the recommendations to admit these students. The High School Planning Guide will reflect the policy and procedure changes as well. The item will be brought back on the Consent Agenda at the January 24 meeting.

Ernie Nicely, executive director of technology & information, presented the Governing Board with the District Technology Plan. The presentation included specifics on costs and timeframe for accomplishing the plan. The item will be brought back on the Consent Agenda at the January 24 meeting. The presentation is available on the district’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.htm.

In other action, the Board:

• Elected Jennifer Petersen as president and Molly Holzer as clerk for the 2006 year.
   
• Approved the Superintendent’s evaluation.
   
• Approved the Governing Board Goals as discussed at the November 1, 2005, Board meeting.
   
• Approved the 2006-2007 High School Planning Guide.
   
• Approved the resolution to support the Kiva Ball Field Renovation Project.
   
• Awarded an RFP for repair of musical instruments to AllStar Music and Music and Arts Centers for an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the 2005-2006.
   
• Accepted gifts valued at $42,658. The gifts were received from Desert Canyon Middle School Yearbook Club, Aztec Community Team, Cheyenne Traditional School PTO, Desert Canyon Elementary School PTO, Laguna PTO, Mohave PTO, Mountainside PTO, Sequoya APT, Desert Mountain Baseball Boosters Club, Gotthif Stan Dyck, Martin and Wendy Kaye, Honeywell, Scottsdale Charros and Wells Fargo Bank.
  The next Governing Board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, in the cafeteria at Desert Canyon Middle School, 10203 McDowell Mountain Ranch Road, Scottsdale. The following Governing Board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, February 14, at the Education Center, 3811 N. 44th St., Phoenix.

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