[{"_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",6609645,"mediaKeyId","2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118","parentId",2906771,"title","Board actions: consent items approved, Teach for America data-sharing tabled, related-services evaluation and JROTC pursuit approved","audioSeconds",8591,"startMs",336000,"endMs",8927000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118&start=336&end=8927","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118/thumbnail_336000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6609645/Arizona/Board-actions-consent-items-approved-Teach-for-America-data-sharing-tabled-related-services-evaluation-and-JROTC-pursuit-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609645-57581c0ba785495b726f1c6ce9a9a11e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771057863&Signature=kxXPaw55Qj0qG3RHtBLD6pwJSiKTeJqV87jZiCEtrFfEa~zgDXNuQUfYd7O6yE3juiFKAwDjwWUDJHcD-8KLMdvyhZkbBPlqMXANg8NmXf0xskdMV5oVaMwIT8FG6SORHPZVhjGHibHKxUJf3DX8JVYQ9EayUEciFOl6Ut5EMPUyU4AavfTIbDaqGudbZltX-4T1WlEKEWaCivEeMdhkxYna4Ybwl8K~Yd1QwVgWzqhIvO6Icl0xmgIQ1bznJihuvOLyvdhKLJhJZrkZsEP1zOIP2lZ~2S6MoDzFCcSUqJZXzYVV5-YTpIkie-ChyrfGVO0lrIkMkybR7WQpXMwlfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tolleson Union High School District","date","2025-04-09T04:05:23.247Z","article","The Tolleson Union High School District governing board recorded several formal actions during its April 5 meeting. The key motions and recorded outcomes follow.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda with exceptions for two items that were pulled for later consideration. (Roll call recorded; motion passed.)

- Teach for America data-sharing agreement (item moved/identified as G203/G23 in the agenda): The board made a motion to table the proposed data-sharing agreement and the motion carried. Roll call recorded: yes 4, no 1 (tabled). The item will return on a future agenda.

- Policy GCCBC amendment: The board approved an amendment to policy GCCBC that changed a definition paragraph to three weeks for consistency with the policy. (Motion seconded and approved by roll call.)

- District support staff evaluation system (related services): The board approved a new evaluation tool for related-services staff (physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists) and a companion tool for therapy assistants. The tool was developed by a committee and is intended to align practice standards with district expectations. (Motion approved by roll call.)

- JROTC program at Sierra Linda High School: The board approved the district’s request to proceed with an application to establish a JROTC program at Sierra Linda; staff said the earliest possible start date, if approved by the service and completed successfully, would be around 2027. (Motion approved by roll call.)

- Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.

What the votes mean

- Tabled Teach for America item: Tabling prevents immediate approval and places the item back on a future agenda for continued discussion; the board did not adopt the data-sharing agreement at this meeting.

- Approved evaluation tool: The new evaluation system creates a distinct rubric to evaluate and support related-service staff; staff said the tool will be used to improve professional practice and student outcomes.

- JROTC pursuit: Board authorization permits staff to prepare and submit required applications to the U.S. service branch that oversees JROTC programs; the decision to start a JROTC unit depends on application approval and subsequent readiness steps.

The meeting record shows roll calls for each formal action; board members participating in votes included board president Sun, vice president Chapman and members Del Palacio and Ortega Romero; Doctor Luna Najera is recorded in some roll calls as dissenting or voting no on particular motions. The board did not adopt new ordinances or budget appropriations at this meeting.

