[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6425465,"mediaKeyId","5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158","parentId",5898918,"title","Phoenix Elementary will ask voters to allow long-term leases, sales or exchanges of district property","audioSeconds",532,"startMs",2889000,"endMs",3421000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158&start=2889&end=3421","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158/thumbnail_2889000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6425465/Arizona/Phoenix-Elementary-will-ask-voters-to-allow-long-term-leases-sales-or-exchanges-of-district-property","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425465-be8a2597f42fe86d3b9f59149d81a75d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773546444&Signature=QTvma1l~QHdYwgE~Ol5B~FTW9Swf3MZADUxS~3KThs1KiAD05GgLO~xK8TJ~G6GDvfFIPIWbpY4boahzavr3eG3n8RlkX1J2cuMMa~eLNuyh0nDOxnfJNPK3p4U74buT9yfNY~ANsRq22ELzSswcF-osNu1km2O2Wo3-YXKSPvE0umyTRjNVnpmxqXa3XDcWF2fZjfkRD8DrCkTJP6r5gEUIhQFsf33B6qkr5pFpN3cSYIG1fpaoj0SS3bMRYH2JUeAzoxk5BEFqLEfaBYk7WjK0QVPUkO2qqsARYBKlxOTUsVoTwKmPWvrEH57cRS912ukj~qRb5NIl9QSbjOrCeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Phoenix Elementary District ","date","2025-10-03T22:32:25Z","article","The Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1 governing board on Tuesday received a presentation on a November voter proposition that would give the district permission to enter into long-term leases (21–99 years), to sell district property with proceeds restricted to bond debt repayment and building reinvestment, or to exchange real property.

The proposition, presented by Sarah Sims, the district’s executive director of strategic initiatives, would allow the district to use lease revenue on items Sims listed as eligible, including construction or improvement of buildings and classrooms, purchase of buses or vehicles, safety infrastructure upgrades, program costs and staffing. \"Lease funding allows for flexible spending,\" Sims said, and she noted sale proceeds would be more restricted.

Why it matters: supporters say long-term leases can unlock private financing for development and create ongoing revenue that can be reinvested into classrooms and services. Community members and board members pressed district staff for details about tenant responsibilities, transparency of lease terms and protections for enrollment and neighborhood outcomes.

What the presentation said: Sims walked the board through a chart of current leases, lessees, square footage and the percent of building leased; she said price-per-square-foot figures shown were approximate. She identified Booker T. Washington, the Fillmore property and Monterey Park as already voter-approved for long-term leases; Heard School is limited to 20-year leases under current approvals. Sims said utilities for some leases are paid by the lessee while Monterey Park’s utilities are paid by the district; Monterey Park’s reported $15.54-per-square-foot figure included in-kind services such as discounted childcare for employees and half-day preschool access.

Sims said total long-term lease revenue currently brings in about $1.1 million a year, and the district plans to allocate or reserve funds for preschool supplementation, expanded sports and after-school programming, district field trip transportation, training and reimbursement for family-and-community-engagement staff, teacher mentoring, seed funding for new programs (including the dual language immersion program at Lowell) and general reserves. \"We understand those do not add up to $1.1 million, but we are trying to build a reserve,\" she said.

Questions from the board and public: Board members asked whether lease terms clearly spell out rents, utility and maintenance responsibilities; Sims said lease agreements specify base rent and billed custodial, grounds and utility costs proportionate to the square footage used, and all leases are reviewed by the district’s legal counsel. A board member asked whether a voter approval for long-term leases is a pathway to closing schools; Sims replied that closure requires a separate legal process with public notice and input and that the proposition only authorizes sale, lease or exchange of property, not school closure.

Several public commenters raised concerns tied to property and enrollment decisions. Parent Allison Gullick told the board the district is \"at a breaking point\" after a reported more-than-10% drop in enrollment on a recent count, saying closures and reduced preschool access have harmed trust in the district. Paul Booth urged greater transparency on past leases and asked the district to publish actual rents, utility responsibilities and maintenance terms for proposed deals. April Pettit, president of PECTA, urged community support for an override ballot measure and said the additional funding would help preserve teacher pay, arts and music programs, student supports and class size.

