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Gilbert Unified School District, AZ

Gilbert Unified School District public meetings in 2020

34 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Tue Dec 15, 2020

Executive Sessions begin at 4:15 p.m.; Second Executive Session following First Executive Session; Regular Board Meeting immediately following Second Executive Session

Board to consider cell tower lease amendment at Gilbert Classical Academy

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board held executive sessions on school safety and real property negotiations, then convened a regular meeting. They considered a consent agenda that included a cell tower lease amendment at Gilbert Classical Academy (item 7.06, later removed and tabled), a monthly budget report, a presentation on social-emotional supports, and routine personnel actions.

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✓ Decided: Board approves hybrid-to-in-person return for students after winter break

The Governing Board decided that classes will return in a hybrid fashion for the first week after winter break, followed by five-day-a-week in-person instruction. This is subject to COVID case limits of 1% for high schools, 1.5% for junior highs, and 2% for elementary schools. The board also approved two staff reduction in force policies.

Tue Dec 8, 2020

Policy Meeting

Review first read of staff reduction policies

The Gilbert Unified School District Policy Committee will discuss for first read two policies: GCQA (Professional Staff Reduction in Force) and GDQA (Support Staff Reduction in Force). This is a discussion-only meeting; no final decision is being made.

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Tue Dec 8, 2020

Special Board Meeting at 11:00 a.m.

Board approves FY 2021 Budget Revision #1

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board held a special meeting to call a public hearing under A.R.S. 15-905, hear comments on the FY 2021 Budget Revision #1, and vote on that budget revision. The board approved the FY 2021 Revised Budget #1 and then adjourned the meeting.

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✓ Decided: Gilbert Public Schools approves FY2021 Budget Revision #1

The Governing Board approved the FY2021 Budget Revision #1 following a public hearing. The revision was required by law due to lower-than-projected student enrollment caused by the pandemic.

Tue Dec 1, 2020

Visit to GPS Transportation Department at 5:00 p.m.; Work Study & Brief Board Business Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Board approves FY 2020 Revised Annual Financial Report reflecting grant adjustments

The board began with a tour of the GPS Transportation Department. During the work‑study session, presentations covered transportation improvements, upcoming school calendar options, and health benchmarks. The board reviewed the October 2020 budget report, approved routine personnel actions, and voted to accept the FY 2020 Revised Annual Financial Report that incorporates Enrollment Stabilization Grant adjustments. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

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✓ Decided: Governing Board approves FY 2020 Revised Annual Financial Report

The Governing Board accepted the FY 2020 Revised Annual Financial Report, which included revisions due to the Enrollment Stabilization Grant. The board also approved the consent agenda items.

Tue Nov 17, 2020

Executive Session at 5:00 p.m.; Regular Board Meeting immediately following Executive Session

Board approves school resource officer agreement with Mesa and adopts suicide prevention policy

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board met in executive session to discuss superintendent performance standards, then held a regular meeting. The board approved a consent agenda including an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Mesa for school resource officers, adoption of policies on basic instruction, suicide prevention, and parental involvement, and personnel actions. A presentation on health benchmarks was also given.

educationschool-boardpersonnelpolicyintergovernmental-agreementsuicide-preventionparent-involvementpublic-safety
Tue Nov 10, 2020

Policy Meeting

Gilbert school board discusses staff reduction policies

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board is holding a policy meeting to review and discuss several proposed policies. Items include second-read reviews of policies on the basic instructional program, suicide prevention training, and parental involvement. The board will also discuss policies for reducing professional and support staff.

educationpolicysuicide-preventionparental-involvementstaff-reductionsgilbert-unified
Wed Nov 4, 2020

Work Study & Brief Board Business Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Board approves COVID-19 triggers for hybrid learning, $12M budget revision

At a work study and business meeting, the Governing Board heard a presentation on health benchmarks for returning to hybrid or virtual learning. The board approved a consent agenda item listing FY2021 Parent Support Organizations and an action item for FY2020 Budget Revision #3, a $12M transfer to the federal ESG Grant for COVID-19 expenses. The main action item approved specific COVID-19 case thresholds (per school and district-wide) that would trigger a shift to hybrid A-L M-Z model instruction. The superintendent is authorized to review data and make recommendations.

