[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",6649869,"mediaKeyId","2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d","parentId",2511070,"title","Board packet votes: assurances tabled; audit acknowledged; superintendent contract revised","audioSeconds",2318,"startMs",2482000,"endMs",4800000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d&start=2482&end=4800","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d/thumbnail_2482000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6649869/Arizona/Board-packet-votes-assurances-tabled-audit-acknowledged-superintendent-contract-revised","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6649869-1c5095687ca82e565e37302dc706f103/orig.mp4?Expires=1775406427&Signature=QNl4iUg9xGbnwk6~7fX0uGGpKQV2KONkBvywb563mjJmjfFOV1EeCrkkA0asIecmOnlVVBXyDYBNVmPIJAvyLlXduhZpEkYy2R8Go0gbZQOFrqLYB1TSXLY78p~atB1ZPEPjkPcLtnMehM6yxSwA1LNXsG8AY397noFwFj3IRUrD1rTvuI1vLYKWWJTwp60n4diHcSEgUDrIpYSBIKY9cKIoVyYtfYNMGjzP-VUKNFmUAacnHXUw~Hzz2LSKUyO9kRyXvNsgbonxf8-GuzfrB5ub7wUAaBR6NOR0ima9-F-Ng1wOjccsi8tAv3RD1CmIFymavVqPEnQxZTxPB8Cm5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Liberty Elementary District","date","2025-03-06T01:22:18.597Z","article","Several shorter action items were resolved during the meeting:

- Item 8.5 — Assurances of principal and teacher contracts for SY 25–26: The board voted to table the assurances item until the next meeting so names and contract language can be finalized after further budget discussion. Motion to table passed 4-0.

- Item 8.9 — Acknowledgment of the auditor general’s performance audit report (fiscal years 2022–23 and 2023–24): The board conducted a roll-call acknowledgement of receipt as a matter of record; the motion to acknowledge receipt passed 4-0.

- Item 8.10 — Superintendent contract revision: Trustees approved a revision clarifying that superintendent performance pay may be approved between June 1 and June 30 after receipt of Arizona Department of Education student-achievement reports. The motion passed 4-0.

Votes were recorded by roll call for each motion. Administration will bring the tabled assurance item and any additional contract language back to the board at a follow-up meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","03/04/2025 LESD#25 Governing Board Meeting Part 2","oneSentenceSummary","At the meeting the board tabled assurances of principal and teacher contracts, acknowledged receipt of Auditor General performance audits and approved a superintendent contract revision allowing performance-pay approval in June after state reports; votes were unanimous.","taxTitle","Liberty Elementary District (4266), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",64408,"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},6649873,"Board sends all seven candidate names to Maricopa County superintendent for appointment",574,3746000,4320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d&start=3746&end=4320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d/thumbnail_3746000.jpg","/articles/6649873/Arizona/Board-sends-all-seven-candidate-names-to-Maricopa-County-superintendent-for-appointment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6649873-886a4e60017bcec62f483e15b2d0b825/orig.mp4?Expires=1775406427&Signature=Jqg7lBBrHmFe2rY3EEGeQ7f5aMrIIqZl8R4bX4GAlwW5XzQ5xRkU5wPPnyRIKid1juqT2FccqOMUqB6Lcl8Afx-Jt2IW8wsO-0pxDCj2YmbicZ77KWYLIZj2ZuySytD39as-cz3xI5dmUkYoRs-JpaF3EdHZlCjgeSAwmcr9lsQpYUyVj43c1C3RJhbvIzl~NSaQPNdydbmgqLUr0dKfMe5K9zaVxhQ6WNGT8BX5CTMKI1WtQZdnE0lfEgguTQUBnlMvWsLBeS9Az7R8Z6OyTxxqln7nD90lc4hpeNfDKw6Kmbt4U2xJpdkqYjyc8ecD7TPSYZZ6xeK4YMdbH7zj~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Liberty Elementary District board debated whether to nominate three preferred candidates for a county appointment and ultimately voted to forward all seven applications it had received to the Maricopa County superintendent’s office.

Dr. Mahorn reminded trustees that the county expects a ranked list of three candidate names but that if the board cannot reach consensus staff will forward all candidate materials for the county to consider. Trustees discussed public feedback from a candidate forum and from a community survey; the board asked staff to confirm that survey data were reviewed for duplicate submissions and said administration produced both raw and deduplicated results for trustees.