How the district says it will vet lessees: Sims described a review committee that includes community members, procurement and staff; applicants are asked how they will benefit the community, how students can access their programs and how the proposed use aligns with the district mission. Sims said the committee has declined proposals that would amount to a gift of public funds or provide no benefit to students.

What’s next: the proposition will appear on the November ballot. The presentation did not include any final lease or sale decisions; board members asked staff to provide property-by-property details and noted they will review competitive bidding, transparency measures and community impacts before approving specific agreements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Governing Board Meeting 10/02/2025-1","oneSentenceSummary","The Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1 governing board on Tuesday received a presentation on a November voter proposition that would give the district permission to enter into long-term leases (21–99 years), to sell district property with proceeds restricted to bond debt repayment and building reinvestment, or to exchange real property.","taxTitle","Phoenix Elementary District (4256), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",38273,"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},6425456,"District reports incremental gains in early-grade math; middle-years progress remains uneven",505,7267000,7772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158&start=7267&end=7772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158/thumbnail_7267000.jpg","/articles/6425456/Arizona/District-reports-incremental-gains-in-early-grade-math-middle-years-progress-remains-uneven","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425456-d957a8db6963d21e1e33d6d38ae19f83/orig.mp4?Expires=1773546444&Signature=lSM3QsFE-SYi8Du9OyYzJDJIo-CIvC8Aj1J1E8INT3tb5KpI4vmWQ-JPn6goj5EZYouoIoV4WAiWAIEdn30CiSC1W9NkC~mXRqIU7aKi3SEIep4KcI4F3LTB4ASRCmIKdCkvIq~euT9sk-S8pTBIs~kb8KzPExCrUAoHUJEliIXnkDBwqg8SDJrWS9jWD~AzjzsdDpj5mL95FXoV8bCYEv4BAIP1ILrJVErpvUVYamxzMLArEu9uIjlIu15BdAgP72uQwcjGcqY~jM9HR~kp4LysWRO7JAs5NxFBhI0oa7wevBNAIRm2ZyIVMROx1~YSWdzvnjUiAkj6LF88puAbYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1 governing board received progress-monitoring reports on elementary and middle-school mathematics goals and approved both reports.

The district framed two linked objectives: (1) increase third-grade AASA math pass rates from 29% (Aug. 2023 baseline) toward a 54% target by 2028, and (2) increase eighth-grade AASA pass rates toward a 38% target by 2028. Staff described incremental gains and strategies to accelerate progress, including expanded instructional coaching, more purposeful small-group intervention (Tier 2), curriculum fidelity and teacher collaboration.

Why it matters: both early-grade numeracy and middle-years mathematics are cited in the board’s strategic goals as key levers for long-term student outcomes. District staff said improving teacher capacity and ensuring consistent use of the adopted curriculum are priorities to lift student achievement across grades.

Elementary and early grades: Dr. Gonzalez and district leaders reported third-grade results rising from 29% to 32% on the AASA; the district has set interim fall-to-winter targets and emphasized math discourse, vocabulary routines and scaffolded small-group instruction. Dr. Lloyd, presenting on focus schools Emerson and Lowell, said the fall diagnostic shows low counts of students on grade but argued that small cohorts make percentage gains possible by moving one or two students: \"On average, over the last 3 years, we had about 13% increase across the entire district over the last 3 years. So I do think this is within reach for us this year,\" he said.

Staff actions include revising the master-teacher role into instructional coaches, targeted professional development (including a \"math boot camp\" during fall break), coordinated work between math and special education coaches and structured collaborative team meetings for data analysis and planning.

Middle years: the report for middle-school math (board goal 5) showed more varied results. Presenters said some cohorts, particularly at Capital and Herrera, have doubled their fall starting percentages compared with prior years (for example, a cohort rising from 6% to 13% on the initial benchmark), but district leaders cautioned that the 2028 targets for those cohorts are ambitious and in some cases outside historical year-to-year gains. The district emphasized coaching in classrooms, lesson-study groups for middle-school math teachers and targeted interventions for students below grade level.