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✓ Decided: Board approves COVID-19 guidelines for returning schools to hybrid or virtual learning

The Governing Board established specific case percentage thresholds for schools to transition to hybrid learning and approved a budget revision to utilize an Enrollment Stabilization Grant. Based on these new guidelines, the Board determined Campo Verde High School would begin hybrid learning on November 9th.

Fri Oct 30, 2020

Special Work Study & Brief Board Business Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Board postpones action on hybrid/online learning methods to Nov. 4

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board held a special work study and brief business meeting. They discussed health benchmarks and methods for returning to hybrid or online learning. The board voted to postpone a decision on approving those methods until November 4, 2020.

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✓ Decided: Board postpones decision on hybrid and online learning methods

The Governing Board postponed the discussion and possible action regarding methods for schools to return to hybrid or online learning. The matter is scheduled to be revisited on November 4, 2020, after the Superintendent provides a matrix and updated dashboard data.

Tue Oct 27, 2020

Executive Session at 5:00 p.m.; Regular Board Meeting immediately following Executive Session

Board ratifies $27.5M in September financial vouchers

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board held an executive session on school safety, then conducted a regular meeting. They approved a consent agenda including ratification of $27,535,835.26 in payroll and accounts payable vouchers for September 2020. The board also heard a monthly budget report and a health benchmarks update, and discussed a future board retreat (tabled) and a first read of Policy IHA on basic instructional program.

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✓ Decided: Board approves first reads of three district policies

The Governing Board approved the first reads of policies regarding the basic instructional program, suicide prevention training, and parental involvement. The board also approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda items, while tabling a request for a board retreat until January.

Tue Oct 20, 2020

Policy Meeting

Gilbert school board reviews suicide prevention policy

The Gilbert Unified School District Policy Committee is meeting to discuss three policies for first read: suicide prevention (IHAMD), basic instructional program (IHA), and parental involvement (KB). No votes or decisions are expected; this is a review and discussion only.

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Tue Oct 13, 2020

Executive Session at 5:00 p.m.; Work Study & Brief Board Business Meeting immediately following Executive Session

Board accepts 2019-2020 annual financial report

The Governing Board accepted the required Annual Financial Report for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. In a work study session, the board received updates on health benchmarks and the financial report. Consent items approved routine personnel changes and a list of Parent Support Organizations for the 2020-2021 school year. An executive session was held for legal advice on the Teacher Evaluation System.

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✓ Decided: Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board accepts 2019-2020 Annual Financial Report

The Governing Board approved the consent agenda and accepted the 2019-2020 Annual Financial Report as required by A.R.S. 15-904. The board also convened an executive session to receive legal advice regarding the Teacher Evaluation System.

Tue Sep 22, 2020

Regular Board Meeting

Board approves $1.22M science lab addition at Canyon Valley High School

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board approved consent agenda items including a $1,222,000 contract to remodel the former Power Base Transportation Facility into science classrooms for Canyon Valley High School, an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County, and expansion of Zonar GPS student tracking. The board also received monthly budget and bond override reports.

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Tue Sep 1, 2020

Work Study Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Board discusses health benchmarks for phased school reopening

The Gilbert Unified School District Board holds a work study meeting to discuss a presentation on health benchmarks and a phased reopening update. No formal decisions are made; the session is for discussion only.

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Tue Aug 25, 2020

Regular Board Meeting

Board to consider $160K COVID-19 liability insurance for schools

The Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board will consider purchasing a COVID-19 liability endorsement from the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust at a cost of $150,000 premium plus $10,000 reserve. The board will also hear a monthly budget report and results of school improvement bonds series 2020. Consent agenda includes an amendment to abate rent for a cell tower lease at Desert Ridge High School for 36 months, approval of personnel changes, and ratification of July financial vouchers totaling over $14.9 million.

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✓ Decided: Board approves COVID-19 liability insurance and sexual harassment policies

The Governing Board approved a COVID-19 liability endorsement and adopted new policies regarding sexual harassment and Title IX. The Board also approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda items.

Tue Aug 18, 2020

Executive Session at 4:00 p.m.; Special Board Meeting immediately following Executive Session

School board to discuss phased reopening of schools

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board meets in executive session to discuss school safety operations, then holds a special meeting to review current health benchmarks from the Arizona Department of Health Services and Maricopa County and discuss a phased-in approach for reopening schools. The board also takes public comment.

