[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6604588,"mediaKeyId","2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a","parentId",2987570,"title","Casa Grande students present NASA Ascend payload project developed with Arizona Space Grant","audioSeconds",965,"startMs",1636000,"endMs",2601000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a&start=1636&end=2601","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a/thumbnail_1636000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6604588/Arizona/Casa-Grande-students-present-NASA-Ascend-payload-project-developed-with-Arizona-Space-Grant","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604588-df0cdc5c04416885217c7c15eb8d4068/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452823&Signature=LHmMt-wgGmEd3nCjGMlWtxn6ZJ6wftdBpq7Yd9NoCfaWtRk3eUMKBp1w-92E2YzZvOh-dVOucl3winjMkdnmk4P5T3xciXhL5HWl9GAFLOeSN7CLNS37FQHZN~pmlvRrOyUfqSz7oPWQDPIMbPwUSjOKB4nrDsgnS1kps70OYSs-JtFCH6yyPi0B3U7I32w0~pdAKkYNH~x4D34y~8AnfuDboWQQMnxX0tiUdMvDd7f~cBjEJoyZUm0VeYjeZb7HszC8wrrVjIXPG2wf109WnFWWWJGWdtIVqAmvCclArV-AHy66TRK5pEE21iRheu-RLW22tz4DFBvuXwXhQYhndQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Casa Grande Union High School District","date","2025-04-15T03:22:23.243Z","article","Students from Casa Grande Union High School presented an update April 14 on their participation in the NASA Arizona Space Grant Ascend project, which includes building and flying high-altitude balloon payloads and student research presentations alongside college teams.

John Morris, the students' advisor, introduced the group and said the work has continued for about three years and involves university-level collaboration. Team lead Landry Howard described the project scope and roadmap: first, gather reliable data from a single payload; second, fly two communicating payloads on the same balloon; third, integrate payload communication with ground rovers; and ultimately fly multiple balloons and rovers that communicate together.

Students described prototype development, enclosure design and component layout, programming on Arduino Nano boards, and custom printed circuit board work. They presented photos and flight results. The team recounted an off-nominal event during Ascend Flight 55 (March 20, 2025) when one balloon received about 10% less lift and became caught in the jet stream, leading to an extended flight and a difficult nighttime retrieval in rough terrain near Klondike. The students said they will revisit phases 1 and 2 to gain more reliable data before progressing to later phases.

Morris and board members commended the students on hands-on learning, machining, coding and presentation skills. The board asked no substantive follow-up questions and had no motions related to the presentation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CGUHSD Governing Board Meeting 4/14/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Students from Casa Grande Union presented their Ascend near-space payload work developed with the NASA Arizona Space Grant Consortium, describing hardware, software and an off-nominal flight that led them to revisit objectives.","taxTitle","Casa Grande Union High School District (4453), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",64444,"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},6604592,"Audit shows fewer deficiencies; board approves annual comprehensive financial report and single audit",196,4842000,5038000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a&start=4842&end=5038","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a/thumbnail_4842000.jpg","/articles/6604592/Arizona/Audit-shows-fewer-deficiencies-board-approves-annual-comprehensive-financial-report-and-single-audit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604592-3752433b88e56a2a4c81ae86c9003ba1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452823&Signature=bC8d-bhcFUkOvcIggBISaeeJcdn2hXwSHXWjsvsdwgUXkFMCDlUvRMf7H-sYKTKnsenu7Nc7M3HGxEc~KKM5eZ3v9g9Iww1E6gdPl8ZoGdPtwKtoOx8Gw1fsZAuqzQds4Jsee9yMOrlYieSxGnoBYBnnx0O4E2oxtW~RtmxwukLePRVYCBf6ANYyYIvcHVNKxMjrjQ-awhxIXR6nbjwptpRymwHQXzWPTE5dFb5QungvT1KW2Rf8FX9nXnkJZOkGygxnyk5jM9yaXk1bXP93S8va2XlqIrpjFf-w-oYLzYrzwesGszZteH0YQF7f5U2UqIwNt0MfUgWmk3~UsvIIjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Casa Grande Union High School District governing board on April 14 approved the annual comprehensive financial report and single audit package for the year ending June 30, 2024.

An auditor briefing to the board noted that reported deficiencies fell from 46 in fiscal year 2023 to 28 in fiscal year 2024. The auditor explained that the categories reviewed span 18 audit areas; three categories had no findings (budgeting, classroom site fund and records management) and two categories were not applicable this year (central supplies inventory and long-term debt because no bonds were issued in 2024).

Audit staff described one in-process significant deficiency identified in 2023 that remains open while corrective steps continue. As part of corrective actions, the district plans to close student activities and auxiliary accounts currently held at a third-party bank (Wells Fargo) and transfer balances to the county treasurer to simplify reconciliation. The district expects the corrective action completion timeline to move from an earlier 2026 date up to June 2025 owing to that account consolidation.

Director of Finance Veronica Price and auditors said the remaining findings were procedural and did not indicate dishonest activity. Board members praised finance and HR staff for completing and filing required materials on time.

