Washington Elementary School District, AZ

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board will hold its regular meeting on August 20, 2026, starting with procedural items, recognitions, and public comment. The main business is approving the consent agenda, which includes personnel actions, a renewal agreement with Ottawa University for school psychology fieldwork, an out-of-state travel request for the superintendent, designation of qualified evaluators, and renewal agreements with Western Governors University and Intrax Inc. The meeting also includes recognition of students with perfect AASA scores and new school administrators.

• Approval of personnel action items
• Renewal agreement with Ottawa University for School Psychology fieldwork (FY27-31)
• Out-of-state travel for Superintendent Dr. Michael Robert to Pahara Institute in Bailey, CO (Sept 14-18, 2026, expenses covered by Pahara Institute)
• Designation of 2026-2027 Qualified Evaluators for teacher performance evaluation
• Renewal agreements with Western Governors University and Intrax Inc. for student teaching and internships

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board will meet to approve payroll and expense vouchers and personnel actions. The board is also considering a settlement agreement to resolve a breach of contract claim. Additionally, the board will review public gifts and donations for district schools.

• Approval of payroll and expense vouchers totaling $7,767,164.68
• Settlement and Release Agreement with Hannigan Ed-Equity Group for $95,000.00
• Acceptance of public gifts and donations totaling $13,446.00
• Approval of Personnel Action Items
• Donation of $2,696.00 from Sherwin Williams for Chaparral Elementary student wellness room

Employee Benefit Trust Board Agenda for Special and Executive Session Meeting

The Employee Benefit Trust Board is holding a special meeting that will include an executive session to discuss confidential records and legal advice. After reconvening, the board will consider and possibly approve a first-level appeal (No. 992967658). The remainder of the agenda is procedural.

• Adoption of the July 14, 2026 special meeting agenda
• Executive session under ARS 38-431.03 A.2 (confidential records) and A.3 (legal advice)
• Discussion and possible approval of First Level Appeal No. 992967658
• Confidentiality statement for executive session participants
• Recess and reconvening of special meeting

Regular Meeting and Public Hearing

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board will meet to approve payroll and expense vouchers and personnel actions. The board will also consider a grant renewal for family resource centers and the acceptance of a public donation.

• Approval of payroll and expense vouchers totaling $9,272,620.44
• Renewal of First Things First FY27 Grant for Washington Resource & Information Center (WRIC) for $404,000.00
• Acceptance of a $1,500.00 donation from Chasse for the Lamp of Learning Celebration
• Approval of Personnel Action Items
• Recognition of Director of Human Resources Jill Sarraino

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board approved the Adopted Expenditure Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 and adopted a resolution supporting the special budget override election on November 3, 2026. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included vouchers, personnel actions, a $1,500 gift donation, a First Things First grant renewal, and several intergovernmental agreements. No public comments were made during the public hearing on the budget.

• Approved FY 2026-2027 Adopted Expenditure Budget (4-0)
• Adopted resolution supporting special budget override election on Nov 3, 2026 (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including vouchers, personnel actions, and $1,500 in gifts/donations (4-0)
• Approved renewal of First Things First FY27 grant for Family Resource Centers (consent)
• Approved settlement of previous year invoice from TK Elevator Corp (consent)
• Approved revised bank account signers for 2026-2027, adding Lori Mora (consent)
• Approved intergovernmental purchase authorizations and agreements (consent)
• Approved list of ADE-approved private day schools for 2026-2027 (consent)

Regular and Executive Session Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board met to approve the meeting agenda, previous session minutes, and a consent agenda. The board ratified payroll and expense vouchers totaling over $24.7 million.

• Approval of $3,937,274.09 in FY26 expense vouchers
• Approval of $20,808,628.41 in FY26 payroll vouchers
• Approval of Personnel Action Items
• Recognition of Interim Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower

The Washington Elementary School District board voted 4-0 to approve the FY 2026-2027 proposed expenditure budget and authorize publication of tax notices. The board also approved the 2026-2027 extracurricular fee schedule, allowing principals to waive fees when necessary. A consent agenda passed unanimously, covering payroll, personnel actions, bank signers, and several contracts, including a $134,250 back-to-school grant and a mental health services agreement with MIND 24-7.