Trustee Kenyon said he wanted Donny Bond included on any list; other trustees expressed different preferences—Trustee Schmidt said she favored Ana Gutierrez, Courtney Kelly and Ashley Wright based on forum performance and written responses; Trustee Cenciani preferred a mixture that included Donny Bond, and another trustee suggested Mike Lyons. Rather than try to reach agreement on three names, Trustee Kenyon moved to forward all seven candidate names and materials to the county; the motion was seconded and passed 4-0 (Kenyon, Schmidt, Cenciani, Vice President Zimmerman recorded as ayes).

What’s next: Administration will forward all seven candidate applications and supporting materials to the Maricopa County superintendent’s office for consideration and possible interviews; the county office will proceed with its appointment process.","After discussion and differing preferences among trustees, the Liberty board voted 4-0 to transmit all seven candidate names to the Maricopa County superintendent’s office rather than narrowing to a prioritized three.",{"_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},6649877,"Board debates budget priorities, seeks options to avoid classroom cuts and weighs opening Zumbro",639,2727000,3366000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d&start=2727&end=3366","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d/thumbnail_2727000.jpg","/articles/6649877/Arizona/Board-debates-budget-priorities-seeks-options-to-avoid-classroom-cuts-and-weighs-opening-Zumbro","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6649877-7013e2cc09d9671d590695a7c993ed4d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775406427&Signature=fnNsv~IoBkS25U6lJq4IjA8I~dAPFqhIej4ul7i4HetqfIWt7NkCUn6lzK0ZSzp-vtLDQ7m5OFe9fM-y9Tw1TqeOUMKA-Hv8pwgvNvocTJ09NkGD7CP0UwHHxc5IAuzN0YidAJ2uizycI6eo5VNKb-14-4qk63DSscy57hYbHGJpUAkXAIfNi2rERx1n4Qbx~npxBbJCzTRWrizXmQPKPHPh3GrHgGxTMAnIwQA8Zig96KYX12pO0XLB62vx37iqluWa7VoPHveBCdGqOw7T2rGJ-6KRIVmOwyqJ1efrtI2x3J8NSHjjD0cPixOoNLJY1C3J6gj7y-OopcW~VJfGYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members spent extended time on budget priorities and direction for administrators as the district works toward required reductions.

Dr. Mahorn opened the discussion and asked trustees to provide priorities to guide budget planning. Multiple trustees said protecting classroom instruction, maintaining current class sizes, and prioritizing student safety and attendance should guide reductions. Several board members favored beginning cuts at the district-office and administrative level and seeking to minimize impacts on teachers and principals.

Trustees discussed specific lines and positions under consideration. Some board members proposed not replacing vacant district positions and administrative roles first, and expressed particular concern about cutting counselors, psychologists and reading interventionists because of their direct impact on student services. Others acknowledged that district-level reductions are necessary to meet targets and urged creative options to reduce costs without losing core services.

A recurring topic was the district’s plan for Zumbro (a planned campus). Trustees asked whether Zumbro could open with a smaller grade span (for example, K–3, or preschool plus some elementary grades) or be repurposed (e.g., preschool or consolidated specialized programs) to capture students without incurring full startup costs. Administration advised four unique hires would be needed to open Zumbro under the initial plan (principal, office staff/assistant, health aide and custodian) while many teacher positions could be transferred from other campuses. Administration previously estimated an initial set-aside (presented by staff) close to $500,000 for the school’s startup; trustees asked staff to examine phased opening models so staffing can match enrollment.

Trustees also asked staff to revise job descriptions and responsibilities where positions are likely to be consolidated, so employees receive accurate role descriptions before contracts are issued. Several board members asked for stakeholder input (teachers, principals, parents) and a more detailed spreadsheet that shows financial impacts when different options are combined; one trustee said the district needs additional options to reach the full reduction target (the board discussed a current estimate near $2.6 million in savings but said the district must reach approximately $3.6 million).

