[{"_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",6238595,"mediaKeyId","3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398","parentId",3350840,"title","Parents and students tell board of repeated bullying, uneven responses; family calls for investigation and better communication","audioSeconds",630,"startMs",3570000,"endMs",4200000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398&start=3570&end=4200","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398/thumbnail_3570000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6238595/Arizona/Parents-and-students-tell-board-of-repeated-bullying-uneven-responses-family-calls-for-investigation-and-better-communication","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238595-d46a32da068730b3a224822c7d328284/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137550&Signature=kPIP7BP6q8pI65myETnXvuI2R2GPJEPSFG2eExCO11CzmsIGxiDb9hAvcxyQ9TuBWfuZAqh20IQP7Ltt3FV482Z4G6lmhoKwA2NKwRW~gmXhsKko7n2uBvMGe3oclQFUywrhdtixzTIrLu4QPDdyBJ-nq1c0dxvpk27oemGLuYoP5lOPxqFhKbc48nWMXD2FrfugJV50oi2zbOV1-RPkQlOErXw90tQyIH1NSFjxGYg16xrEsNuF8l0Em05kIbnWyFBgikIVLgz7UOqCVDNBUcPyLaQuSfLMt1yAMAoVF3X4191-cghJKQqEujmFP3Q0l6ykrJ67GJfytcAtQrGivw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cave Creek Unified District, AZ","date","2025-05-16T17:39:55Z","article","Several public speakers at the May 13 board meeting told the board they experienced repeated bullying and harassment, described uneven administrative responses across campuses and asked for concrete action to protect students and improve communication.

Students and family concerns: A student who identified herself as Aviva spoke to the board about four years of harassment and racial targeting at Cactus Shadows High School, including online groups formed to defame her, exclusion from social events and alleged retaliation for raising concerns. A seventh‑grade student, who said she previously attended Lone Mountain Elementary and Sonoran Trails Middle School, described being physically assaulted and receiving the same suspension as the attackers; she said she feels safer after leaving the district. A family member spoke to the board about repeated incidents spanning elementary through high school for two children, said their exit from the district followed inconsistent investigations and discipline, and urged the board to investigate exit interview practices and retaliatory treatment.

Parental and community requests: Speakers asked the board to ensure adults lead with empathy, investigate whether exit interviews were meaningfully completed, and provide clear follow‑up to families. One parent asked that the board and cabinet include board members in email responses and weekly updates when families have raised serious concerns; several board members requested that staff provide summaries of exit interviews and that the cabinet report back on trends.

Why it matters: Public commenters said ongoing harassment and the district’s response influenced family decisions to withdraw students, which administrators acknowledged can affect enrollment and funding. Board members asked staff to review the cases cited, gather exit‑interview data and provide a follow‑up report to the board. The superintendent and cabinet said they would review the concerns and include findings in future updates.

Ending: The board directed staff to review the families’ complaints, examine exit‑interview records and provide a status update to the board and in the regular weekly update so members know how concerns are being handled and what follow‑up occurred.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CCUSD Governing Board Mtg. 05/13/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple public commenters, including students and family members, told the board they experienced ongoing racial and peer harassment across district schools and raised concerns about inconsistent administrative responses and disciplinary outcomes. The board asked staff to review exit interviews and report back.","taxTitle","Cave Creek Unified District (4244), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",38730,"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},6238600,"Board designates Desert Sun Academy as K–12 alternative and special education campus; administrators outline small start and accreditation plan",444,5436000,5880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398&start=5436&end=5880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398/thumbnail_5436000.jpg","/articles/6238600/Arizona/Board-designates-Desert-Sun-Academy-as-K12-alternative-and-special-education-campus-administrators-outline-small-start-and-accreditation-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238600-f68506319a396e6abf55c5b28585e59d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137550&Signature=lVj4DJEsuclMdbnt1UYqlgkNQc5c2VMJeqYZrE5jqL0POUdO9qUZwmZsHmef-rfX1rOp0u8W6vzhA6WUy0zPQneJRd5V-tZJwhaygwIUyKkw9kajuIwNcp84EdMdLWla6StzLaaiNj1kjsUWXjsnHzDHVL7loYBVP1POg9QFnYUIFabXycxKIRll~CorVpWkNfvf8BXXuLHbumklBLUsCEh-zL1oD-gZJNSOhgl0Juq7l63mDI2e7y4ECk6POqlaD6tMhzPhiiBpvd0dS5N1ZQ7TjHBMhSrdZeJX-~drnI92UZiiIaYlT8EInP3CHPxfeq8CsrkR4t7etQmX2fBwJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The governing board approved a resolution May 13 to designate the Desert Sun Academy campus as a K–12 alternative and special education school for the 2025–26 school year, a step administrators said is required to start the process with the Arizona Department of Education and to pursue accreditation and program expansion.