• Approved FY 2026-2027 proposed expenditure budget (4-0)
• Approved 2026-2027 extracurricular fee schedule (4-0)
• Accepted $134,250 Virginia G Piper back-to-school grant (4-0)
• Approved MOU with MIND 24-7 for student mental health services (4-0)
• Approved $20,473.13 Johnson O’Malley subcontract with Navajo Nation (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda items including payroll and personnel actions (4-0)
• Authorized publication of budget summary and tax notices (4-0)
• Approved renewal of student teacher agreement with Arizona Christian University (4-0)

Special Meeting -Study Session

This is a special meeting-study session of the Washington Elementary School District Governing Board. The board adopted the agenda and then held a study session on team building and goal setting facilitated by consultants from McPherson and Jacobson. No formal actions or votes on substantive items were taken; the meeting adjourned after the discussion.

• Study session on team building and goal setting with facilitators Dr. Steven Joel and Dr. David Ulrich of McPherson and Jacobson

The governing board adopted the June 3, 2026 special meeting agenda unanimously. The board then voted to adjourn the meeting at 5:51 p.m., with one member abstaining. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted June 3, 2026 agenda (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:51 p.m. (4-1 abstain)

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The board approved the consent agenda, including $26.7 million in payroll and expense vouchers, personnel actions, public gifts totaling $5,556.92, and a salary recommendation for registered and advanced practice nurses. The board also adopted the meeting agenda and approved minutes from the May 14 meeting.

• Approval of $26,729,832.73 in vouchers covering payroll and expenses for May 2026
• Personnel action items approved as part of consent agenda
• Acceptance of $5,556.92 in gifts and donations from Adopt A Classroom, Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, S. Alan Cook Law Firm, Moon Valley Gardens Block Watch, and Sunland Asphalt
• Approval of Interest Based Negotiations salary recommendation for Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses

The Governing Board approved the May 28, 2026 agenda and the minutes from the May 14, 2026 meeting. The board also approved a consent agenda containing payroll vouchers, personnel actions, and gift donations totaling $5,556.92.

• Adopted May 28, 2026 Regular Meeting Agenda (3-0)
• Approved May 14, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved payroll and expense vouchers via consent agenda
• Approved personnel action items via consent agenda
• Accepted gifts and donations totaling $5,556.92 via consent agenda
• Approved RN and APN salary recommendations via consent agenda
• Approved revised 2026-2027 Psychologist and BCBA work calendar via consent agenda
• Approved 2026-2027 AzAC Intergovernmental Agreement via consent agenda

Employee Benefit Trust Board Agenda for Special and Executive Session Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Employee Benefit Trust Board held a special meeting on May 22, 2026, to discuss and vote on two employee benefit appeals. The board approved First Level Appeal No. 993043856 and upheld the previous Level 1 decision for Second Level Appeal No. 993031383. The meeting also included an executive session for confidential legal discussions.

• Approval of First Level Appeal No. 993043856
• Upholding previous Level 1 decision for Second Level Appeal No. 993031383
• Executive session under A.R.S. §38-431.03 A.2 and A.3 for confidential records and legal advice
• Public participation allowed for non-agenda and agenda items

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board met to approve the meeting agenda, previous meeting minutes, and a consent agenda. The board also recognized several middle school and K-8 athletic champions.

• Approval of payroll and expense vouchers
• Approval of personnel action items
• Acceptance of $2,700.00 in public gifts and donations
• Recognition of athletic champions from Palo Verde, Cholla, Royal Palm, and Abraham Lincoln schools

The Governing Board approved the 2025-2026 Revised Annual Expenditure Budget #2 and called a special budget override election for maintenance and operations. The meeting also approved multiple contracts, grants, and personnel actions.

• Adopted May 14, 2026 Regular Meeting Agenda (5-0)
• Approved April 23, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including vouchers, personnel, and donations (5-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 Revised Annual Expenditure Budget #2 (5-0)
• Called special budget override election for maintenance and operations (5-0)
• Approved renewal of affiliation agreement with Midwestern University (5-0)
• Approved Community Use of School Facilities Fee Structure for 2026-2027 (5-0)
• Approved renewal of MOUs with Paws for Youth and Touchstone Health Services (5-0)

Regular and Executive Session Governing Board Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board will hold a regular and executive session meeting on April 23, 2026. The agenda is largely procedural, including adoption of meeting minutes from prior special meetings, recognitions for spring athletic champions and new principals for the 2026-2027 school year, and approval of a consent agenda. The consent agenda includes vouchers totaling $10,313,277.43 for payroll and expenses. No major policy changes or public hearings are scheduled.

• Approval of consent agenda including vouchers totaling $10,313,277.43 for payroll and expenses.
• Approval of minutes from April 1, April 7, and April 15, 2026 special and executive session meetings.
• Recognition of spring athletic champions: 7/8 girls basketball at Arroyo Elementary, middle school girls basketball at Desert Foothills Junior High and Mountain Sky Junior High, K-8 co-ed soccer at Sweetwater School, and middle school boys soccer at Palo Verde Middle School.
• Recognition of new principals for 2026-2027: Kamren Bowker at Lookout Mountain Elementary, Julie Bridwell at Shaw Butte Elementary, and Kirsten Diaz at Mountain View School.
• Public participation opportunity for non-agenda and agenda items.

