[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-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],{"_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",6461389,"mediaKeyId","5824320-381e87a64050054a10a30c4906f559ca","parentId",5824320,"title","Desert Wind Middle School spotlights data-driven math program; students describe hands-on gains","audioSeconds",380,"startMs",2307000,"endMs",2687000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824320-381e87a64050054a10a30c4906f559ca&start=2307&end=2687","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824320-381e87a64050054a10a30c4906f559ca/thumbnail_2307000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6461389/Arizona/Desert-Wind-Middle-School-spotlights-data-driven-math-program-students-describe-hands-on-gains","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461389-0e1570cd4537e2098e72dd83712c27a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776048617&Signature=JxTJO73CW5SSHpO1W96niZabC5P6MGYX9TD0jhOQVaqQmQaGHWGykOLz7uv4MMVk4z5ZKj6k~lDtI21U4LdZYkvVY~TEuSkd7u~M~CucK0jmLYld2GYH18H9894OprBJ3ND39z4OEFVf~qVzFnkekcK~7EXetG-75Bo4YD8G0LtM03BpDA-ft0UEfbLlZYkgtSJIzl0zZtdgzaPPBPwojWv-AQhHavt4sTMJJqt4ZqS1B0otW0NGQx-fYbu4Ruhq~YKO5yZ8xyqMBC7S-HobG2qwdNdjEjOaKfoncZebcfUby8hzxUgIibBmVyAfPnr5Qla17FXR1BJoOyOlHo~~XQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maricopa Unified School District (4441)","date","2025-09-25T03:46:30.417Z","article","Desert Wind Middle School staff told the Maricopa Unified School District governing board on Wednesday that a combination of data-driven planning, common planning time and new instructional strategies is producing stronger alignment and more targeted interventions in middle-school math.

The classroom presentation, led by Miss Bald of Desert Wind Middle School, described use of the ASU Next Education workforce model, common formative assessments, IXL practice, co-teaching and ADE-funded math tutoring to identify student needs and quickly target instruction. \"Our foundation is the ASU Next Education workforce model,\" Bald said, citing dynamic student grouping, common team planning time and co-teaching as core practices.

Why it matters: Middle-school math proficiency affects later access to Algebra I, on-time graduation and postsecondary pathways. Desert Wind staff told the board the new structures are intended to increase student stamina for problem solving, create multiple pathways to answers and make reteaching more timely.

At the meeting, math department chair Mark Cunanan and academic coach Tessa Anderson joined Bald to explain how teachers use data talks, essential standard trackers and vertical whiteboards to scaffold instruction. Bald said teams meet daily for ASU teaming and have built an hour of common planning time into the master schedule so teachers can analyze data and adjust instruction in real time.

Students who spoke described concrete benefits. \"I really love the fact that the class is really interactive and we can help each other,\" said Kai, an eighth grader at Desert Wind, describing use of whiteboards and peer comparison of problem-solving approaches. \"You can show your thought process, and you can show other people what you think,\" Kai said.

Another eighth grader, Sophia, described improved teamwork and persistence after participating in community college math competitions: \"Keep pushing and trying again instead of giving up,\" she told the board. A third student, Adam, said IXL helped him understand steps and that he earned a perfect score on a math screen: \"I got a 100 on my math screens because I knew how to do it, and I understand it from the teacher.\" All student remarks were presented by Desert Wind during the classroom spotlight portion of the agenda.

Board members questioned program details. Member Owens asked what the biggest challenge to raising math proficiency is; Bald replied that stamina and creating a classroom culture where multiple solution paths are accepted are among the largest hurdles. Member Cutre asked about assessment frequency; Bald said teachers administer two common formative assessments plus a quarter 1 benchmark and a beginning-of-year benchmark — four data points so far this year — and that the use of daily common planning differentiates Desert Wind's approach by giving teams time to act on data.

The presentation also named supporting partners and tools: Math Solutions coaching, ASU professional development, IXL for practice and ADE-funded tutoring. Bald invited board members to observe planning sessions or classrooms to see the practices in action.