Dr. Jensen presented the recommendation and said the district will begin with four students who are already receiving services at the district office; the program will continue current services, use a board‑certified behavior analyst (BCBA), a social worker, a teacher and a principal, and operate on a small ratio to meet student needs. Dr. Jensen said the plan is to grow deliberately and that by December the program could serve roughly 12 students; ultimate size was described as modest and based on student need rather than a fixed cap.

Why it matters: Administration framed the designation as both a student‑services measure (to provide appropriate in‑district alternatives to private placements) and a fiscal measure (reducing tuition and transportation costs associated with sending students out of district for specialized services). The designation allows the district to pursue an alternative‑school accreditation so that, in the future, diplomas and program structures can be issued from the designated campus rather than from a sending school.

Program and funding details: Administrators said current staffing will include a BCBA and social worker and that the district already provides services to the initial students. Funding for the program can come from multiple sources depending on individual students’ needs (special education funds, IDEA, instructional-improvement funds, dropout prevention dollars and other grants when allowable). Dr. Pletnick and other administrators said they will carefully balance funding sources and noted federal grant requirements and auditing rules when using restricted funds.

Alternatives discussed: Board members and public commenters asked about private providers such as SESI (Specialized Education Services, Inc.), which a public commenter said had offered a model and proposal; administrators said SESI had expressed interest but noted contract pricing and minimum seat commitments and that district staff believed they could start smaller with district staffing. Public commenter Carrie McCulloch urged the board to consider SESI’s proposal, which she said had a record of transitioning students back to home campuses.

Outcome: The board voted to approve the Desert Sun Academy K–12 designation. Administrators said this action does not require immediate expansion but provides the necessary designation to move ahead with conversations with ADE, pursue accreditation and plan program details.

Ending: Staff said they will continue program planning, finalize staffing and curriculum choices, bring cost details in the upcoming budget packet and keep the board informed of implementation steps.","The board approved re‑designating Desert Sun Academy as a K–12 alternative and special education campus. Administrators said the campus will initially serve four students already receiving district services, expand slowly (12 students by December is the stated aim), and pursue alternative‑school accreditation next year.",{"_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},6238605,"Cabinet warns enrollment could fall to about 3,300; district outlines family outreach and retention measures",619,2839000,3458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398&start=2839&end=3458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398/thumbnail_2839000.jpg","/articles/6238605/Arizona/Cabinet-warns-enrollment-could-fall-to-about-3300-district-outlines-family-outreach-and-retention-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238605-cc87ebd51bfb469c4c1f26c5006df503/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137550&Signature=YMg8fWzZ253AaRE0MlQxsaPzX9k3Sg4WaSA~EwMiQBxn2q6h4F81YKcBeu~zN6bchSz6ZQKAylwlmBdv36oJwm6lpgyKk-o2X2w4E4MwGk3Dc4jQb0zk6cEwl5193XDGEZchAfT39tgcEsjEJAfJEhsa9EPHS0CV-qG8zpqrEUnatvWjAgG1MdL5-mO0dDkvGHQcLd1WdbFD-uwiz8QSgvgDoNuGxwI3A2Qj8QugUNGqrYwetTVXjLG8-ue-jvIVdhS3ofQgera3-BD~5EIpQpW1eSplqFo0JPOHvhjrpmbB0NFiiT~x77UcPyvzBMNpQ~eh5YGIUmpP6Rreir90pA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The governing board heard updated enrollment projections and outreach efforts on May 13 as administrators prepared the FY 2025–26 budget. Dr. Pletnick and Dr. Jensen told the board they will take a conservative approach to next year’s revenue forecasts and are preparing contingency plans for lower enrollment.

Forecast: Dr. Pletnick said preliminary projections used for the FY 2025–26 proposed budget will be conservative and that district headcount could fall from roughly 3,800 students to as low as about 3,300 next year, depending on final roll‑forward counts and the effects of two school closures. He warned that if actual enrollment is lower than budgeted, the district could face a revenue shortfall that would require drawing on carryforward or making mid‑year reductions.

Retention and outreach: Dr. Jensen and other cabinet members described measures the district is taking to reach families: surveys sent to families affected by school closures, follow‑up phone calls where families requested them, assignment codes in the student information system to indicate next year’s campus choices, principal outreach to families, and targeted follow-ups when families request contact. Dr. Jensen said principals and cabinet staff will review individual withdrawal cases and conduct “case study” reviews after students depart to identify trends and opportunities to improve retention.

