[{"_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",6592523,"mediaKeyId","2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec","parentId",2842577,"title","Votes at a glance: Higley Unified board meeting actions and outcomes","audioSeconds",11378,"startMs",196000,"endMs",11574000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec&start=196&end=11574","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec/thumbnail_196000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6592523/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-Higley-Unified-board-meeting-actions-and-outcomes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592523-93222ac24709c463ee247df5eefb6438/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011772&Signature=iYA6gcvEIGoPh5aH5KEYYy0oxuTZyCGxi2vc-~yaIqAQ5key8ojWjyl-WuxxQ3tlmcSy2OAaqpni4N65FmCI9x1azqN5HyYn1Yz7GNsPZ3R-S83axD4nXR1iVA~qyyQLQeUHb16Lvj~oCFgBzYSp3NwZ4cWnXlRgLxH1iDnaHNlkfWZPkwGBrXN85Qk~o3dOgrDCIYaDc7DLqzIbnkR5BbY7TX-JzWKm~j2m1xaQpg7JgZeOXHRhMfrqsOdGsfM8j3BXreSORY~iklNnMezLDLUCnhhasAONKEbP8zsuX2k2P-nXMZhiljYGRoIZiPDEeTjpqZxlEGgDJXRD2vkOYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Higley Unified School District (4248)","date","2025-04-02T04:19:21.87Z","article","This meeting summary lists formal motions, movers/seconders when recorded, vote tallies and outcomes for actions taken by the Higley Unified School District governing board during the session.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of agenda: Motion to approve the meeting agenda (moved and seconded as recorded). Vote: unanimous (3'0for at time of motion; later full board adoption of consent agenda noted). Outcome: approved.

- Superintendent employment contract (agenda item 3.1): Motion that the governing board approve the superintendent employment contract between David Lawsonheiser and Higley Unified School District. Vote recorded at time of motion: \"Motion carries 3 to 0.\" Outcome: approved. David Lawsonheiser addressed the board following the vote and said he is \"excited to start my new role in July.\" (transcript)

- Consent agenda (items 6.1'6.12): Motion to approve consent items 6.1 through 6.12. Vote: 5'0for, 0'opposed. Outcome: approved.

- Independent PE class pilot (8.2): Motion to approve a pilot of independent PE classes at middle schools for the 2025'26 school year. Vote: 5'0for, 0'opposed. Outcome: approved.

- Ratify payroll and expense voucher A1108 (8.3): Motion to ratify payroll and expense voucher. Vote: motion carried 3'2 (two members voted no). Outcome: ratified.

- Overnight/out'of'state staff travel (SHRM conference) (8.4): Motion to approve HR staff travel to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Conference and Exposition. Vote: 3'0for, 2'opposed. Outcome: approved. During discussion a trustee referenced ARS 41 14 94 (a 2021 statute referenced in the discussion) regarding use of public monies for trainings that present DEI content.

- Policy GCB (professional staff contracts and compensation) second reading (8.1): Motion to approve second reading of Policy GCB (see separate article). Vote: 3'0for, 2'opposed. Outcome: approved.

Notes on procedure and tallying: Several motions were initially taken when only three board members were present and later the full five'member board approved consent items and other votes. Where the transcript recorded a mover or seconder, that name is noted in the meeting record; where the transcript did not record the mover/second, the motion text and vote outcome are provided as stated.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","HUSD Governing Board Meeting April 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and votes taken during the meeting, including superintendent contract approval, consent agenda, policy GCB, an independent PE pilot and staff travel approvals.","taxTitle","Higley Unified School District (4248), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",12982,"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},6592527,"Board approves revised policy on professional staff contracts after heated discussion over waiver authority",1193,9957000,11150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec&start=9957&end=11150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec/thumbnail_9957000.jpg","/articles/6592527/Arizona/Board-approves-revised-policy-on-professional-staff-contracts-after-heated-discussion-over-waiver-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592527-bc63ba6e5c830e02c8bc7dbdf03fd98d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011772&Signature=KmQXSllvoneLgZQmOS9sZUaELpI1YaFPyK-dBonQu52G7uzOSYVoPbEZuuj6bhdEY4wXVHRENQLPiizbGZXnS4FkNCh8jXuHynX3APU3fB92JiAaL-hKNcVc1-uH4gmosTt-MNWsdylV9yNxu~69BRJJPvN2~O67t8fooJLi~j0MvhoIymPlwD4AxB5wxMR3bB19thTpD~Vu7qz8VVUzvXLVjYCX6Xn4z41vpYmDu0amj6bQqVxw2ExV85Ob8Znv0bt5Mcn-h3HkBh6jx5EKogsQSIdtqMaLsIxAZgB6mSG7vBrAVhpx9IOB3cCflbXM-vS5LZe225VvJck8x0wJiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Higley Unified School District governing board on Tuesday approved a revision to Policy GCB (professional staff contracts and compensation) after prolonged debate over who should have authority to waive liquidated damages when a certificated employee resigns before the contract term ends.

