[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6663037,"mediaKeyId","2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952","parentId",2391561,"title","Board delays changes to staff‑student boundary policy, asks for staff input on dress standards","audioSeconds",332,"startMs",3015000,"endMs",3347000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952&start=3015&end=3347","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952/thumbnail_3015000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6663037/Arizona/Board-delays-changes-to-staffstudent-boundary-policy-asks-for-staff-input-on-dress-standards","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663037-74b3ecd606b68ce66edeac114adc8dc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048528&Signature=n2coy5QQoXsUtj6H3S~ZEW9rd5JHdy5rwxfm6wvyi4foAmxmyonDU8mH01cX1uRuMk3uKoXBbLxKP2T5PfHDRJFdeqoph~X6kh9kQ9uvC0k-nyuim8Wl3R0l4m9WbF2m2f3~WiZDiKzsoeFRuaYn89WHtfPmYHEmjbFgWtp8J~JCe4KEpx4jiWviw4dLga-m8bTpJ~mzN~t0OJc9S7R03ZlyqtSyhiitNFXXAO5euwGy6lV64~3RnQ0W9XuAcwTHZ-SwB5Uyk1d7aYgQCVKI5s3EHd1urQAUD0pNs6PhfYwrgsbbwLcD-OhMG8dfWPlbnHU4aUB34KFXpbRhydNrnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Mesa Unified District (4235)","date","2025-02-26T02:18:05.443Z","article","Board members on Feb. 12 reviewed a first read of several policy updates and focused discussion on Policy 4‑202 (staff‑student boundaries) and item 23 of Policy 4‑201 (employee code of conduct, dress standards).

Member Atkinson and others said the proposed exceptions in Policy 4‑202 — particularly a clause intended to allow nursing and health services staff exceptions when student privacy or dignity requires — risk creating a cascade of exceptions that weaken the policy. Atkinson described routine, legitimate situations where staff must be alone with students (for medication administration, resource instruction, administrative meetings, security responses, 1‑on‑1 aides, alternative learning centers and detention) and proposed a rewrite rather than creating repeated narrow exceptions. Several board members agreed and asked staff to engage certified and classified employees in redrafting clear best practices before second read consideration.

On Policy 4‑201, a member asked for clarity about item 23, which states employees must “dress according to professionally accepted standards and as directed.” Board members said definitions of “professionally accepted standards” vary by campus and assignment (PE teachers vs. kindergarten teachers) and requested that superintendency gather input from principals and bring a proposed baseline definition for the second read.

President Davis and other members expressed support for engaging staff in policy development to ensure the rules match daily realities while protecting students and staff. The board did not vote on the policies at this meeting; members indicated willingness to postpone second‑reading items until staff and employee input could inform revisions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Governing Board Regular Meeting - February 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Board members on Feb. 12 reviewed a first read of proposed updates to Policy 4‑202 (staff‑student boundaries) and Policy 4‑201 (employee dress standards) and asked staff to gather input from certified and classified employees before a second read.","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},6663042,"External auditors give Mesa Public Schools unmodified opinion; board approves audits and compliance questionnaire",696,2787000,3483000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952&start=2787&end=3483","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952/thumbnail_2787000.jpg","/articles/6663042/Arizona/External-auditors-give-Mesa-Public-Schools-unmodified-opinion-board-approves-audits-and-compliance-questionnaire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663042-527a1983e294673a48c93b3678f1d922/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048528&Signature=PEuMe9nSQaBNk6p4a1T-892JU5r01zLCO7vMfN5SpCNBYKnB0hVICt1L0~Cf-eFIdq0xF~iCyh6IpuwEkeD1fjYSi2T33aagRaIBt9mLRO-uFwauesGzwmF9pgWEwsAA9kMuT4TPvS6iCy91lZO9vOBG-wwFIDl31rT47a8LejhyTI3MnAH~6lQDHSdZ~UYJTSleiOreLpXrCNqNMH2eW8z2TCCK3hvG13MU8~jwlcxUofdFX-G4zZDwOhPDJ1Am8qM5EWupfnKVKZnIjB2b7QUiQladDkjkpPooIiLhClMAVWQB0EYaGNYgE3PsB9ovlMhOgj-rYMOkJiODJjRQ7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Heinfeld Meach, the district’s external audit firm, reported to the Mesa Public Schools governing board on Feb. 12 that the district’s annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended June 30, 2024, received an unmodified (clean) opinion and that auditors identified no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control.

