Scottsdale Unified School District Arizona’s Most Excelling Schools!

Cathy Rivera, executive director of elementary schools and excelling teaching & learning, presented the Governing Board with an update on kindergarten class sizes at all of the district’s elementary schools. The presentation is available on the district’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.htm.

Superintendent Dr. John M. Baracy, Maureen O’Leary, executive director of communications and marketing and Dr. Ildi Laczko-Kerr, director of student information management and accountability reporting, presented the Board with the initial enrollment results for the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year as compared to last year. The marketing efforts that drove these enrollment numbers included the district’s first START SMART campaign, free, full-day kindergarten and open enrollment. The presentation is available on the district’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.htm.

Also, Ernie Nicely, executive director of technology & information systems, updated the Governing Board on the Technology Plan for the district. The presentation focused on the progress that has been made since June 21, including Web based systems, data storage environment, implementation of eLearning opportunities, network design and cost alternatives construction of technology enabled classroom pilot and implementation of training program. Mr. Nicely also updated the Board on what still needs to be done, including identify costs, review of the plan by the district technology committee, Board approval of final plan and modification of No Child Left Behind Technology Plan on file with the Arizona Department of Education. The presentation is available on the district’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.htm. The item will be brought back to the Governing Board at the December 6 meeting.

Additionally, the Governing Board discussed potential legislative agenda topics for the 2006 legislative session. The item will be brought back at the September 20 meeting as an Action Item.

In other action, the Board:

• Voted 5-0 to approve the guaranteed maximum price in the amount of $43,616,514 for Arcadia High School bond project to D. L. Withers. The presentation is available on the Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.htm.
   
• Accepted a grant award from the Scottsdale Police Department in the amount of $40,000 for the purchase of materials to support the Lions-Quest program.
   
• Approved the revisions to the Governing Board policies GCCC, GCCC-EB and GCCC-EC for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
   
• Accepted gifts valued at $27,786. The gifts were received from Hopi PTA, Sequoya APT, Zuni Community Association, Mary’s Knights of Blessed Sacrament Church and Wells Fargo.

The next two Governing Board meetings are scheduled for 5 p.m., Tuesday, September 20 and Tuesday, October 11 at the Education Center. A Governing Board Retreat is scheduled at 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 3, at the Education Center.

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