Casa Grande board approves animals-in-schools regulation, HVAC funding; celebrates staff, expands free meals and preschool offerings

The Casa Grande Elementary School District governing board unanimously approved a revised animals-in-schools regulation and authorized $122,000 to replace the COIL media center HVAC at its year-end meeting, and members heard district updates on free meals, transportation technology and early childhood expansion.

The regulation change followed public comment and student testimony from Lucy Soderberg, a COIL student who told the board her class has been training a therapy dog and that the district removed the animal because no policy was in place. "We really hope we're able to get them back so that we can continue training," Soderberg said before the board voted to adopt the regulation.

Why it matters: The policy decision restores a formal process for animals on campus, potentially allowing student-led projects such as the COIL therapy-dog program to resume under district rules. The HVAC authorization is intended to restore climate control in a campus learning space and return the media center to regular use. Board action also cemented districtwide operational changes announced by staff, including universal free meals for enrolled students and the planned arrival of electric buses.

Board action and key votes

Votes at a glance: - Adoption of the meeting agenda — approved unanimously (5-0). - Approval of consent agenda, with removal of item 7.13 for separate consideration — approved unanimously (5-0). - Revision and approval of policy IMG/IMG-R (Animals in Schools) — approved unanimously (5-0). The policy change followed remarks from COIL student Lucy Soderberg explaining a student project to train a therapy dog and that the animal had been removed due to the lack of a policy. - Authorization to replace the COIL media center HVAC system (approximate cost $122,000) — approved unanimously (5-0). - Motion to adjourn to executive session pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes — approved unanimously (5-0).

What the board discussed and staff updates

Dr. Adam Lecky, superintendent, highlighted curricular and operational initiatives as the district enters winter break and noted a continuing "continuous improvement" effort across schools. He said the district is expanding early childhood opportunities and cited 11 preschool classrooms across three campuses (ECLC, COIL and Desert Willow) as evidence of that growth. Lecky also announced a community fundraising event by the newly established CG Education Foundation scheduled for Jan. 31 at Cholla Elementary School.

In nutrition services, Alicia Morales reported that this school year the district is providing free meals to 100% of enrolled students. Morales described menu changes, more scratch-made items to reduce sodium, a full-service salad bar in each kitchen, and meal-choice options including hot entrees, deli or salad. She credited a Creating Your Kitchen review for equipment and training improvements and recognized long-time central kitchen manager Irma for scratch-cooked recipes used districtwide.

Transportation director Darla Johnson told the board the department has implemented a student-tracking system to improve safety and ridership data for families and said the district expects two electric buses to arrive in the first quarter of the 2026 school year.

Student and staff recognitions

The board recognized students and staff from the Early Childhood Learning Center and other campuses. Cassie Goldberg, director of early childhood learning, presented five students and two staff members for outstanding work in preschool classrooms. Transportation and nutrition teams received staff recognitions for the year, including a 33-year central kitchen manager and transportation assistants cited for student safety and route support.

Farewell to Mike Cruz

Board member Mike Cruz, whose term ends at the end of the month, offered remarks about his service and thanked staff and community members. "Casa Grande Elementary School District is winning right now and they're winning because of the great people we have here," Cruz said. Board members and the superintendent presented him with an award recognizing his service.

Procedure and legal reference

Board members noted that the governing board may convene into executive session for legal advice under Arizona law and moved to adjourn to executive session pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes (as referenced during the meeting).

What the board did not decide

No new funding sources or detailed procurement contracts beyond the HVAC authorization were specified during the meeting. The transcript did not provide additional budget line-item sources for the HVAC purchase or indicate a vendor; staff said the unit would be obtained through a cooperative procurement because of long lead times and availability.

Next steps

The board recessed for an executive session and will reconvene for the organizational meeting on Jan. 14, when the new board member will be seated.