Documents and next steps: Items tabled or pulled from consent will return to a future agenda. Staff will develop requested follow-up materials for board review (for example, instructional-assistant staffing and training schedules).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","TUHSD Board Meeting 4/8/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Tolleson Union High School District governing board recorded several formal actions during its April 5 meeting, including tabling a Teach for America data-sharing agreement and approving a new related-services evaluation tool.","taxTitle","Tolleson Union High School District (4288), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",64155,"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},6609649,"Wolverine Knight Foundation awards $5,000 scholarships to Tolleson seniors",787,413000,1200000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118&start=413&end=1200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118/thumbnail_413000.jpg","/articles/6609649/Arizona/Wolverine-Knight-Foundation-awards-5000-scholarships-to-Tolleson-seniors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609649-89570f145b3f1e59cc7592c1eb3ac43c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771057863&Signature=cCQu~4QP7-4iSOXzbrwmuXFMXZ9FmKrKieeztINtG61ljlPUJqaygjFN5dw5Zjnks2JwTPfNldZUMcOaYUMGfu44lHF7E~GvLPLQT7OTocXV9RA-NXHQ~QmtRckEvzGAHmovqvIa-1YA2TZh8OtpY8fqCuLpbh~3f52KrCkil82cvcupFZG3kaH2oWa3BS03fWQ2RV6XkymVMishrhCCHrzYfjJKySfgv6RA5PzGMShUlznZbSqkzreocLgce06RrFpm9Q~aI0TI9bX3MULkYfzyfaMBvDnnzMbv6Tp58rBBIppyXEJBnNcTtGmHn~X8NaG3U4O2gMETnxVZT4Mh9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wolverine Knight Foundation recognized scholarship recipients from across the Tolleson Union High School District during the district’s April 5 board meeting.

Chris Bennett, assistant principal of athletics, arts and facilities at Sierra Linda High School and treasurer of the Wolverine Knight Foundation, presented the awards and asked foundation members to join recipients at the front of the room. Bennett said the foundation, founded in 1982, expanded scholarships over the last three years to provide two scholarships per school at $5,000 each for use in a student’s first year of postsecondary education.

Bennett said recipients were chosen through a robust application and interview process that emphasized resiliency, empathy, community involvement and plans for postsecondary education. The named recipients announced during the meeting included students from Copper Canyon, Sierra Linda, Sierra Nevada, Tolleson, University High and Westview, among others.

Kimberly Franz, president of the Wolverine Knight Foundation, presented the Doctor Charles A. Landis Scholarship, awarded to a student who demonstrated community service and interest in making a difference. Franz awarded the Landis Scholarship to Julia Solano of Tolleson Union High School.

The board and audience applauded the students and foundation volunteers. The presentation was celebratory; no board action was required.","The Wolverine Knight Foundation recognized scholarship recipients from across Tolleson Union High School District schools and increased scholarship awards to $5,000 per student for 2024–25.",{"_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},6609653,"District unveils instructional-assistant handbook and ongoing training plan",101,5241000,5342000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118&start=5241&end=5342","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118/thumbnail_5241000.jpg","/articles/6609653/Arizona/District-unveils-instructional-assistant-handbook-and-ongoing-training-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609653-0345131029a6ae40c5a633f8d61600be/orig.mp4?Expires=1771057863&Signature=cnsw6gEIzh6MPfueVlQ72TS-mZ7X2V7ijvj4dZSNkKD6VOWXeAn3Ek2ipBwnWG2L~BDipPifrF9upjeFGAzsw20hsCOAbdHhX78YD5-ozFheWXL6aQUJaIHe1hhx2xdN21kQgt09vcurTG-Q2oboTYm4B0nROIA2~xf8D48pVwg-GNQ20WKknyVV20Jd8gE79HEO5P1-OiMuLIyeXrySNJnZvdHJbKrpWf8akDlbHaG6LmzHuXCJ6c52t7imJxLu9N0IUQ-~XeAZnupcIebOyxVlRJZCWuPZl9t97mxLxIzhNTVhXfmN6leVVxq2yz1kZLahBATWwsNshKp7SQMkDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff presented a new instructional-assistant (IA) handbook to the governing board on April 5, saying it consolidates duties, reporting relationships and training resources for the district’s instructional assistants.

Stacy Almeroz and Andrew Chavez said the handbook was developed after outreach to IAs, special education leaders, and campus administrators. Chavez said the handbook responds to consistent IA questions about duties and communication channels. “They asked for support, they asked for some guidance, they asked for a central location where they could find the answers,” Chavez said.