The board voted 3'2 to approve the policy on second reading. Supporters said the change clarifies administrative authority and reduces a redundant procedural step; opponents said it removes board oversight and could reduce transparency. \"We are giving away our authority as a board to the superintendent,\" said one trustee during debate, urging caution. Another trustee said the revision primarily streamlines an existing process and that the board still retains oversight and could change the policy later.

What changed: Under the revised policy the superintendent (by delegation) will have the authority to waive liquidated damages in the categories spelled out in the policy (for example, documented medical relocation or other specified conditions). The policy also retains board authority for other circumstances and the board continues to approve personnel actions on consent agendas. During the discussion trustees asked whether routine resignations for medical or relocation reasons would still be visible to the board; staff said those resignations will continue to appear in personnel listings and the board will see personnel actions on the public consent agenda.

Why it mattered: Several board members raised concerns about a lack of specificity and about the potential for perceived favoritism if waivers are granted without board review. Supporters argued that giving the superintendent delegated authority for certain categories removes a formality that slows personnel processing while keeping the board as the ultimate policymaker.

Vote and next steps: The board approved the second reading 3 to 2. Trustees asked for clear reporting and status updates so the board can monitor waivers and personnel outcomes without receiving confidential investigation details.

","Trustees approved changes to Policy GCB (professional staff contracts and compensation) in a 3'2 vote after a lengthy debate over whether the board or the superintendent should have final authority to waive liquidated damages in certain resignations.",{"_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},6592531,"Audit report: Higley still spends majority of dollars in classrooms, board reviews five'year trends and test results",2204,7528000,9732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec&start=7528&end=9732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec/thumbnail_7528000.jpg","/articles/6592531/Arizona/Audit-report-Higley-still-spends-majority-of-dollars-in-classrooms-board-reviews-fiveyear-trends-and-test-results","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592531-f9abb9f15b1927a82252a87d9fee3b20/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011772&Signature=LFemlQeDqT9D7EGzv3qKwHAH-7mcLJR6d-ihQl4s~mBh0e5dRfiumMj-uQfqMpP6mtNVBsCRqvEkxGF~0nJu5h6I8bMutskcC~5Ei5t6ehOswJCrxaS54BYtOYyfhb99F0rdVY4PDXHkyBBiZLtZpSxcIGAifYOXQKqKrf1jI~Ka-MDhsXhgT0gefeIwyLsmUxSZKuU4F~FD72qH9XOMFd8qSe1gIIccV9wsVflDfvTqaUAuEOLgBujJxiOyZqR5z9m4cuxFTykQVMuZDqqzH~bVloB7RNlBBl-lpLV1irZfD7aTdXhlV~2esQtNxkiyv~YmzgGDDU6bTCWrEnzBew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Higley Unified School District staff on Tuesday presented the district's fiscal 2024 classroom spending report, an Auditor General export that shows classroom'related categories accounted for about 70% of total operational spending. District leaders also reviewed embedded student achievement graphs tied to statewide and peer comparisons.

Finance staff said the report is the auditor'general export for July 1, 2023'June 30, 2024, and cautioned that peer groups and one'time items (textbook adoptions) affect year'over'year comparisons. \"That report is public on the Auditor General's website,\" presenter Mr. Moore said. He said classroom spending — instruction, student support and instructional support — totaled roughly 70% of all district operational spending; instruction alone represented about 58.1%.

Why it matters: The figures give trustees a matrix showing how Higley compares to similar-sized districts ' the presentation showed that Higley's instruction percentage was above its peer group average. Board members asked about longer'term trends: Moore noted instructional spending had been as high as 65% in an earlier year when the district completed a large textbook adoption.

Student achievement context: Academic staff provided the new achievement metrics that the Auditor General has embedded in the report. Assistant academic staff explained testing changes since COVID and the shift to newer assessments. \"With the AZSci... the new science test was supposed to be in effect... the new test is very different,\" said an academic presenter, noting the state science assessment now emphasizes deeper inquiry and interpretation of phenomena and charts rather than recall.

Board questions and follow'up: Trustees asked for more granular breakdowns of student'support spending and expressed interest in year'over'year trend figures. One trustee urged continued attention to instruction'to'student ratios and data showing how recent curriculum adoptions affect outcomes. Academic staff said scores have improved since the pandemic but cautioned comparisons across different test types can be misleading: science results before and after the state changed its assessment are not directly comparable.