Jennifer Shields of Heinfeld Meach reviewed audit timing and scope, noted the implementation of GASB statement 100 and other accounting changes affecting presentation, and said auditors did not propose reportable audit adjustments. She summarized the single‑audit work related to federal awards and said the district expended approximately $142 million in federal awards in the audit year, with ESSER (Education Stabilization Fund) accounting for about 44% of federal spending in that year.

Shields said the firm prepared the financial statement drafts in cooperation with district staff and reported no disagreements with management and no independence issues. She also reviewed the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) compliance questionnaire prepared for the Arizona Auditor General and said the district’s response set contained relatively few negative responses; she described that outcome as consistent with strong district training and internal controls.

Board members asked how the district compared to peers; Shields said an average USFR compliance questionnaire yields roughly 15–17 “no” answers and that Mesa’s results were better than average for a district of this size. Member Hutchinson and other members complimented district staff for the audit preparation and noted the reports will be posted on the district website. The board approved the audits and compliance questionnaire by a 5–0 vote recorded electronically.","External auditors Heinfeld Meach reported an unmodified opinion on the district's financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024, no material weaknesses, and a large ESSER federal program closeout; the board approved the audits and the USFR compliance questionnaire 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},6663047,"Governing board approves $250,000 SmartTag contract; parents pressed for app fixes",1434,2597000,4031000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952&start=2597&end=4031","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952/thumbnail_2597000.jpg","/articles/6663047/Arizona/Governing-board-approves-250000-SmartTag-contract-parents-pressed-for-app-fixes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663047-eaa993029b5fe88563c4d05e92b9d9dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048528&Signature=Xgv8HxMXNIq-1vvdhQtCj4yvHK3ylpXxr~RwgLnZDmW0-NH~Xk6YrqKctZujfT6JyQuZMrLl1yREPb52jyxcOMSi0k9ne0DdhMf97FQj4r630inKGv~MJQ0F194pHuLUVTr8EJ0OhWAFGhdOhtNS5KV6uSGQVN5s0F4qfc-D5TpsAg-gUbFqxFb~P4FRtER5yCYLoZBVjj7qjTWUuaO7j4mrk3FNCM0b31sh3sqtQIe4VLDj7a6mPTfN1QshSme-5ZdaDC-0gPbAmAwd0Om6vp9PqbWjSn0wrzEscTU4OoxDw0~wdEB9nouvyMaIXbY~qYo5vtTsvQ20OVppAofK0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mesa Public Schools governing board voted unanimously on Feb. 12 to approve a $250,000 contract award for continued subscription fees, maintenance, updates and supplies for SmartTag, the student‑ID scanning and parent‑notification system.

Public comment that preceded the vote included a parent who requested the board delay the item until problems with the parent app were resolved. Christopher Hamlett told the board the SmartTag parent app had been promised in August but remained only partially functional in February; he asked the board to “table the decision” until the vendor fixed outstanding issues.

Board and staff discussion addressed those concerns. Transportation staff acknowledged the parent’s frustration but said the vendor had been responsive and that delays reflected district capacity and legacy technology issues, not vendor unresponsiveness. Mr. Thompson, who presented the action, said driver shortages had shifted district staff — including mechanics — onto buses and slowed related work. He said the district had committed to adopting the vendor’s routing system mid‑project, a decision that required additional conversion work and delayed accurate parent notifications.

Thompson told the board the district would make the parent app available to families after spring break and would continue work on backend routing conversion with a timeline that targets full conversion by the start of the next school year. He said SmartTag engineers had provided on‑site assistance at no cost and that the app uses a student ID scan on buses to record loading and unloading events; field‑trip and costume logistics present practical challenges because IDs must be scanned. Staff said they are tracking lost or replaced student IDs, particularly at the elementary level.

Board members asked whether the app would work for field trips, how the district would track ID replacements and whether staff had a deadline to resolve remaining issues. Staff said the immediate goal is parent access after spring break and that full system conversion is targeted for the following school year.

