Higley Unified School District public meetings in 2025
30 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board met on December 9, 2025, to conduct routine business including approving the FY2026 budget revision, adopting new K–5 English Language Arts instructional materials, and ratifying routine consent items such as payroll and expense vouchers. The board also heard updates on district events and recognized booster clubs and PTOs.
- FY2026 Budget Revision #1 approved after ADE review found expenditures within limits
- K–5 English Language Arts materials adoption recommended to replace unsupported HMH Journeys curriculum
- Approval of 2026–2027 course guides for high school, middle school, Higley Virtual Academy, and special education
- Authorization of $1,150,000 in cooperative vendor purchases for FY2025/2026
- Recognition of booster clubs and PTOs for insurance coverage eligibility
GOVERNING BOARD MEETING AGENDA
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will meet to approve a revised FY2026 budget, adopt new course guides for all schools, and consider an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Education for a free teacher development program. The board will also discuss K-5 English Language Arts curriculum adoption and next year’s maintenance budget priorities.
- FY2026 Budget Revision #1 approval (no budget limit exceedance)
- Approval of 2026-2027 Course Guides for High School, Middle School, Higley Virtual Academy and Special Education
- Intergovernmental Agreement with Arizona Department of Education for Teaching Partners Program (no cost to district)
- Approval of overnight/out-of-state student travel including HHS Boys Basketball to Chicago, IL
- K-5 English Language Arts High-Quality Instructional Materials adoption recommendations
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board held its regular meeting on November 18, 2025. The board approved the agenda, minutes from the prior meeting, and multiple consent items including personnel actions, payroll vouchers, and asset disposals. The board also recognized all district schools for earning an 'A' rating for the 2024-2025 school year.
- All 14 district schools received 'A' ratings for 2024-2025; banners presented
- Approved personnel actions including appointments and terminations
- Ratified payroll and expense vouchers (10 summaries attached)
- Accepted gifts and donations to the district
- Approved 13 overnight/out-of-state travel requests for students and staff
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing on the 24/25 Maintenance & Operation Override Update, as required by state law. The board will also consider consent agenda items including personnel actions, payroll vouchers, asset disposal, and student/staff travel requests. The meeting includes procedural items like call to order, roll call, and approval of previous minutes.
- Public hearing on 24/25 Maintenance & Operation Override Update
- Approval of $400,000 additional funding for FY26 special education private day schools
- Approval of overnight and out-of-state student travel requests for multiple schools
- Approval of disposal of district assets
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board met to approve a consent agenda including personnel appointments, payroll vouchers, and asset disposals. The board also authorized several professional development trips for staff and various out-of-state student travel requests.
- Approval of personnel action items including staff appointments and terminations
- Authorization of staff travel to ACOVA, Adobe Max, FMX, and NCERT conferences
- Approval of student travel to Tampa, Orlando, Williams, NYC, and McFarland
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers
- Approval for the disposal of district assets
Curriculum Adoption
The District Review Committee will meet to evaluate instructional materials for K-12 English Language Arts, following a fair and transparent process aligned to state standards. Members will review procurement disclosures, learn about Arizona ELA standards, and discuss best practices for writing and secondary literacy instruction. The committee's work determines which high-quality materials advance for district consideration.
- Procurement Disclosure Agreement review and signing for members absent on 8/28/25
- Learning session on Arizona ELA standards with a focus on secondary grades
- Discussion of research-based best practices for K-12 writing instruction
- Session on best practices for 7-12 literacy instruction, including AP Language and AP Literature
Curriculum Adoption
The District Review Committee is meeting to evaluate K-12 English Language Arts instructional materials for adoption. Members will review the Arizona ELA standards, foundational literacy best practices, and reading comprehension strategies, and will sign a Procurement Disclosure Agreement.
- Signing of the Procurement Disclosure Agreement with Purchasing Manager Wendy Garretson.
- Learning session on Arizona K-12 ELA standards led by Curriculum Director Mary Davis.
- Training on K-3 foundational literacy best practices.
- Training on K-6 reading comprehension and writing best practices.
