[{"_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",6696709,"mediaKeyId","5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b","parentId",5550452,"title","Tempe Union board elects Armando Montero president; Steele remains vice president","audioSeconds",767,"startMs",583000,"endMs",1350000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b&start=583&end=1350","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b/thumbnail_583000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6696709/Arizona/Tempe-Union-board-elects-Armando-Montero-president-Steele-remains-vice-president","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696709-d285d7906586b058310c2d128bdb8bea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442602&Signature=LsG0~jYSY2p5kXwDR-p87bEJajutQWj4QBwpQhRLfp9piKzGvIz2-zf20E3eFAN4jmU-WoytI5n-ZcCyy3HP1nbv6ax8YipLTYC6ECfeapooiLoYH88eFHnB8qBjwCPxSu3OccxdKGSXWPHelDFgRbKiCWeBcoEBcB1nY0f8x~wT1aUOqXx~NFTMQM8ps8QwDjNLs2gjFXTsB5iBjmUbbbFkIBBXqCx5Hp1UQ5Fpe~F8KG6TP8NVKL20vGGp6hId~JOQF8H5-cEIsqrUzzuxi9H2YFeijP7jTjBlrfSCGt4jsWDo9O19SZe7mUl4gYHIrSuoXzUIVYGc57L8P4JbvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tempe Union High School District","date","2025-08-07T17:02:41Z","article","Armando Montero was elected president of the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board in a 3-2 vote at the board's August meeting; the board also re-elected Vice President Steele to continue as vice president by a 5-0 vote.

The reorganization item began after outgoing Board President Peraza described personal reasons for stepping down from the role midterm, saying he has pursued other opportunities and is “way extended on my time.” Peraza framed the reorganization as a midyear leadership adjustment and asked the board to proceed with nominations.

Amber Gutierrez Miller nominated Armando Montero for president; a second was placed on the record and the board moved to a roll-call vote. Board member Burdetta Hodge explained she had solicited input from principals and teachers and said she preferred an experienced leader midyear; Hodge indicated an aye for Montero. The final tally on the president's election was 3 in favor, 2 opposed, and Montero was declared board president.

Later in the meeting the board considered the vice president role. A nomination to retain Vice President Steele for another term drew broad support; the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

The reorganization discussion included several personal remarks of gratitude and support for continuity amid ongoing district work. Peraza—who had opened the item by saying he has taken “a statement of interest to run for US Congress in District 1 about 3 months ago”—thanked staff and fellow board members. Members emphasized continuity of governance and the expectation that the new leadership would maintain district operations and communication with the superintendent’s office.

Votes at a glance
- Election of governing board president: Armando Montero elected, outcome approved 3-2. (Nomination by Amber Gutierrez Miller; second noted in the meeting.)
- Election of vice president: Vice President Steele re-elected, outcome approved 5-0.

Speakers
[{\"name\":\"Armando Montero\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member / President (elect)\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Vice President Steele\",\"role_title\":\"Vice President / Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Burdetta Hodge\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Amber Gutierrez Miller\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"President Peraza\",\"role_title\":\"Outgoing Governing Board President\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Member Barraza\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"}]","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","TUHSD Governing Board Meeting + Executive Session: August 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After remarks from the outgoing president, the Tempe Union High School District governing board voted 3-2 to elect Armando Montero as board president and unanimously re-elected Vice President Steele to remain vice president.","taxTitle","Tempe Union High School District (4287), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",13626,"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},6696690,"Tempe Union staffing update: 41 new hires, special education and transportation remain hard-to-fill",1502,3224000,4726000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b&start=3224&end=4726","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b/thumbnail_3224000.jpg","/articles/6696690/Arizona/Tempe-Union-staffing-update-41-new-hires-special-education-and-transportation-remain-hard-to-fill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696690-777c1ca8cc4f45710fb1c4745a1c307f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442602&Signature=VFpokMmT29AMR386UysKZCj-sQWtEgOYURxtPVdfBxGVhP7LYEx5B2n0Y~CeY~n2fyLIp6camvyCJtBshS2mgk5Mo52Pt~4T2RlJGNpmEw7IuUmVYtsrtOa5EQXZs~oWll1nxtBiJwwjTELIL2y-4t~YrXSp2zeE1sgauyvggVGNlfFfcxR0taNxBtfK3GzV7yfA247aR-bUeO1gjmcTKuT1iKOadYIoYTlfKgFYON7DYzmdEE2NcO~kULgl-t~4rMiWEV2UwKjaX7tgYFwRXz~fzbm-3rj3ppqLc8QFn9KIrfA6MChpp1SUyMIQk6b6fU6li7TvBMNfDvvt2awWYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Human Resources Director Mr. Hazel reported the district hired 41 certified teachers for the 2025-26 school year, 14 of whom were new to the profession. Most new hires came from neighboring East Valley districts and charters; some were from out of state. Hazel said the district’s hardest-to-fill areas remain math, science and special education.

The presentation included turnover data showing 61 certified employees left the district last year, largely due to retirement. Hazel said only two departing teachers were within their first three years in the profession and that the district’s induction and mentoring programs likely contributed to early-career retention.

