[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",6667188,"mediaKeyId","2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933","parentId",2264679,"title","Mesa Public Schools reports steady in-year stability but continued enrollment decline; district explores retention strategies","audioSeconds",1110,"startMs",7341310,"endMs",8452189,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933&start=7341&end=8452","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933/thumbnail_7341310.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6667188/Arizona/Mesa-Public-Schools-reports-steady-in-year-stability-but-continued-enrollment-decline-district-explores-retention-strategies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667188-45b85c82455e36ef146f688f75edf711/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206066&Signature=j163N781x3oYe4x0fyFGCV4BEID-pvxKMtQYP6RYsx92UYOY5qyh90Nkfs1VqpVCL8tFQS1~~UYhQHQQurL0UfCuJNv9WB9GnDJsWIczF08K2riG~tVPrQ0pdViTU2HRXOyQYSZItmqhnjvtLfSAY3rQ6zff4CqgnFDydEVU3Ai-LUhU7bF2mTcAXJCJx0OqSTv0n-V9Sj2j0Fkk84Xa-TvHeH6hmGxSyHa5V4KT-Xk01qA3lzB6n4WHfTH1WqvY9HNHdpZKb~~M2sVPzB9eUiWZZck3LofF9rGyqy04kUEta9KPVJ9pSXWWlZN9kcCscTs44dmWPAEqNECUCdPsRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mesa Unified District (4235)","date","2025-02-12T04:18:05.027Z","article","District staff presented an enrollment update at the Feb. 11 Mesa Public Schools Governing Board meeting that showed mixed signals: retention and in-year stability metrics have improved in recent years, but overall enrollment remains lower than projected.

Dr. Glassmeyer, the district presenter, said internal October 1 counts show the district is down about 1,616 students compared with last year; that figure fell within the range produced by the district’s projection models but was greater than a central projection the board had adopted. The presentation compared adopted projections, internal estimates and year-over-year retention across grade bands.

Key figures presented:
- The agenda materials noted an internal October 1 snapshot showing the district down approximately 1,616 students for 2024–25 compared with last year; the district had earlier projected a smaller decline in some models.
- The district reported cross-year retention (students enrolled at the end of the prior school year who remained enrolled on day 15 of the current year) has increased in recent years, with targets aimed at improving further. District officials described a goal of retaining 80% of preschoolers into kindergarten and noted current preschool-to-kindergarten retention remained under that target.
- In-school stability (students who remain continuously enrolled from their initial enrollment through the 100th day) was reported above 90% in elementary and junior-high grades (93.1% for K–6; 93.5% for junior highs; 92.1% for high schools). Alternative/success schools showed lower stability (63.9%), consistent with their specialized missions.

Presenters showed school-level variation using box-and-whisker charts that map each school’s stability percentage and flagged a correlation between higher mobility and higher rates of families meeting direct-certification criteria (a proxy for socioeconomic measures). Board members asked whether the district coordinates with the city on housing and transportation and whether outreach could recover students who left for charter or other districts.

District leaders said they regularly meet with municipal leaders about housing and transportation issues and have discussed potential partner initiatives, including affordable housing and educator housing on district land. Finance and enrollment staff noted reacquiring students is costly and that retaining existing students is the most cost-effective strategy.

Board members raised the prospect of an FTSE (flexible staffing/expenditure) model if enrollment declines continue; district leaders said there is roughly a 70% chance they would bring a staffing-model change forward for board attention for the twelfth-grade year in 2026–27 if ADM losses cannot be captured through scheduling changes.

Why it matters: Enrollment drives state funding, staffing and program decisions. Improved retention can blunt budget impacts; continued declines may force further staffing and program adjustments.