School leaders said the handbook will be supplemented by ongoing professional development, including sessions provided by Grand Canyon University during district half-days and campus-directed onboarding. Chavez said IA training will happen throughout the year rather than only during the first week of school, and that campuses will supplement district guidance with site-specific orientations.

Board members asked for additional details about how IAs are staffed across campuses and what training occurs before the school year begins. District staff agreed to provide a follow-up summary of staffing patterns and a schedule of planned IA training events.

The handbook was provided to the board for review; no formal action was taken at the meeting.","Tolleson staff presented a new Instructional Assistant handbook created with input from special education and campus teams and described ongoing professional-development plans with GCU and campus-based orientation.",{"_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},6609658,"Tolleson rebrands student services as OASIS, cites 11,000 student contacts and reduced suspensions",1040,4374000,5414000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118&start=4374&end=5414","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118/thumbnail_4374000.jpg","/articles/6609658/Arizona/Tolleson-rebrands-student-services-as-OASIS-cites-11000-student-contacts-and-reduced-suspensions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609658-233c308676463bd5ff8c39efefecc7ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771057863&Signature=mN3LTfnsZP4Kp~0rXzxEK6sXQmHDfvAhWdYE0WVC0jEhU~CBvyTc7wS8sBjr3--1sZR1l~gnonYFXVQ6flbb~9nrThpWwIAuuDNJyZBEHsO6fuIQkEmLeH6SjpsJYHHmggsqTGmWig-wfJwHCHOl6ijEjQJRxdPRz9AWQaXAmyMDyDAK319X~jluqqjQ64YQagEtBp0tyvHOoNrycCSBYaUqRwXfxe6vnAXGJPZHaL2ZElj3xvIPnlJsCYzv5dhn8xgdDzGpYPvl3vIWD8PUB6Od8w3--XunshfR9Ap3DLEFntZu41INidpbKeT1GB63HPE-2JhHSpiGYTlqzslETQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tolleson Union High School District officials told the governing board on April 5 they have reorganized student-support programs under a rebranded umbrella called OASIS and reported increased outreach and improved disciplinary outcomes.

Derek Folsom, presenting for the Student Services department, described OASIS as “the office of activities, arts, athletics, safety and security, intervention prevention, and support.” He said the department will group campus-based supports under that single identity to create clearer pathways for students and partners.

Folsom reported the office and campus teams documented more than 11,000 one-on-one student contacts and support opportunities since August. “11,000 opportunities to create a relationship with a student,” a staff presentation said, and board members praised the volume and reach of those contacts.

Student-services staff reported a 50 percent reduction in out-of-school suspensions districtwide since August after implementing alternative programming and increased mediation and reduction-to-suspension days. The department described expanded prevention programming, tighter PBIS (positive behavioral interventions and supports) and MTSS (multi-tiered system of supports) implementation, the use of early-warning systems and regular progress monitoring as part of the approach.

Katie Kallstrom, district prevention coordinator, described partnerships with community providers — including Rise Up Glendale, Touchstone and Team Lifeline — that provide classroom prevention lessons and quarterly resource fairs. Kallstrom said prevention lessons are delivered monthly in advisory periods and wellness fairs expanded to quarterly events.

Folsom also described safety and operations improvements: a renewed radio system, installation of Halo sensors, rollout of clear-bag procedures at some events and new trailers for safer band transportation.

The board celebrated the district’s Unified Sports program and its partnership with Special Olympics Arizona. Jeff Wooten, a Special Olympics consultant, said the district has become a “model” for the organization. Wooten and Special Olympics representatives highlighted district-organized jamborees, adaptive equipment that enables participation, and events that build friendships between students with and without disabilities. Wooten recounted a moment when students supported a teammate singing the national anthem to illustrate the program’s social impact.