The board moved and seconded to approve the annual comprehensive financial report and single audit reporting package; the motion passed as presented.","The board approved the district's annual comprehensive financial report and single audit for the year ending June 30, 2024; auditors reported a drop in reported deficiencies from 46 in 2023 to 28 in 2024 and described a corrective action plan tied to closing student activity accounts.",{"_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},6604596,"Board approves FY26 employee health and welfare plan after staff review; medical costs rise about 5%",788,3865000,4653000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a&start=3865&end=4653","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a/thumbnail_3865000.jpg","/articles/6604596/Arizona/Board-approves-FY26-employee-health-and-welfare-plan-after-staff-review-medical-costs-rise-about-5","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604596-92010c16cbc1dc1cafc09604a762e524/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452823&Signature=Dgn-AhpA6d2kufvXU-1plIV4CQil7x-Rnm0-4dTzuI5CE9o4jm5ml6R78FO16r98Lzbi6ndej20X7fWC2tnqVclmnoIGh6p1c5WicPfxjHu-yKOER1BeNgXJn-8CUUJcqUGCaoBMNiU-7h9tpX0yY4rQV~XXXeq-J60a4ykCNNjgEa-mTZ1DivoZCQcHCx0IepXp2GqUre9ih2YoE~YmoNdUwVQenTcR0Y6MeD9ReEjhwooy71~WseTvTRHHYiu1weT5beMtmK0ul6CSglr9hVALOLRaMejXj-COK51A2tXEhppaEiVuIsFCXonoqypjIvajNX6tqh6qgD~rsfeO3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Casa Grande Union High School District governing board voted April 14 to approve the fiscal year 2026 employee health and welfare benefits plan, accepting a package of medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage recommended by district staff.

Glenda Cole, the district's director of human resources, briefed the board on the plan and said medical premiums increased less than staff had anticipated. “The increase is about 5%,” Cole said, adding the district contribution for single coverage rises from about $705 to about $738 per employee — “a $35 increase per employee in the district.” Cole told the board the district solicited proposals and recommended remaining with the current carrier, Kairos.

Other points Cole presented: Delta Dental and the district's vision plan through Avisis show 0% rate increases; short-term disability showed no increase; voluntary life insurance rates rose sharply in percentage terms but represented roughly a $15,000 increase in district cost; the flexible spending account (FSA) plan saw no increase. Cole estimated the medical plan change adds roughly $172,000–$175,000 to district costs for FY26.

Board members asked about family coverage costs and possible ways to reduce dependent premiums. One board member summarized family premium estimates as “like 400 or 500 up to $600 per pay period” and asked staff to continue exploring options. Cole and district staff said the district participates in pooled purchasing with other school districts and is evaluating participation in the state health plan;

The board moved, seconded and unanimously approved the FY26 employee health and welfare benefit plan renewal as presented. Staff noted an added dual-spouse/family option that may lower costs for households in which both spouses work for the district.","The board approved the district's FY26 health and welfare plan renewal. District HR reported a roughly 4.9% medical-rate increase, an estimated $35 per-employee monthly increase for single coverage, and a roughly $175,000 total increase to the district budget.",{"_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},6604601,"Casa Grande Union board appoints Kevin Hubbard as Vista Grande principal",402,3209000,3611000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a&start=3209&end=3611","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2987570-f6003b0939a54bffaccb02b2f82cc85a/thumbnail_3209000.jpg","/articles/6604601/Arizona/Casa-Grande-Union-board-appoints-Kevin-Hubbard-as-Vista-Grande-principal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604601-d2226f838a87fd5d1395edb4475641d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770452823&Signature=NTXT7yuRKRNeGEkuHJq~GGafJDnuOO555rbKM4W62StOcHpGFkt0pCd2xAPjKnMGF6ThWbf1Sqmf2UVfcTIEOS6V9kJhqB-rHil2E9ZMQb9RMgDyk3ehPk7IdgqvJT~oSS3~JM3jhuTNUwxZLJIEqmR84nNPo04Oqjv4DXEjXGrhI-v2nijyDLjv~AaUwHdZ52MoX9ICb~GChE2JLVWpl-t9eRFZpdN4~S8FKyssC5eWHdXvKdRjLbXih8yb-N9Zbl7Iwe23KbqunCTNNNqCuuBPu~2cNplyaAIQ4YG8c27w4NPvjSX3zbtrEACPiLA1U21ZIspyFxftSTJPDXbx3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Casa Grande Union High School District governing board on April 14 approved the appointment of Kevin Hubbard as principal of Vista Grande High School, effective July 1, 2025.

Superintendent Lavender recommended Hubbard after a community forum that drew about 240 attendees and a structured survey of those present. Lavender said survey respondents rated Hubbard highly for interpersonal skills, instructional knowledge and commitment to school culture, and recommended the board extend him a contract.

Hubbard introduced his family to the board and said he was committed to the school and the community. “I may not know everything people say nice things about me but I promise I don't know it all and I never will, but I promise that I'll try and do right by everyone here,” Hubbard said.

Board members moved and seconded approval of the appointment; the motion passed with all members voting yes.

Hubbard told the board he and his family plan to remain active in the community. The appointment makes Hubbard the principal at Vista Grande beginning with the 2025–26 school year.

No amendments or conditions to the appointment were recorded in the meeting minutes.","The Casa Grande Union High School District governing board voted to appoint Kevin Hubbard as principal of Vista Grande High School, effective July 1, 2025, after a community forum and presentation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Casa Grande students present NASA Ascend payload project developed with Arizona Space Grant

Audit shows fewer deficiencies; board approves annual comprehensive financial report and single audit

Board approves FY26 employee health and welfare plan after staff review; medical costs rise about 5%

Casa Grande Union board appoints Kevin Hubbard as Vista Grande principal