The motion to approve the contract was moved and seconded on the record and carried on a 5–0 vote, recorded electronically.","The board voted 5–0 to award $250,000 for SmartTag subscription and maintenance. Parents and board members discussed rollout delays, driver shortages and a plan to make the parent app available after spring break; staff said full routing conversion is expected by the start of next school year.",{"_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},6663051,"Mesa Public Schools outlines growth, partnerships and inclusion goals for preschool program",1452,5683000,7135000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952&start=5683&end=7135","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952/thumbnail_5683000.jpg","/articles/6663051/Arizona/Mesa-Public-Schools-outlines-growth-partnerships-and-inclusion-goals-for-preschool-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663051-1e3426d3dba1b06314071790fe0a08e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048528&Signature=NcDXXpiEPxKJW~76nCn85phIivr8Qhit9Z-ZDwxiqkNgxjkcprO1D6dOibH5Ht5cKUx0oyKlNGSLeEpoKGc4MwD85-aJ4q~LqOdZTR~K6-FNkUYNFoIkw4tIDRGHhuFVhxOMQT8ZDhV-wJ1nNRIWq2Tc-NgUP21u0vpQa3~NrOVbSslQoKBD7tcQU9VBz5ZSN5MQ~QLYSPMe7~2wtdzPTkWwfMD6pNZ6wEogwkkSSYqIScC-pgYvlV8pirYUgJtSO1BygXcCmv4kuZuXYwLGQTmOJWmdzjIhyJQz8uwpHvS9X5kAWeLKCWShq1jtI3NF-QEPXcgxPkozWS4G1ZEshA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mesa Public Schools officials told the governing board on Feb. 12 that the district’s preschool program has grown to about 2,700 enrolled children and emphasized inclusive placements, partnerships and next‑year budget planning.

The presentation, led by Lisa Grotting, director of early childhood, reviewed program size, classroom types, retention and community partners and said the district will shortly host three Bezos Academy classrooms that will provide full‑day year‑round preschool at no cost to qualifying families.

District leaders said preschool expansion matters because high‑quality early learning is linked to later reading proficiency and long‑term economic benefits. Grotting told the board Mesa’s program emphasizes inclusion for children with disabilities: 96% of Mesa preschool special‑education students are served in inclusive classroom settings, compared with an Arizona state average cited in the presentation of 40.3%.

Board members were given a breakdown of program sites and classroom types. Mesa’s early‑learning portfolio currently includes 90 total preschool classrooms: 78 AM/PM half‑day inclusion sessions placed across 37 Title I elementary schools, four full‑day preschool classrooms located on high‑school campuses, several STEM enrichment classrooms and six Montessori preschools housed at Scribe Montessori Center and Busch Elementary. Class sizes vary by site; half‑day inclusion classrooms serve up to 17 students (10 typically developing peers and 7 students with disabilities), while full‑day preschool classes range from 18 to 22 students.

Grotting told the board that Mesa’s Title I estimated allocation for preschool in fiscal year 2025–26 is $6,636,000. She also described enrollment trends: the program served about 2,000 students in 2021–22, moved to full inclusion across programs in 2023–24 without adding FTE, and had approximately 2,700 enrolled as of Feb. 12; the presentation projected enrollment could exceed 2,783 by May.

Speakers highlighted partnerships supporting access and family engagement. Mesa K Ready programming — a partnership with the City of Mesa and the Mesa Public Schools Foundation — provides parent workshops and resources. The district also partners with Arizona State University for staff professional learning, with Head Start providers for itinerant special‑education supports, and with community groups for events such as dental checkups and technology giveaways. Grotting said Bezos Academy plans to open preschool sites at Poston Junior High, Fremont Junior High and O'Connor Elementary, each serving up to 180 full‑day students year‑round at no cost to families whose income is at or below 400% of the federal poverty level.

Board members asked follow‑up questions about whether the district could expand tuition assistance or other partnerships to make Montessori programming affordable for low‑income families. Grotting said the district has not yet pursued a formal plan for tuition assistance tied to Montessori offerings and agreed to explore options. Superintendent Strom said staff would prepare a financial analysis of preschool programming to show revenues and expenses and to help the board weigh investment choices amid constrained discretionary funds.

