Regular Meeting of the Governing Board (Wednesday, June 9, 2021)
 

 

 

 

1. ANNOUNCEMENT

 

1.01 Fact versus Fiction - Critical Race Theory
There have been a number of erroneous reports that Chandler Unified School District is using the Critical Race Theory. Neither the Board nor Administration have had any discussions related to the exploration, adoption or implementation of the Critical Race Theory in Chandler Unified School District.

 

2. Executive Session - 5:30 pm (Closed to public)

 

2.01 Executive Session - Legal Advice
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session per A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3) and (A)(4) for discussion or consultation for legal advice with its attorney(s) and/or to consider its position and instruct its attorney(s) regarding pending litigation and related matters.

 

Motion by Jason R Olive, second by Lindsay A Love.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Barb R Mozdzen, Jason R Olive, Lara E Bruner, Lindsay A Love
Not Present at Vote: Joel H Wirth
 
2.02 Executive Session - Legal Advice
Motion to adjourn to Executive Session per A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3) for discussion or consultation for legal advice with its attorney(s) relating to future employment and/or assignment of certificated employees and related matters.

 

Motion by Jason R Olive, second by Lindsay A Love.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Barb R Mozdzen, Jason R Olive, Lara E Bruner, Lindsay A Love
Not Present at Vote: Joel H Wirth
 
2.03 Adjourn from Executive Session
Meeting adjourned 6:30 pm.

 

3. Opening Items - 7:00 pm

 

3.01 Roll Call
Barb Mozdzen, Board President; Jason Olive, Board Vice President; Lara Bruner, and Lindsay Love, Board Members, were present.  Joel Wirth, Board Member, joined by phone.

Dr. Camille Casteel, Superintendent; Lana Berry, Chief Financial Officer; Frank Fletcher, Associate Superintendent for Support Services; Sandy Cooper, Assistant Superintendent; Dr. Craig Gilbert, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education; Dr. Wendy Nance, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; Frank Narducci, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education; Larry Rother, Senior Executive director of PK-12 Educational Services and Discipline; and Terry Locke, Director of Community Relations; were present.

 

3.02 Pledge of Allegiance / Moment of Silence

 

 

4. Routine Business 

 

4.01 Approve the Minutes of the May 12, 2021 Regular Board Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2021 Regular Board Meeting as presented.

 

Motion by Lindsay A Love, second by Jason R Olive.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Barb R Mozdzen, Jason R Olive, Lara E Bruner, Lindsay A Love, Joel H Wirth
 
4.02 Approve and Ratify Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers
Approve and Ratify Payroll and Accounts Payable Vouchers

Payroll for 2020-2021 Year:   

Voucher 1061 Payroll 05/13/2021

Voucher 1062 Payroll 05/20/2021

Voucher 1064 Payroll 05/28/2021

Voucher 1065 Payroll 06/03/2021

 

Accounts Payable for 2020-2021 Year:  

Vouchers 2222-2226 05/06/2021 Check# 1800034963-1800035107

Voucher 2228 05/10/2021 Check# 1800035109

Vouchers 2229-2233 05/13/2021 Check# 1800035114-1800035299

Voucher 2234 05/17/2021 Check# 1800035300

Vouchers 2235-2239 05/20/2021 Check# 1800035335-1800035497

Vouchers 2240 05/24/2021 Check# 1800035498

Vouchers 2241-2245 05/27/2021 Check# 1800035529-1800035684

 
Motion by Lindsay A Love, second by Jason R Olive.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Barb R Mozdzen, Jason R Olive, Lara E Bruner, Lindsay A Love, Joel H Wirth
 
4.03 Correspondence
No correspondence presented.

 

5. Comments 

5.01 Citizen Comments

Barb addressed the fact that Chandler Unified School District does not teach Critical Race Theory.

Terry Locke, Director of Public Relations, summarized the 39 comments presented online.  They can be accessed at https://www.cusd80.com/Page/113643.  