Current vacancies at the time of the meeting included four special education teacher openings and two psychologist positions; Hazel said the district is arranging psych interns for spring if needed. Classified positions such as custodians, paraprofessionals and bus drivers were also being recruited, and the district continues to work with Frontline, university job fairs and local partners to recruit applicants.

Board members asked about proactive outreach for classified hires and discussed partnering with city programs and union apprenticeship pathways to recruit candidates. Vice President Steele asked how many teachers hold special-education certification but are not teaching in special education; Hazel said about 20 teachers hold the certification but are not assigned to special-education roles.

Speakers
[{\"name\":\"Mr. Hazel\",\"role_title\":\"Director of Human Resources\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Vice President Steele\",\"role_title\":\"Vice President / Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Amber Gutierrez Miller\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Burdetta Hodge\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"}]","Human resources reported 41 new certified hires for the 2025-26 school year, many hard-to-fill openings in special education, math and science, and current vacancies including four special education teachers and psychologist positions.",{"_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},6696695,"Board hears plan to use Instructional Time Model for students on extended suspension under HB 2862",322,2128000,2450000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b&start=2128&end=2450","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b/thumbnail_2128000.jpg","/articles/6696695/Arizona/Board-hears-plan-to-use-Instructional-Time-Model-for-students-on-extended-suspension-under-HB-2862","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696695-fd3aaabb186e50e93f6469a485c89573/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442602&Signature=BjkRymsr6jqx6ohIMZ6yVB-5sCDEyPwdRfTQACQ2JZfVtM-viqumT-pLyQNF2FUbWW74AN-lHMjRk1c-YjvonETJJ7sDv7Rnsqk3~ICo4W5bRXxIaqjWpcPoONAXWUhh43vgHPHtI0CUzTxX7vo3A2YHMwKHF1D7gXSNLqm7EKfzFwO4VcZRwQaOFRExg1cxjIinvZosrYyGYftU1yE1kN-XYleOstIH22od3xcb5~3o6DkIVFaAVqRqyHgJYRa-Z7D6a3vwaBZyvLz0qburCxETDUW-Pjn19KnMcM3L5JUFAReRRlMEE1185u6w~QQcXP1lCm5iRsQrcTrbtvddCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a public hearing the Tempe Union board received a staff presentation on adding use of the Instructional Time Model (ITM) for students on extended suspension. The proposal would use authority granted by House Bill 2862 to provide instructional flexibility, including remote check-ins and assignment submissions to prevent students from losing access to coursework while suspended.

Dr. Lehi (presentation lead) said HB 2862 allows districts to provide instructional hours at various times and in multiple formats. The proposed addition to the district’s ITM would allow students on extended suspension to “engage with someone designated from the school, in designated times during their extended, suspension to go over coursework to, touch base with a student,” and prepare the student for return. Attendance for those ITM check-ins would be recorded by logging into Google Meets or by daily assignment submissions.

Board members praised the approach as a supportive re-entry strategy. Member Barraza said the plan made the statutory options “palatable” for students who fall behind during suspensions. Vice President Steele asked whether the district would evaluate whether the approach improved outcomes; staff said attendance and chronic absenteeism measures would be tracked and the district hopes the ITM addition will help reduce chronic absenteeism.

No final action was taken at the hearing; the proposal will be presented for board action at a subsequent meeting after staff finalizes the ITM amendment and completes the state submission process.

Speakers
[{\"name\":\"Dr. Lehi\",\"role_title\":\"Assistant Superintendent / Teaching & Learning (presentation lead)\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Member Barraza\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Vice President Steele\",\"role_title\":\"Vice President / Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"}]","District staff presented a proposed addition to the Instructional Time Model (ITM) to provide check-ins and coursework access for students on extended suspension; the item was a public hearing and will return for action at a future meeting.",{"_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},6696700,"Tempe Union board approves modernized facility rental rates to cover maintenance, staffing",803,2446000,3249000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b&start=2446&end=3249","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b/thumbnail_2446000.jpg","/articles/6696700/Arizona/Tempe-Union-board-approves-modernized-facility-rental-rates-to-cover-maintenance-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696700-7a3c4b538c8d1ab4e3413045d2369194/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442602&Signature=KQ7X2Q01pYTPIdDY7NEUz3R3Aue5MQ0LxP-Kxr1NMnjN7u4quVsIBC15pRvbhUDY5qVVMpDYP3YTVjJU74nOE1v1QiH75g~JpM~GZ8ZiYrpTAYOrrElxGQ01ubDwHJPzNJ43YOSCTiqBotYm~nIqfeJnxsA4W48jWE-d13~CBvzBzPqiNc0HYraC2j2Oig8waD9qvQ4MbPT5E7yX3olBVSOjra4W2lcr4AORhRv3I01sIokvasPgNHcs7wb1Qgu8w~0QI78aDEvbjKBp0whNG9SgPBCGnnxJOMQ4L4YE4aBnGcd34YFjUAf3V5Q81LBMa1vNNeNQb15xmdRpW3J-SA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tempe Union High School District governing board voted 5-0 to approve a revised facility rental fee schedule that reclassifies users into four categories and adds personnel and compliance fees for commercial and high-impact rentals.