The governing board adopted the regular agenda and approved all consent‑agenda items, including vouchers, gifts of $32,950.12, and several travel requests. It also approved the employment contract and independent‑contractor agreement for Superintendent Dr. Michael Robert. Finally, the board awarded a Guaranteed Maximum Price contract worth up to $1,866,902 for parking‑lot renovations at Alta Vista.

• Approved consent agenda items (vouchers, personnel actions, gifts $32,950.12, grants $16,485.77) (5-0)
• Approved employment contract for Superintendent Dr. Michael Robert (5-0)
• Approved independent‑contractor agreement for Dr. Michael Robert (5-0)
• Awarded GMP contract for Alta Vista parking‑lot renovations to Sun Valley Builders, not to exceed $1,866,902 (5-0)
• Approved renewal of Building Renewal Grants totaling $16,485.77 (5-0)
• Approved travel requests for Dr. Rowe Van Meter, Paula McWhirter, and nutrition staff (5-0)
• Authorized disposal of district assets per Arizona Administrative Code R7‑2‑1131 (5-0)
• Approved renewal of agreements with Educational Services, LLC and GeoVisions (5-0)

Special Meeting and Executive Session Board Meeting

The Governing Board held a special meeting and entered an executive session to receive legal advice. The discussion focused on the position of the Superintendent and related contract matters.

• Executive session to discuss Superintendent contract and legal advice

Special Meeting and Executive Session Board Meeting

The Governing Board held an executive session to discuss finalist candidates and salary for a permanent superintendent, then reconvened to vote on authorizing the board president to enter contract negotiations with Dr. Michael Robert. The board also approved personnel action items via consent agenda.

• Approval of Personnel Action Items (consent agenda)
• Executive session per A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1) to discuss superintendent finalists and salary
• Motion to authorize contract negotiations with Dr. Michael Robert for superintendent position

The Governing Board adopted the meeting agenda and approved personnel items. The board entered executive session to discuss superintendent finalists and reconvened to authorize contract negotiations with Dr. Michael Robert. The meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m.

• Adopted April 15, 2026 Special and Regular Meeting Agenda (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda and Personnel Action Items (5-0)
• Entered Executive Session to discuss superintendent finalists (5-0)
• Authorized Board President to enter contract negotiations with Dr. Michael Robert (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:14 p.m. (5-0)

Special Meeting and Executive Session Board Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board will hold a special meeting and executive session to discuss finalist candidates for superintendent and related employment terms, salary, and contract negotiations. The board also plans to seek legal advice on the superintendent contract. A subsequent action item to authorize legal counsel as directed was tabled.

• Executive session pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(1) to discuss superintendent finalists, employment, and salary
• Executive session pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.03(A)(3) and (4) for legal advice and contract negotiations with attorneys
• Item to authorize legal counsel to proceed as directed in executive session was tabled by motion

The Governing Board met in executive session to consider finalist candidates for the position of Superintendent and employment terms. The board also consulted with district legal counsel regarding the Superintendent contract. An action item to authorize legal counsel was tabled.

• Adopted April 7, 2026 Special and Executive Session Meeting Agenda (5-0)
• Entered into Executive Session for Superintendent recruitment and legal consultation (5-0)
• Tabled item to authorize legal counsel to proceed as directed in Executive Session (5-0)

Special Meeting and Executive Session Board Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board is holding a special meeting and executive session on April 1, 2026. The primary purpose is to discuss and consider finalists for the position of Superintendent in a closed executive session under state law. The board also adopted the meeting agenda and later adjourned, with a motion to reconvene failing due to a lack of quorum.

• Adoption of the April 1, 2026 Special and Executive Session Meeting Agenda
• Executive session to discuss finalist for Superintendent (A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1))
• Motion to reconvene the special meeting failed (2 yea, 2 absent)
• Meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board convened a special meeting on April 1, 2026 and entered an executive session to discuss a finalist for the district superintendent position. The board reconvened in open session and adjourned at 5:30 p.m. These minutes record only procedural motions; no final appointment or vote was taken. The superintendent oversees daily district operations and staff, so this discussion will lead to a public hiring decision at a future meeting.

