[{"_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",6647408,"mediaKeyId","2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a","parentId",2522293,"title","District tightens volunteer screening, requires Syntegix digital check‑in for anyone with student contact","audioSeconds",1981,"startMs",4257000,"endMs",6238000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a&start=4257&end=6238","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a/thumbnail_4257000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6647408/Arizona/District-tightens-volunteer-screening-requires-Syntegix-digital-checkin-for-anyone-with-student-contact","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647408-beabc4f203c0b88c36a6eda52d4e564d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108763&Signature=YLDQ4xOKHKue7fhom0PfmLaCUt7rNcKUet76DCksrpC1a3u2bLqbOjq4LLd5a7CotTKL1zZmgH-Zlt3-nOaa85uUO3KgU8nq7NSyLTEYi38Ma62uarIWBogzdFXszINLhjXyxxf3q4mXzD~mlTrpkXu-TdH9deWF0Dl0hvSf9sSHBh3n~Cf-6TbPkbfDK~~ZekTAhfIZgpeZw5E-UK0UT-kSPgM7tt-xGxHtT7CtZAR2KsCwMimw8spGzXZRAQlCZjyuyxh9bYT9XMJipA8M7qx7ry1R5xqMa9VTkLCJf2~AvTVl9OHlzijHdKzeSE4jh-KdnKIDEz4L5FyAgI5Csw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Litchfield Elementary District (4281)","date","2025-03-07T03:19:30.463Z","article","Litchfield Elementary School District officials outlined a revised districtwide volunteer screening and check‑in process that will require all volunteers and community partners who have contact with students to complete online training and an application and perform a Syntegix check‑in at school sites.

Director (presenter identified in the transcript as) Nuanas said the district has digitized volunteer applications and is moving from a paper system to an automated platform that feeds volunteer information into school‑level spreadsheets. Communications Generalist Yarliz Zamirano and Director Foster D’Aurelio joined the presentation to describe operational steps and timelines.

Key elements of the new process: District staff said parents and guardians who volunteer will continue to complete an online training packet and then coordinate with their school’s front office. Noncustodial relatives and community members will complete the same online packet and trigger background checks that include the National Sex Offender registry and a Maricopa County court check. The district said non‑paid volunteer coaches will be required to complete the full volunteer application and Syntegix check‑in so the district has them “on the books” for the season.

The district drew a clear distinction between visitors and volunteers: visitors (for example a parent who comes to a one‑off lunch or an assembly) will receive a cursory check via a driver’s‑license scan that queries the sex‑offender database and produces a visitor badge; volunteers (repeating, ongoing school support) must complete the full online training, application and Syntegix check‑in and are vetted with both the national registry and county court checks.

Administration noted volunteers must reapply annually so the district can identify any changes since an earlier approval. Communications staff said the current stated turnaround for the full volunteer application is two weeks but that most approvals occur faster; once systems are integrated, staff said they expect processing times to shrink.

Implementation details and exceptions: Syntegix will be used for front‑office check‑ins and will eventually be integrated with the volunteer application so site staff can see whether a visitor has completed training. For large events (assemblies) staff plan to provide remote scan stations and bulk check‑in/out to avoid long lines. The district said if after‑hours volunteers must participate in an activity when offices are closed, they will be required to come to campus once during office hours to complete the Syntegix check.

Board reaction: Board Members praised the objective of balancing safety and ease of access for volunteers. Mr. Owens said he applauded the streamlined process, and Miss Wallace emphasized the need to reduce liability by confirming vendor and community partner clearance. No formal board action was taken; administration will develop standard operating procedures and the district plans to begin the process schoolwide.