Next steps: The district will continue monitoring enrollment, pursue retention and outreach strategies, and update the board on trends and any staffing-model proposals that may follow.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Governing Board Regular Meeting - February 11, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","District staff told the Governing Board that year-to-year student retention has risen in recent years and in-year school stability is high (above 90% in many grades), but overall enrollment remains down and the district is taking steps to retain and recapture students.","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},6667193,"Mesa board approves adult-education grant, $750,000 electrical contract renewal and K–6 arts, math curricula",147,4996715,5144180,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933&start=4996&end=5144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933/thumbnail_4996715.jpg","/articles/6667193/Arizona/Mesa-board-approves-adult-education-grant-750000-electrical-contract-renewal-and-K6-arts-math-curricula","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667193-6857180bf67883c76ae9f9cd82044dbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206066&Signature=DbmbI5F~yU~tvQbUFtzMJbV1MNINSQm6qnUuPcLVw7tp-qhz5xLwDQNEyl6Maf3jyDGhTUD2cFNe3rnJ4JwIFU7JKxNo36VtfKuJDYyR1s-RbYnK7Xfeieqs9i0219vnVX3Vp7M6b8XDOlzlW6R2OlPQ~lCX6v2IH3Kf1cHFHoOWRVqKpnWO~BweOMalizGYxx5URJvcmo~pV9sMWdai7x2V6Fu-StVq29JAmxt1tJf-kp4ZB1DaW0V3jFscV~aEimuNTdZAm99xUnlQqU3x3vOVdYUOH7mvSv-38~yLbUZTbzMFF5VsyftgJ5LfVjXxsstH3ojTZzSAxNEDfnfBRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Feb. 11 meeting the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board approved three separate action items: acceptance of an Arizona Adult Education WIOA Title II supplemental grant (up to $91,400 if awarded), a contract renewal for electrical contractor services not to exceed $750,000, and updated K–6 arts education and math curriculum documents. Each item passed by a 5-0 vote.

Grant acceptance: The board approved accepting a WIOA Title II supplemental grant that funds adult-education services (citizenship and language-acquisition supports). Board members discussed that the grant requires a 25% local match; administration estimated that the district’s matching obligation for this supplemental award would be approximately $22,000–$23,000 and said those match funds were already budgeted in community-education funds. Member Walden asked the superintendent’s office to provide a list of current grants that require district matches and to report on how matching obligations are funded.

Contract renewal: The board approved a renewable contract for electrical contractor services with a not-to-exceed value of $750,000. District staff explained the contract is for specialized or overflow electrical work that the in-house maintenance team cannot safely or efficiently perform (for example, specialty IT-related electrical projects). Administrators emphasized the contract is funded from capital funds and not from M&O classroom operating funds.

Curriculum documents: The board approved K–6 arts education and math curriculum documents. District staff explained the district is updating many curriculum documents — some have not been revised for 15 years — and that course adoptions and curricular updates follow established committee review, CCAP recommendations and public-review processes. Board members asked about where to find both public-facing competency documents and teacher-facing instructional resources; staff said adopted and supplemental resources and curriculum documents are posted on the Teaching & Learning section of the district website and that teacher-facing materials are available at school sites.

Votes at a glance: All three items were moved, seconded and approved by a 5-0 roll-call vote.

Why it matters: The grant supports adult learners in Mesa, the contract keeps facilities and capital projects moving, and curriculum approvals shape classroom instruction for thousands of elementary students.

