[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6581476,"mediaKeyId","3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125","parentId",3115254,"title","Kyrene board awards contract for anonymous reporting system","audioSeconds",65,"startMs",16896000,"endMs",16961000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125&start=16896&end=16961","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125/thumbnail_16896000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6581476/Arizona/Kyrene-board-awards-contract-for-anonymous-reporting-system","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581476-3e227eb7be2a4620f03161f1bbc1d26a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770873721&Signature=c21t~dQe9H0ueY5qOXnzdGL0zgrQLNov93a38Tc4UW~1kEGQdK0F-EfIc2dzfX1YSKbpG5nus8Y3ihYds9TiY9s6s1eT1qVTPnCMczpVSlvnv0Yz8QuU-~6UpxRVx9blxmMZYWLPMxYaN9np2MOYS35rWkH-pBMHyXAu8KsrOqr2IMHgs1YMyNHTf720ysXMhqaBiV553xQJMdsyBuQCa6nZg6dmRnKfwAeFR6rniE4Vt9-mkMEDWBsShNmP4lLdvVSEJpH9ZRQIIW6baSN1WOTT08XJ~Lg~3DKVBNw0JDRrwl3QKQO7rLJIsM1f86tQVQ6oD8mHQ7-IBdsoHHnlIg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-25T00:17:06.03Z","article","The Kyrene Governing Board voted unanimously on April 22 to award a contract under RFP K25‑630 for an anonymous reporting system the district said will provide a channel for students, staff and families to report safety and wellness concerns.

Board materials included the procurement packet and vendor proposals. A motion to approve the award passed 5–0; staff indicated details and next steps are included in the contract documents posted with board materials.

The item was part of the meeting’s post‑executive session consent items; the board made no additional public amendments to the award during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4-22-2025 Kyrene Governing Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved an award for an anonymous reporting system (RFP K25‑630) to provide an anonymous channel for reporting safety and wellness concerns; the contract award passed 5–0.","taxTitle","Kyrene Elementary District (4267), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",13625,"location","Arizona","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6581481,"Community speakers back DEI and staff wellness; board authorizes Title VI certification with clarifying language",12843,4095000,16938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125&start=4095&end=16938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125/thumbnail_4095000.jpg","/articles/6581481/Arizona/Community-speakers-back-DEI-and-staff-wellness-board-authorizes-Title-VI-certification-with-clarifying-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581481-f1b8a3984faee0c68b4c16c1369bce75/orig.mp4?Expires=1770873721&Signature=Ag4~ipcCGeEcnF4IDXVCzPonE7rfX3vLX9YIERxRTUm0E6WtYCxtFWjy9gV4g1kFTK13~xee-aTPoXr9JVbwJGpADB2eueqZZp80rXmZgyn8fCYBJQOPsVHIEpKdMxcrrtR1GwSu7LSsYnDsWcTaHncjoQdyq3EhCZuYWUPna0QT7SjqV1aBathGEupfLTU~LKsaKKTmM9hxkOOjyc9nTnBsCr1pP52U3aGe2DE3zUsVeGRzLy~fQpIunEgkv8G5iLPGcnXrinL0xrrfcy8HTDbVPykebG3FhXSENerHnJ58RXpjmYoTZjRcP1qrsKFHvHILxEULJDLlG1qF0Fr5IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of people addressed the Kyrene Governing Board on April 22 urging support for the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) work and a staff social‑emotional wellness policy; later in the meeting the board voted unanimously to authorize the superintendent and district counsel to sign a reminder of legal obligations under Title VI as requested by the Arizona Department of Education, while adding clarifying language about undefined terms.

Members of the public — including current parents, former staff and community advocates — repeatedly thanked the board and district staff for policies they said protect student safety and inclusion. Speakers who identified themselves as current Kyrene parents and community members said DEI and social‑emotional supports help students learn and belong. Michelle Fay, who said she served eight years on the Kyrene school board, told trustees the measures “prioritize the health, safety, well‑being and sense of belonging for all Kyrene staff and students.” Several speakers referenced recent statewide scrutiny of DEI and praised the board for standing behind district policy.

Separately, Alexis Navarro, who identified herself as a parent and a former district transportation driver, urged the board to look into transportation‑related personnel issues and alleged a toxic environment in the transportation director’s office; the president said the superintendent would follow up outside the meeting because personnel matters cannot be discussed in public session.