What's next: Staff will provide additional breakdowns requested by trustees and will continue to publish the Auditor General's export; the board and staff said they will use the report to inform future budget and curriculum decisions.

","Staff presented the Auditor General export showing Higley's fiscal 2024 classroom spending and district student achievement metrics. The report shows about 70% of operational spending classified as classroom-related and includes discussion of changes in state testing.",{"_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},6592537,"Higley board reviews first draft of FY26 capital outlay budget; major projects contingent on School Facilities Division funding",1561,5634000,7195000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec&start=5634&end=7195","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec/thumbnail_5634000.jpg","/articles/6592537/Arizona/Higley-board-reviews-first-draft-of-FY26-capital-outlay-budget-major-projects-contingent-on-School-Facilities-Division-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592537-b45acd5866185433925f1858a40c6918/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011772&Signature=JNTbUvzpGD1z0Xb90EZWpaaotWFvof4GLRxsg0BKbm3ZhefEDzF5Aj8599ck4jLQWJMWSTteGBP4MykgYbZ~X9NWDtmtPnEF10fAiHizVxBLT4-A2jGr3hzHQVxBBIDHAhHO-ktVKzUV~rVvuM1nR-alXKQEpYGZ3npIHUkQ7nN20bo2IrRPXkraRRqM9owzC2KLcS0z~Vu5cS68j6KPjFhtxZ~NOrH7j8EyFhEGLXdbmYamDDJksun3vrgUpB3fqyym5l8FLqol2ARgGcIHY8fNdERrHLb~ApStW9I2Qx2tz1eeHzcBNQHJO~ggb5sfGfMS~ge7iQXH-E1MOLaQDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Higley Unified School District staff presented a first review of the district's fiscal year 2025'26 capital outlay budget on Tuesday, emphasizing that major maintenance projects will depend on state School Facilities Division (SFD) grants and noting the district is not transferring maintenance and operations (M&O) dollars to capital this year.

\"We are not proposing any transfer of M&O dollars to capital,\" finance presenter Mr. Moore told the board. He said the district is budgeting an M&O deficit next year and will be \"100% reliant on SFD to fund those major maintenance projects for '26.\" Moore also described ongoing security work, saying the district is completing phase 2 of camera replacements and plans a phase 3 to consolidate remaining systems.

Why it matters: The board heard that a one'time state increase to capital in FY25 (about $300,000) is not expected to continue into FY26; that change and the district's decision not to transfer M&O funds means Higley will prioritize repairs, security and instructional materials while holding a larger contingency. Moore said contingency would be raised by about $1 million to allow for repair'rather'than'replace decisions where feasible.

Budget highlights: The proposed FY26 capital budget total was presented at about $15.8 million, driven by the state capital allocation (District Additional Assistance), the district's $3.5 million lease transfer and projected carryforward funds.

Major categories summarized by staff included:

- Student technology: funds for a freshman device refresh for both high schools (Lenovo devices).
- Safety and security: continued camera replacement (phase 3) and leverage of JUUL litigation funds toward camera upgrades.
- Instructional materials: a planned K'12 English Language Arts (ELA) adoption in FY26 (with implementation in FY27) after the state indicated the district's prior K'3 resource was no longer on an approved list.
- Major maintenance: projects (weatherization, roofing and intercoms) are in the SFD pipeline; Moore estimated about $5 million in building renewal grant applications awaiting funding.

Board questions and context: Trustees asked about timelines for a traffic signal at Williams Field and for the district's textbook adoption schedule. Mr. Moore said the district is engaging Gilbert on student parking and traffic improvements and that, because the ELA adoption process is extensive, the district will begin work in FY26 for a FY27 implementation. In response to a trustee question, academic staff said the district's social studies adoption had last been updated about 2012 and was postponed to prioritize ELA because the state requires approved materials for early literacy moves.

Next steps: The board will consider tentative approval at the next meeting to let maintenance obligate long'lead items and will return to adopt the budget in June. Staff said they will also present vacant land appraisal options at a future meeting to show possible capital funding alternatives.

