[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6670788,"mediaKeyId","2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6","parentId",2171971,"title","Votes at a glance: Mesa Public Schools governing board actions, Jan. 28, 2025","audioSeconds",1387,"startMs",1306000,"endMs",2693000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6&start=1306&end=2693","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6/thumbnail_1306000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6670788/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-Mesa-Public-Schools-governing-board-actions-Jan-28-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670788-831f5b4afb56aeebef74ae37edeacfb0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140976&Signature=ctwXaCYNIFta63m~HQ6uKeq~iKV95tpysPulDbal6yA6f9cDVQ5zrgVelAwfbOqYistCCmpKoBEchWNfvVHdZurhwoBumow08hYBv0CL3nGq~~PW0yFgTC9ckOFVpnP2P3im4VwpvQVSqQBTGO7DiwFiRmCABU9JM~kkTvK96VDkv0OH~6Y5WBwTV6S-HLPHgWkiO912Rtu-lDjQ6D5B7cQCaA~7AXuE5bmkHu~33tJSjReRpIZ~38krGq5oWfp-8UYl1-Gi229Lx5Y8AGDBAN-SXRk7fvYpjtsvmoa2yoouPj04tOsGwSy3hLwnLDbiGnnCFo6~Rll5nrUhL2C1Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mesa Unified District (4235)","date","2025-01-30T05:19:24.297Z","article","The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board took multiple formal actions at its Jan. 28 meeting. This roundup lists the motions, brief descriptions and the recorded outcomes as announced during the meeting.

Key votes and outcomes

- Personnel request (including addendum): Approved, 5–0. (Item: personnel request)
- 2025–26 employment contract language (certified/classified templates): Approved, 5–0. (Item: employment contract templates)
- Certified reduction in force for 2025–26: Approved, 4–1. (Item: certified RIF)
- One‑year allocation of $1,300,000 from carry‑forward for 2025–26 elementary special areas: Approved, 5–0. (Item: elementary special areas funding)
- Contract increase for playground equipment and surfacing, +$750,000 (capital/DAA funds): Approved, 5–0.
- GEAR UP grant submission to U.S. Department of Education: Approved (motion to submit proposal); board approved proposal as presented.
- Contract renewal (supplemental resources / SAVE consortium), up to $3,000,000: Approved.
- Contract renewal (supplemental materials for Mesa Public Schools / SAVE consortium): Approved, board motion carried.
- Community education and facility rental fee schedules: Approved, 5–0.
- Removal of CTDS numbers for specified programs (Red Mountain Center for Early Education, Riverview High School, Crossroads Academy): Approved, 5–0.
- Grade reconfiguration to 7–12 at East Valley Academy and 7–12 at Superstition High School for 2025–26: Approved, 5–0.

Notes and procedure

- For several items the board approved motions without individual roll‑call vote attribution in the public record; the clerk read out the overall tally where provided.
- Some items (personnel reductions, staffing changes) require subsequent administrative action and human resources processes before any employee notices or specific reductions occur. The board's vote authorized those processes; specific positions and counts are finalized later in the HR process.

How we verified: Each outcome is stated as recited aloud by the clerk or the president during the Jan. 28 meeting and as recorded in the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Governing Board Study Session & Regular Meeting - January 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and recorded board outcomes from the Jan. 28 Mesa Public Schools Governing Board meeting, including personnel, budget and procurement actions.","taxTitle","Mesa Unified District (4235), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",13601,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6670793,"Board hears extended discussion on high‑school academies, block scheduling and CTE funding; no final vote",1150,2582000,3732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6&start=2582&end=3732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6/thumbnail_2582000.jpg","/articles/6670793/Arizona/Board-hears-extended-discussion-on-highschool-academies-block-scheduling-and-CTE-funding-no-final-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670793-df8f14879885243f42a11ea4aeb7cada/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140976&Signature=hW3IxwxMIvBZIdsWGd4z0eY9AMSpjgx8gIwvzTADVK513V7iPEMRrihAxidlpZDY63SZhQ4NeazDBEdRtvoneKOUadsg6zf3lQskgt-kkRLR4mdo9DSFzKxter-ywH~IFk90~TSPyiFKaW~3Vkk2XqHTHtaS-XtB8eqAfqy~ua2Mk4s0Iz0wg4~asvMUUVmOZ~4Qs~ZJag36kmdg1J-95c4gcXwvsUCwceRRaZWV1cvatTmjUTZc2vOTttMwn3FtKP0kXjREv4Df1T55gLMDyDFX2dHoAraofoi40E9ickBgAQF-r7K-pTehWdHPjW-fSPZsutmNN6-0XYw5d8wKrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mesa Public Schools trustees and senior staff spent extensive time on Jan. 28 discussing high‑school educational programming — specifically the 9th‑grade academies, districtwide conversion to block scheduling and how Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding supports academy cores and approved CTE programs.

What district leaders presented: District leaders said the academy model creates theme‑based small learning communities to increase student engagement, give students earlier career awareness, expand dual‑enrollment and AP/IB opportunities and improve college and career readiness. Block scheduling (4 longer classes per day, alternating odd/even days) was presented as the scheduling vehicle that allows students to take more courses per year (eight versus six), which in turn increases opportunities for advanced coursework, electives and work‑based learning.

