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Paradise Valley board approves principal and director hires, facility projects and furniture purchases
Summary
At its March 6 meeting, the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board unanimously approved a package of personnel appointments and facility contracts including restroom renovations at Shadow Mountain High School, new furniture for multiple campuses and selection of Orcutt Winslow as architect for the Indian Bend Elementary rebuild.
PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — The Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board on March 6 voted unanimously to approve a series of personnel appointments and facility contracts that school leaders said will address staffing needs and aging school infrastructure.
The board approved four administrative hires by voice vote during the meeting’s “items for approval” segment. Superintendent’s designees presented credentials and recommended appointment for each role; motions to approve were made on the floor and passed unanimously.
The board also approved multiple construction and procurement actions the administration said are intended to modernize aging buildings and replace worn classroom furniture. Dr. Drew Davis, district facilities staff, described the Shadow Mountain High School restroom project as addressing both accessibility and code issues, saying: “This project will address a significant need on the Shadow Mountain campus, and we recommend approval.”
Votes at a glance
- Appointment of Heidi Benuellas as principal, Shadow Mountain High School — approved unanimously (5-0). - Appointment of Gianna Colonna as Director of Special Education — approved unanimously (5-0). - Appointment of Katrina Deak as Director of Federal Programs — approved unanimously (5-0). - Appointment of Nicole Wilford as Director of Gifted Education — approved unanimously (5-0). - Approval of proposed community education facility rental rate increases, effective 2025–26 school year — approved unanimously (5-0). - Approval of purchase from current district contract 20-315PVJOC for restroom renovations at Shadow Mountain High School — approved unanimously (5-0). - Approval of furniture purchase from district contract 23-16PV for Eagle Ridge Elementary — approved unanimously (5-0). - Approval of furniture purchase from district contract 23-16PB for six sites (North Ranch Elementary, Shea Middle, Sonoran Sky Elementary, Sunrise Middle, Whispering Wind Academy, and one other) — approved unanimously (5-0). - Selection of Orcutt Winslow as architect of record for the Indian Bend Elementary School rebuild (purchase from 1GPA cooperative contract 2318P09) — approved unanimously (5-0). - Approval of purchase from cooperative contract 2106P for roofing upgrades at Paradise Valley High School — approved unanimously (5-0).
What the board approved
Personnel: The board confirmed four recommended administrative hires after presentation of each candidate’s credentials. Human-resources staff described each candidate’s academic background and the recommended salary/benefits arrangements consistent with district bargaining agreements. No votes were opposed or abstentions were recorded.
Facilities and procurement: Contracts approved include a restroom renovation project at Shadow Mountain High School (ADA and code updates across eight restroom sets), several furniture purchases for elementary and middle schools using bond and district funds, roofing upgrades at Paradise Valley High School, and selection of Orcutt Winslow to serve as architect of record for the Indian Bend Elementary rebuild. Administrators said restroom work will use existing footprints where possible to control costs and that asbestos/materials inspections and abatement will be performed before construction if needed.
Board comments and concerns: Board members asked about safety and abatement protocols for older buildings (one board member noted the Shadow Mountain campus dates to about 1974). District staff responded that contractors will inspect for hazardous materials and complete abatement before construction starts. Board members also asked that the architectural team for Indian Bend look for opportunities to reuse or repurpose existing improvements where feasible.
Next steps: Vendors will proceed with procurement and pre-construction activities consistent with the contract awards and district timelines. The Indian Bend architect will begin community engagement and feasibility analysis pending the contract start.
Speakers quoted or cited in this article are identified in the speaker list below.
