[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6291708,"mediaKeyId","2529492-458e7f29947771181c73ada46c4ec4e6","parentId",2529492,"title","Board hears first reading on new world language curricula; committee recommends Wayside, Klett, VISTA and Level Learning","audioSeconds",887,"startMs",4704000,"endMs",5591000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2529492-458e7f29947771181c73ada46c4ec4e6&start=4704&end=5591","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2529492-458e7f29947771181c73ada46c4ec4e6/thumbnail_4704000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6291708/Arizona/Board-hears-first-reading-on-new-world-language-curricula-committee-recommends-Wayside-Klett-VISTA-and-Level-Learning","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6291708-7dadd5f1ff3e66565dea1ddfe3f2bd91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171090&Signature=Qdu8bUMZGFlVJstjAYVRX1Wlt4eUlXfrY0OFvePLrmjempkINQwQ67ll3F2iuG4injRf745H1W2GGd8Tq-N1yfPaTqcCxdU6dsxbIZtL1F97F7V5ry6xDKKaAr836rBYU~qlqlk7wnQNoXQsQPesHWuPNLl87m33OlBPJqjypxFs7xcuqsmjvbJyLOpII5IOHOUmCjayf7ZrM3IJN74k4xIDjaLK44nmM6lbsRRYncvsMJfuE8uy93ngN7sRbe9y5BVqRsPAdj7txti49OU9J7a1dhVejaKtPhOpJbD9zTC2BU9-8ZrYKaRtRNx6IWDx0MyN8o2RHfsjXf5LDM7omw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Paradise Valley Unified District","date","2025-03-07T07:23:10Z","article","PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — The Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board on March 6 received a first read of recommendations from its World Language adoption committees and subcommittees covering 7–12 Spanish and French curriculum resources, supplemental materials, and K–6 Mandarin for Whispering Wind Academy’s dual language immersion program.

Cheryl Copeland, K–12 social studies and world language curriculum specialist and facilitator for the committees, outlined a multi‑month, open‑meeting process that included vendor proposals, public displays, teacher review sessions and a 60‑day public comment period. Copeland said the committees narrowed seven initial submissions to recommended finalists and then to the following vendor recommendations for board consideration at second read on April 3.

“This adoption is made possible through District Additional Assistance Override funds, which are specifically designated for curriculum,” Copeland said during the presentation.

What was recommended

- 7–12 Spanish: Wayside Publishing recommended for grades 8–12 lower level and upper-level (honors, AP, IB and dual enrollment); VISTA’s Encuentros recommended for a seventh‑grade intro course.
- 7–12 French: Klett World Languages recommended for grades 9–12 upper-level French (honors, AP, IB and dual enrollment).
- Supplemental materials: a subcommittee compiled a recommended list of supplemental resources evaluated for instructional alignment and data/privacy compliance; the list was posted for 60‑day community review.
- K–6 Mandarin (Whispering Wind Academy): Level Learning recommended as the tier‑1 curriculum; Chairman’s Bao recommended as a supplemental resource for grades 3–8.

Process and cost

Copeland described a process that began in September, included vendor demonstrations, teacher review days and a district‑wide community display. The committee reported receiving 19 pieces of community feedback during the review window and used a rubric aligned to ACTFL proficiency guidelines and Arizona standards. Committee members told the board they reviewed best‑and‑final cost proposals; administrators said the recommended 7‑year 7–12 package would cost approximately $1,000,000 and the Mandarin materials approximately $76,000. Cabinet supports the recommendation; the funding source named for these materials was District Additional Assistance (DAA) override funds.