What’s next: District staff will continue work to integrate Syntegix with the volunteer application, finalize SOPs this summer for consistent site practices, and communicate expectations and timelines to schools and families.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Litchfield Elementary School District 79 Board Meeting 3/6/25","oneSentenceSummary","District leaders outlined a new volunteer process that requires online training, application and a Syntegix digital check‑in for all volunteers and community partners who will have contact with students; visitors will continue to receive a cursory license scan and sex‑offender database check for one‑time campus visits.","taxTitle","Litchfield Elementary District (4281), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",13599,"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},6647413,"Board approves second guaranteed‑maximum price for Troy Gilbert Elementary; early site work to begin",143,4051000,4194000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a&start=4051&end=4194","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a/thumbnail_4051000.jpg","/articles/6647413/Arizona/Board-approves-second-guaranteedmaximum-price-for-Troy-Gilbert-Elementary-early-site-work-to-begin","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647413-8b23764c8812d5cf722bb4fc1cb9df35/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108763&Signature=KDmTOp7ka00t0CKWReDpU7c3w1GRs7AaigZMWJJv42VUMPV6fe0KcZ~oXPFSrcFKu-6RN0We7OYRqYM4fuSzkbdSSwXH6B9XdbE8gp7yxi9ELYfAQXOO0LIsi3vpULgQRxOQJodg32WsP83d6phfsWBlfaeR9E-9aQ-Tqkx0dNgE2uTAYo48~Zhelm1PG1~Xo2IJATQGku1NXwtMZeidZMqvGOAZjcjCR8gPGNyizRuKGzctbYyf9xnxrca~WhvuJ8X629PphapyWB8zFce83DGKsxnh28zB4xJtSIv25brxLIODu42GJCQzgdx2T6dJk8Rca2IaB8LiyCDhpPYC1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board approved Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) No. 2 with Core Construction for Troy Gilbert Elementary School, allowing the district to begin early construction activities such as temporary fencing, site clearing and procurement of long‑lead items.

CFO Vaughn told the board that the first GMP had enabled ordering of long‑lead materials and that GMP No. 2 covers temporary fencing and additional preparatory work in advance of full construction. The district said it expects to bring a third, likely final, GMP at the next board meeting.

Why it matters: The approved GMP permits early site work that helps keep the construction schedule on track for the new elementary school. Early procurement of long‑lead items was described as necessary to avoid schedule delays.

Action and vote: Mr. Mikes moved to approve Guaranteed Maximum Price No. 2 with Core Construction and authorized the CFO to execute the contract agreements; Mr. Owens seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

What’s next: Administration will proceed with the early site work and prepare the third GMP for board consideration at the next meeting. The district described the vote as an important step toward ground‑breaking and construction phasing for the new school.","The governing board authorized Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) No. 2 for Troy Gilbert Elementary to begin early construction activities, including temporary fencing, site clearing and ordering long‑lead items; the district expects to present a third GMP at the next meeting.",{"_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},6647417,"Board renames two cabinet positions to assistant superintendent; no salary increase",314,1987000,2301000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a&start=1987&end=2301","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a/thumbnail_1987000.jpg","/articles/6647417/Arizona/Board-renames-two-cabinet-positions-to-assistant-superintendent-no-salary-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647417-488d2806c5ef42ccbc689a24030c0693/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108763&Signature=D1mv8exnDZ9CngRQnwb8a0LAMrn-zI1eq3GMxabeV8eKwPudnLFWyxs2ZV6Wj68uxeHPaDSG3qCOtJcU-fupueRem1smjjI0inej0EqvpFlqOKqxSrSUeNNNVvB3dW91WbnPC6EkBtZhPoYPcvmmhTiiEedDrqw-nseEQ~DcFBUaTBODHhQpW648~~slSOLVVPnAM4KWjbiS4sk3xgcWDRQItZfu2TzloBtyVL7jNUbs8soRbtaMcRtkYFV0A9~w05vaYBzRJAG63ChoJUeC5bxyyX3x~RqGuEJieOTohhywUeD7I3zoahW8dXX3OHmtdz3ZNfjKTWaJcrp-3aQcAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board approved a revised organizational chart that renames two existing cabinet positions—executive director of operations and executive director of programs and instruction—as assistant superintendents, effective July 1, 2025.

Superintendent Dr. Eric Davidson said the change is intended to align district titles with common education‑sector nomenclature and to expand the applicant pool should the positions be vacated in the future. He emphasized the vote would change titles only and would not add positions or modify compensation.

Context and rationale: Dr. Davidson told the board the titles were once used in the district and are widely recognized in education as cabinet‑level roles. He said adoption of the titles could make the district more competitive when recruiting candidates who have trained for district‑level leadership roles. Human resources staff confirmed the change sends no additional salary to the positions.

Board questions and clarifications: Board Member Moran asked whether the reporting structure would change; administration confirmed the current reporting lines—executive directors reporting to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Doozy—remain the same. Board Member Mikes said he supported the change, calling the titles consistent with the district’s organizational flow.

Action and vote: Miss Moran moved to approve the revised organizational chart, effective 07/01/2025; Mr. Owens seconded. The board voted unanimously to approve the chart.

