Gilbert board approves first readings of five policies, includes AED requirement for high school athletics

The Gilbert Unified District governing board on Sept. 23 approved first readings of five district policy updates, including a provision that would require an automated external defibrillator at high school athletic activities beginning Aug. 1, 2026.

The board voted to move the proposed policies forward for second reading and final action at a subsequent meeting. Superintendent Dr. McCord said the package will return to the board for a second reading before being placed on the consent agenda for final approval.

The most notable change would add a requirement for automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in high-school athletic settings. “Beginning on 08/01/2026, if the district provides instruction to students in grades 9 through 12 and sponsors an athletic team or sports program, the district shall provide an automated external defibrillator, AED, on each school campus and at each school sponsored athletic event, including all practices, trainings, and competitions,” Dr. McCord read from the draft policy.

The board also approved a first read of a new assessments policy that allows students to submit the official score report of a nationally recognized assessment in place of certain state-prescribed tests, subject to state rules. The draft states that, upon submission by a parent or legal guardian, “the district shall record the score in the student’s file and report the score to the state board and Arizona Department of Education.” Board members asked whether the district would receive additional guidance from the state on how such scores will be counted in school-level reporting; staff said they have requested clarification from the Arizona Department of Education and expect details later.

Other first-read items approved were: - Policy 4-101 (Governing board authority to employees), which adds language restricting issuance of employment contracts to currently employed probationary or continuing certified teachers before March 15, consistent with referenced statute language; and - Policy 5-402 (Department of Child Safety interview and custody) and Policy 5-401 (Police interview notification), which set identification and notification protocols for DCS caseworkers and law enforcement interactions on district property.

Board members emphasized these were first readings; Dr. McCord reminded the board that the policies had already been vetted by the policy committee and will return for a second reading and final vote at a future meeting.

Among procedural notes, the board approved tonight’s consent agenda — with the addition of Gilbert High Band Boosters to item 7.11 — and carried the motions by voice vote. The first-read approvals were recorded as voice votes with no recorded no votes on the floor.

The policies reference state statutes as the authority for the district’s actions in the drafts presented to the board; staff said they will implement any operational procedures once the second readings are complete and after the district receives any further guidance from state agencies.