Jennifer Pawlick - State Representative for District 17 - explained ESSER 3 funds
Kurt Rohrs - CRT; implored the board and administration to educate kids to read, write, math, science, and the true history of ourcountry
Danielle Pollett - 29% CUSD families do not feel safe while at school
James Harris - Diversity Training, victim ideology destroys a nation
Jennifer Singleton - son experienced racism at high school
Ann Adams - Parent Bill of Rights; CRT promotes racism and segregation
Kelsey Bradshaw - CRT; thanked military for freedom; teaching kindness is not political or divisive; teach academics and kindness
Lynley Hansen- children are bullying and harassed every day;equity training and CRT teach hate and divisiveness
Jeremie Wilson - Equity is the same as CRT; should not be in education; divisive theory teaching to judge by color of skin; teaching one race that the system is rigged against them and cannot succeed. Teach Reading, Writing, Math; leave the morals/character teaching for parents
Tricia Wilkins - Parent Rights - 4 children were in district but pulled out of system because of the things happening in system; don't need sex, gender taught to children.
Hyrum Wilkins - (student) CRT should not be taught in schools, color doesn't change who my friends are
Michelle Dillard - violating Open Meeting laws; a man was trespassed for speaking; you are arresting families because they want to be heard;
Charlie Kirk - AZ taxpayer, Phoenix.  Equity/CRT - disgusted that the District is lying; Equity symposium for changing culture; stomping on legacy of MLKing Jr. Learn what you are supporting. If you care about skin color, you are bigoted.
Nicole Hammontree - Parents Rights; your words used to intimidate parents - white supremacy, bigotry; our silence is a form of acceptance. Treat others with kindness and acceptance. Not judge by their color or home
Leslie Ames - Parents Rights; Cannot believe what i'm hearing, reading;  stop speaking hate; CRT teaches hate.
Sonya Musgrove - no show
Julianna Payne - CRT; 4 children, biracial family, adopted 1 Chinese; I don't want my kids to learn from district; daughter learning something different from my morals
Stephanie Martinez - Equity & Inclusion; CUSD has a problem; racist and bigoted behavior; not reporting bullying accurately; asked for recommit to safety at school
Jennifer Alvey - CUSD equity initiative; every pro equity tweet shows all administrators/board support equity program. 
Heather Hunter - CUSD Board decisions 2021; asked district for course redirection; 2,000 students left because of equity policy; lack of leadership is why we left; 
Liz Harris - Inappropriate Communication; been a CUSD parent for nearly 2 decades and have watched a gradual decline; because of comments made by teachers/administration, my daughter is disenfranchised 
Maren Butcher - Solutions; divisions are forming; CRT creates us vs them; divides the family and divides the nation
Allen Sherman - no show
Steve Daniels - no show
Sandy Ashbaugh - Character Counts; moved to CUSD 20 years ago when they had character counts program; seen district decline, divide and hurt children. Please make better and stop dividing children
Grizelda Valenzuela - CRT; Grandfather came to this country to escape ; CRT is based on anger/resentment; how is that peace for children? CUSD is walking into trouble waters
Charlene May - CRT; I have been a mom with eyes closed; CUSD is teaching children division; why can't we be one? Pulling child out of CUSD;
Kelsey Rowe - Experience w/CRT;  Kelsey is a former CUSD employee prior to resigning from PHS which is a direct result of CUSD's lack of transparency and teaching under CRT; encouraged parents to open eyes and speak for children; ask about essay assignments 
Jeremy Fuller - Our Children;  My dream is that children can be judged by character, not by color of their skin; will not tolerate racism being taught to my children.
Karen Wood - CRT; grew up in Baltimore but have never seen hate that I see coming out of CUSD; what happened in your lives that made you intent in bringing evil and prejudice to these children?
Lissa Irin - CRT; unfair to paint our children into corners of bias; it gives the perception that your outcome is different when you work harder, not lower standards; find common ground.
Matt Whitley - No show
Christine Scanlon - CRT; parent of 2 students and their only advocate; I will no longer be silent; CRT/Deep Equity/Social Emotional Justice is being discussed. Everyone has a right to education; 
Ahmed Soussi - attorney; bullying incident - protect children so there is no racism; bullying can lead to suicide;
Kristin Gragg - Critical Race Theory; students have been in charter schools and recently decided to consider ACP; biggest concern is CRT/Deep Equity; the board is very disconcerting and dividing entire system
Joan Fairbanks - Equity; tonight opportunity to show children how to work together; unfortunately the board doesn't care and has own agenda; I'm disheartened with racism on campuses; board members that say racist comments and that is not okay; there is a difference between equality and equity
Stephanie Murphy - Equity; the board is not listening to families - we do not want any equity training/teaching. Stop playing word games; CRT/Deep equity is bad apples; no employee shall engage in political activities on school
Anna VanHoek - School; board members stop using children as pawns you cannot pit against each other based on your political views; parents voices need to be heard. Don't allow abuse to continue ARS-603; parents rights, not the school board
Emily Shear - Equity and the Decline of CUSD; I am a proponent of public schools, but no longer; I recommend public charter schools; listen to parents if you care about retaining students; increasing indoctrination; I am astounded at the decline in CUSD
Adrianne Adarbe - Equity; I support Equity; it's been a challenging year; equity imbedded in goals; complete transparency in responding to incidents of racism 
Natachu Chavez (Phoenix) Equity; thanked the board for doing what they are doing; some parents are grateful; equity work is needed; real history is important to teach; kudos and thank you
Patty Porter (Phoenix) CRT/Mask/Vaccine/COVID Testing; violated AZ constitution and parent bill of rights; families have the right to choose testing, vaccination; Legislature will look into this. CRT should be abolished