After substantive discussion about timelines and stakeholder engagement, the board chose to table item 8.6 and requested administration return with a menu of prioritized options, detailed cost-savings spreadsheet, revised job descriptions where necessary, and stakeholder-impact analyses. The board directed administration to work with their budget consultant (Ken Hicks) to prepare materials and indicated a desire for a focused study session to finalize priorities prior to finalizing additional contract issuances.

What’s next: Administration will prepare a detailed spreadsheet of options, estimated dollar impacts to reach the board’s target, proposals for a phased opening or alternative use of Zumbro, revised job descriptions for consolidated roles, and a plan for stakeholder input; the board expects a dedicated follow-up meeting to finalize priorities.","Trustees emphasized protecting classroom instruction and safety while directing administration to explore district-level reductions, reassess staffing plans (including Zumbro opening), revise job descriptions and present options to reach a larger reduction target; item 8.6 was tabled for a future focused session.",{"_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},6649882,"Board approves non-teacher contract language, removes membership-dues provision for some administrators",697,1629000,2326000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d&start=1629&end=2326","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d/thumbnail_1629000.jpg","/articles/6649882/Arizona/Board-approves-non-teacher-contract-language-removes-membership-dues-provision-for-some-administrators","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6649882-78dfdccff587f9662129e6fc1a4008f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775406427&Signature=BNYgrdlumS3dY9LHJFuX~wPeu59DHK0XieD-oYA5751ELc1Tf2V5TXL98lW7bDSBfapjHxKY~mpuF1FmVGvh7G-LOEkrQbHULwQzlc-Wt-3aWWGMaB~lGzuhm7R~hMAXL-Hv9EI3FD4kjO1MFVo9ny5PuEs4pZq9hp5xS0-G4~DH5x-di0u64ON771n6KtSnEeQLqBvFBMb4T-ZL5XfI0VvJ0Rmed3qvXnc44Sy~YeceOUelG7Amp19LwAjVYEIl99chlqxgSAhHzoC0EJq0BWKRHIuBNDzfGUrjP42McCzG7qsc6vVxJ~hoy2vmr5Ii7aqaU42MowGkxFySj97K2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Liberty Elementary District board approved revised contract and appointment language for non-teaching positions and voted to remove district-paid membership dues from certain administrator contracts.

Dr. Mahorn presented the language for \"notice of appointments\" covering non-teaching positions, saying the primary changes were date updates rather than substantive changes because these positions do not include liquidated damages. Board members asked clarifying questions about who is considered an administrator, how vacation time is handled and a typographical correction (an SLP contract reference incorrectly said \"psychologist\" in one paragraph).

During discussion trustees raised the question of whether the district should continue paying professional membership dues that appear in administrator contracts. Board members and administrators discussed that some memberships (for example, Arizona School Administrators) are common but that paying dues for all administrators represents a recurring budget item; administration said typical membership costs might range \"in the neighborhood of $450 to $550\" per person and that some membership costs previously paid out of district funds were included in the broader cabinet and district-office membership totals used in budget-savings estimates.

Trustee Cenciani moved to approve the non-teacher contract and appointment language for SY 2025–26 with the provision that the clause about the district paying membership dues be removed from the administrative classified, administrative certified, principal and assistant superintendent contracts. The motion carried 4-0. Roll call recorded Kenyon, Schmidt, Cenciani and Vice President Zimmerman as voting aye.

What’s next: Administration will update the contract documents to remove the specified membership-dues language and will bring corrected contract language (including the SLP/psychologist typo fix and any other agreed edits) into the final contract packets for issuance.","Trustees approved contract and appointment-language changes for non-teaching positions and removed district-paid membership dues from several administrator contracts; vote was 4-0.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6649887,"Liberty board debates liquidated-damages language in teacher contracts, tables decision",1532,55000,1587000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d&start=55&end=1587","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2511070-0622d03568821bf58d088643a5591f9d/thumbnail_55000.jpg","/articles/6649887/Arizona/Liberty-board-debates-liquidated-damages-language-in-teacher-contracts-tables-decision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6649887-7b92a36c1d9c489bb7feb82ae9c8cfb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775406427&Signature=YKTJfoIEKU~XCkOOTTmjnwkiQcJZbPDy76nFqmrkftpKfyn6yfOKtxAHR8Hbr9teXJ-GKtPrHGXWA~E509D8nnwpNt8XQSGrr0~2KVcyvgefIJVdwRV8D0iKVC9BgrRtwCUaWqU3tVjQFCsU8KBH7Y-txflBUVVhYqAqzl4k3Lmca-3PHf3r4ty~mjzFLbTLkHcGhMJcOc7~yMvpKJerj01bjaHMtp-AauUqrZ25ZjN~dIWWAjaYAGy3hut873Al20ordUfjAymFW45Sh7nbn~mlXH~MssdSzquUQ-hBdEoVozKI2NjI3ZRxkzca4lfBYyIyVdRPCfk1S3-v8RlKrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Liberty Elementary District Board of Education debated whether to keep, reduce or remove liquidated-damages language in teacher contracts for school year 2025–26 and on a 4-0 vote tabled the item for further drafting and review.