The board did not take formal action on the classroom spotlight; the item was presented as an information item and followed by questions from board members.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","September 24, 2025 Governing Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Desert Wind Middle School presented a math classroom spotlight to the Maricopa Unified School District governing board describing use of the ASU Next Education teaming model, IXL, common formative assessments and on-site tutoring; students and staff said the changes support collaboration and targeted interventions for grades 6–8.","taxTitle","Maricopa Unified School District (4441), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",38556,"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},6461379,"Board approves personnel schedule, compensation plan, AFR, policies and superintendent goals",617,4819000,5436000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824320-381e87a64050054a10a30c4906f559ca&start=4819&end=5436","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824320-381e87a64050054a10a30c4906f559ca/thumbnail_4819000.jpg","/articles/6461379/Arizona/Board-approves-personnel-schedule-compensation-plan-AFR-policies-and-superintendent-goals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461379-2f63e4e2ec8bfc182d5dcaae91597d2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1776048617&Signature=oOzLzFV7I-Qkk18heyRHrTM-Y-fU5q6Un3ttlTjUiODXxT3BJ~4DxhgMcWr4a0Y0vW-dAMLX3Qw1RGHMRolJ5Q9f5FOlJVDa5m3DviNW0YWalBqUSaDNjvHKHEjKKxEQADpikPCaAQUpkRbqvfbrCzqUHYInm9fPS0zH~DjuQzgVg-FY4dLpx51eVaVQAJb~Kr4DVk0dQqqHhbV9ochSDsS~binw4F8rY2ym68-ydh5IYgIcekWItyM2njPTn72xrdUcfxFWJ7EHtHYN5aewyR4AVXxr048Ixex~rm38V64G66M2twmQ072HmFAeY-JWUEM28feMXSEIepE2HCZPdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its September 24 meeting the Maricopa Unified School District governing board approved a series of consent and action items, including personnel changes, the district’s annual financial reports, a performance compensation plan and multiple policy revisions. All recorded votes on the listed items were unanimous.

Votes at a glance (motions, mover/second and recorded vote):

- Personnel schedule (item 8.a): Motion to approve the HR schedule made during the meeting; mover/second not specified on the record. Recorded vote: Ben Owens — Aye; Carolyn Lopez — Aye; Patty Cutre — Aye; Robert Downey — Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Performance compensation plan for 2025–26 (item 8.b): The staff-recommended plan was presented after a committee review and a staff vote that the presenter said passed 96% in draft form. Motion to approve (mover/second not specified on the meeting audio). Recorded vote: Owens, Lopez, Cutre, Downey — all Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Fiscal year 2024–25 Annual Financial Report and school-level AFR forms (item 8.c): Mr. Harmon presented the AFR summary and requested board approval of the set of reports. Motion to approve (mover/second not specified on the record). Recorded vote: Owens, Lopez, Cutre, Downey — all Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Fundraising master list for 2025–26 (item 8.d): Board-approved master list covering student-activity fundraisers; boosters/PTO joint fundraisers require separate handling. Motion to approve (mover/second not specified). Recorded vote: Owens, Lopez, Cutre, Downey — all Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Revised policy 1-302 (governing board meetings and open meeting laws) (item 8.e): Revision reflects changes cited as House Bill 2231 (as presented). Motion to approve (mover/second not specified). Recorded vote: Owens, Lopez, Cutre, Downey — all Aye. Outcome: approved.

- New policy 5-216-O1 (assessments) (item 8.f): New policy implements provisions described as coming from House Bill 2540 and allows high school students to submit nationally recognized assessment scores (for example ACT composite as discussed) in place of certain state testing if submitted in the required timeframe. Motion to approve (mover/second not specified). Recorded vote: Owens, Lopez, Cutre, Downey — all Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Revised policy 4-410 (interscholastic athletes) (item 8.g): Revision requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at all district-sponsored athletic events, including practices. Motion to approve (mover/second not specified). Recorded vote: Owens, Lopez, Cutre, Downey — all Aye. Outcome: approved.

- Superintendent’s goals (item 8.i): Board approved the superintendent’s goals as presented; motion and second recorded in the meeting but mover/second not specified in the audio transcript. Recorded vote: Owens, Lopez, Cutre, Downey — all Aye. Outcome: approved.

What the votes mean: The board approved routine personnel actions, district compensation and budget reports, and several policy updates tied to recent state legislation and safety requirements. Where committee or staff approval was cited (for example, the compensation plan’s 96% staff approval), board action finalized the items for posting and submission to state offices where required.