Board members and staff said the OASIS rebrand and student-services work will continue to focus on prevention, intervention and creating campus-based supports. No board action was required; the presentation was for information and recognition.","District staff presented a rebrand of student services to ‘OASIS,’ highlighted expansion of multi-tiered supports, reported 11,000 one-to-one student contacts since August and a 50% reduction in out-of-school suspensions, and celebrated growth in Unified Sports in partnership with Special Olympics Arizona.",{"_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},6609663,"Tolleson’s Distance Learning Academy reports enrollment growth and higher course-completion rates",1291,1272000,2563000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118&start=1272&end=2563","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2906771-ea1f5359879c946705e5aaadfaaeb118/thumbnail_1272000.jpg","/articles/6609663/Arizona/Tollesons-Distance-Learning-Academy-reports-enrollment-growth-and-higher-course-completion-rates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6609663-dcd38b8cf8de05ed26eb6c9f22dedb8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771057863&Signature=PROqB6BbYqPAirM8rILKDZ8of0nOPjfqGWztCnClEbJl9lE6eOI2w0KsA2OnnblOnoNGeN1HHPtqFtO4CfR9B~gzIJcSyrZt8JWu9Dk4C3b3XMG9jafuEK1mGxdzzI681um7oR9O9smLvYf5T-RCM9uSofQJKLrdSKWvx83FVK9erSq4GBbzc6aLuXxGvI84EyyiEWc-8yEGz~ow3JW0tXSY4edOSWMpNc6kXJw9CFOryc5LghJCPYkis34vA1fhSNICmzJeroYTTf9p277Eb-jTsl9R01K69fPkkYxyehzICydqoB6Sj6~YiCFzN6sEmXQ0eLSL1hNtqY2oVxF2AA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tolleson Union High School District’s Distance Learning Academy reported measurable growth and improved student outcomes during a presentation to the district governing board on April 5.

The academy’s principal, Colton Tongard, told the board the program reached an enrollment of 662 students by March — 162 above a goal set for the year — and that semester-to-semester comparisons show increases in course credit completion in core subjects. “Our vision is we are committed to fostering a culture of successful lifelong learning through a personalized online educational experience,” Tongard said.

Tongard said the academy followed the same asynchronous instructional model for the second year in a row, which enabled valid comparisons to prior-year data. He said core subject credit-earning rates rose by 8 to 13 percent year over year, with smaller gains in world language (6 percent) and career and technical education (3 percent). He identified art and physical education as areas that need additional interventions because many freshmen take those classes and struggle in an online format.

Staff attributed some gains to a standardized Canvas course shell created by a teacher team led by academic coach Leslie Suarez Osborne. “All classes follow the same template and format so that our students know what to expect,” Tongard said, explaining that the template reduces students’ time spent locating materials so they can focus on learning.

The academy offers three pacing options: regular-paced classes that follow the district semester schedule, rapid-paced classes that complete a semester in nine weeks, and flex-paced courses for midterm transfers or students with other scheduling needs. Tongard said students are assigned four classes upon enrollment and can access teacher support via Microsoft Teams each weekday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Tongard also highlighted career-technical education (CTE) offerings, including marketing, business operations and coding, and noted DLA is one of two schools in the state the district is aware of that offers CTE courses fully online. He said staff members who attended a national digital learning conference brought back strategies used districtwide and that 100 percent of DLA staff had accepted contracts for the next school year as of his presentation.

Board members thanked staff and identified next steps. One member asked for details on interventions planned for art and physical education; Tongard said the school is developing targeted supports and will share them with the board when ready.

The district presentation included student and staff recognitions from the academy, including classroom exemplars and a student-of-the-year selection. Tongard emphasized outreach and marketing work — including billboards and media segments — as factors that have expanded the program’s visibility.

The governing board did not take action on the presentation; it was provided for information and discussion.","District leaders presented data showing the Distance Learning Academy increased enrollment to 662 students by March and reported improved semester credit-earning rates after standardizing Canvas course shells and expanding supports.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board actions: consent items approved, Teach for America data-sharing tabled, related-services evaluation and JROTC pursuit approved

Wolverine Knight Foundation awards $5,000 scholarships to Tolleson seniors

District unveils instructional-assistant handbook and ongoing training plan

Tolleson rebrands student services as OASIS, cites 11,000 student contacts and reduced suspensions

Tolleson’s Distance Learning Academy reports enrollment growth and higher course-completion rates