Board members focused on the $2,500 figure that appears in the current contract language and whether to (1) reduce the amount, (2) prorate the amount by time worked, or (3) remove liquidated damages entirely. Dr. Mahorn introduced the item and asked the board to provide direction on liquidated damages versus a version of the contract without them.

Board member Kenyon noted that most peer districts use a $2,500 liquidated-damages amount and asked whether any districts use a higher figure. Dr. Mahorn said he had not encountered anything above $2,500 and that two districts used $1,500. Board member Schmidt said she is \"not in favor of liquidated damages\" as written, questioned their effectiveness in preventing turnover and proposed prorating the amount by time served in the contract. She said, \"If a teacher leaves on September 1 and they pay $2,500 or they leave on May 1, they still have to pay $2,500 but they've fulfilled most of their contract at that point.\" Kenyon and other members said they would support a prorated approach if the board keeps liquidated damages at all.

Several board members raised other financial and procedural concerns. Board members and staff clarified how the district’s performance-pay schedule interacts with resignations: performance pay is distributed in installments (board members discussed 20% in December, 40% in June and a final 40% in August) and teachers who leave before fulfilling their contract may forfeit performance pay already issued or be required to repay portions. Dr. Mahorn and district staff said the common historical signing-bonus amount for current employees had been $500 (previously discussed as $500 within five business days) and that a budget estimate for a full signing-bonus program was roughly $80,000; administration said specifics would need budget review.

Board members repeatedly said they did not want the board to be the first-line decision-maker on applying liquidated damages in individual cases. Multiple trustees recommended giving Human Resources authority to determine whether liquidated damages should be applied, with HR providing a recommendation or decision and the district legal counsel reviewing any broader changes. Board member Cenciani urged clear, written criteria and suggested moving determinations to HR, and Vice President Zimmerman and others asked whether proposed changes should be reviewed by legal counsel before any new contract language is issued.

After discussion, the board directed staff to draft revised contract and policy language that would (a) consider lowering the flat amount (a number proposed by some was $1,500), (b) include a prorating method—several trustees favored prorating by days worked during the school year—and (c) move the decision on waiving liquidated damages to HR under written criteria. Board members asked administration to return with revised language, proposed written criteria, and any required legal review. Trustee Kenyon made a motion to table item 8.3; the motion passed 4-0 (Kenyon, Schmidt, Cenciani, Vice President Zimmerman recorded as ayes).

The board and administration also discussed sequencing: trustees said they did not want to delay issuance of teacher contracts unnecessarily but asked that contract language be finalized and, where policy changes are required, that those policy edits be brought back for approval before contracts are issued.

What’s next: Administration will draft amended contract and policy language implementing the board’s directions—lowered or prorated liquidated damages and clearer criteria for exceptions—and will coordinate any legal review prior to returning the item for board action.","Board members debated keeping a $2,500 liquidated-damages clause in teacher contracts, considered a $1,500 alternative and a day-by-day prorating scheme, discussed shifting decisions to HR and asking legal review, and voted 4-0 to table item 8.3 for further language and policy work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board packet votes: assurances tabled; audit acknowledged; superintendent contract revised

Board sends all seven candidate names to Maricopa County superintendent for appointment

Board debates budget priorities, seeks options to avoid classroom cuts and weighs opening Zumbro

Board approves non-teacher contract language, removes membership-dues provision for some administrators

Liberty board debates liquidated-damages language in teacher contracts, tables decision