CTE funding and EVIT approvals: Administrators clarified that state/federal CTE funding (linked to Arizona and Carl D. Perkins requirements) pays for approved CTE programs that meet EVIT/ ADE standards and are led by appropriately certified instructors. Funding rules are restrictive: students generate the additional CTE funding (an approximate 0.25 ADM payment) only for approved CTE coursework and generally only once per student; freshmen typically do not generate CTE funding. EVIT and ADE program approvals and audits govern eligibility.

ADM (average daily membership) and fiscal concerns: Staff told the board they are monitoring how some students taking fewer full‑time class loads under block schedules reduce the district's ADM capture in certain configurations. That shortfall arises when students take half‑time schedules or combine off‑site programs in ways that reduce full‑time equivalent counts. Administrators said they are working on operational solutions (e.g., capturing concurrent enrollment or additional instructional time where allowable) and longer‑term options (adjusted staffing allocation models) and will monitor monthly ADM reports from ADE.

Public input and next steps: The evening included dozens of public commenters — many students and parents — in support of preserving music, library and other programs they said promote student belonging and achievement. The board did not vote on block scheduling or academy implementation policy at the meeting; administrators said they will continue planning, provide additional data, and return to the board with implementation and budget implications. Board members asked for additional public outreach and for clearer, regular reporting on enrollment, ADM, CTE approvals and program outcomes.

Why it matters: District leaders said the academy and block scheduling model is intended to increase graduation readiness, provide more dual‑credit and career exposure, and give students more elective choices without sacrificing core instruction. Board members and parents warned that the transition requires careful communication, robust teacher professional learning and explicit monitoring of fiscal consequences.

Representative language from the meeting: Doctor Forliss summarized the district's fiscal context: “We have a projected decline of 1,800 students for the 25, 26 school year.” Staff said EVIT approvals and Carl D. Perkins alignment remain required steps for any program seeking CTE funding.

Status: Ongoing. The board asked for a follow‑up study session and continued updates before additional campuses adopt the model or further scheduling changes are implemented.","Board members and district staff discussed expansion of 9–12 academy models, block scheduling and Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding. Administration said the changes aim to increase student choice, college and career readiness and credits, while acknowledging open issues on ADM capture and implementation timelines.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6670798,"Mesa board approves certified reduction in force for 2025–26 amid budget shortfall",1062,1314000,2376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6&start=1314&end=2376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6/thumbnail_1314000.jpg","/articles/6670798/Arizona/Mesa-board-approves-certified-reduction-in-force-for-202526-amid-budget-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670798-20c1b455f50d29369d7cd8b51fc0b16e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140976&Signature=k3jGb28W5kVgi~Y8GaJifAuDjcY~odWw1hC96JkYv3ltqnvZr6qIUqrmQYIa1pejbo2NM9gr8LbuvURn7Dl~6AnkNraQtjiEdasUj1Sb9BjXji0FO3TAM9ahhaUMwuf7P7XzK~SxSR3GEA8roSnbNyXOi67vAqHF-j-ShbcCfkEPxBqpVZJr15Y3ZGrw90DMED7gm-Bw9LrBAIY2q26G6XbnvvQQwtuyYQ6R793OpqK~ogifJH6ONfd2Pe6Ptf-8aVaDdBp5zhPPWYn~obLKqkyVmp-vGPMheSIy7pDjl9FUFzPKMLnhwgbTFMA9S5U7xfSsOP5AZTADUnAEewllTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board approved a certified reduction in force (RIF) for the 2025–26 school year after a lengthy meeting on Jan. 28, authorizing district administration to proceed with staffing reductions needed to address projected budget shortfalls. The motion passed 4–1.

What the board approved: The board's action authorizes the district to execute a certified RIF for the 2025–26 school year. The vote does not specify the individual employees affected; human resources will follow the district's procedures and timelines to identify specific positions and implement transfers, notices and reductions consistent with state law and board policy.

District context: Superintendent Doctor Forliss told the board the district is projecting a decline of roughly 1,800 students for 2025–26 and must reduce payroll by roughly $18 million to balance the budget. Administrators have said district‑level reductions would include about 147 district positions in the current planning scenario; school‑level staffing decisions are in progress and will be finalized after principals submit staffing requests (elementary, junior high, high school deadlines were listed in the meeting).

Board members' statements and community reaction: Board members expressed concern about protecting classroom instruction and minimizing impacts on students. Several board members said they wanted the RIF to be as limited as possible and to explore alternatives before cuts affect direct classroom services. Public commenters urged the board to preserve music, library and other specials; some also recommended cuts in administrative or noninstructional areas instead.

Next steps and process details: Administration emphasized the RIF process follows state statute and district policy; details about which positions will be reduced and appeals or recall processes will be handled by human resources. Administrators noted timelines: elementary staffing submissions were due Jan. 24, junior high Jan. 31 and high schools Feb. 7, which will influence final counts.