• Adopted meeting agenda (4-0)
• Entered executive session for superintendent finalist discussion (4-0)
• Reconvened special meeting after closed session (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:30 p.m. (4-0)

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The board will consider adopting the meeting agenda and approving minutes from prior meetings. The consent agenda includes approval of $3,741,393.37 in payroll and expense vouchers, personnel action items, and building renewal grants.

• Approval of $3,741,393.37 in vouchers (payroll and expense warrants) for March 2026
• Approval of personnel action items (new hires, separations, etc.)
• Building renewal grants (amount not specified in agenda)

Special Meeting and Executive Session Board Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board will hold an executive session to discuss and consider candidates for the position of Superintendent. The special meeting also includes adoption of the agenda and a call for executive session under A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1). The board reconvened and adjourned after the session.

• Discussion and consideration of candidates for Superintendent position in executive session under A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(1)

The Governing Board met to adopt the meeting agenda and subsequently entered an executive session. The board convened the executive session to discuss and consider candidates for the position of Superintendent.

• Adopted March 16, 2026 Special and Executive Session Meeting Agenda (4-0)
• Approved entry into Executive Session to discuss Superintendent candidates (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:18 p.m. (5-0)

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The governing board will vote on a consent agenda including approval of $9,683,607.53 in payroll and expense vouchers, personnel action items, and acceptance of $3,600 in gifts and donations. The meeting also includes recognition of winter athletic champions and a public participation period. No major policy changes or new ordinances are on the agenda.

• Approval of $9,683,607.53 in payroll and expense vouchers
• Approval of personnel action items (details in separate document)
• Acceptance of $3,600 in gifts and donations
• Recognition of winter athletic champions: girls soccer, boys basketball at various schools
• Adoption of meeting agenda and approval of February 26, 2026 minutes

The Governing Board approved the Consent Agenda, including vouchers and intergovernmental contracts. The board also approved the elimination of positions and the 2026-2027 employee benefit recommendations, including salary increases and stipends.

• Adopted March 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Agenda
• Approved February 26, 2026 Regular and Executive Session Meeting Minutes
• Approved Consent Agenda items: vouchers, personnel actions, gifts ($3,600), and intergovernmental contracts
• Approved elimination of positions
• Approved 2026-2027 employee benefit recommendations
• Approved Interest Based Negotiations (IBN) compression recommendation for salary increase
• Approved Interest Based Negotiations (IBN) compression recommendation for one-time stipend
• Approved Interest Based Negotiations (IBN) recommendation to continue Special Education stipend

Regular and Executive Session Governing Board Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board will meet in regular and executive session. They are expected to adopt the meeting agenda, approve prior meeting minutes, hear public comment, and vote on a consent agenda that includes voucher payments totaling $1,649,674.07 and personnel action items.

• Approval of $1,649,674.07 in expense vouchers for payroll and services
• Approval of personnel action items (specifics not detailed)
• Recognition of winter athletic champions: Palo Verde MS girls soccer, Palo Verde MS 7th-grade boys basketball, Mountain Sky MS 8th-grade boys basketball, Maryland Elementary 7/8-grade boys basketball
• Recognition of Heidi McKeever, Cholla Middle School teacher, as 2026 Gifted Education Teacher of the Year

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The board approved a consent agenda that included vouchers totaling $19,347,193.19 for payroll and other expenses. Several students and teachers were recognized for achievements in the district spelling bee, cross country championships, and National Board Certification.

• Approved and ratified FY26 expense vouchers totaling $5,138,400.13 and payroll vouchers totaling $14,208,793.06.
• Recognized 2026 District Spelling Bee winners: Zoe B. (1st, Chaparral Elementary) and Maxwell B. (2nd, Cholla Middle School), plus regional finalists.
• Recognized Cross Country Athletic Champions for grades K-8 from multiple schools.
• Recognized two new National Board Certified Teachers: Angela Messina (Arroyo Elementary) and Jennifer Pfister (Orangewood Elementary).

The Governing Board adopted the meeting agenda and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The board approved the Consent Agenda, which included vouchers, personnel actions, and the acceptance of $13,405.48 in public gifts and donations. They also acknowledged a notification regarding five schools applying for a $2.7M grant.

• Adopted February 12, 2026 Regular Meeting Agenda (5-0)
• Approved January 29, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items A, B, C, D, and F (5-0)
• Approved Payroll and Expense vouchers (5-0)
• Approved Personnel Action Items (5-0)
• Approved Public Gifts and Donations totaling $13,405.48 (5-0)
• Approved out-of-state travel request for Timothy Briggs (5-0)
• Acknowledged five schools applying for $2,700,000.00 grant (5-0)

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The Governing Board will consider adopting the consent agenda, which includes vouchers totaling $8,958,709.56, personnel action items, and acceptance of gifts and donations of $5,757.80. One board member pulled the personnel action items from the consent agenda for separate consideration. The meeting also includes recognition of Arroyo Boys and Girls Volleyball fall championship teams and adoption of minutes from prior meetings.