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✓ Decided: Board reviews phased-in school reopening plan for September

The Governing Board discussed a phased-in approach to reopen schools, including a hybrid model starting September 8 and full in-person learning on September 21, provided health benchmarks remain green. No formal votes were taken on the reopening plan as the session was for discussion and recommendations.

Tue Aug 11, 2020

Executive Session at 4:00 p.m.; Work Study & Brief Board Business Meeting immediately following Executive Session

Board to discuss school reopening benchmarks and approve $745K security renovations

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board will hold an executive session on school safety operations, followed by a work study to discuss Arizona Department of Health benchmarks for reopening schools, fall sports schedules, the onsite support learning plan, and face covering policy regulations. During the brief board business meeting, the board will consider consent items including personnel actions, a $100,000 laundry contract, and a $745,218 renovation of secure entryways at three high schools.

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✓ Decided: Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board approves consent agenda

The Governing Board approved the consent agenda, which included security entry renovations for Mesquite, Highland, Desert Ridge, and Campo Verde High Schools. The board also held an executive session regarding school safety operations and plans.

Tue Jul 28, 2020

Regular Board Meeting

Board approves consent agenda with budget report, personnel, and contracts

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board approved a consent agenda containing 10 items, including minutes, personnel changes, contract renewals, and intergovernmental agreements. The board also received a monthly budget report and 3rd quarter financials, and a presentation on Governor Ducey's recent executive order. All items were approved unanimously.

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✓ Decided: Gilbert Unified School District sells $40M in school improvement bonds

The Governing Board approved the meeting agenda. The Superintendent reported the sale of School Improvement Bonds with $40 million to be deposited into the Bond Building Fund on August 20, 2020. The Board also reviewed Governor Ducey's executive order regarding distance learning and the reopening of schools.

Tue Jun 30, 2020

Executive Session at 5:45 p.m.; Special Board Meeting immediately following Executive Session - REVISED

Gilbert Schools board approves plan to reopen schools for 2020-2021

The Governing Board approved a plan to reopen schools for the 2020-2021 school year, starting August 5 online-only and resuming other options on August 17. The board also approved the appointment of Dr. Joyce Meyer as Executive Director of Talent Management and discussed changes to the school calendar.

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✓ Decided: Board appoints Dr. Joyce Meyer as Executive Director of Talent Management

The Governing Board approved the appointment of Dr. Joyce Meyer to the role of Executive Director of Talent Management - Human Relations for the 2020-2021 school year. The Board also received a presentation on the district's plan to reopen schools with three learning options, though no formal vote on the plan was recorded.

Tue Jun 23, 2020

Executive Session at 5:15 p.m.; Regular Board Meeting immediately following Executive Session

Board to hold public hearing on FY 2021 proposed budget

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing on the FY 2021 proposed budget, followed by a regular meeting to approve consent agenda items including a $978,224 insurance renewal and personnel changes. The board also met in executive session to discuss superintendent evaluation and pay.

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✓ Decided: Board approves FY 2021 budget and FY 2020 revised budget

The Governing Board adopted the FY 2021 Proposed Budget and approved the FY 2020 Revised Budget #2. The Board also approved performance-based compensation for Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord. Additionally, the Superintendent announced that face-to-face graduations for the class of 2020 would not be attempted.

Tue Jun 16, 2020

Policy Meeting

Gilbert Unified School District Policy Committee meeting

The Policy Committee is reviewing several district policies. Discussions include school board operational goals, employee benefit trust reserving policies, suicide prevention training, and student conduct regulations.

educationpolicyemployee-benefitsstudent-conductsuicide-prevention
Tue Jun 9, 2020

Work Study & Brief Board Business Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Board proposes FY2021 budget and public hearing, approves online curriculum platform

The board received updates from a task force and on the Global Academy. They then approved a consent agenda including personnel actions, stop loss insurance at $1,036,479, and the purchase of three baby grand pianos for $162,510.97. Action items included advertising the proposed FY2021 budget for a public hearing on June 23, 2020, and approving a site license for the Florida Virtual Online Curriculum Platform for grades K-12.

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✓ Decided: Board approves notice for FY 2021 budget public hearing

The Governing Board approved the advertisement of the FY 2021 proposed budget summary and scheduled a public hearing for June 23, 2020. The board also approved the consent agenda items. Discussion included proposed salary increases and a reduction in the Classroom Site Fund Contribution due to decreased sales tax revenues.