 

6. Consent Agenda 

6.01 Out of State Student Travel Preplanning

Out of state field trip pre-planning forms for ACP HS were provided. Following Governing Board pre-approval, the Superintendent (designee) will monitor trip arrangements before providing final approval. Final trip approval will be determined on a case by case basis and will be contingent upon current health guidelines.
 
6.02 Monetary Gifts
Requested approval of the monetary gifts generously donated to Chandler Schools totaling $115,554.77.
 
6.03 Dietetic Internship Program
Requested approval to continue the Affiliation Agreement between Maricopa County and Chandler Unified School District Food & Nutrition Department for our partnership with the Dietetic Internship Program for the 2021-22 school year.

 

6.04 National School Lunch Program
Requested approval to participate in the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and At-Risk Afterschool Meals Component of the Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for the 2021-2022 school year. The Permanent Service Agreement for the National School Lunch Program was provided. The agreement hasn't changed, but the signatures have been updated.

 

6.05 Food Service Management Company Contract Renewal
The Nutrition Department contract renewal for food service management company was awarded as a (1) year contract in 2017 with four (4) renewable options. Based on past performance, pricing, service and quality of products and services, the District recommended renewal of the contract for the school year 2021-2022 in the amount of $7,711,761 to Aramark.

 

6.06 Rename Arizona College Prep Erie and Oakland
With Arizona College Prep Erie Campus vacating its current Erie campus and relocating to the New 9-12 school, district administration recommended that Arizona College Prep Erie be known as Arizona College Prep High School effective with the 2021-2022 school year. In addition, as Arizona College Prep Oakland Campus is vacating the current Oakland campus to relocate to the existing Erie campus location, it is recommended that Arizona College Prep Oakland be known as Arizona College Prep Middle School effective with the 2021-2022 school year. Recommended approval.

 

6.07 IGA between Town of Queen Creek and CUSD for School Resource Officer (SRO) at Casteel High School 2021-2022
Recommended approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Town of Queen Creek and the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) for the school year 2021/2022. During the first 6 months of this Agreement, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (“MCSO”) will be responsible for providing law enforcement services to the Town and the SRO Services to CUSD. The Queen Creek Police Department (“QCPD”) will be operational mid-January 2022 and will be responsible for providing law enforcement services to the Town and the SRO Services to CUSD for the last 6 months of this Agreement. Projected total cost for the SRO is $168,426.00 which includes salary and benefits as well as operational costs. CUSD and the Town of Queen Creek will each pay 50% of this cost.

