Scottsdale Unified School District Arizona’s Most Excelling School District!

Ernie Nicely, executive director of information and technology, presented a demonstration with a teacher and students from Hopi Elementary School showcasing technology for the 21st century classroom to the Governing Board members.

David Peterson, assistant superintendent of operations, presented information regarding the 2007-2008 fiscal year budget. The budget estimate for the next fiscal year is being developed based on an increase Average Daily Membership (ADM) of 100 students and the statutory 2 percent inflation allowance. Additionally, the negotiations with the employee health insurance provider have been successful, and it appears that the District’s portion of the premium increase will be less that $150,000. The two areas of the budget that need to be evaluated and prioritized are the 610-Capital and 625-Capital requests. Additionally, the budget reflects no reduction in workforce for 2007-2008. The presentation is available on the District’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.cfm. District administrators and the Governing Board will continue to speak about this topic at upcoming meetings.

Additionally, Jackie Olsen, director of curriculum, presented a Wellness Update to the Governing Board. The Curriculum Subcommittee’s presentation included where we have been, where we are, where we are going and a timeline. The presentation is available on the District’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.cfm.

Governing Board President Karen Beckvar lead a discussion of Potential Community Presentations on Initiatives. The Board directed Superintendent Dr. John M. Baracy to set up meetings at each high school in April to get community input on the potential M&O and Capital Override issues.

Also, Mr. Nicely discussed the Technology Use Policy with the Board. The policy will be brought back as amended as a Consent Agenda item at the March 20th Governing Board meeting.

Jessica Sanchez, staff attorney, presented information regarding the revision of Policy BE – School Board Meetings. The policy will be brought back as a Consent Agenda item at the March 20th Governing Board meeting.

In other action, the Board:

• Approved the authorization and sale of SUSD Refunding Bonds, series 2007.
• Accepted gifts valued at $55,432. The gifts were received from Chaparral High School Art Club, Mohave Student Council, Arcadia PTO, Cochise APT, Desert Canyon Elementary School PTO, Desert Mountain PTO, Hopi PTA, Ingleside PTO, Laguna PTO, Sequoya PTA, Arizona Commission on the Fine Arts, Arizona State University, Ron and Daron Barness, Charro Don Chiappetti, LB Rickard Ellis, General Mills and Supplies, Jeannie Grahm, Lowe’s Charitable Foundation, Ruth Robertson, Scottsdale Charros, University of Arizona and Wells Fargo.

The next regular Governing Board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on March 20th at the Education Center.