What’s next: The titles will be updated in district materials and job postings; administration said HR will not add new positions or salary allocations in connection with the change.","The governing board approved revising the district organizational chart to retitle two executive‑director posts as assistant superintendents effective July 1, 2025; administration said the change is intended to broaden future applicant pools and align with common educational titles, with no additional salary allocated.",{"_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},6647421,"Litchfield board approves FY2025–26 projected budget; benefits RFP yields savings passed to employees",1678,2311000,3989000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a&start=2311&end=3989","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a/thumbnail_2311000.jpg","/articles/6647421/Arizona/Litchfield-board-approves-FY202526-projected-budget-benefits-RFP-yields-savings-passed-to-employees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647421-8bc3f699ebe93aa7218e8b54353417de/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108763&Signature=LU0ezLPrkNNQCkTmK7cB9rpW1ucBI~lCUBhLPue8AhZ31LuR047mQK8jN0J67Ay9md8qrJECB-UXabQAdgM1SPc2WmdxTfff517vYDjizS8YThZtcV8N7zWl47LV-Ikdx3yuhtwO5Uz-E9ilFFXRuI6A5wkDjK~hldeA91VfP~r-cxIYZdKKt9~ZzIHodGclDHhi04oGYm7-sJeyMXoWYxrIVA6P-u-dR1XjTx6gS8wSwOFTPDl-UaQpKU7i9XMCf0P6OY8Vk~k02WOoX273wFMj87nAD7qzrBzN7oY5uHrYDbD3OEJlwrkXmZaqBWDg~wGU6SaLQbOsiVDx8C9TPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board unanimously approved the district’s projected budget for fiscal year 2025–26, including updated estimates for a compensation study and a benefits package recommended by an employee‑led RFP committee.

CFO Vaughn told the board the presentation made “very few changes” from earlier budget discussions but updated the estimated cost to include four additional employees affected by the compensation study. The board voted to approve the projected budget as presented.

Why it matters: The budget and benefits decisions establish the district’s fiscal plan for next year and determine the health‑insurance and benefit structure offered to employees. The staff said the district will maintain its total contribution toward benefits and apply savings from vendor changes to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs for employees.

Key points from the benefits recommendation: The district’s benefits‑RFP committee — which included certified and classified staff, district administrators and finance and HR representatives — recommended remaining with ASBATE for medical and life coverage. ASBATE, described by staff as the district’s pooled insurance provider, submitted a renewal that staff said amounted to a 2.5% increase and preserved network continuity. The committee recommended switching dental and vision vendors to reduce employee cost while maintaining or improving coverage.

CFO Vaughn said the district structured the plans so that the high‑deductible health plan (HDHP) remains available without employee premium and the district will continue a $475.44 health‑savings‑account contribution for employees who elect the HDHP. At the same time ASBATE has made plan design changes that district staff said increased copays, deductibles and out‑of‑pocket maximums; ASBATE also informed districts the familiar “copay gold” grandfathered plan will no longer be offered after the 2025–26 plan year.

Board member questions and figures: Board Member Moran asked for participation counts on each plan; staff provided that 77 of 1,117 employees (about 7%) remain on the grandfathered copay‑gold plan. Staff also said 230 employees (about 21%) are eligible for district medical coverage but currently do not elect it; the district’s projected medical contribution for next year is $7,477 per enrolled employee. Staff also reported plan distribution roughly as: 7% copay gold, 33% classic gold, and 39% HDHP.

Other budget items: The presentation also covered transportation and food‑service pricing decisions. The food‑service increase for paid lunches was set using a percentage approach that resulted in a 7.9% increase to the lunch price; ancillary item increases were smaller than earlier flat‑penny proposals. Transportation proposals included aligning posted hours for student transporters (35 hours) and monitors (30 hours) to reflect typical hours actually worked and aid recruiting; administration described this as a “no‑cost” change based on current averages.