Late in the meeting, board counsel outlined a certification the Arizona Department of Education requested — a written acknowledgement that the district had received and reviewed the state’s “reminder of legal obligations under Title VI.” The board adopted a motion that authorized the superintendent and legal counsel to sign the document, but the motion included explicit language noting that certain phrases in the ADE form (for example, the phrase “illegal DEI”) were undefined; in light of undefined terms the motion stated the district could not attest to compliance with undefined phrases but could certify that Kyrene has policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with Title VI. The motion passed 5–0.

Board members and the superintendent told speakers the district would follow up individually on concerns that required administrative review and reiterated that the board cannot engage in conversation about non‑agenda personnel matters during public comment.","Dozens of community members urged the board to defend diversity, equity and inclusion and staff social‑emotional wellness policy; the board voted 5–0 to authorize the superintendent and legal counsel to sign the Arizona Department of Education 'reminder of legal obligations under Title VI' with a statement noting undefined terms.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6581485,"Long‑range committee recommends renewing Kyrene M&O override, urges earlier ballot placement",1873,13251000,15124000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125&start=13251&end=15124","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125/thumbnail_13251000.jpg","/articles/6581485/Arizona/Longrange-committee-recommends-renewing-Kyrene-MO-override-urges-earlier-ballot-placement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581485-09843425d7ceacb30e1b07ca37fc8ab7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770873721&Signature=klOb2DsmNca8GSEGsZ81pNW2Ubqk-ldUyWMs7U6IQAKrnzr1Puvnp-WGvRch3F~u9t1DL5wK-JUaSsXub5TTNvAZJt-r61XQEXt5F~T-y1EvIxBS10U8uKzkzb3Nbw9QRYPXJDk-0ctQLTYkW0WZ-TX8kul-CeXFPGG8Ki1SEJ7tXH~Pp5ZxHdSF6L7qovzFy-0yZvLKA7~1a9fZgowh3Atq2z6Wg96U24eJzXQZu14ZouUZjwhY8HWGRbOgQvKdGVj6JrPWNNW2vUlddpXmaeJVHz4uA9aR1pG3umlPf5q5h4IVhdsPVRdlOgz1u9qK-Ph5VE5SiECSNzx5SeYkBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A majority of members of Kyrene’s long‑range planning committee recommended the Governing Board seek voter approval to continue the district’s maintenance‑and‑operations (M&O) override and signaled support for placing the measure on the November 2025 ballot, committee members and staff told the board on April 22.

The committee reviewed the override’s mechanics and fiscal role: district staff said the override currently provides roughly $15 million annually for day‑to‑day operations and supports about 200 teaching positions across the district. Under Arizona law the M&O override can be renewed; the statute structures renewal funding so a district receives five years of full funding and then a phased reduction if an override is not renewed. Committee members said voters previously approved the district’s override and that retaining the funding stream is central to sustaining current staffing levels and programs.

Greg Larson, a committee member and parent, told the board the March committee meeting included nearly 50 participants who broke into table groups to review data and draft consensus recommendations. He said the breakout exercise and a subsequent vote produced strong support for renewal and a recommendation to seek renewal in the current cycle. Committee members and district staff highlighted that going to voters earlier in the five‑year cycle can protect the district from the step‑down in funding that would occur if renewal is delayed.

District staff also reviewed practical matters for the board: election costs, timing differences between odd and even year ballots, and the effect of assessed property values on tax rates. Staff noted election expenses are budgeted and that the district may be better positioned to win renewal when the community is not being asked about large capital bonds on the same ballot, but the board will consider the full recommendation at a special meeting scheduled for April 29.

Board members asked questions about timing and about whether the committee’s recommendation represented broad community sentiment. Staff said the committee used a structured vote (ratings from 1–5) and reported an overwhelming number of high‑support votes in favor of renewal.

No board action was taken at the April 22 meeting; the district set a special virtual meeting for April 29 to consider formally accepting the long‑range committee’s recommendation and, if approved, to set the ballot schedule and related outreach steps.","The district’s long‑range planning committee voted to recommend renewing the maintenance‑and‑operations override and favored placing the item on the November 2025 ballot so the district retains funding continuity and avoids a mid‑cycle revenue decline.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6581490,"Kyrene board hears detailed staffing and enrollment briefing as parents press class‑size concerns",4899,6184000,11083000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125&start=6184&end=11083","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3115254-3ba1dfc04e6a255e601701bf8e3be125/thumbnail_6184000.jpg","/articles/6581490/Arizona/Kyrene-board-hears-detailed-staffing-and-enrollment-briefing-as-parents-press-classsize-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6581490-7273c171a6a28bcfa11cfe7b3693e18f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770873721&Signature=mr81miuZfmmsDdlcdf927T~zcpxQZGC~Hud2854T6nBv8PNxzK4AiZx5wKu6i4akKDuMlDA6EzZAbnIbrigFmhjkYIcSFFvbxe7S0wtUhE5c~9C4TbzKASnQSm~Rb7LlJz04h6KPb-Bz6pI~Td25FYc2Po3UftkehCownB6q8mtphAfM7f5zIE9ln32VU04Cf9VnxGLEqmFQYcu321-xQkUZnJYNTmVKfH7txXDDQIMqHXuIgyAz-nLmUblw5mBSBPCGLt60XfeniXK-Zqkkm4fP5jpEuVBV87u9yLEn0QEP4eZKpzJAwBth6PSMlP-ql1tCIzvyxcE9ItkZqi~lfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kyrene Governing Board on April 22 received a detailed presentation on enrollment, budget and staffing that laid out projected declines in student counts and the budgetary tradeoffs those declines require, while parents from multiple schools urged the district to reduce class sizes and to follow up on specific staffing and placement decisions.