 

6.08 Disciplinary Hearing Officer 2021-2022 School Year
Pursuant to A.R.S. 15-843, the Governing Board may appoint a hearing officer for suspension hearings. Recommended approval to appoint Fred Coates and Terry Williams as the district disciplinary hearing officers for the 2021-2022 school year.

 

6.09 Anthropology Textbooks
Physical Anthropology and Cultural Anthropology are two semester-long electives that will be offered to students in the 2021-22 academic year. Each course has a separate text and has been vetted by teachers and academic coaches. The committee is recommending the following two textbooks to move forward in the textbook adoption process:

Physical Anthropology & Archaeology (ELE420): Understanding Humans: Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology – Cengage
Cultural Anthropology & Linguistics (ELE430): Anthropology: Appreciating Human Diversity – McGraw-Hill
Each textbook provides an in-depth analysis of the core components of Anthropology. They provide students with multiple perspectives and a variety of case studies. Students will be challenged by critical thinking questions and exploration of the world around them.

The cost for the two textbooks is $9,254.56 including estimated tax, shipping, and processing. There are no digital components. This will be funded by the site.

Understanding Humans: Introduction to Physical Anthropology and Archaeology – Cengage = $4,950.00
Anthropology: Appreciating Human Diversity – McGraw Hill = $4,304.56

In accordance with A.R.S. 15-721, the textbooks were placed on display for the 60-day review period for comment at the Melinda Romero Instructional Resource Center starting March 11, 2021. There were no comments.
 
6.10 Delegation of Authority
In conjunction with Governing Board Policy and pursuant to Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.), R7-2-1007, the Governing Board may delegate to a designee. Requested approval of the Delegation of Authority. With approval, the Board does not have to act on mundane and routine decisions.

 

6.11 Procurement of Technology Items
Requested approval of the annual authorization of technology items in the amount of $6,000,000.00 for the 2021-2022 school year. The amount requested is based on previous year's expenditures on Technology. The items are, but not limited to, laptops, carts, network hardware, cameras, computers, projectors, and document cameras.
 
6.12 Maintenance and Service Contracts for the 2021-2022 School Year
Recommended approval of Annual Maintenance and Service Contracts for various software and hardware used by District Departments in the 2021-2022 fiscal year in the estimated amount of $5,925,400.

 

6.13 IFB# 107-21-21 Grand Piano's and Accessories - HS #7 ACP
Requested approval to purchase two Grand Piano's and accessories from AZ Piano in the amount of $111,259.08 for ACP High School.

 

6.14 Integrated Units Resources
During the 2019-2021 school years, Integrated Units were developed to follow the newly adopted 2018 Arizona State Standards for science and social science. CUSD teachers developed Integrated Units to provide a quality, rigorous instruction experience in science and social science for grades K-6. Components of the resources, and the vendors, assist in facilitating these units.  
There is no cost at this time. Requested approval of the resources and vendors.

 

6.15 Bid # 06-22-22 Warehouse Stock General Supplies
Requested approval to award the warehouse stock bid #06-22-22 for the fiscal year 2021-2022 for a total of $719,304.03.

 

6.16 Bid #05-22-22 Warehouse Stock - Support Services
Requested Governing Board approval to award the warehouse stock bid #05-22-22 for the fiscal year 2021-2022 for the total amount of $276,907.73.

 

6.17 Bid #119-21-21 White Copy Paper Warehouse Stock
Recommended approval of the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Office Depot to provide 8400 cases of white copy paper at $26.99 per case. The total amount including tax is $246,213.58.

 

6.18 Extended Contracts and Sole Source
Recommended approval of the list of District Contracts, State of Arizona Contracts, Mohave Cooperative, Omnia Partners Cooperative, 1GPA Cooperative, GPPCS Contracts, Save Contracts and IGA's that the District anticipates using for the 2021-2022 school year. The Sole Source providers list is also provided. An estimated dollar amount has been provided for each vendor based on usage during the 2020-2021 school year.

