Marana Unified Governing Board reorganizes, adopts policies and approves staffing and contracts

The Marana Unified School District governing board held an organizational meeting that included the ceremonial swearing-in of newly elected board members, the election of board officers, and approval of routine and programmatic items ranging from a livestream vendor to a Title I staffing allocation.

Board members Hunter Holt, Catherine Macronis and Roy Alexander were sworn in; Holt was elected president and Macronis elected vice president following nominations and roll-call votes conducted under Arizona Revised Statutes procedures described to the board. The board also readopted existing governing board rules and policies, approved continued use of electronic/fax signatures for certain district documents, and voted to continue livestreaming regular meetings with Fifth Avenue Productions under the district procurement process.

Why it matters: The reorganization sets the board's leadership and reconfirms the district's existing policies and operational contracts as the new governing body begins its term. Several school‑level decisions — course approval, Title I staffing, and a memorandum of understanding to pilot an English‑learner assessment tool — were also approved and will affect classroom operations and federal Title funding use.

Key votes at a glance (motions and outcomes): - Adopt agenda as presented — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Elect Hunter Holt as board president — approved (roll-call: Catherine Macronis Yes; Roy Alexander Yes; Mr. Carlson No; Hunter Holt Yes; Cathy Raymond Yes) - Elect Catherine Macronis as vice president — approved (roll-call: unanimous Yes) - Readopt governing board rules and policies — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Approve use of fax signatures on employee contracts and warrants (subject to safeguards) — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Continue livestreaming regular governing board meetings with Fifth Avenue Productions (current cost reported at $653 per meeting) — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Approve consent agenda — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Approve revisions to policy GDM (support staff career development) and policy JFB (open enrollment) — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Approve memorandum of understanding with Flashlight 360 (pilot for EL benchmark/assessment; Title III funded this year) — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Approve a 1.0 FTE year‑end Title I paraprofessional at Roadrunner Elementary (funded by Title I carryforward) — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Approve new high‑school course Intermediate Ceramics and Pottery 3–4 to be offered at Marana High and Mountain View High next school year — approved (voice vote: Aye) - Appoint Cathy Raymond and Roy Alexander as Class 2 directors to the Marana Schools 2340 Foundation board (one‑ and two‑year terms respectively) — approved (voice vote: Aye)

Details and supporting points: the board followed the nomination and roll‑call procedure outlined under ARS 15‑321 for officer elections. Legal counsel advised readopting board policies after reorganization to avoid questions about whether actions of the prior board remain in effect. The livestream item noted the district issued an invitation for bids to 34 registered vendors and received two responses; the recommendation was to continue with Fifth Avenue Productions. The Flashlight 360 MOU was described as a Title III‑funded pilot for the remainder of the year with an approximate cost of $5,000 for the current year; the vendor will integrate with Clever for student logins and provide one benchmark and product analysis for EL (English learner) teachers to use in planning. For the Title I paraprofessional, staff said funds are carryforward consolidated entitlement dollars redistributed by the Arizona Department of Education and that the position was posted as a year‑end 1.0 FTE; continuation beyond the current year depends on next year’s allocation.

Board ceremonial items: Mountain View High School’s mock trial teams and Marana High School senior athlete Desmond Robec were recognized for recent accomplishments.

The meeting adjourned after setting future regular meeting dates for February 13, March 13 and April 10.