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District seeks Marzano ‘high reliability schools’ training; year‑one cost largely covered by school councils
Summary
Administrators outlined a two‑year plan to pursue Marzano’s High Reliability Schools certification. Year‑one cost is $37,117.82; school community councils pledged principal support funds and the district would cover an estimated $5,000 gap if needed.
Grand Canyon School District administrators briefed the board on a proposed two-year engagement with Marzano Research’s High Reliability Schools (HRS) framework, a systems-oriented professional-development and certification program for school culture, teacher clarity and a guaranteed and viable curriculum.
Cost and funding District staff reported an invoice for year‑one services totaling $37,117.82. Administrators said school community councils at the high school and HMK have each pledged $16,000 toward the first year’s cost; after those commitments the district would need to cover the remaining balance — roughly a little over $5,000 for year one — from district funds if other local fundraising does not close the gap.
Program details and expected outcomes Staff described the HRS work as a multi-year systems investment rather than a quick training series. Year 1 includes surveys to tailor supports to campus needs, certification fees, interactive webinars and three days of on-site professional development at each participating campus. Year 2 adds another professional-development day and continued coaching; staff described the overall effort as a multi-year (approximately five- to eight-year) pathway to deeper integration and continuous improvement.
Why it matters Administrators argued the HRS framework will create consistent systems across campuses so instruction and accountability are less dependent on individual personnel changes and more reliant on documented processes and shared expectations. The program aims to produce measurable changes in school culture, teacher clarity and curriculum consistency that district leaders said will support recruitment and instructional continuity.
Board direction The board did not vote on a formal purchase at the work session. Administrators said principals would cover much of the initial cost through school community-council funds and that the district would consider a modest year-one contribution if necessary. The board and staff indicated they will continue to discuss funding and rollout details before final approval.
Ending: Staff invited board members to attend training sessions as observers and said they will return with a recommendation and final contract details when funding sources and year-two expectations are firm.