Next steps

Board members asked about digital components, consumable student workbooks, and publication dates for vendor materials. Copeland confirmed each vendor offers a digital platform with audio, video and interactive components and that consumable student workbooks are included in the seven‑year contract for year‑by‑year needs. The adoption will return for a second read and potential approval at the board’s April 3 meeting.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are identified in the speaker list below.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","March 6th, 2025 Governing Board Regular Meeting & Executive Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board on March 6 received a first reading of recommended new world language curricula and supplemental materials for grades K–12, with cabinet backing and an estimated seven‑year cost of roughly $1 million for 7–12 materials and $76,000 for K–6 Mandarin.","taxTitle","Paradise Valley Unified District (4241), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",13604,"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},6291713,"Paradise Valley board approves principal and director hires, facility projects and furniture purchases",2046,226000,2272000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2529492-458e7f29947771181c73ada46c4ec4e6&start=226&end=2272","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2529492-458e7f29947771181c73ada46c4ec4e6/thumbnail_226000.jpg","/articles/6291713/Arizona/Paradise-Valley-board-approves-principal-and-director-hires-facility-projects-and-furniture-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6291713-e5228666d903a4ea9a72bba5f6088d4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171090&Signature=LIPr3ztutmL~q0wiDKyUYu~mZMY-Js54I~uDzUEQzRbvdcIHHZB6sl9lZHAk9la8MMdPRqrj-vneSzBRug0HsQ32do8FQVlrI9R-8xcEPwifpV9haitFdkTdWprGGpCKS~R-PWY8-cRYa2aXnA8~Ck3pi91a-2fCQhDFDos67O2ZrTHYsGyj9Y3usV5LYLoppNW-77bJZSymKCDIXA6X1zyk9n06Rei9nZE7jogovT-QUtq4WHNv-g3crHzA2X8TgniIvXk8KY63OG8AHjKgw4bPZ6HPJs7vMW2pQUg0lhJ5lYYOtWZxmui2aj4wFNnM7HNICVwnHRcGSmzJqqKA0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — The Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board on March 6 voted unanimously to approve a series of personnel appointments and facility contracts that school leaders said will address staffing needs and aging school infrastructure.

The board approved four administrative hires by voice vote during the meeting’s “items for approval” segment. Superintendent’s designees presented credentials and recommended appointment for each role; motions to approve were made on the floor and passed unanimously.

The board also approved multiple construction and procurement actions the administration said are intended to modernize aging buildings and replace worn classroom furniture. Dr. Drew Davis, district facilities staff, described the Shadow Mountain High School restroom project as addressing both accessibility and code issues, saying: “This project will address a significant need on the Shadow Mountain campus, and we recommend approval.”

Votes at a glance

- Appointment of Heidi Benuellas as principal, Shadow Mountain High School — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Appointment of Gianna Colonna as Director of Special Education — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Appointment of Katrina Deak as Director of Federal Programs — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Appointment of Nicole Wilford as Director of Gifted Education — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Approval of proposed community education facility rental rate increases, effective 2025–26 school year — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Approval of purchase from current district contract 20-315PVJOC for restroom renovations at Shadow Mountain High School — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Approval of furniture purchase from district contract 23-16PV for Eagle Ridge Elementary — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Approval of furniture purchase from district contract 23-16PB for six sites (North Ranch Elementary, Shea Middle, Sonoran Sky Elementary, Sunrise Middle, Whispering Wind Academy, and one other) — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Selection of Orcutt Winslow as architect of record for the Indian Bend Elementary School rebuild (purchase from 1GPA cooperative contract 2318P09) — approved unanimously (5-0).
- Approval of purchase from cooperative contract 2106P for roofing upgrades at Paradise Valley High School — approved unanimously (5-0).

What the board approved

Personnel: The board confirmed four recommended administrative hires after presentation of each candidate’s credentials. Human-resources staff described each candidate’s academic background and the recommended salary/benefits arrangements consistent with district bargaining agreements. No votes were opposed or abstentions were recorded.

Facilities and procurement: Contracts approved include a restroom renovation project at Shadow Mountain High School (ADA and code updates across eight restroom sets), several furniture purchases for elementary and middle schools using bond and district funds, roofing upgrades at Paradise Valley High School, and selection of Orcutt Winslow to serve as architect of record for the Indian Bend Elementary rebuild. Administrators said restroom work will use existing footprints where possible to control costs and that asbestos/materials inspections and abatement will be performed before construction if needed.

Board comments and concerns: Board members asked about safety and abatement protocols for older buildings (one board member noted the Shadow Mountain campus dates to about 1974). District staff responded that contractors will inspect for hazardous materials and complete abatement before construction starts. Board members also asked that the architectural team for Indian Bend look for opportunities to reuse or repurpose existing improvements where feasible.

