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Board adopts notice of intent to terminate Canyon View counselor; hearing process authorized
Summary
The Agua Fria governing board voted to adopt the administration's notice of intent to terminate and statement of charges seeking dismissal of Canyon View High School counselor Shalanda Smith, and authorized selection of a hearing officer if she requests a hearing under state statute.
The Agua Fria Union High School District governing board voted on Wednesday to adopt the administration's written notice of intent to terminate and statement of charges seeking the dismissal of Canyon View High School counselor Shalanda Smith, and authorized the administration to select a hearing officer should Smith request a hearing.
Before the vote, community member Samantha Hamblin spoke during the public comment portion in support of Shalanda Smith, describing Smith's involvement with student clubs and student support over seven years and calling Smith "an advocate for the students" who "treats them like young adults." Hamblin said Smith had been a consistent presence at Canyon View since it opened in 2018 and warned that losing her would be "a huge loss" for students and parents.
After executive session, the board returned to open session and President Acton moved to adopt the administration's notice of intent to terminate and statement of charges seeking dismissal and to direct that the statement be served pursuant to Arizona law. The motion also directed that Smith's employment would terminate within 30 days of service unless she timely requested a hearing. If a hearing is requested, the board authorized the administration to select a hearing officer under Arizona Revised Statutes and to have that officer hear evidence, prepare a record and issue a recommendation to the governing board.
The motion carried; the board recorded affirmative votes and the action will proceed in accordance with the statutory process. The board did not discuss the underlying charges in public; the motion and subsequent vote implement the formal statutory procedure for termination and, if requested, an administrative hearing.
The board cited Arizona statute guiding hearing officer selection and administrative hearings. The district will serve the statement of charges on Smith in a manner consistent with Arizona law and will follow statutory timelines for notice and any requested hearing.