Tue May 26, 2020

Regular Board Meeting

Board votes to expand Global Academy from grades 7-12 to K-12

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board approved a consent agenda including several operational items and separate votes on certified personnel. Presentations covered the 2020-2021 reopening task force, summer programs, and a phased return to athletics. The board also approved contracts, personnel changes, and facility upgrades.

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✓ Decided: Board approves agenda and consent items; discusses school reopening plans

The Governing Board approved the meeting agenda and the majority of the consent agenda. The board reviewed plans for a 2020-2021 task force, summer camp modifications, and a phased reopening of athletics. No final decision was made on the 2020-2021 school year plan, which is scheduled for presentation on June 23rd.

Tue May 5, 2020

Work Study & Brief Board Business Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Gilbert School Board Awards $2,323,741 Chromebook Contract for Students

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board met to review budget revisions, discuss advocacy priorities, and recognize staff. The board approved a certified pay-for-performance compensation plan for teachers and authorized a $2,323,741 contract with CDW Government LLC to purchase 7,000 Chromebooks for the 2020-2021 school year.

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✓ Decided: Board approves purchase of student devices for FY20/21

The Governing Board approved the purchase of student devices from vendor CDW Government LLC for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The devices, which are Dell Chrome operating devices with four-year warranties, are intended for upcoming seventh and ninth graders.

Tue Apr 28, 2020

Regular Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m

Board approves $1.6M bus purchase, capital projects

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board met via WebEx and approved a consent agenda including a $1.6 million purchase of 12 school buses, $875,270 for portable renovations at nine schools, and $453,656 for flooring upgrades. A $114,948 piano purchase for Highland High School was removed from the consent agenda for further procurement review. The board also received the monthly budget report and a presentation on 2020 summer bond and capital projects.

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✓ Decided: Board approves new Curriculum Director and summer capital projects

The Governing Board approved the appointment of Dr. Renea Kennedy as Curriculum Director for the 2020-2021 school year. The Board also approved a series of consent items including summer bond and capital projects totaling approximately $10,072,431.

Tue Apr 7, 2020

Executive Session at 5:30 p.m.; Brief Board Business Meeting & Work Study following Executive Session - REVISION

Board appoints principals, approves $991K remodeling contract

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board held an executive session to discuss potential appointments, then a brief business meeting. They approved Tyler Dumas as Principal of South Valley Junior High and Brian Winter as Principal of Gilbert High School for 2020-2021. The board also approved a $991,028 remodeling contract with Sun Valley Builders LLC for district office work and suspended a staff evaluation policy due to COVID-19. Items related to a new telecommuting policy were removed from the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $991,028 for district office remodeling

The Governing Board approved two new principal appointments and the renewal of administrator contracts for 2020-2021. The board also authorized a comprehensive remodel of district office buildings and suspended a portion of the support staff supervision policy due to COVID-19.

Tue Mar 31, 2020

Executive Session at 5:00 p.m.; Regular Board Meeting following Executive Session - REVISION

Board to vote on $2.5M in school facility upgrades and contract renewals

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board is meeting in executive session to discuss evaluation and renewal of contracts for assistant superintendents, directors, and principals. The regular meeting will then consider consent agenda items including approval of minutes, personnel changes, work calendars, and several large capital projects totaling over $2.4 million. Reports on the monthly budget and final FY2019 audit are also scheduled.

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✓ Decided: Board approves staff salary increases and contract renewals for 2020-2021

The Governing Board approved salary increases for non-certified staff and renewed contracts for various professional and support staff. The board also approved medical insurance rates and a Memorandum of Understanding. Superintendent Dr. McCord reported on the launch of the remote learning model due to COVID-19 school closures.

Tue Mar 17, 2020

Special Board Meeting at 5:00 p.m. - REVISED

Board adopts COVID-19 closure resolution and approves 5% teacher pay raise

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board met on March 17, 2020, to address the COVID-19 outbreak. They adopted a resolution authorizing school closures and employee work schedule changes. Additionally, the board approved a 5% salary increase for certified employees, buyback of two medical days, and changes in accrual rates. Other actions included renewing certified employee contracts for 2020-2021, approving contract language, and adopting the teacher work calendar.

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✓ Decided: Board adopts resolution for school closures and employee pay during COVID-19

The Governing Board approved a resolution regarding school closures and employee work schedules in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The board also approved consent agenda items 5.02 through 5.04.