","Finance staff gave a first read of the FY2026 capital outlay budget, noting reduced state capital, no M&O-to-capital transfer this year, priorities on security camera upgrades and a $1 million contingency.",{"_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},6592541,"Higley board hears detailed presentation on employee health benefits, savings programs",2810,2810000,5620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec&start=2810&end=5620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2842577-7803a5b612f0abd56e024237b49bffec/thumbnail_2810000.jpg","/articles/6592541/Arizona/Higley-board-hears-detailed-presentation-on-employee-health-benefits-savings-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6592541-9a6ab131eac064a1ea9ff1ee5d7d38fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771011772&Signature=CjWENNMfmb-dm02w9OVi40nMbvtI1~l8bVQ-8DwZObNEkHatJ-3aaavVMnAV4PladPLAZxQyqs4CHAHHIxkF5pcYSerdBVeFPs8u8~rvht1dv05rBnEruv9zB131VvdMV4s98cU6qiA4qR6vq13arjNKxMGDcV7eN2JJxSNqTG6qObzhmoSOOrz-AbgCWPpsAbfJDQaCt7gDYOze-qfas00GJcQeoTDO~PUBnSKqLCqxBqf-IcWZcPltTo00jjMhoR~8KLvgbqoutBQFePlKy0ANErWqiUFqH1btxVHSbT4ncxZwGrQd~2cCeK8Yqg9-QnWMAO5cGwtXKQFz642H0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Higley Unified School District officials on Tuesday reviewed the district's employee benefits program and plans for the 2025'26 plan year, highlighting a shift to self'funding work with Kairos, recent pharmacy savings and expanded member services.

Superintendent'level staff and Kairos representatives told the governing board the district's self'insured arrangement gives Higley more transparency and flexibility than a traditional fully insured plan. \"When you choose a carrier direct in that fashion, it certainly provides some level of security, but there's also some limitations on your ability to customize your plan designs,\" said Jennifer Sherman, Director of Account Services for Kairos. \"Being a member, a self insured member like Higley... provides a level of autonomy to let Higley customize participation.\"

The presentation outlined benefits the board and staff said have produced identifiable savings and additional services. Kairos renegotiated the district pharmacy benefit manager contract in October and staff said the change delivered \"several million dollars\" in savings and some members have already seen lower drug prices. The Kairos nurse navigator team also flagged claims and enrollment issues: Sherman said a claims audit identified a COBRA enrollment error that saved the plan about $38,000, and cited a separate intervention that reduced a member's infusion costs by roughly $9,000 a month.

Why it matters: Higley covers roughly 4,145 people on its plan and is managing rising drug and specialty medication costs that industrywide have increased 15% year over year, officials said. Trustees questioned plan design changes that shift cost between district and employees; Human Resources and Kairos staff said they tried to limit out'of'pocket increases for members while keeping the district's self'insurance fund solvent.

Details and new services: Staff described four medical plans (a legacy $0 deductible plan, a $500 deductible copay plan, a $1,650 HSA-eligible plan and a $5,000 PPO) and said most employee contributions were increased modestly or held flat this year. Ancillary benefits include Delta Dental, VSP vision and voluntary options such as supplemental life and short'term disability. New no-cost member services announced for the district included:

- Nurse Navigator program: district-hired nurse Meredith Albers works with members to identify alternatives, correct enrollment errors and negotiate with providers.

- Aware Health virtual physical therapy: a 90'day pilot produced 57 evaluations and 159 visits; staff said virtual PT can reduce unnecessary scans and surgeries and improve access by offering care by video during the workday.

- Centers of Excellence: the district and Kairos identified vetted providers for high'cost procedures (joint replacement, spine, cancer care, substance use therapy). Staff said members routed to COE providers can have certain cost sharing waived to encourage use of higher'value, lower'cost providers.

Board questions: Trustees asked for details about how errors occur and how often out'of'network single'case agreements are used. Sherman and Kairos staff said errors typically stem from administrative or file'feed breakdowns and that when necessary Kairos negotiates single'case agreements or direct contracts to avoid unpredictable out'of'network bills. When a board member asked whether the district could require members to use COE providers, Sherman said the program is voluntary but the district can waive member cost sharing to \"steer\" utilization.

What's next: HR and Kairos will continue quarterly reporting to the district insurance committee and provide the board with plan financials and utilization updates. Trustees asked for more member satisfaction data; HR said informal feedback has been largely positive and that staff will follow up with more survey data.

","District administrators and Kairos benefits staff reviewed Higley Unified's self-funded health plan, pharmacy negotiations, nurse navigator interventions and new programs such as virtual physical therapy and centers of excellence.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Higley Unified board meeting actions and outcomes

Board approves revised policy on professional staff contracts after heated discussion over waiver authority

Audit report: Higley still spends majority of dollars in classrooms, board reviews five'year trends and test results

Higley board reviews first draft of FY26 capital outlay budget; major projects contingent on School Facilities Division funding

Higley board hears detailed presentation on employee health benefits, savings programs