Dysart Unified School District, AZ

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING

The Dysart Unified Governing Board approved a consent agenda that included a decision not to permit online and charter school students to try out for district athletics and activities for the 2025-2026 school year. The board also approved personnel actions, minutes of previous meetings, a hearing officer's recommendation for a long-term student suspension, and overnight/out-of-state travel requests.

• Not permitting online and charter school students to try out for district athletics for 2025-2026
• Accepting hearing officer's recommendation to long-term suspend student(s) in case HOR2425-020
• Approving overnight travel for high school athletic teams to tournaments and state competitions in 2025-2026
• Approving personnel action items from 05/20/2025 through 06/16/2025
• Approving unconfirmed minutes of May 19, 2025 regular board meeting and June 2, 2025 study session

The Governing Board approved the preliminary 2025-2026 budget, district goals, and several policy revisions. The board also appointed two interim administrators and authorized travel funds for board member training. A consent agenda including payroll and expense vouchers was approved.

• Approved 2025-2026 Proposed Budget (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 District Goals (5-0)
• Appointed Samantha Centeno as Interim High School Principal (5-0)
• Appointed Jessica Torres as Interim Elementary Assistant Principal (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Policies 1-401, 3-403, 4-204, 5-303, and 5-305 (5-0)
• Approved $4,000 per board member for 2025-2026 training and travel (5-0)
• Ratified payroll vouchers totaling $17,487,420.66 (5-0)
• Ratified expense vouchers totaling $8,354,081.88 (5-0)

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD STUDY SESSION

This is a study session (workshop) of the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board. The board and cabinet will discuss the design and flow of district, superintendent, and school goals. No votes or formal decisions are expected; the meeting is informational and procedural.

• Discussion of District, Superintendent and School Goal Processes

The Governing Board held a study session to discuss current District Goals and Planning. No formal votes were taken; the Board provided feedback and suggested minor verbiage edits. Final goals will be presented for approval at the June 16, 2025, Regular Governing Board Meeting.

• Discussed current District Goals and Planning
• Suggested minor verbiage replacements and edits to goals

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Dysart Governing Board will consider a consent agenda that includes personnel actions, creation of a Lead Athletic Trainer position, renewal of the food service management contract with Southwest Foodservice Excellence, and approval of expense vouchers. One consent item on overnight/out-of-state travel has been moved to a separate action/discussion. The board will also act on a hearing officer's recommendation for long-term suspension of a student.

• Creation of a Lead Athletic Trainer position (Grade C, effective July 1, 2025)
• First renewal of Food Service Management Contract with Southwest Foodservice Excellence, LLC (July 2025–June 2026)
• Personnel action items including hires, leaves, resignations, and terminations for May 6–19, 2025
• Hearing officer's recommendation for long-term suspension of student(s) in discipline case HOR2425-019
• Consent item on overnight/out-of-state travel moved to action/discussion

The Governing Board approved the Superintendent's year-end evaluation and an 18% performance pay increase. The Board also appointed several principals and assistant principals for the 2025-2026 school year and ratified over $11.8 million in expenses and payroll.

• Approved Superintendent's year-end evaluation and 18% performance pay (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved appointment of Ginger Richards as High School Principal for 2025-2026 (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Michael Fowler as Interim Elementary School Principal for 2025-2026 (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Aaron Killeen, Tammy Tracey, and Amy Lundberg as Elementary Assistant Principals for 2025-2026 (5-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Dysart Education Association for 2025-2026 (5-0)
• Ratified expense vouchers totaling $4,693,591.09 and payroll vouchers totaling $7,201,825.11 (5-0)
• Approved first renewal of the Food Service Management Company Contract (5-0)
• Approved overnight and out-of-state travel requests (5-0)

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE- Dysart Unified School District High School Graduation Ceremonies

This is a public notice that a quorum of the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board may be present at the high school graduation ceremonies on May 14, 2025, at Desert Diamond Arena. No formal meeting will be held and no board business will be discussed.

• Graduation ceremonies at Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE- Sundown Mountain Completion Ceremony

A quorum of Dysart Unified School District Governing Board members may attend the Sundown Mountain Completion Ceremony on May 9, 2025, at The Vista in Surprise, AZ. No formal meeting will be held and no board business will be discussed. This is a procedural public posting only.

• Sundown Mountain Completion Ceremony at The Vista (15660 N. Parkview Place, Surprise) on May 9, 2025, at 3:00 P.M.

