Board approves personnel schedule; debate centers on middle-school dean role and leave replacement

The Maricopa Unified School District governing board on July 9 approved the personnel schedule after discussion about several position details, including the planned conversion of a middle-school dean position to a temporary TOSA (teacher on special assignment) while credentialing is completed and filling a counseling position that is open because an employee is on leave.

Mister Beckett presented the personnel slate and introduced incoming hires: Dr. Matt Smith, who will serve as athletic director and assistant principal at Maricopa High School, and Tevin Rutherford, who will serve as dean of students at Desert Wind Middle School.

Vice President (board member) expressed concern that the middle-school position (#47) had been changed to a TOSA assignment and questioned whether the role would receive duties equivalent to a dean while being paid at a teacher contract rate. Beckett responded the district would work with administrators and the individual to credential and transition the role to a dean assignment when possible.

Board members also discussed position #71, described in the personnel schedule as an opening created by a leave of absence. Beckett said the district has latitude on whether to guarantee the exact same position to the returning employee and that the district would work with that individual if they return.

After discussion, the board moved to approve the personnel schedule. The motion passed with three votes in favor and one dissenting vote.

The board then heard brief introductions and moved on to other business.