District leaders told the board the district’s enrollment has fallen from roughly 16,300 students a few years ago to about 12,800 students now and that demography and alternative schooling options mean the district could lose another 1,100–1,500 students over five years (a shorter‑term projection presented as a more pessimistic scenario could put enrollment nearer 10,000). Associate Superintendent Dr. Osmayer and the district’s finance team said the decline has reduced operating revenue by roughly $21 million cumulatively compared with 2017 levels and that projected enrollment decreases will continue to tighten annual budgets.

Those staffing consequences matter to families, district officials said: the district estimated the maintenance-and-operations (M&O) override provides roughly $15 million a year — funding the equivalent of about 200 teaching positions districtwide — and said decisions this spring aim to “right‑size” positions so staffing follows students rather than leaving funds concentrated at some sites. Chief budget staff explained Kyrene maintains a “timeless spending model” that seeks to keep about 75% of operating dollars in classroom spending even while making reductions in other areas.

Parents who addressed the board during the public comment period said official averages do not reflect individual classroom pressure. Mark Turley, a parent from Cerritos, said two teachers at his child’s school are being moved and that projected class sizes could exceed 30 students in some grades. Jeff Warner, also from Cerritos, described a prior year in which a new teacher briefly stopped showing up and said families left the district because of large classes. Several parents — including Allison Jenkins and Ryan Hopeman — asked for clearer, faster communication about staffing choices and said they were surprised not to have received promised follow‑up after earlier meetings.

District staff walked the board through the staffing math used to convert projected grade‑level enrollment into teacher allocations. For kindergarten through second grade Kyrene staffs to lower targets (for example, the presentation showed kindergarten target ranges of 21–23 students per section), and the district uses a divisor equal to the upper staffing target when calculating how many sections to allocate; the district then monitors registrations through the tenth day of school and adjusts staffing as actual enrollments stabilize. When projected sections exceed targets by a small margin, the district typically allocates limited instructional assistant hours (e.g., 10 hours per class in the model shown) rather than immediately adding a full additional teacher — because adding certified teachers mid‑summer or early in the school year can be disruptive and is costly.

Superintendent and staffing officials described a multistep, cross‑functional staffing process that seeks volunteers first, then applies agreed‑upon district guidelines (including consideration of least length of service) to determine assignments if no volunteers are available. Talent management staff described an “unassigned teacher” pool and said unassigned teachers complete an interest survey so the district can place them according to certification and family needs.

The board and district staff acknowledged the limitations of short‑term fixes. Finance staff noted that average or ratio figures published by districts can obscure conditions at individual classrooms and that smaller schools and particular grade cohorts can experience sharper swings. Several board members urged continued outreach to families to improve the district’s service rate — the share of school‑age children living within Kyrene boundaries who actually enroll in Kyrene schools — and to consider long‑term facility strategies so resources are not spread too thinly across 25 campuses.

Board members did not take action on staffing at the meeting; superintendent staff said they will follow up directly with parents who submitted blue cards about specific concerns. The board also scheduled additional committee work on long‑range planning and the M&O override (a separate item discussed later in the meeting).","District leaders told the Kyrene Governing Board that long‑term enrollment decline is already reducing operating revenue and will force ongoing staffing tradeoffs; parents from Cerritos and other schools urged the board to limit class sizes and to follow up on staffing decisions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kyrene board awards contract for anonymous reporting system

Community speakers back DEI and staff wellness; board authorizes Title VI certification with clarifying language

Long‑range committee recommends renewing Kyrene M&O override, urges earlier ballot placement

Kyrene board hears detailed staffing and enrollment briefing as parents press class‑size concerns