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Governing Board will hold a public hearing on a budget revision that decreases the M&O budget by $752,553 and increases the unrestricted capital budget by $2,185,890 for FY 2024-2025. The board will also vote on a consent agenda including personnel actions, approval of sole source vendors for 2025-2026 (with estimated costs totaling over $3 million), and an update to transportation boundaries for the ESS Specialized Preschool Program.

• Public hearing on FY 2024-2025 expenditure budget revision: M&O limit reduced by $752,553; capital limit increased by $2,185,890
• Approval of sole source vendors for 2025-2026 including Luminace Solar ($2M), Infinite Campus ($325K), Tyler Technologies ($200K), and others
• Action on ESS Specialized Preschool Program transportation boundary changes
• Approval of personnel action items for 04/29/2025 through 05/05/2025
• Approval of unconfirmed minutes from April 28, 2025 meeting

The Governing Board approved the revised expenditure budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 and accepted the financial and compliance audit for the year ended June 30, 2024. The board also appointed three administrative positions for the 2025-2026 school year and approved multi-year contract renewals.

• Approved 2024-2025 Revised Expenditure Budget (4-0)
• Accepted financial and compliance audit for fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (4-0)
• Appointed Andrew Frazier as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, High School for 2025-2026 (4-0)
• Appointed Amy Crow as Interim Elementary School Principal for 2025-2026 (4-0)
• Appointed Michael Burrola as Interim High School Assistant Principal for 2025-2026 (4-0)
• Approved Multi-Year Contract Renewals for 2025-2026 Fiscal Year (4-0)
• Approved overnight and out-of-state travel requests, excluding Adobe Max event which was tabled (4-0)
• Set Executive Session for Superintendent's year-end evaluation for May 19, 2025 (4-0)

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING

The Dysart Governing Board held a regular meeting on April 28, 2025, featuring a jazz band performance and recognition of National Board Certified staff. The board approved a consent agenda that included personnel actions, substitute employee reasonable assurance language and compensation structures for the 2025-2026 school year, an employee staffing agreement with Educational Services Inc., and the reclassification of the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Governing Board position.

• Approved personnel actions (hires, leaves, resignations, terminations, supplemental compensation) for March 25 – April 28, 2025
• Approved language and issuance of notice of reasonable assurance to substitute employees for the 2025-2026 school year
• Approved substitute compensation structures for certified, classified, and administrative substitutes for 2025-2026
• Approved employee staffing agreement with Educational Services Inc. for the 2025-2026 school year
• Approved reclassification of Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Governing Board from Grade E to Grade F

The Governing Board approved a resolution to call for a $127 million bond election and a 15% Special Maintenance and Operation Budget Override election for November 4, 2025. The Board also approved salary schedules and the appointment of a new Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, PreK-8.

• Adopted resolution for $127 million bond election (4-1)
• Approved 15% Special Maintenance and Operation Budget Override election for Nov 4, 2025 (4-1)
• Approved appointment of Connie Wolford as Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, PreK-8 (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 salary placement schedules (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 extracurricular/supplemental assignment/contract pay schedules (5-0)
• Ratified payroll vouchers totaling $13,693,795.48 (5-0)
• Ratified expense vouchers totaling $12,546,961.83 (5-0)
• Approved Quit Claim Deeds to City of Surprise for road right-of-way and utility easements (5-0)

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE- City of Surprise State of the City

This is a public meeting notice that a quorum of Dysart Unified School District Governing Board members may be present at the City of Surprise State of the City event on April 24, 2025. No formal meeting will be held and no board business will be discussed. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate.

• Notice of possible quorum attendance at City of Surprise State of the City at Surprise City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD STUDY SESSION

The Dysart Governing Board holds a study session to present and discuss information regarding bonds and overrides. No votes are scheduled; the meeting includes procedural items and adjournment.

• Discussion of bond and override information

DYSART EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TRUST REGULAR MEETING

The Dysart Employee Benefits Trust will hold a regular meeting with procedural items and informational updates. They will approve minutes from February 11 and hear presentations on the employee wellness program, HSA participation, and benefit plans of neighboring districts. No major decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily a briefing.

• Employee Benefits and Wellness Program update includes WellStyles participation growth and new gift card program
• Benefits Fair scheduled for April 22, 2025
• Employee Benefits Open Enrollment runs April 23 – May 9, 2025
• Mobile mammography offered at multiple locations on several dates in April and May
• Financial information presented: February 2025 claims and contributions, net position report

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Dysart Governing Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes a job-order contract not to exceed $1,607,159 for the Marley Park Elementary Central Plant Project, teacher incentive payouts from a $42,460 state grant, and approval of overnight travel and a student long-term suspension recommendation. The meeting also includes public comment and updates from the superintendent and board members.