 

6.19 Authorization to Exceed Fund Subsections within the Maintenance and Operations Budget
Per Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S). §15-905.G and Governing Board Policy DBJ, “The Governing Board may authorize the expenditure of monies budgeted within the maintenance and operation section of the budget for any subsection within the section in excess of amounts specified in the adopted budget only by action taken at a public meeting of the Governing Board and if the expenditures for all subsections of the section do not exceed the amount budgeted as provided in this section.” Recommended authorization to exceed fund subsections within the maintenance and operations budget.

 

6.20 Resolution to Sign Vouchers between Board Meetings
The school district is allowed to stamp vouchers with Board members' signatures between Board meetings, as long as the voucher is ratified by the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Recommended approval of the Resolution which covers July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.

 

6.21 Maricopa County Garnishment Resolution
In order to continue having Maricopa County process Chandler Unified School District's garnishments, an updated Resolution with current Board member signatures must be submitted annually.

 

6.22 Work Study Partnership with Western Governors University (WGU)
Recommended approval of a federal work study partnership with Western Governors University. This partnership would support paraprofessionals desiring to become an educator within CUSD. The program reduces student debt for support staff seeking teacher certification by allowing them to be paid to work during their student teaching term. Wages are funded at 75% by the Federal Work Study and 25% by the district. The district pays wages up front, and WGU reimburses the district. This program supports our goal to open up professional pathways.

 

6.23 New Job Descriptions
Recommended approval of the new job descriptions listed below:
6.24 Human Resources
Employment, Separation, and Compensation.

 

Approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

 

Motion by Lindsay A Love, second by Jason R Olive.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Barb R Mozdzen, Jason R Olive, Lara E Bruner, Lindsay A Love, Joel H Wirth
 
7. Action Items 

7.01 RFP # 04-22-26 Athletic Trainer Services

Proposal #04-22-26 Athletic Trainer Services was solicited on AZ Purchasing and there were 3 responses. The contract provides athletic trainer services at our High school and Jr high levels during athletic events to ensure the safety of the athletes. Requested approval to enter into a one-year contract with Dignity Health that will expire June 30, 2022, with up to four (4) additional one-year renewal options. The total cost for the five (5) years will be 250,000.00.
 
Approve CUSD to enter into a one-year contract with Dignity Health that will expire June 30, 2022, with up to four (4) additional one-year renewal options for a total cost over the five (5) years of $250,000.00.

 

Motion by Jason R Olive, second by Lindsay A Love.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Barb R Mozdzen, Jason R Olive, Lara E Bruner, Lindsay A Love, Joel H Wirth
 
7.02 2020-2021 Metrics for Journey 2025 Final Report
Recommended approval of the 2020-21 Journey 2025 Metrics with the removal of Service Learning Hours (4b) and Chronic Absences (5b). The removal of the two measures placed CUSD at 85.02%. Administration also requested the Board award 5 bonus points due to the ongoing challenges staff and students experienced throughout the year due to COVID-19 Pandemic. These bonus points will place CUSD at 90% overall.
 
Approve removing Service Learning Hours (4b) and Chronic Absences (5b) along with awarding 5 bonus points due to the ongoing challenges staff and students experienced throughout the year due to COVID-19 as presented by Ms. Stouard.

 

Motion by Lindsay A Love, second by Jason R Olive.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Barb R Mozdzen, Jason R Olive, Lara E Bruner, Lindsay A Love, Joel H Wirth
 
8. Information Items 

8.01 Out of State Student Travel Preplanning Forms for the 2021/2022 School Year

The 2021-2022 Out of State Student Travel Preplanning Forms were provided for review and will be returned for final approval at the June 23, 2021 Board meeting.

 

8.02 Year End Summary Out of State Student Travel School Year 2020-2021
Year End Summary of the Out of State Trips for Student Travel for the 2020-2021 school year was provided, including past completed trips along with confirmed/approved travel through June 30, 2021.

 

8.03 Student Activity, Auxiliary Operations, and Tax Credit Reports
Student Activity (SA), Auxiliary Operations (AUX), and Tax Credit (TC) Reports for the months ending July 2020 through May 2021 were provided for review.

