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

Superintendent Dr. John M. Baracy updated the Governing Board on a potential renewal of the Maintenance and Operations Budget Override and recent Public Discussion Meetings hosted throughout the District. District administrators and the Governing Board will continue to speak about this topic at upcoming meetings. Additionally, Ernie Nicely, executive director of technology and information services, provided a brief presentation on the capabilities of a new Phone Communication System. The presentation included video clips on how modern communication systems are used to increase the safety of staff and students in school.

Dr. Ildiko Laczko-Kerr, executive director of curriculum, instruction and assessment, presented to the Board a proposal for a Standard Uniform Policy at Copper Ridge. The administration presented supporting survey data and information from its community regarding this change as well as the draft policy language for the Governing Board’s review. The item will brought back as a Consent Agenda Item on the June 5th Agenda.

Dr. David Peterson, assistant superintendent for operations, updated the Governing Board on current facility usage, current enrollment, enrollment projections and State statues regarding land acquisitions and sale. The presentation is available on the District’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.cfm.

Jeff Thomas, executive director of human capital, demonstrated the software package, WinOcular, for Finance and Human Capital. As of April 1, 2007, certified applicants are processed through the paperless online database. As of June 1, 2007, SUSD will no longer accept paper applications. The presentation is available on the District’s Web site at: http://www.susd.org/district/govboard/meetings.cfm.

Governing Board President Karen Beckvar submitted a generic Governing Board self-evaluation policy and instrument for discussion. Further discussion will take place at the May 21st Board Retreat.

In other action, the Board:

• Approved an increase of $209,551 to D.L. Withers for change orders to be funded out of the Adjacent Ways for additional required work in the dedicated utility easement and right-of-way for Arcadia High School.
   
• Approved an increase of $200,000 to the Guaranteed Maximum Price for Chaparral High School Bond Project to McCarthy Construction Company, based upon the gift received from the Booster Club to construct the baseball/softball field house. This will bring the GMP to $50,200,000.
   
• Approved revisions to Policy GBP-Prohibited Personnel Practices.
   
• Accepted gifts valued at $717,783. The gifts were received from Arcadia PTO, Cheyenne PTO, Laguna PTO, Hopi, PTA, Ingleside PTO, Mohave PTO, Saguaro Class of 2007, Arcadia Pride Foundation, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Caretakers of the Environment, Chaparral Firebird Football Foundation, Chaparral Science Booster Club, CiPASS, Don Chiapetti, Coronado Foundation for the Future, First Books, Health World of Scottsdale, Jeff and Julie Korte, Steve Martori, Nickelodeon’s Let’s Just Play Giveaway, Scottsdale Charros, Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center, Sipe Peterson American Legion, State of Arizona, Target and Wells Fargo Foundation.

A Governing Board Retreat is scheduled for 9 a.m. on May 21 at the Education Center. The next regular Governing Board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on June 5 at the Education Center.