• Job order contract up to $1,607,159 for Marley Park Elementary Central Plant Project via 1GPA cooperative
• Approval of $42,460 in teacher bonuses under the College Credit by Examination Incentive Program (60% to teachers, 10% benefits, 30% school funds)
• Overnight and out-of-state travel requests for approval
• Hearing officer's recommendation to long-term suspend student(s) in discipline case HOR2425-017
• Unconfirmed minutes from March 24, 2025 regular meeting and executive session

The Governing Board approved a 2% salary increase and a 3% retention stipend for employees for the 2025-2026 school year. The Board also approved a new three-year contract for Superintendent Dr. John Croteau and updated student discipline procedures.

• Approved 2% salary increase for certified, licensed, administrative, and classified employees for 2025-2026 (5-0)
• Approved 3% retention stipend for current employees for 2025-2026 (5-0)
• Approved 3-year contract for Superintendent Dr. John Croteau starting July 1, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved revisions to student discipline procedures (discipline matrix) (5-0)
• Approved payroll vouchers totaling $14,514,772.70 (5-0)
• Approved expense vouchers totaling $4,044,422.06 (5-0)
• Approved Job Order Contract in excess of $1 million (5-0)
• Approved teacher payouts and budget for College Credit by Examination Incentive Program (5-0)

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE- City of Surprise City Council Meeting

This is a public notice that a quorum of Dysart Unified School District Governing Board members may be present at the Surprise City Council meeting on April 1, 2025. No formal board meeting will be held and no board business will be discussed. The agenda is purely procedural.

• No substantive items—only a notice of potential quorum attendance.

DYSART BOND/OVERRIDE COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING

The Dysart Bond/Override Committee will hold a regular public meeting to receive a presentation from administration on current and potential future bond and override measures. No decisions or votes are scheduled; the meeting is informational. Public comment is allowed via request form.

• Bond and Override Presentation by administration on current and potential future bonds/overrides

The Bond/Override Committee agreed that both a bond and an override should be placed on the November ballot. The committee recommended maintaining the bond amount at $127 million and the override at 15%.

• Unanimously agreed to place both a Bond and Override on the November ballot
• Agreed to keep Bond amount at $127 million
• Agreed to keep Override at 15%

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Dysart Governing Board will consider approving a consent agenda that includes personnel actions, overnight/out-of-state travel, a policy revision to Policy 1-203 (Title IX), and fee schedules for the 2025-2026 school year for public relations and student fees. The board will also hear a choir performance and take public comment.

• Approval of Student Fee Schedule for 2025-2026 school year
• Approval of Public Relations Fee Schedule for 2025-2026 school year
• Revision to Policy 1-203 (Title IX) as recommended by The Trust
• Approval of overnight and out-of-state travel requests
• Approval of personnel action items for 02/25/2025 through 03/24/2025

The Board approved several fee schedules for the 2025-2026 school year and ratified over $13 million in expense and payroll vouchers. They also appointed six assistant principals for elementary and high schools. Additionally, the Board updated the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 meeting schedules.

• Approved $6,378,104.11 in expense vouchers (5-0)
• Approved $7,091,220.90 in payroll vouchers (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Public Relations, Student, Community Education, and Facility Use fee schedules (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Mathew Clark and Kevin Ortiz as High School Assistant Principals (5-0)
• Approved appointment of John Hastings, Dana Thomas, Miranda Virgil, and Rhonda Kutcherman as Elementary Assistant Principals (5-0)
• Approved revised 2024-2025 meeting schedule adding April 7 and May 5 dates (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Governing Board Meeting Schedule (5-0)
• Approved personnel action items for 02/25/2025 through 03/24/2025 (5-0)

DYSART BOND/OVERRIDE COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING

The Dysart Bond/Override Committee will hold a regular meeting open to the public. The agenda includes a presentation from administration on current and potential future bond and override measures. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Administration presentation on current and potential future bond/overrides

The committee received presentations on objectives, timelines, and the differences between bonds and overrides. Members discussed tax impact predictions and the history of local school elections. No formal votes or decisions were recorded.

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING

The Dysart Governing Board will consider a consent agenda that includes personnel actions, minutes, and a hearing officer's recommendation for long-term student suspension (moved to discussion). Key financial items include awarding a network services contract to Cox Business Arizona for $270,000 annually and ratifying expense vouchers totaling $8,797,220.98. The meeting also features a choir performance and public comment period.