Tue Feb 25, 2020

Executive Session at 6:00 p.m.; Regular Board Meeting following Executive Session; Second Executive Session after Item 13.01

Board to discuss litigation settlement in executive session; consider $300k in purchases

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board will hold an executive session for legal advice on settling pending litigation (case 19C-DP-052-ADE). Following that, the regular meeting includes approval of consent agenda items such as personnel changes and purchases exceeding $100,000 totaling $300,000, along with reports on the monthly budget and second-quarter finances. A presentation on early release professional days is also scheduled.

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✓ Decided: Board approves $223,000 music resource and facility rental rate increase

The Governing Board approved a multi-year purchase of a supplemental K-6 music resource and a 5% increase in facility rental rates. The Board also authorized legal counsel to proceed with instructions regarding a pending litigation settlement.

Tue Feb 11, 2020

Policy Meeting

Discussion on resolution supporting 2020 Census count

The Gilbert Unified School District Policy Committee will review several policies, including advertising in schools, transportation services, the annual budget, employee benefit trust reserving, and suicide prevention training. They will also discuss a proposed resolution to support a complete count in the 2020 U.S. Census. The meeting includes first and second reads of policies and updates to existing regulations.

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Tue Feb 4, 2020

Executive Session at 5:30 p.m.; Work Study & Brief Board Business Meeting following Executive Session

Board approves bus advertising revenue-sharing with Alpha Media

The Governing Board held an executive session on employee salary negotiations, then a work study with presentations on Gifted Education Week, International Baccalaureate, and a compensation study. During the board business meeting, it approved consent items including travel requests, and action items including a bus advertising revenue-sharing agreement with Alpha Media (65% of revenue to the district), public review of supplementary science materials, 2020-2021 work calendars, and base rate schedules and stipends.

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✓ Decided: Gilbert Public Schools approves bus advertising and 2020-21 pay rates

The Governing Board approved a revenue-generating bus advertising contract and the public review of K-6 science materials. The board also approved the 2020-2021 work calendars and base rate schedules for employee pay.

Tue Jan 28, 2020

Regular Board Meeting

Board approves two new staff positions for 2020-2021 school year

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board approved the creation of two new positions for the 2020-2021 school year: Coordinator of K-12 Special Areas and Instructional Leadership Coach. The board also heard a presentation on the 2019-2020 Budget Revision #1 and approved a consent agenda including personnel actions, policy adoptions, and parent support organizations.

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✓ Decided: Governing Board adopts 2019-2020 Revised Budget #1

The Governing Board approved the first revision of the 2019-2020 budget and authorized new staff positions for the upcoming school year. The Board also approved the purchase of print management software and the first read of two district policies.

Tue Jan 14, 2020

Governing Board Retreat at 10:00 a.m.

Board will discuss salary compensation study update at retreat

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board will hold a retreat on January 14, 2020. The meeting will begin with a call to order, followed by a discussion of the salary compensation study update. The session will conclude with adjournment. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Governing Board received update on Salary Compensation Study

The Governing Board held a retreat to review a presentation on salary history and employee group changes. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during the session.

Tue Jan 14, 2020

Policy Meeting

Gilbert schools policy panel reviews bidding/purchasing procedures

The Gilbert Unified School District Policy Committee is meeting to review and discuss multiple policies. Items include second reads of policies on bidding/purchasing, staff ethics, staff conduct, staff use of devices while driving, support staff qualifications, and medicines administration to students. Also on the agenda are updates to grading/assessment, student dress, gifts to staff, and a discussion on advertising in schools. Additionally, first reads of policies on transportation services, employee benefit trust, and annual budget are scheduled.

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Tue Jan 7, 2020

Special Organizational Meeting & Brief Board Business Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Gilbert school board elects new president and clerk for 2020

The Gilbert Unified School District Governing Board held a special organizational meeting to elect board officers for 2020. Dr. Charles Santa Cruz was selected as Board President and Lori Wood as Board Clerk. The board also approved meeting times, rules of order, committee appointments, and overnight travel requests.

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✓ Decided: Governing Board elects Dr. Charles Santa Cruz as President for 2020

The Governing Board held an organizational meeting to elect officers and assign committee roles for the 2020 calendar year. The board also approved its rules of order and travel requests. A proposal to change the format of board committee reports was denied.