Why it matters: Enrollment determines state funding (the ADM/revenue control limit), so significant declines can materially reduce operating revenue and force program or staffing changes. Board members emphasized the need for clear, specific communication back to families and for the cabinet to include board members in updates when parents raise concerns and request follow‑up.

Public concerns linked: Board members and staff acknowledged that some families cited safety, bullying or administrative responses when they withdrew students. The district said it follows up on closure surveys and individual withdrawal surveys and that staff attempt to contact families who requested outreach; some families asked not to be repeatedly contacted. Administrators said they will review withdrawal data and exit interviews and report trends to the board.

Ending: Staff will present a conservative FY 2025–26 enrollment and revenue forecast with the proposed budget in two weeks and continue to report on withdrawal reasons, outreach efforts and any identified patterns at future meetings.","District finance and instructional staff told the board they will use conservative enrollment forecasts for FY26 — possibly down to 3,300 students — and described outreach to families affected by recent school closures, surveys, and exit‑interview practices to understand and mitigate withdrawals.",{"_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},6238610,"Board approves finance reclassifications; staff say no new positions, critics cite optics after school closures",795,1993000,2788000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398&start=1993&end=2788","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398/thumbnail_1993000.jpg","/articles/6238610/Arizona/Board-approves-finance-reclassifications-staff-say-no-new-positions-critics-cite-optics-after-school-closures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238610-60ee389418b2dae0d6307730ca3a38ef/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137550&Signature=J8hLCN2sKoXtTtHE-cvQtlAWsZIPs1O0ydoZJMQOnBv0wASqLoPijAo8wrsHVj9jTj2pKD0eulEgAqMH3H2GJ43agJtHEmH-cUmkSCdJH68PUmhiue9advPo7-GcSZPk-dtR2Cu6QGLnL0adV272hGn2ZwW~O35D0wgg34ukHJN10kHahfauNAs4764GoGn1OHBo1QUkF11tCJ8PsK9kZj-XpL8R0-GBNFHygS31pgHd9tRt9QgnIjem8V1YeKieJ0yTrzmo2epg6Q6D14AmWznBNhGUXQfAKRB9Tna69MWJjxqsBMpgwmZItcxHnJWcegGxAmaCFTwjnPNQ4p6tEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cave Creek Unified School District Governing Board voted May 13 to approve updated human resources items in the Business Services area, including revised job descriptions and reclassifications in the finance department designed to clarify duties and separation of financial controls.

Dr. Hendrickson presented the items and told the board these are not new positions; rather, they are revisions of current job descriptions to align duties and create a clearer separation of responsibilities in compliance with uniform financial reporting requirements. The administration said the changes reflect current duties, strengthen separation of procurement and payment approvals, and result in a net reduction of one position in Business Services (from six to five positions as presented).

Why it matters: Administration said the reclassifications are intended to reduce audit risk by clarifying who is responsible for procurement, requisition approvals and warrants. The cabinet also explained the assistant superintendent of business services title change reflects a certificated/certified classification in line with historical district practice; the administration said the change does not increase compensation.

Board discussion and concerns: Several board members, including Member Moore and Member Walker, raised concerns about optics and public perception because the HR changes were presented in the action consent packet rather than as a separate agenda discussion item. Members asked why job descriptions were not presented earlier, why the district was changing titles after recent school closures, and whether the change would create a vacant CFO title or leave it “parked.” Administration said the changes are procedural first steps (approve job descriptions), and reclassifications of named individuals will be brought to the board in subsequent HR action items. Dr. Hendrickson and other cabinet members emphasized that the changes do not create additional salary expense.

Outcome: The board voted in favor of approving the HR items as presented. Administrators said they would consider presenting similar reclassifications as separate agenda items in the future to allow fuller board discussion and to address public concerns about transparency.

