Tempe Elementary board approves personnel, accepts donations and delegates federal-grant certification to superintendent

The Tempe Elementary School District Governing Board on April 2 approved its meeting agenda and consent agenda, confirmed the hiring of Kevin Davidson as director of facilities management for learners, accepted $8,046.29 in community donations and delegated to Superintendent Driscoll the authority to execute certification and assurances required by the Arizona Department of Education for federal grant eligibility.

The actions were taken by voice vote during the regularly scheduled governing board meeting in the Karen Arredondo Governing Boardroom. Board members moved and seconded each procedural motion; each motion was put to a voice vote and the board president announced the motion passed.

Why it matters: the personnel hire fills a district facilities leadership role the district said is responsible for maintenance and facilities operations across schools; delegating certification authority streamlines the superintendent uthority to complete paperwork needed for federal grant funding; accepted donations provide modest local support to school programs.

Kevin Davidson confirmation Dr. Driscoll introduced Kevin Davidson to the board as the district esignation for director of facilities management for learners, summarizing his background in facilities and trade management, including his most recent role as facilities trade senior manager at Grand Canyon University since February 2016. Davidson addressed the board, saying, "I'm looking forward to ... being the new director of facilities here, joining a winning team, [and] just thank you for the opportunity." The personnel approval appeared on the consent agenda and was approved as part of that vote.

Donations and recognitions During the consent agenda the board accepted three donations listed by staff: $1,046.29 from Peter Piper Pizza; $2,000 from Desert Schools Federal Credit Union; and a $5,000 donation from Central Christian Church Tempe designated for Connolly, Fees, McKamey, Moseley, Chamblee, Ward and McKinney Vento programs. The board also received "Celebrate Excellence" remarks from Driscoll highlighting campus activities: Frank Elementary partnered with volunteers and West Coast Arborist to plant 22 trees; Fuller Elementary received the Exceptional Educators award at the mayor nd abilities awards; staff and district events and appreciation days were listed for April and May.

Delegation of federal-grant certification On agenda item 9.01 the board voted to delegate authority to Driscoll to execute requests for certification and assurances issued by the Arizona Department of Education regarding eligibility for federal grant funding. The motion was made, seconded, opened for discussion with no speakers, and approved by voice vote.

Other business and reports Board members reported committee and district updates, including a standing-committee report noting the district will increase the employer contribution for employee medical insurance to $9,650 (the presenter stated there would be no change to employee or dependent contributions). The statement was delivered during a reports segment and described as a committee recommendation that had been approved. The board also reviewed upcoming dates and community events and adjourned the meeting by approved motion.

Votes at a glance - Motion to approve the meeting agenda (Agenda item 4.02): approved by voice vote. - Motion to approve modification of minutes from the April 2, 2025 governing board meeting (Agenda item 5.01): approved by voice vote. - Motion to approve consent agenda (Agenda item 6.01), which included personnel actions and donation acceptances listed above: approved by voice vote. - Motion to delegate authority to Driscoll to execute certification and assurances with the Arizona Department of Education (Agenda item 9.01): approved by voice vote. - Motion to adjourn (Agenda item 13.01): approved by voice vote.

The board did not record individual vote tallies in the transcript; motions were approved on voice votes as announced by the presiding officer. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming events and a scheduled May 7, 2025 governing board meeting at the district administration building.