 

8.04 Automotive Technologies Curriculum Adoption – Automotive Technologies Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program
The last CUSD Automotive Technologies adoption was in 2007. The Arizona Department of Education Technical Standards in Automotive Technologies have since been updated. The district recently moved through an Automotive Technologies textbook adoption process in accordance with A.R.S. 15-721 and CUSD Policies IJJ and IJJ-R.

The current Auto teacher and Assistant Principal over the Auto program reviewed and evaluated all textbooks submitted by the publishers. The committee is recommending the following textbook to move forward in the textbook adoption process:
Curriculum for 210 students include the following:
The total cost for the curriculum is $33,449.14 which includes the $350.00 Learning Management System set fee, applicable taxes and shipping charges. This will be funded through the District Textbook budget.

In accordance with A.R.S. 15-721, the curriculum will be placed on display for the 60-day public review period for comment at the Melinda Romero Instructional Resource Center starting June 10, 2021. After the 60-day review period for public comment, the curriculum will be presented for approval.

 

8.05 GCQF-Discipline, Suspension, and Dismissal of Professional Staff Members Policy Revision
Governing Board Policy GCQF outlines the process for the discipline of professional staff members, which would include certified staff and administrators. The District administration recommended a revision to this policy to ensure consistent implementation and enhance understanding by all parties. The Human Resources administrative team worked closely with Katie Nash, Chandler Education Association President, Arizona Education Association consultants Quinn Chesir and Faith Rissolo, and our District attorney, Denise Lowell-Britt in the review and revision process.

Revised Policy GCQF was recommended for information and will be recommended for adoption at the regularly scheduled Governing Board meeting on June 23, 2021. Pertinent language from the exhibit which is part of Policy GCQF has been included in the revised policy. GCQF-E will no longer be needed.

 

8.06 CUSD Board Agenda Roadmap
Board members discussed upcoming events.

 

8.07 Superintendent Comments
Dr. Casteel stated that school is out for the summer, but there are over 6,000 students taking classes through Chandler Online Academy, summer enrichment classes, students from elementary through junior high and high school participating in recovery classes, Kids Express Camps and Lil Explorer camps.  
Support Services team are unsung heroes busily working on renovation projects while students and teachers are out for the summer.  Construction is concluding at Arizona College Prep, which is set to open on time.  July 21 is the day students return to all of our sites.  The district team will not get much time off between school years.  
Today is Sandy Cooper's last day and she will be greatly missed.  Dr. Casteel thanked her for over 30 years of dedication to CUSD, especially for this last additional year.  Many may not know that Sandy began as a clerk, promoted to secretary, as she continued her education and received her Master's degree and ended her career as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.  

 

8.08 Board Member Recognition / Comments
Lindsay Love reminded that on June 19, 1865 Federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, 2 1/2 years after the proclamation of emancipation was signed.
 
Lara Bruner thanked everyone for Rice Elementary celebration, commenting that it was a great event. She also thanked Dan Serrano for all years as Perry High School principal and wished him the best of luck. She expressed her appreciation to AJHS and ACP-Oakland for allowing her to visit and see the amazing things they are doing. Thank you to all the folks doing all the hard work and a special thank you for those who put the high school graduations together, acknowledging that it is no easy feat.
 
Jason Olive thanked the audience for listening to normal business this evening. Comments were said this evening about things that we are not doing.  He encouraged parents to talk to teachers, look at homework and let us know if you see something you don't like.

Joel Wirth stated he is saddened by what is going on in the District.  He acknowledged the great awards CUSD has received under Dr. Casteel's leadership and expressed there are two people creating the divide.  He feels their actions are damaging a great district and jeopardizing $150M in scholarships.  He concluded that he is saddened and very disappointed that two individuals are doing damage to a great school district.

Barb Mozdzen gave examples of equality vs equity within a family by asking if you would feed a toddler same as a teenage son, stating the same would be equality.  By feeding each child what they need is equity. And the same applies with clothes.  Equity, is what people need; when you buy each child the same thing, that is equality. CUSD is trying to bring equity to students so they get what they need to be successful in life, career, college. A quality education is what we want to provide to every child in district.

 

9. Adjournment 

9.01 Adjourn the Meeting

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.