Action and vote: Mr. Owens moved to approve the projected budget; Miss Wallace seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

What’s next: Administration will implement the benefits changes, issue employee contracts on schedule and run a subsequent RFP for voluntary benefits next year. Staff also said they will implement additional measures to reduce claims and support employee health to contain future rate increases.","The governing board approved the district’s projected FY2025–26 budget, including updated compensation‑study costs and a benefits package that keeps medical coverage with ASBATE while moving dental and vision to lower‑cost vendors; the district will keep total contribution levels and pass savings to employees.",{"_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},6647426,"Litchfield board approves new 2025–26 start times to ease bus routing, align K–8 schedules",761,1199000,1960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a&start=1199&end=1960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2522293-218975dd47edee850bf2e708159de06a/thumbnail_1199000.jpg","/articles/6647426/Arizona/Litchfield-board-approves-new-202526-start-times-to-ease-bus-routing-align-K8-schedules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6647426-e567396ab8c5c29aabeb5b6623b3b44b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771108763&Signature=TDTE8ffUb7gtll22ZrkQUKtjomNe6mIjgRKUPPFqjRWoHP1pOb-T1g2O1J3d34JtrxsN5ltXOnwvpkJs4p4lvAhXNAHul7dXQ-J6gDGyed5GSpnk3ik-0JIbK5uxPe8aBi6~YgKbp99vCzF7e6Vs55AlmDfjTe0uWtKFPO7duV3ChmPYdIBM2OR~~ybFdaz37awGhCbwoH4L3zPFDbagVOwVAINtJi2pblVzSjX9-gmfXw7JRolPm5ycgay1~iGCc76wdYgj0VAx2ntBy0IyioUwFrYh6JZ3TPYi2rCe-CN7-yt9gPBcx7oFPaIObHiZzB-mkLX351M9X~MgR6l~kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board on a 4–1 vote approved revised start times for the 2025–26 school year intended to have all schools dismissed by 3:30 p.m. and give bus drivers a more consistent 40‑minute window between tiers.

District Superintendent Dr. Eric Davidson and Chief Operations officer Dr. Stone told the board the changes are intended to reduce late runs, align schedules for K–8 campuses (notably Palm Valley as it transitions to K–8) and improve transportation reliability across east‑west routes.

The board’s action followed public comment from Heidi Landon, a teacher at Journey Summit Elementary, who told the board the change could “directly disrupt the family life and child care of many teachers” and lead to transfers for staff who cannot make the new schedule work. “The uncertainty about finding compatible or comparable positions at schools with compatible schedules … is very discouraging,” Landon said.

Why it matters: The 40‑minute buffer between tiers is intended to allow buses to complete runs on time, reducing downstream delays that sometimes leave middle‑school students waiting for buses. Board members said improving reliability for families and after‑school programs was a central aim, while acknowledging some families and staff will face hardship during the transition.

Board discussion and context: Dr. Stone said the 40‑minute spacing between tiers is “one of the big drivers” behind the change, adding that the third tier previously had middle schools waiting for buses when earlier tiers ran late. Dr. Davidson said administrators consulted principals and the superintendent’s advisory council and brought multiple draft schedules to principals to gather feedback, including three separate principal briefings.

Board members pressed administration on outreach and individual impacts. Board Member Wallace said the hour‑long change at some campuses gives her “pause” and asked that communication be accelerated so families and staff have time to adjust. Board Member Moran urged prompt, frequent notification and emphasized the change affects schedules only, not programming or academics.

Details and implementation: District staff identified two elementary campuses—Scott Libby and Dreaming Summit (both listed as Tier 1 candidates in the staff presentation)—whose combined general‑education and special‑education routes total 14; moving Palm Valley and aligning Verrado with Verrado Middle would affect an estimated 16 routes. Administration said it would notify impacted staff before issuing contracts for next year so individuals can make staffing decisions if needed.

Action and vote: Miss Moran moved to approve the start times as presented; Mr. Mikes seconded. The board recorded four “yes” votes (Owens, Wallace, Moran, Mikes) and one “no.” The motion carried.

What’s next: Administration will finalize schedules, communicate changes to families and employees, and continue working with principals and the transportation department to refine routes. The board and staff said they expect continued discussion next year as new schools (including Troy Gilbert Elementary and others) are onboarded and routes adjusted.","The Litchfield Elementary School District governing board voted to change school start and end times for 2025–26 to have all schools dismiss by 3:30 p.m., citing transportation efficiency and scheduling alignment; board members and a teacher raised concerns about family disruption and staff childcare impacts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

District tightens volunteer screening, requires Syntegix digital check‑in for anyone with student contact

Board approves second guaranteed‑maximum price for Troy Gilbert Elementary; early site work to begin

Board renames two cabinet positions to assistant superintendent; no salary increase

Litchfield board approves FY2025–26 projected budget; benefits RFP yields savings passed to employees

Litchfield board approves new 2025–26 start times to ease bus routing, align K–8 schedules