• Approve personnel actions for 01/23/2025–02/24/2025
• Approve minutes of January 22 and February 10 meetings
• Hear and discuss hearing officer's recommendation for long-term suspension of students (cases HOR2425-015 and HOR2425-016)
• Award contract 25-002-30 to Cox Business Arizona for E-Rate leased WAN services, $270,000 annual volume
• Ratify expense vouchers 5048–5053 totaling $8,797,220.98

The Governing Board approved updated transportation boundaries for ESS Specialized Programs and the employee health benefit plan for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The board also appointed three school principals and ratified over $23 million in vouchers. Policy revisions for district governance were approved to align with Presidential Executive Orders.

• Approved expanded K-8 transportation boundaries to 1.5 miles and High School to 2 miles
• Approved Employee Health Benefit Plan for 2025-2026 fiscal year (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Lisa Parachini as High School Principal (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Dr. Kaselyn Romero as Elementary School Principal (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Andrew Griesel as Elementary School Principal (5-0)
• Ratified expense vouchers totaling $8,797,220.98 and payroll vouchers totaling $14,469,233.91
• Approved revisions to District Governance policies 1-201 and 1-202 (5-0)
• Approved overnight and out-of-state travel requests (5-0)

DYSART EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TRUST REGULAR MEETING

The Dysart Employee Benefits Trust will vote on approving benefit renewals for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Trustees will also receive financial reports including December 2024 claims and net position, and discuss the employee benefits and wellness program timeline including open enrollment and a benefits fair.

• Approval of benefit renewals for the 2025-2026 fiscal year
• Employee Benefits and Wellness Program timeline including Hinge Health, health coaching, and mobile mammography in April 2025
• Benefits Fair scheduled for April 22, 2025; employee open enrollment April 23 – May 9
• Monthly claims and contributions for December 2024; Trust financials and Net Position Report
• Approval of minutes from the December 11, 2024 regular meeting

The Employee Benefits Trust approved benefit renewals for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The decision maintains current medical providers and plan designs, though it includes a 3.6% renewal rate increase and a change in telehealth services.

• Approved Benefit Renewals for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year (5-0)
• Approved agenda form (4-0)
• Approved December 11, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD WORKSHOP/STUDY SESSION

The Dysart Governing Board will hold a workshop/study session on February 10, 2025. The only substantive item is a discussion on bonds and overrides, presented by the Board and Cabinet. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is an informational study session.

• Discussion of bond and override information

The Governing Board held a study session to review the history and impact of bonds and overrides. Staff presented information on tax impacts, funding timelines, and the effects of recent bond losses. No formal actions were decided during this session.

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING

At its annual organizational meeting, the Dysart Governing Board elected Dawn Densmore as president and Stephen Skvara as clerk for one-year terms. The board also approved a consent agenda including personnel actions for 12/13/2024–1/22/2025, minutes from previous meetings, and overnight/out-of-state travel requests. The meeting included a string orchestra performance, public comment period, and updates from the superintendent and board members.

• Elected Dawn Densmore as Governing Board President
• Elected Stephen Skvara as Governing Board Clerk
• Approved personnel action items for 12/13/2024 through 01/22/2025
• Approved minutes from Dec 12, 2024 Regular Meeting and Jan 15, 2025 Study Session
• Approved overnight and out-of-state travel requests

The Governing Board elected its president and clerk and approved several consent agenda items, including payroll and expense vouchers. The board also appointed a new CTE Director and voted to change the 2024-2025 meeting schedule to Mondays.

• Elected Dawn Densmore as Governing Board President (5-0)
• Elected Stephen Skvara as Governing Board Clerk (5-0)
• Approved payroll vouchers totaling $19,634,144.10 (5-0)
• Approved expense vouchers totaling $8,219,535.88 (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Thom Luedemann as Director of Career and Technical Education (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Adopted Policy Chapter 2- Administration (5-0)
• Approved moving future 2024-2025 Governing Board Meeting dates to Mondays (4-1)
• Approved employee work calendars for the 2025-2026 school year (5-0)

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD WORKSHOP/STUDY SESSION

This is a workshop/study session with no decisions expected. The board will receive a presentation and training on Board operations and Arizona's Open Meeting Law from attorney Susan Segal of Gust Rosenfeld.