Vote and outcome: The governing board approved the certified reduction in force 4–1. Board members and district leaders said they will continue to attempt to mitigate impacts through targeted use of one‑time funds, voluntary transfers and other budget adjustments.

Why this matters: Personnel costs make up the largest share of the district's budget. The board's approval authorizes procedures that will directly affect staff employment and could change course offerings and services available to students if cuts affect school‑level positions.","The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board approved a certified reduction in force for the 2025–26 school year. The vote authorizes administrators to proceed with staffing reductions; specific positions and final counts will be set through school staffing submissions and human resources processes.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":46,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6670803,"Mesa board approves $1.3 million one‑year allocation to preserve elementary specials while study continues",2516,177000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6&start=177&end=2693","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2171971-275a2a579e82b3d53215ff3bad955ef6/thumbnail_177000.jpg","/articles/6670803/Arizona/Mesa-board-approves-13-million-oneyear-allocation-to-preserve-elementary-specials-while-study-continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6670803-08da184943c102c3161e74d29856c5fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140976&Signature=JNqhh9OdWlq-z3nYl5inw8uY4Esmb05SYHMuCc0OeO34FPusEkdZ-u70YN6vauEF7hbEwdwxSOWT5oBBSUs54snnqfsqzD2WcRb2423EqjaqL6LQtWmBh2lv0WR3JdyLU1Kq2lGo0X7459cTpDmpjEeFkCwqg~Gz7Z3xlB4CiiuZvPX9ESxtWEYTz~8kMHdp6sRbHSIpn-Ll4Lo3tHm-TaS6nhxFEUIV9wjNB2tWritprFEcWug9dR1A3Xki-xVW-s9R-TGV-pYhsrHBBhI0g5q-jDTxMpFpnehUQDIELZdBRV2dDXEtjniVj-SEwz5r9lqLTk66iqkr~8sHU-oH3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted 5–0 on Jan. 28 to allocate $1.3 million from the district's carry‑forward funds for the 2025–26 school year to help sustain elementary special‑area offerings while staff continue work on a longer term plan. The board's decision follows a packed study session and extensive public comment about proposed changes to elementary special areas, particularly music.

The allocation buys a single additional year to implement options the district's design team will refine. Superintendent Doctor Forliss told the board the district is preparing for a projected decline of 1,800 students in 2025–26 and must reduce payroll by roughly $18,000,000 to balance its budget. He emphasized the decision was intended to preserve instructional time in English language arts and mathematics while the design team refines special‑area offerings.

Why it matters: Parents, teachers and students repeatedly told the board the community values general music and library time. Hundreds of people signed up for public comment and dozens of students and families described music and library as pivotal supports for learning, social connection and future academic success. Board members said the carry‑forward allocation is a short‑term measure to allow additional stakeholder input and further design work for 2026–27.

What was proposed and what will change: The design team presented three options at a Jan. 14 study session and returned with refinements on Jan. 28. The options vary in how general music, band, orchestra, choir, media center (library) and physical education would be scheduled and how many full‑time equivalent positions would be funded directly at school sites versus centrally. The district said the design team prioritized uninterrupted core instructional time for ELA and math and sought to keep district staffing ratios (approximately 50% certified, 48% classified, 2% administrative) stable while reducing a net of about 147 district‑level positions in the current proposal.

How the one‑year money will be used: The board action directs the use of up to $1.3 million from carry forward for 2025–26 to preserve special‑area staffing at the elementary level while the design team conducts a broader, more inclusive review to be implemented beginning in 2026–27. Board members and staff emphasized the allocation is one‑time money; they said recurring costs would require a different funding source.

Next steps and outstanding questions: The design team will reconvene with expanded membership to include classroom teachers, resource specialists and site leaders, and will return options to the board with implementation recommendations for the 2026–27 school year. Board members asked for clearer, ongoing reporting to the public on outcomes of the design team's work, and staff said they will provide progress updates.

Board response and public reaction: Board members said they understood the difficulty of balancing budget constraints with community priorities. Dr. Forliss told the board: “We have a projected decline of 1,800 students for the 25–26 school year.” Members repeatedly cited community emails and public comment urging preservation of general music and library time.

What the board did tonight: The governing board approved the one‑year $1.3 million carry‑forward allocation for elementary special areas. The board record shows the motion passed 5–0.

Context to watch: The district also has $1.9 million set aside for meet‑and‑confer and governing‑board priorities; the board's decision leaves that amount available for other bargaining or priorities. Because the $1.3 million is one‑time carry‑forward money, administrators said the design team must finalize a sustainable plan if the district is to avoid recurring budget gaps.","Mesa Public Schools governing board approved a one‑year, $1.3 million carry‑forward allocation to support elementary special areas — including music — while a design team reworks a longer‑term plan amid a projected 1,800‑student enrollment decline and district staffing cuts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Mesa Public Schools governing board actions, Jan. 28, 2025

Board hears extended discussion on high‑school academies, block scheduling and CTE funding; no final vote

Mesa board approves certified reduction in force for 2025–26 amid budget shortfall

Mesa board approves $1.3 million one‑year allocation to preserve elementary specials while study continues