The Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) Governing Board convened on November 15, 2023, to discuss several key agenda items, including the introduction of a new Yaqui language and culture course, the approval of the consent agenda, and an in-depth presentation on the district's A-F letter grades.

The meeting began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the new Yaqui language and culture course, which aims to enhance diversity and inclusion within the district. A board member expressed gratitude to those involved in the course's development, emphasizing its importance in providing students with a connection to their cultural heritage. The board member thanked the students for their respect towards the instructor and highlighted the bright future ahead for those participating in the course.

Following this, the board moved to the consent agenda, which included items F1 through F10. The motion for approval was seconded and passed unanimously with a 4-0 vote.

The primary focus of the meeting then shifted to the presentation by Dr. Lehi regarding the district's A-F letter grades. Dr. Lehi provided a comprehensive overview of the changes in state assessments over the past five years, explaining how these changes impact the evaluation of school performance. He detailed the transition from the AZMerit test to the ACT and the implications for measuring student growth and proficiency.

Dr. Lehi reported that the current year's letter grades reflect significant improvements, with three schools achieving an A and three a B. The district as a whole received an A grade, marking a positive trend in academic performance. He noted that the grading system considers various factors, including proficiency scores, growth metrics, graduation rates, and college and career readiness indicators.

The presentation highlighted the importance of subgroup improvement in measuring growth, particularly in light of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Lehi emphasized that while individual student growth could not be accurately measured due to the assessment changes, the district's focus on subgroup performance has yielded positive results.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through cultural inclusivity and data-driven performance assessments. The board expressed appreciation for the efforts of the executive team and staff in achieving these improvements, setting a hopeful tone for future initiatives. The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions and comments from board members, reflecting an ongoing dialogue about the district's educational strategies.