• Board Operations and Open Meeting Law presentation and training by attorney Susan Segal

The Governing Board attended a study session focused on Open Meeting Law, public records, and social media etiquette. The session provided guidance on avoiding quorum violations and managing public perceptions of board actions. No formal votes or policy changes were decided.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE - Maricopa County Republican Committee Statutory Meeting

This is a public notice that a quorum of Dysart Unified School District Governing Board members may be present at the Maricopa County Republican Committee Statutory Meeting on January 11, 2025. No formal board meeting will be held and no board business will be discussed.

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE - New Board Member Orientation

This is a public notice that a quorum of the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board may attend a new board member orientation. No formal meeting will be held and no board business will be discussed.

• New Board Member Orientation at 15802 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, AZ on January 8, 2025 at 9:00 A.M.

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD OATH OF OFFICE SWEARING IN CEREMONY AND PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Governing Board will swear in newly elected members and hold a public hearing regarding budget revisions for fiscal year 2024-2025. The board is also reviewing personnel actions and travel requests.

• Public hearing for FY 2024-2025 budget revision: M&O Budget Limit increased by $2.6 million to $216.4 million
• Public hearing for FY 2024-2025 budget revision: Unrestricted Capital Budget Limit increased by $10,373 to $19.7 million
• Oath of Office swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Governing Board members
• Approval of personnel action items for the period of 11/15/2024 through 12/12/2024
• Approval of overnight and out-of-state travel requests

The Governing Board approved a revised expenditure budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 and authorized employment contracts and benefit packages for the 2025-2026 school year. The meeting also included the swearing-in of three new board members and the recognition of several 'A' label schools.

• Approved 2024-2025 Revised Expenditure Budget (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 contract language and benefit packages for administrative, certificated and licensed employees (5-0)
• Approved renewal and issuance of 2025-2026 employment contracts for eligible administrative, certificated and licensed staff (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 notice of employment language and benefit packages for classified staff (5-0)
• Approved re-employment and issuance of 2025-2026 notices of employment for eligible classified staff (5-0)
• Approved $21,611,224.96 in payroll vouchers (5-0)
• Approved $3,332,611.69 in expense vouchers (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Business Operations policies 3-101, 3-101-01, 3-102, and 3-103 (5-0)

DYSART EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TRUST REGULAR MEETING

The Dysart Employee Benefits Trust will hear a preliminary presentation on potential health plan costs for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Trustees will also receive updates on wellness programs, flu shot participation, Hinge Health, and employee communication channels. Financial reports including monthly claims and net position will be reviewed, and meeting dates for early 2025 will be discussed.

• Presentation by Jamison Davis (Brown & Brown) on preliminary 2025-2026 health plan costs
• Update on employee flu shot participation
• Update on Hinge Health program and promotion
• October 2024 claims experience and net position financial reports
• Proposed changes to quarterly meeting dates: Feb. 12 → Feb. 11, Apr. 16 → Apr. 17, 2025

The Trust approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 2, 2024 meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of informational reports on health insurance performance, wellness program participation, and financial data.

• Approved agenda form (4-0)
• Approved October 2, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0)

DYSART GOVERNING BOARD REGULAR BOARD MEETING AND EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Dysart Governing Board's regular meeting includes procedural items, a choir performance, public comment, and superintendent updates. The main actions are bundled in a consent agenda covering personnel changes, professional growth ratifications, travel approvals, student long-term suspensions, and the 2025-2026 middle school course guide.

• Approval of personnel actions (new hires, leaves, resignations, terminations, supplemental compensation) for Oct 11–Nov 14, 2024
• Ratification of certified professional growth salary schedule movements for listed staff
• Approval of overnight and out-of-state travel requests
• Acceptance of hearing officer's recommendations to long-term suspend students in discipline hearings HOR2425-008 through -011
• Approval of the Middle School Course Guide for the 2025-2026 school year

The Governing Board approved over $33 million in payroll and expense vouchers. The board also appointed two interim administrators and shifted future meeting dates to Wednesdays starting in January 2025.

• Approved payroll vouchers totaling $20,810,493.73 (5-0)
• Approved expense vouchers totaling $12,532,050.11 (5-0)
• Appointed Andrew Griesel as Interim Elementary School Principal (5-0)
• Appointed Tiffany Byrne as Interim High School Assistant Principal (5-0)
• Approved moving Governing Board meetings to Wednesdays starting January 2025 (5-0)
• Approved revisions to Human Resources policies 4-103 and 4-302 (5-0)
• Set December 12, 2024, for Superintendent's mid-year evaluation executive session (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Middle and High School Course Selection Guides (5-0)