Board reaction and next steps: several board members asked whether interim percentage targets are realistic; staff explained the targets were set to push accelerated improvement but acknowledged some site targets are ambitious given recent trends. The board approved the progress-monitoring reports for board goal 2 (early grades) and board goal 5 (middle years) and directed staff to continue implementing coaching, intervention and curriculum coherence strategies. Staff said they will continue to bring updated benchmark data to future meetings.","Board received progress-monitoring reports on elementary third-grade math and middle-years math. Staff described interventions, coaching changes and collaborative planning; targets for some interim goals were identified as ambitious and board members asked for continued focus and resources",{"_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},6425460,"Board approves Phoenix Elementary District FY25 annual financial report; staff flagged ESSER III decline next year",729,5674000,6403000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158&start=5674&end=6403","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158/thumbnail_5674000.jpg","/articles/6425460/Arizona/Board-approves-Phoenix-Elementary-District-FY25-annual-financial-report-staff-flagged-ESSER-III-decline-next-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425460-523b010bc10f459a01b1cc6a1a993a3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773546444&Signature=H6ze0CScGSXLxZp8Q65I6pdul8mgDmkpxgSvDkAS6khbiakJnC-6ERdDgQPBgK8F2diqILm~-zMiFeyvEJ5HIe4~HXumKZXSogXpp6uZl~nuioRM7oPjexsaQemdXVAd8J2ILddUdXFV6jPdbJpogOsU~yB9ChIO7Ur4qVUuVqyPhgCHwnHlsEwPaXv6a4gfLtdgvji6fhsR9KzudHdRMweJkyWNokSMNu6WuLINC3h5RyHL~C~KPpQtWpZ4rJ4dlF~h1CIuClvcycIR-AXQUroMcCeRxzWw2RlXy9gwVhqaQ8I2ZveBB6dg-EZnEglV6C65qB3QRhwoEuf1hU0ZKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1 governing board on Tuesday approved the district’s fiscal year 2025 Annual Financial Report (AFR) after a staff presentation explaining revenues, expenditures and fund balances.

The AFR documents the district’s revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year running July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and is required by statute that the presenter cited. \"The AFR is called the annual financial report. It is required by statute 19 dash 9 0 4 that must be presented and approved every year,\" an accounting presenter said.

Why it matters: the AFR is the official accounting of how the district used maintenance and operations (M&O), capital and grant funds during FY25. The report is audited by external auditors and is used for state reporting and, when applicable, annual comprehensive financial reporting that affects bond financing and district creditworthiness.

What staff presented: the district reported about $54.84 million in M&O expenditures and a total district expenditure across all funds of about $108 million for FY25. Staff said roughly 50% of M&O spending went directly to instruction and that salaries and benefits comprised about 88% of M&O spending (66% salaries, 22% benefits). The presenter noted capital outlay and classroom site fund totals and said grants included approximately $8.1 million in ESSER III funds included in the FY25 totals.

Staff cautioned that ESSER III funds are no longer available and that next year’s grant totals are expected to be lower: \"ESSER III funding is no longer available through the district. Next year, we're not going to see or that column will not be 21,000,000; it's more likely going to be around 12 or 13,000,000,\" the presenter said.

Audit and accuracy: staff described internal reconciliation steps, Uniform Standards for Financial Records (USFR) verification and federal reporting checks. The presenter said the district is roughly 75% complete with the external audit and that auditors will present final findings to the board. Board members asked for a concise board update showing beginning balances, total revenues, total expenditures and ending balances across funds; staff agreed to provide those figures in a subsequent update.