Attribution and voting record: All recorded roll-call votes in the action items above showed the four voting members on the dais — Ben Owens, Carolyn Lopez, Patty Cutre and President Robert Downey — voting \"Aye.\" Where the transcript did not capture a named mover or seconder, the article labels those fields as not specified; the recorded roll-call votes are included above as the recorded results.","The Maricopa USD governing board voted unanimously to approve the personnel schedule, the 2025–26 performance compensation plan, the fiscal year 2024–25 annual financial report and school‑level financial forms, a master fundraiser list, and several policy revisions and additions including a new assessments policy and AED requirement for athletics.",{"_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},6461384,"Maricopa USD reports bond, override spending; K–8 school one under construction, second pending state grant",349,3271000,3620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5824320-381e87a64050054a10a30c4906f559ca&start=3271&end=3620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5824320-381e87a64050054a10a30c4906f559ca/thumbnail_3271000.jpg","/articles/6461384/Arizona/Maricopa-USD-reports-bond-override-spending-K8-school-one-under-construction-second-pending-state-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6461384-ef6dcfa33d006e07a1b20bbdc2cdbaef/orig.mp4?Expires=1776048617&Signature=ipDn-6O-R~Lrfy6Sqr5R9YqTMfD4z8Z4WG-R62d-KOlVnxlOApefv7pTup0FWUeECkCYvFQf6Rwd6jQxMze3apGdGcLyPM5YTtoWtrD0FzG3GSVHhNuBdiuhQNcicQl7s966ZUsHmd9i-OIYnFouOn0ZkakYKIlAWi8EQl3caph5pCdI-fOsUKjxv-9IoEWM2wzrjZiJr~Y6MOWxNgytFUy~uobotkkbuZZXUaqkVkGbJh2Mn1FHpgFHBkpvPA~vPfllTZl3NxJaWSu4o5OcR1scMeg89VJmi808A10w8zNvVFoAD~D-g0Sq8WNerjjiL94SMRL9G6FBMv49HVGsrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maricopa Unified School District finance staff told the governing board on Wednesday that the district’s bond sale and override funds remain on track and that construction of the district’s first new K–8 building is under way.

Mr. Harmon presented the annual bond and maintenance-and-operations (M&O) override report required under state law. \"Our Arizona Revised Statutes 15.481 and 15.491 require school districts that issue bonds or have budget overrides to report in a public meeting each year between September 1 and October 31,\" Harmon said, outlining the district’s reporting obligations.

Key financial and project details reported by Harmon:

- Bond sale: On April 30 the district sold $42,750,000 in bonds; the sale averaged about a 4.45% interest rate, Harmon said. The district expects to sell an additional $27,250,000 in authorized bonds next spring.

- Override allocations and staffing: The override’s prior-year expenditures included roughly $5,500,000 for teachers, $500,000 to the Grama Academy, $500,000 for technology and $500,000 for counselors and teachers on assignment. Harmon said the teacher portion equates to about 59 positions across the district: approximately 36 elementary, 14 middle and 9 high school teachers.

- Capital projects: K–8 No. 1 in Sorrento is funded by state grant and bond funds; Harmon said the district broke ground May 15, masonry for the gym is topped out, and the project is \"trending slightly ahead of schedule\" and \"below budget.\" K–8 No. 2 is in design and is contingent on a state grant decision expected in December; the Maricopa High School workforce development project is in design and fully bond funded.

Harmon also summarized the district’s bond tax-rate impact, saying the county board of supervisors approved a slight decline in the district’s bond tax rate after the sale. A board member reported receiving a Pinal County tax statement showing a reduction in the MUSD line items.

Board members asked clarifying questions about the December grant decision for the second K–8 campus; Harmon confirmed the district accelerated early design work but acknowledged the opening timeline depends on state approval. Harmon encouraged board members and the public to view construction progress on the site.

The report was presented as an information item; board members had no further action on the bond item at the meeting.","District finance staff told the governing board the district sold $42.75 million in bonds in April, reported override spending that funded roughly 59 teachers and other initiatives, and said K–8 school No. 1 is under construction and trending under budget while K–8 No. 2 awaits a December state grant decision.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Desert Wind Middle School spotlights data-driven math program; students describe hands-on gains

Board approves personnel schedule, compensation plan, AFR, policies and superintendent goals

Maricopa USD reports bond, override spending; K–8 school one under construction, second pending state grant