Curriculum Adoption
The District Review Committee is meeting to establish the process for evaluating K-12 English Language Arts (ELA) instructional materials. The session includes training on the adoption timeline, the evaluation rubric, and the Science of Reading.
- Discussion of K-12 ELA Adoption timeline and process
- Introduction of the evaluation rubric for vendor materials
- Learning session on the Science of Reading and its implications for instruction
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will hear Superintendent David Loutzenheiser's comments on removing his request to join the board on the dais. The board will also vote on consent items including personnel actions, payroll vouchers, and multiple overnight/out-of-state staff and student travel requests. Public comment is scheduled.
- Superintendent David Loutzenheiser will comment on removing his request to join the board on the dais
- Approval of overnight/out-of-state staff travel for HHS football game in Henderson, NV
- Approval of overnight/out-of-state student travel for multiple trips including HHS Thespians to NYC and WFHS Dance to San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers for multiple funds
- Acceptance of gifts and donations to the district
Curriculum Adoption
The ELA K-12 High Quality Instructional Materials Adoption Steering Committee will meet to oversee the adoption process. Members will witness a blind draw to select the District Review Committee, composed of teachers, parents, and administrators. The committee will also identify next steps and finalize future meeting dates.
- Blind draw for District Review Committee members (teachers, parents/community, HUSD administration)
- Discussion of next steps and finalization of meeting dates
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board met in executive session to discuss legal advice regarding its position on a contract negotiation — an Intergovernmental Agreement with EVIT. The board voted to convene the closed session, then adjourned and directed the attorney to follow the guidance given. All votes were unanimous.
- Executive session held under A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3) for legal advice on the EVIT Intergovernmental Agreement
- Board voted unanimously to convene the closed session
- Board voted unanimously to direct the attorney to follow the direction given in executive session
- Meeting adjourned with no further business
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board met to approve several administrative items, including personnel actions and staff and student travel. The board also renewed a special education agreement with the East Valley Institute of Technology. A proposal to allow the Superintendent to sit on the dais during meetings was tabled.
- Renewal of Special Education Intergovernmental Agreement with East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028
- Approval of staff travel for ASPAA and AIA conferences
- Approval of student travel for WFHS Football (Heber, AZ and San Juan Hills, CA) and HHS Stuco (Payson, AZ)
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers
- Approval of asset disposals and recognition of booster clubs and PTOs
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY2025/2026 adopted budget, which must be filed by July 15. The board is also set to approve a consent agenda that includes a not-to-exceed $2,500,000 for special education private day school placements for the upcoming fiscal year, along with routine items such as personnel actions, payroll vouchers, and an extension of an intergovernmental agreement with East Valley Institute of Technology.
- Public hearing and presentation of the FY2025/2026 adopted budget
- Approval of up to $2,500,000 for special education private day schools for FY2026
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers (Voucher Summaries 1142–1145)
- Approval of overnight/out-of-state staff travel for Synergy Connect 2025 conference in Orlando, FL
- Extension of intergovernmental agreement with East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) through July 31, 2025
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board is conducting a public hearing to present the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. The board is also reviewing personnel actions, financial reports, and various expenditure authorizations.
- Public hearing for the FY2026 Proposed Budget
- Expenditure of $485,981.94 to CDW-G for Phase III Verkada cameras at multiple sites including Higley High School and Williams Field High School
- Expenditure of $102,405.82 to Edupoint Educational Systems for the Synergy Student Information System for FY2026
- Approval of out-of-state staff travel for AP Capstone and Project Learning training in Virginia and Texas
- Approval of out-of-state student travel for football, basketball, and golf to Nevada, California, and Texas
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The board approved a resolution to call a special election authorizing the sale, lease, or exchange of roughly 18.80 acres of vacant district property at the southeast corner of Ray Road and Wren Drive in Gilbert (Gateway Pointe subdivision). The resolution directs administration to draft ballot language limited to a lease option. Estimated election costs are $100,000 from the Maintenance & Operations fund. The vote was 4-1, with Anna Van Hoek opposed.