Next steps: Administration will provide the requested list of grant matches, continue to manage capital-funded contractor usage, and follow up on any board questions about curriculum adoption timelines.","The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board approved acceptance of a supplemental WIOA Title II adult-education grant (up to $91,400 if awarded), a contract renewal for electrical contractor services not to exceed $750,000, and K–6 arts and math curriculum documents. All three actions passed 5-0.",{"_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},6667198,"Mesa board adopts revised Rules of Order after debate on informal pre-vote discussion",3404,3284070,6688600,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933&start=3284&end=6688","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933/thumbnail_3284070.jpg","/articles/6667198/Arizona/Mesa-board-adopts-revised-Rules-of-Order-after-debate-on-informal-pre-vote-discussion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667198-a42e8b91c8145ae60c7048da0de78792/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206066&Signature=QJgnvLyoVuPAtR3v3O8nFs7Ahng5YphkSokE0PQGpNb409FhFMMYI8Pk9OlFFM7tIvwRKrnSmjs6NLXt3u-MshwjG30edQ6WvUUTRJGqZMPgj0crkMm2Hhz1IMnRf7-Dbq3N-XAb6D~o838hkZRFAp4s8g6qeKPxTkihDNDSRa-qeUEe-GzooVw0jJn2Cr2RZaeMsvt5keZCYJS0I0tcUwpWk5e8gXA3fSQ5~8edWxpXNogklH-i727jFTqqTNc3Fd9c3Pef7B7TXcr3DRjPWzaj-x~PAc-l~ePYUfTNV4mEMXyjAPsm3Yzzw54jfrdO4QPyRbHv1S0iJjoUfSaQPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted 5-0 Tuesday to adopt revisions to Policy 1-301, the district’s Rules of Order, after an extended discussion about whether board members may begin informal discussion of an item before a formal motion and second.

The adopted language permits the board president to allow up to 10 minutes of informal discussion on an agenda item prior to a formal motion \"if requested by any member of the board for the purpose of clarification, understanding of the issues.\" Several board members raised procedural concerns about that allowance.

\"What this would the way I read this ... it would not require a motion and a second to go into discussion,\" said Member Hutchinson during the debate. Hutchinson argued that the second traditionally signals at least two members want an item considered, and she warned that allowing one member to request informal discussion could let a single board member \"take control of the meeting.\" Legal counsel and several board members offered alternative views about parliamentary practice and possible compromises.

Board Member Walden and others suggested a practical middle ground: permit a short clarifying discussion but require a motion-and-second structure for more substantive debate and for moving the item to a vote. The board’s legal adviser noted that Robert’s Rules and common parliamentary interpretations provide room for limited clarification prior to motion, and that the policy’s time limitation was consistent with that intent.

Supporters said the revision would improve clarity in instances where board members need a short explanation before deciding whether to make or second a motion. Opponents worried the change might allow ad hoc, unseconded discussions that prolong meetings and obscure what the board is formally considering.

After debate, the board approved Policy 1-301 effective Feb. 12, 2025, by a 5-0 vote.

Why it matters: The policy governs how the board conducts its meetings and how agenda items move from introduction to formal action. Even modest procedure changes can affect how much public discussion occurs, how meetings are timed, and how transparent deliberations appear to the public.

Next steps: Board members discussed possible future cleanups to the policy (for example adding explicit \"motion to discuss\" language), and legal staff said they would assist if the board seeks to refine the rule after observing how it works in practice.

Sources: Discussion and vote at the Feb. 11, 2025 Mesa Public Schools Governing Board meeting.","The Governing Board voted 5-0 to adopt Policy 1-301 (Rules of Order) with language allowing the board president discretion to permit up to 10 minutes of informal discussion; members debated whether a motion and second should be required to begin discussion.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6667203,"Mesa Public Schools approves 42.2 FTE certified reductions amid enrollment decline",1360,2898195,4258280,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933&start=2898&end=4258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264679-db580a6ea8807d4aa0648c538b2ec933/thumbnail_2898195.jpg","/articles/6667203/Arizona/Mesa-Public-Schools-approves-422-FTE-certified-reductions-amid-enrollment-decline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6667203-cb368e3f664f461e1103db9b7e180df8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206066&Signature=AXRXVsC3Zu9kDypWwFyiyZEx8hW-DnV254pumKm0zU798NvhPG~TW5XHUUKOIZsVnCK56ZNN3vrDlZTNqNc0~Cu7DgpEYQ~SscemoPxMOKrU0ywFmWhHgYTeffX~02ZI5391PvgdEJyV8Wmm~ytZnWudbmXILxjsz54YXPcCNQwZXRvDEVA6GD8teqLanmZgBSOv-KXp7sAhVAVABe1WAEP~5EOOgSF9uJs9nbUpNzmFAI~BX5dKRmQO-TmUqr2bwT4QJIG-LZCnxzLVan3XG1HcKMCUGRDKI08PM-BORY~bSYJPNREDG5G4LchsngnWeCwYShmjNqqUVXZ2bgFBug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board approved a personnel request Tuesday that includes about 42.2 full-time-equivalent (FTE) certified reductions for the 2025–26 school year.