District Director of Facilities Mr. Huffine presented the proposal, saying the current schedule is “inconsistent” and that many rates “do not really cover the staffing and the operational expenses” associated with community use, especially after recent upgrades such as turf fields and renovated auditoriums. The proposal organizes users into four classes—class 1 (intra-district and school clubs), class 2 (nonprofits/community partners), class 3 (local commercial/private), and class 4 (out-of-area/commercial high-impact)—and adds personnel fees for class 3 and 4 rentals as well as application, expedited processing and noncompliance fees.

Board members asked about insurance and setup/setdown fees; Huffine confirmed applicants must provide certificates of insurance and that setup days incur fees. The presentation referenced district policy KFE, which requires recovering expenses associated with community use of facilities.

The board approved the proposed schedule without objection. Members noted they wanted to keep rates affordable for community groups while ensuring the district is not subsidizing commercial rentals.

Speakers
[{\"name\":\"Mr. Huffine\",\"role_title\":\"Director of Facilities\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Member Barraza\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Amber Gutierrez Miller\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Burdetta Hodge\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"}]","The governing board unanimously approved a revised facility rental fee schedule designed to align Tempe Union rates with neighboring districts and recover staffing and operational costs for commercial and high-impact events.",{"_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},6696702,"Board adopts superintendent performance goals after debate over chronic absenteeism; 3-2 vote",4675,4565000,9240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b&start=4565&end=9240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5550452-44804f1f02d634d27e81f26c77b2358b/thumbnail_4565000.jpg","/articles/6696702/Arizona/Board-adopts-superintendent-performance-goals-after-debate-over-chronic-absenteeism-3-2-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6696702-c85f4c5c4573565a91c6894c53c2503c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442602&Signature=jM2a7kxi5flkyVdEOVG0~MdBnZ0qa5ysQKOlIwz~70MIODV2GOOAsesRfPpGLsE2-w7QBdAIR4fKBJxeOmcXgMrDqCCaxrRKeyLteZ4SknF9v9dhaQyLLpIf~vJ-ipvk-KsC23vhD97LbjI7mB4IuWWTu7XUHVfGOX03eFbPKIaX1DkF2aTt7zErS4BooazmyRwUxfSzZkSTPl9bN-JYT2PwG~9IhuQ~80-jcfkCby7KRFk5lErXtid4iQt~A0sr29mc39esQO8kDGKePjIs0XCJq3L7ZUuTOX2PD2MWVGcFSL8DWSEkD-datVSjTcVQQBxS-H60rwr6qvs75vmIfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tempe Union High School District governing board approved an addendum to Superintendent Dr. Wilson’s contract tying a portion of performance pay to three annual goals: ACT performance in English, math and science; reductions in chronic absenteeism; and increased FAFSA completion. The measure passed 3-2 after a lengthy discussion on whether absenteeism should remain a superintendent-level performance goal.

Dr. Wilson explained the selection of goals as outcomes from the district retreat and said the measures align with the district’s focus on student learning and postsecondary readiness. “One of our measurements as a district is the measurement used by the state,” Dr. Wilson said, summarizing the first goal on ACT metrics and explaining that FAFSA completion unlocks opportunities for students pursuing postsecondary education or training.

Vice President Steele opposed keeping chronic absenteeism as a superintendent goal, arguing it is a national, multifactor issue—often tied to mental health and community conditions—and advocated instead that the board place a career- and college-readiness (CCRI) goal on the superintendent’s performance plan. Steele said the ACT and FAFSA measures do not accurately reflect historically marginalized students' pathways and outcomes.

Board members who supported retaining chronic absenteeism as a goal said the district has already prioritized attendance work and that keeping the measure elevates districtwide attention to the issue. Amber Gutierrez Miller and others described the addendum as work already underway by the leadership team.

The final vote was 3 in favor and 2 opposed. Board members asked for further study sessions to refine metrics and to ensure the goals are operationally actionable; Dr. Wilson asked that the board allow her to begin work on the goals this school year while the board continues the conversation.

Speakers
[{\"name\":\"Dr. Wilson\",\"role_title\":\"Superintendent\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Vice President Steele\",\"role_title\":\"Vice President / Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Amber Gutierrez Miller\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Burdetta Hodge\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"},{\"name\":\"Member Barraza\",\"role_title\":\"Governing Board Member\",\"affiliation_type\":\"government\",\"affiliation_name\":\"Tempe Union High School District\"}]","The governing board approved an addendum to the superintendent's contract linking pay to three annual goals—ACT performance metrics, chronic absenteeism reduction, and FAFSA completion—after a divided discussion and a 3-2 vote.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tempe Union board elects Armando Montero president; Steele remains vice president

Tempe Union staffing update: 41 new hires, special education and transportation remain hard-to-fill

Board hears plan to use Instructional Time Model for students on extended suspension under HB 2862

Tempe Union board approves modernized facility rental rates to cover maintenance, staffing

Board adopts superintendent performance goals after debate over chronic absenteeism; 3-2 vote