- Approval of resolution to hold a special election on the sale, lease, or exchange of district property at Gateway Pointe (SE corner of Ray Road & Wren Drive, ~18.80 acres)
- Ballot language will include only the option to lease the property
- Estimated election cost: $100,000 from Fund 001 (Maintenance & Operations)
- Motion passed 4-1 (Anna Van Hoek voted nay)
Curriculum Adoption
The ELA K–12 High Quality Instructional Materials Adoption Steering Committee is meeting to establish its goals and operating norms. The committee will discuss the adoption process, timeline, and scope of work to prepare for a future Request for Proposal (RFP).
- Discussion of the ELA K-12 Scope of Work to draft an RFP
- Review of the instructional materials adoption process and timeline
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board is conducting a public hearing regarding the third revision of the FY2025 budget. The board is also reviewing personnel actions, financial reports, and various student and staff travel requests.
- Public hearing for FY2025 Budget Revision #3
- Ratification of staff appointments, terminations, and supplemental pay
- Approval of overnight and out-of-state travel for students and staff
- Approval for the disposal of district assets
- Acceptance of gifts and donations
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board approved a $6,000 performance-based pay award for the superintendent for FY 2024-2025 after an executive session discussion. The board also authorized district administration to proceed with drafting a resolution to sell, lease, or exchange a vacant land parcel, with estimated election costs of $100,000. A consent agenda was approved that included a $174,629.06 purchase of Lenovo desktop computers from CDW-G, ratification of payroll and expense vouchers, personnel actions, and acceptance of gifts and donations.
- Approved Superintendent's Performance-Based Pay for FY 2024-2025 in the amount of $6,000.00
- Authorized district administration to proceed with drafting a Land Sell, Lease, or Exchange Resolution for a vacant land parcel (estimated election costs $100,000)
- Approved purchase of Lenovo desktop computers from CDW-G for $174,629.06 (Fund 374 – E-Rate)
- Received presentation on vacant land parcel the district owns
- First read of revised Policy IHA (Basic Instructional Program) regarding 9/11 Education Day grade levels
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board met to approve an employment contract for Superintendent David Loutzenheiser. The board also approved an additional $300,000 for private day school funding to support 60 students requiring specialized placement.
- Approval of Superintendent David Loutzenheiser's employment contract
- Approval of $300,000 in additional FY25 Special Education Private Day School funding
- Ratification of various personnel action items including appointments and terminations
- Approval of staff and student overnight/out-of-state travel requests
- Approval to waive liquidated damages fees for departing employees
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board met for an executive session to discuss personnel actions and receive legal advice. The board voted to direct their attorney to follow instructions provided during the private session.
- Executive session regarding employment, salaries, and disciplining of public officers or employees
- Executive session for consultation with legal counsel
- Action item directing the attorney to follow instructions given in executive session
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board voted 3-2 to select David Loutzenheiser as superintendent effective July 1, 2025, contingent on contract negotiations. The board also approved a consent agenda including personnel actions, financial reports, student travel, gifts, and asset disposal. Public comment was heard before action items.
- Selection of David Loutzenheiser as superintendent starting July 1, 2025 (approved 3-2)
- Approval of overnight/out-of-state student travel for DECA, robotics, FBLA, HOSA, and track events
- Acceptance of Special Education Day School Report showing $1.23M spent in Q2 of FY25
- Approval of contract releases with waived liquidated damages for certain employees
- Ratification of payroll and expense vouchers across multiple voucher summaries
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board convened an executive session to discuss employment matters and seek legal advice. The board voted to approve the agenda and later adjourned the closed session. Following the session, the board directed the attorney to act on the discussion.
- Executive session held under A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(1)&(3) for personnel and legal consultation
- Board voted 5-0 to approve the meeting agenda
- Motion passed 3-2 to direct attorney per executive session discussion
- Meeting adjourned with no further business
PreK - 12th Grade Supplemental Committee
The PreK-12th Grade Supplemental Material Review Committee will evaluate educational materials based on a rubric for merit and sensitive content. The committee will vote on recommendations for specific materials to be added to the core curriculum. Recommended items will be presented to the Governing Board on March 4 for a first read and a 60-day public review.