Ending: Administration will bring reclassification HR items (names and title changes) to a future board meeting following board approval of job descriptions. The finance department said the reorganization aims to tighten controls ahead of end-of-year financial closures and audits.","The board approved updated job descriptions and reclassifications in Business Services that reduce one classified position, reassign duties and change the CFO title to assistant superintendent of business services; administration said changes clarify duties and separation of financial controls.",{"_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},6238615,"Cave Creek Unified board approves revised 2024–25 budget after finance staff outline carryover and timeline",4644,576000,5220000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398&start=576&end=5220","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3350840-b11a9caa1dcecb147acc0b3c20cfd398/thumbnail_576000.jpg","/articles/6238615/Arizona/Cave-Creek-Unified-board-approves-revised-202425-budget-after-finance-staff-outline-carryover-and-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6238615-fa52ec12516159ce49cc986a8b00cd52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137550&Signature=hVYCbe5~YTIIcE-YgbF9BUwmiSReTylvT9VINm-p4jsnRnZr-pi61cBu2KTs6Ic5q8glC9Cs-gOlVdlDYPJ2LIwHHweUTWlRi6dvrXVzMUiWmHIJ2LU09eTAOFJvXAREh-vExKUVlt9mfYcSzGJocRV4fH-jZyTvENHFN2jpfqIn-XATh10yTnHxef5AsJxtJomNC27KbV15Lgr3q8bJA0BfBWPP~SSQOXMJKnH1PQdoXjZIBltd9PD0JdFO7QZjWm66ZC5u8MXzkuly6fJQOIbkQNnMZB7FI2URq5HIrxEVt4Gi-bUXjPtD61HQXOzXo987BLLVmtIkCoSaDjEVIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cave Creek Unified School District Governing Board on May 13 approved a revision to the fiscal year 2024–25 budget after a presentation by Dr. Pletnick, the district’s business officer, outlining updated state funding, carryforward estimates and next steps.

Dr. Pletnick told the board that after the state’s 100‑day student count and the district’s November Annual Financial Report (AFR), the district’s maintenance and operations (M&O) revenue control limit increased; the district’s M&O capacity rose to roughly $34.6 million, driven by an updated state funding estimate and a larger carryforward than originally projected. He said carryforward -- the amount remaining after final expenditures are tallied in the AFR -- was estimated at about $3.7 million, up from the $1.8 million estimated when the budget was adopted last June.

The presentation explained that the district’s unrestricted capital budget limit (UCBL) is roughly $1.775 million after accounting for last year’s capital expenditures, interest earnings and a $2.0 million capital-to-M&O transfer the district used this year. Dr. Pletnick said the $2.0 million transfer reduced the available capital for the year and that future budgets will scale back how much is moved into M&O to protect capital carryforward.

Why it matters: Board members pressed finance staff on how much of the district’s operating safety net (carryforward) is being used and on the timing of future budget steps. Dr. Pletnick warned that continued use of carryforward to cover recurring operating costs risks shrinking the district’s reserve and could require budget revisions later in the year. He laid out a timeline: the governing board approves a May revision, the district will submit the revision to the Arizona Department of Education, continue work on the FY 2025–26 proposed budget in June, and prepare for possible September or December revisions depending on state budget action and final AFR results.

Details from the presentation included state funding calculated from the 100‑day average daily membership (ADM), currently estimated at about $28.5 million for M&O (the exact ADM will be finalized by the state this summer). Dr. Pletnick noted the state’s district additional assistance (DAA) and meal funding added roughly $468,661 to the district’s revenue estimate; he cautioned these amounts finalize later, typically in June. On the capital side, the AFR showed capital expenditures of roughly $843,000 last year versus an estimated $860,000, producing a modest capital carryforward.

Board discussion: Member Walker asked whether the state might provide higher funding than anticipated; Dr. Pletnick said only modest inflationary increases were expected and that capital funding was not expected to grow. Member Moore asked for specifics on why carryforward rose compared with prior estimates; finance staff explained that unfilled positions, lower-than-anticipated spend on some purchase orders and the closing of positions contributed to a higher carryforward than originally estimated. Board members also discussed the district’s recent school-closure actions and whether those changes and other staffing consolidations would produce sustained savings.

Outcome and next steps: The board moved and seconded approval of the revised FY 2024–25 budget and voted to adopt the revision. Dr. Pletnick said the district will finalize FY 2025–26 planning and deliver a proposed FY 2025–26 budget to the board in two weeks, then seek adoption two weeks after that. He warned that the AFR and the state’s “Budget 75” report in October will determine the final carryforward and could trigger a December revision for FY 2025–26 if necessary.

Ending: The board approved the revision and staff said they will continue closing encumbrances, refining year‑to‑date expenditures and presenting updated encumbrance and carryforward estimates to the board as closing occurs.","Board approved a May revision to the district’s 2024–25 budget after a presentation from finance staff showing higher-than-expected carryforward, a $2 million transfer from capital to maintenance and operations, and warnings about using reserves for operating expenses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parents and students tell board of repeated bullying, uneven responses; family calls for investigation and better communication

Board designates Desert Sun Academy as K–12 alternative and special education campus; administrators outline small start and accreditation plan

Cabinet warns enrollment could fall to about 3,300; district outlines family outreach and retention measures

Board approves finance reclassifications; staff say no new positions, critics cite optics after school closures

Cave Creek Unified board approves revised 2024–25 budget after finance staff outline carryover and timeline