• Approval of payroll and expense vouchers totaling $8,958,709.56
• Personnel action items pulled from consent agenda for separate vote
• Acceptance of public gifts and donations amounting to $5,757.80
• Recognition of Arroyo Boys and Girls Volleyball fall championship teams
• Adoption of January 15 and January 22, 2026 meeting minutes

The governing board adopted the meeting agenda and approved the minutes from the January 15 and January 22 meetings. It then approved several consent‑agenda items, including personnel actions, public gifts of $5,757.80, removal of obsolete inventory, and the use of intergovernmental purchase contracts with MESC and SAVE. All motions carried unanimously.

• Adopted the January 29, 2026 agenda (5-0)
• Approved the January 15, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved the January 22, 2026 special meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda Items A, C, D, E, and F (5-0)
• Approved Personnel Action Items (5-0)
• Approved Public Gifts and Donations of $5,757.80 (by consent)
• Approved removal of inventory items exceeding useful life (by consent)
• Approved Intergovernmental Cooperative Purchase Authorization for MESC and SAVE contracts (by consent)

Employee Benefit Trust Board Agenda for Regular Meeting

The Employee Benefit Trust Board will consider electing a chairperson for 2026 and approving minutes from two prior meetings. They will also receive reports on monthly experience through December 2025, financial statements for October–December 2025, a dental utilization report from Ameritas, and a health and wellness update.

• Election of Trust Board Chairperson for 2026
• Approval of minutes from June 17, 2025 Regular Meeting
• Approval of minutes from January 7, 2026 Special and Executive Session Meeting
• WESD Monthly Experience Report through December 2025
• Monthly Financial Statements for October–December 2025

Special Meeting -Study Session

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board held a study session to discuss the search for a new superintendent. Consultants from McPherson & Jacobson facilitated the discussion, covering timeline, candidate criteria, stakeholder engagement, and interview protocols. No decisions were made; the session was informational and preparatory.

• Superintendent search discussion led by Dr. Steve Joel and Dr. David Ulrich of McPherson & Jacobson
• Agenda items: establish search timeline, identify candidate criteria, stakeholder engagement, interview protocol and schedule, interview questions
• Special meeting - study session format; no formal votes on search-related actions

The Governing Board held a study session regarding the upcoming superintendent search. Representatives from McPherson and Jacobson facilitated discussions on candidate criteria, interview protocols, and stakeholder engagement.

• Adopted January 22, 2026 Special Meeting Agenda (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:16 p.m. (4-0)

Regular Governing Board Meeting

The Washington Elementary School District Governing Board held its annual organizational meeting, electing Kyle Clayton as president and Lindsey M Peterson as vice president. The board also approved the consent agenda, including $29,762,398.95 in payroll and expense vouchers, and adopted the December 11, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Elected Kyle Clayton as board president and Lindsey M Peterson as vice president
• Approved $29,762,398.95 in payroll and expense vouchers
• Approved the December 11, 2025 regular and public hearing meeting minutes
• Adopted the January 15, 2026 regular meeting agenda
• Heard public comments on non-agenda items

Employee Benefit Trust Board Agenda for Special and Executive Session Meeting

The Employee Benefit Trust Board is holding a special meeting that includes an executive session under ARS 38-431.03 to discuss confidential records and consult with legal counsel. After the executive session, the board will reconvene to discuss and possibly approve Second Level Appeal No. A296756321. Public participation is allowed for non-agenda and agenda items.

• Call to order and adoption of the special agenda
• Public participation for non-agenda and agenda items
• Call for executive session under ARS 38-431.03 A.2 (confidential records) and A.3 (legal advice)
• Executive session discussion of confidential matters and legal consultation
• Discussion and possible approval of Second Level Appeal No. A296756321

The Employee Benefit Trust Board met in executive session to review a second-level appeal. Members voted unanimously to overturn the previous denial of Second Level Appeal No. A296756321. The board administers employee benefit trust funds for district staff, making this decision relevant to personnel administration and fiduciary oversight. The meeting concluded at 3:29 PM.

• Adopted special meeting agenda (Aye: Spellman, Farrell, Jahneke)
• Called executive session for Second Level Appeal No. A296756321 (Aye: Spellman, Farrell, Jahneke)
• Overturned denial of Second Level Appeal No. A296756321 (Aye: Spellman, Farrell, Jahneke, Peterson)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:29 PM