- Vote on recommendations for Byrdseed TV
- Vote on recommendations for ESGI
- Review of ARS 15-120.03 regarding sexually explicit materials
- Approval of December 11, 2024 meeting minutes
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Higley Unified School District Governing Board held an executive session and then selected three candidates (finalists 1, 2, and 7) to participate in a public forum for the superintendent search. The meeting was largely procedural, including call to order, roll call, agenda approval, and adjournment.
- Executive session held under A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(1) for discussion of employment of a public officer or employee
- Board selected superintendent search finalists 1, 2, and 7 to participate in the public forum
- Agenda approved unanimously by all five board members
6th - 12th Grade Novel Review Committee
The Higley Unified School District Novel Review Committee will hear presentations and vote on recommendations for four books: "Clap When You Land," "Parable of the Sower," "Crying in HMart," and "Mexican Gothic." Recommendations will go to the Governing Board for final approval.
- Round 3 book presentations and recommendations for four titles
- Committee's recommendations will go to the Governing Board on March 4 for first read and 60-day public review
- Review of Arizona Revised Statutes 15-120.03 and collaboration norms
- This is the final meeting for the 2024-25 school year
PreK - 12th Grade Supplemental Committee
The PreK-12th Grade Supplemental Material Review Committee will meet to review supplemental materials (ESGI, Byrdseed) using a rubric for educational merit and sensitive content. The committee will also review ARS 15-120.03 on sexually explicit materials and vote on previous meeting minutes. Recommendations will go to the Governing Board for first read on March 4, followed by a 60-day public review period.
- Review of ARS 15-120.03, the state law on sexually explicit materials in schools
- Committee vote to approve December 11, 2024 meeting minutes
- Review of supplemental materials: ESGI and Byrdseed
- Recommendations to be presented to Governing Board on March 4 for first read
- No further committee meetings scheduled for remainder of 24/25 school year
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board met to approve a consent agenda including personnel changes, payroll vouchers, and various student and staff travel requests. The board also reviewed progress on 2024-2025 initiatives and conducted a second review of the 2025-2026 Maintenance and Operations Budget.
- Approval of personnel action items including staff appointments and terminations
- Approval of a $500 membership renewal for the Education Technology Consortium via Northern Arizona University
- Approval of student travel to New York, Orlando, Washington, and California
- Approval to waive liquidated damages fees for employees released from contracts
- Approval for the disposal of district assets
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
This is a work study session, not a regular business meeting. The board will receive professional development on governing board operations from the Arizona School Boards Association, review communication protocols, and hear a presentation on school finance basics. No votes on policy or spending are scheduled.
- Professional development on governing board operations by Arizona School Boards Association
- Review of Higley Unified School District's Board Communication Protocols
- Finance 101 presentation by Chief Financial Officer Tyler Moore
- Discussion of future agenda items including policy updates, professional development, laws regarding books and curriculum, and superintendent search
- Review of 2024-2025 Governing Board strategic initiatives approved June 26, 2024
6th - 12th Grade Novel Review Committee
The Higley Unified School District's Novel Review Committee will meet to review and recommend novels for grades 6-12, following a new policy approved in July 2024. The committee will hear presentations on books including 'Patron Saints of Nothing,' 'The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle,' and 'Where the Crawdads Sing,' and assign new titles for review. All recommendations require final approval by the Governing Board.
- Round 2 book presentations for grades 9-10 and 11 AP Lang, including 'The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' and 'Where the Crawdads Sing'
- Round 3 book assignments for grades 9-10, including 'Clap When You Land' and 'Parable of the Sower'
- Final review meeting scheduled for February 18, 2025 before recommendations go to the Governing Board
- Review of ARS 15-120.03 and Seven Norms for Collaboration
BoardDocs Governing Board Imported Meetings 2015- 2025
The Governing Board is meeting to elect its President and Vice President for 2025. The board is also reviewing personnel actions, financial reports, and various student and staff travel requests.
- Election of Governing Board President and Vice President for 2025
- Approval of personnel action items including staff appointments and terminations
- Quarterly ESI report showing $861,599.89 utilized for substitute teachers and phased retirement
- Field placement agreement with Ottawa University for student fieldwork
- Approval of overnight and out-of-state travel for students and staff