Next steps: Vendors will proceed with procurement and pre-construction activities consistent with the contract awards and district timelines. The Indian Bend architect will begin community engagement and feasibility analysis pending the contract start.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are identified in the speaker list below.","At its March 6 meeting, the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board unanimously approved a package of personnel appointments and facility contracts including restroom renovations at Shadow Mountain High School, new furniture for multiple campuses and selection of Orcutt Winslow as architect for the Indian Bend Elementary rebuild.",{"_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},6291703,"Superintendent search: consultant reports 1,541 survey responses; board invites four finalists to interview",13829,6361000,20190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2529492-458e7f29947771181c73ada46c4ec4e6&start=6361&end=20190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2529492-458e7f29947771181c73ada46c4ec4e6/thumbnail_6361000.jpg","/articles/6291703/Arizona/Superintendent-search-consultant-reports-1541-survey-responses-board-invites-four-finalists-to-interview","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6291703-75261674fe50115bd04590b17bf717d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171090&Signature=LMjsWxVk6aIAkwu3ZOTi683ler7wudBGacZ7NpN-cXfU4KsPOcuxAvMCrFrgMne3Zq0Hj3NGlGyPsyL7ZQJjM1O0te4iiq3KaQdNx2Zy2PoJnwLG~upT7zwUNNf0YHPjj4d8v46woNC7nw4X3UDhij72rE0vwMMfwIkgJeMPaRYuia4yW8PkdOxgKsVldFtdRUmsN-GeHo4KeKLyaVjwyNjJaeUzH1G8DRsN82YI8AGGuRZu34Ci49INg0Ln9JFavhqDPx5kB2clhq-MslygLdReRoMIFbZG-3vQwSyfHV9SVJBGtbHXR1wL9HHMJoZSF7t2V7VpI7b2Y0u0Rnk2Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — The Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board heard an update March 6 on its superintendent search and, after a confidential screening in executive session, voted unanimously to invite four candidates to the next round of board interviews.

Consultant Ed Ogle reviewed a community survey of 1,541 respondents that the district used to shape search priorities. Ogle told the board 61 percent of survey respondents identified as parents, about 28 percent as certified employees, 9 percent as educational support professionals, and 126 respondents were students. He said the survey gave the board clear priorities: communication and transparency; teacher and staff support and development; and fiscal responsibility.

\"Communication and transparency clearly was a very important issue to the patrons of your school district,\" Ogle said as he summarized the results.

Executive session and board action

The board conducted confidential applicant screening in executive session under Arizona Revised Statutes §38-431.03. After reconvening publicly in the early hours of March 7, the board voted to provide direction to the consultant and to invite candidates identified in executive session as B, E, F and G to participate in governing board interviews for the superintendent position. The motion passed unanimously (5‑0).

Search timeline and pool

Ogle told the board the search produced a competitive pool that includes several experienced superintendents and candidates from multiple states; he said the board will interview candidates in executive session and then name public finalists. The consultant said the board has scheduled final interviews on March 25 and that the district planned community input sessions during the finalist phase. Ogle reported the board received 12 formal applications to review in the executive session screening.

Questions and transparency

Board members asked procedural questions about the number of applicants, which candidates were reviewed in public at the applicants’ request and how the district would structure finalist visits. Ogle noted one candidate, Dr. Desmond Moulton, had requested public review of his application; Ogle summarized that the candidate did not meet several of the district’s published desired qualifications (including having prior superintendent experience) but clarified no board action was required on that single request. The board proceeded to executive session for confidential screening and returned to take public direction consistent with that closed discussion.

Speakers quoted or cited in this article are identified in the speaker list below.","Consultant Ed Ogle reported results of a 1,541‑response community survey and the board—after executive session—directed the consultant to invite four candidates to the next interview round. The board voted unanimously to advance the named applicants to finalist interviews.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board hears first reading on new world language curricula; committee recommends Wayside, Klett, VISTA and Level Learning

Paradise Valley board approves principal and director hires, facility projects and furniture purchases

Superintendent search: consultant reports 1,541 survey responses; board invites four finalists to interview