District human-resources officials told the board the certified reductions represent roughly 1.1% of the district’s certified staff and came after the administration accounted for retirements and resignations. Human-resources staff had presented an earlier projection of 51.35 adjusted FTE, but administrators said attrition and other adjustments reduced the number on the final agenda.

Superintendent and HR staff framed the action as part of a larger staffing timeline the district set to notify impacted employees by early February. \"Part of our staffing timelines, we really made an emphasis that whatever we do, we inform affected or impacted staff by early February,\" said Mr. Wing, the district HR representative, during the presentation. He added that human resources — not school leaders — determine reduction-in-force (RIF) recommendations.

Board members expressed remorse and described efforts to minimize layoffs. Board Member Hutchinson said the district had avoided filling positions in prior months to limit the overall impact. Members asked how the reductions intersected with Title I allocations, instructional coaching and other site-based staffing choices.

District staff said the reductions included a mix of site and department positions across K–12. They noted the district is giving Title I campuses more flexibility to allocate Title I dollars among counselors, instructional coaches and school-improvement coaches so sites can prioritize local needs. The board discussed that some positions were eliminated through attrition rather than RIF and that not all reductions were the result of staff performance; the district’s RIF procedures take into account both position eliminations and comparative personnel considerations.

Board members and staff discussed whether laid-off certified employees could be rehired if state appropriations or other funds (for example classroom-site funding) became available. Mr. Thompson, the district finance representative, said using classroom-site funds to rehire is difficult because of supplanting rules and per-student calculations but did not rule out future rehiring if state appropriations change.

Board members also asked how the district’s Path to Teach program would be affected. District staff said Path to Teach will continue; it offers an alternate route to certification (for example to add special-education credentials) and is not paused. Officials said the program may still be used to fill openings that match candidates’ training and certification needs.

The board approved the personnel request, including the addendum, by a 5-0 vote. With the approval, the district also announced four incoming principals who will fill vacancies created by retirements and resignations for 2025–26.

Why it matters: The reductions come as Mesa Public Schools projects and monitors ongoing enrollment declines. Board members repeatedly linked staffing decisions to the district’s effort to retain students and to the challenges of funding as state and local revenues shift.

What the board directed: Alongside approval, members and staff said they will continue to monitor resignations and retirements, explore opportunities to redeploy employees into other openings, and provide HR outreach to affected employees about alternative placements.

Votes at a glance: Personnel request including addendum — motion moved and seconded (mover/second not specified in the meeting transcript); vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays, outcome: approved.

Sources: Board discussion and HR presentation at the Feb. 11, 2025 Mesa Public Schools Governing Board meeting.","The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted 5-0 to approve a personnel request that includes about 42.2 full-time-equivalent certified reductions for the 2025–26 school year. District leaders said attrition reduced an earlier projection of 51.35 FTE and described steps to limit impacts and help displaced staff find openings.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mesa Public Schools reports steady in-year stability but continued enrollment decline; district explores retention strategies

Mesa board approves adult-education grant, $750,000 electrical contract renewal and K–6 arts, math curricula

Mesa board adopts revised Rules of Order after debate on informal pre-vote discussion

Mesa Public Schools approves 42.2 FTE certified reductions amid enrollment decline