Board members also praised the continuity benefits for special‑needs students who attend preschool on the elementary campus and recommended the district place preschool prioritization and partnership strategy on a future board retreat agenda.

The presentation included enrollment and retention data, site lists and sample parent testimony provided to the board. District staff asked the board for continued support as they finalize next year’s placements and partnerships.","District staff told the governing board the district now serves about 2,700 preschool students in a mix of inclusion, full‑day and Montessori classrooms and described partnerships — including Bezos Academy sites — and a $6.64 million Title I preschool allocation.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":93,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6663032,"Votes at a glance: Mesa Public Schools governing board actions",1293,2738000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952&start=2738&end=4031","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2391561-839e6968d7ba5e1b1d0f4ee595b89952/thumbnail_2738000.jpg","/articles/6663032/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-Mesa-Public-Schools-governing-board-actions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6663032-feb0b4b426e3137b931ff42efa28be93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771048528&Signature=A09we7DcJeFLTW2NRR9D0J-7CCGoVYuE4DtKOatXNfVXIojCJT1YFpKL~kV7bNRQq5h1NwnF80WTqRvVopunEdLWl1vTcFoQP1WnPDNt2i00NFHw7Y3R73ftEEVxT876oi9ZhkRqZoYjeQScChTCTyRTBmPDB3RE6MWYvlP~r-CIp0Yuy-agbA-RnkdqD3QSnwvi-DKEaQA7scJ0ROKGEVzkOMmZ0O7-rd18jWzey~kZMbF2BFJnrefxNwzmRQgkSTKUB9KcLS5KhH5QibFevymeDBA~bi~QRbV8r4te0vJVJf~AY3AWN0vLQEeaeXVBT04WcKZP8l1S2lZmIKYwUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Feb. 12 meeting, the Mesa Public Schools governing board recorded the following formal actions (all votes taken electronically and recorded as roll calls):

Personnel request including addendum — Approved, 5–0
- Motion: Approve the personnel request including the addendum.
- Vote: recorded as 5 ayes. No further discussion recorded. Outcome: approved.

Consent agenda — Approved, 5–0
- Motion: Approve the consent agenda items according to recommended action for each item.
- Vote: recorded as 5 yeas. Outcome: approved.

SmartTag contract award ($250,000) — Approved, 5–0
- Motion: Approve a contract award for $250,000 for continued purchase of subscription fees, maintenance, updates, and supplies for SmartTag.
- Vote: recorded as 5 ayes. Staff said the parent app will be made available after spring break and full routing conversion is targeted for the start of next school year.

Return to Work retiree program renewal ($7,000,000) — Approved, 5–0
- Motion: Approve a contract renewal of $7,000,000 for the Return to Work Retiree Program.
- Presenter: Mr. Wing and other staff explained the program is a phased retirement/rehire arrangement used as an employee benefit and retention strategy; staff noted the program saves the district payroll costs and has been in practice for many years. Vote: recorded as 5 yeas. Outcome: approved.

Audits and compliance questionnaire — Approved, 5–0
- Motion: Approve the audits and compliance questionnaire (annual comprehensive financial report, single audit, and USFR compliance questionnaire).
- Vote: recorded as 5 yeas. Auditors presented an unmodified opinion and no material weaknesses; ESSER made up a substantial portion of federal awards in the audited year.

Each item above was moved and seconded on the record per meeting minutes or was covered by the consent process. Where the transcript did not record specific mover/second names, the vote was recorded as a roll call with member votes entered electronically.","The governing board unanimously approved several routine and contract items, including personnel requests, the consent agenda, a $250,000 SmartTag contract, a $7 million Return‑to‑Work retiree program renewal, and acceptance of audits and the USFR compliance questionnaire.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board delays changes to staff‑student boundary policy, asks for staff input on dress standards

External auditors give Mesa Public Schools unmodified opinion; board approves audits and compliance questionnaire

Governing board approves $250,000 SmartTag contract; parents pressed for app fixes

Mesa Public Schools outlines growth, partnerships and inclusion goals for preschool program

Votes at a glance: Mesa Public Schools governing board actions