Board action: President Trujillo moved to approve the AFR; a board member seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

What the AFR does not resolve: the presentation and approval are not an audit acceptance; the external auditors still must complete their review and present audit findings. Staff said the auditors will finish their work soon and will present any findings to the board for acceptance.","The governing board voted to accept the district’s FY25 Annual Financial Report after a presentation explaining revenues, expenditures and fund balances; staff warned ESSER III federal funds inflated grant totals in FY25 and will not be available next year",{"_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},6425452,"District advances customer-service guardrail: internal audits, family surveys and parent education planned",272,10435000,10707000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158&start=10435&end=10707","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5898918-407b308d004757be7eab225fb3158158/thumbnail_10435000.jpg","/articles/6425452/Arizona/District-advances-customer-service-guardrail-internal-audits-family-surveys-and-parent-education-planned","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6425452-086c54618659d2d758f4812246b6e6f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773546444&Signature=TEWpf-HN9~xvD9OEMCJYUdhLKhWr4ctZUEogCA2D5fN~7KE4YikU5DlvYsd8ii9jPf-cb46au7EUTX~jgujSdqfnHeAKgORdsYMZSaOU~bENoUswClqZeBNtibbTkEhEE5KwDT-ecS7VlS9XIPKsy1SWn7m0tffLbxhyS7eoIxaO6adLoznxHwzFrgia6Y4xH4yOtskzUWXzrlNHBS8jnJZvMhCr0xaJkiYojuEcPLNFwGhkrhnQgODG0Se3LJbSGoBlCFR0VH7jtN6HeUETjQAJZj0SH~5ZWeplzy5zsWvrEAsshn1psKcdpx72ylRKZE2uAsrndSP7C1PqErsoUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Phoenix Elementary School District No. 1 governing board approved a progress-monitoring report on superintendent guardrail number 2, which requires the district to maintain a human organizational customer-service plan that fosters trust and collaboration.

Staff described three interim objectives: reduce audit errors in front-office records, implement regular family feedback and roundtables, and expand parent education through the district’s family-and-community-engagement (FACE) specialists.

Why it matters: audit errors in enrollment, attendance coding and residency documentation can cause state funding losses and reduce trust between families and schools, district staff told the board. The guardrail is intended to create repeatable processes, training and monitoring so school offices have the skills and time to handle administrative work while maintaining welcoming interactions.

Key elements explained to the board: the district’s MIS team will randomly pull records in September, January and April to check errors such as missing proof of residency, incomplete home-language surveys, incorrect withdrawal forms, and inaccurate attendance-minute coding. Front-office staff will receive immediate feedback and targeted training; district leaders said the goal is to reduce the rate of these errors and to celebrate offices that meet accuracy standards.

On customer feedback, staff described new quarterly surveys available via QR code in offices and at caregiver conferences, plus roundtable conversations held at focus schools. Examples from recent roundtables included requests for more social-emotional supports, after-school enrichment, sports programs and longer preschool days; families at multiple schools raised safety and transportation concerns.

Parent education: staff outlined a Parent Educator Academy offered in cohorts (12 weeks, three hours weekly) to train caregivers in strategies tied to literacy and academic engagement. The district said FACE staff will be trained to lead workshops so families can apply techniques at home.

Board action and questions: board members asked who conducts the internal audit checks (MIS) and whether internal checks will be sufficiently rigorous; staff said internal audits are intended to catch errors earlier and that external auditors (ADE and contracted auditors) will still perform formal audits. A board member questioned why the initiatives were codified as a guardrail rather than embedded in job descriptions; staff said the guardrail originated from prior audit findings and community feedback and has helped prioritize internal process improvements. The board approved the report and directed staff to continue implementation and return with metrics.","Board approved a progress-monitoring report for superintendent guardrail No. 2 that directs internal audits of front-office records, a family feedback system and parent education workshops to reduce audit errors and improve school–family interactions","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Phoenix Elementary will ask voters to allow long-term leases, sales or exchanges of district property

District reports incremental gains in early-grade math; middle-years progress remains uneven

Board approves Phoenix Elementary District FY25 annual financial report; staff flagged ESSER III decline next year

District advances customer-service guardrail: internal audits, family surveys and parent education planned