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Board tables superintendent performance-pay addendum amid calls for measurable student-outcome metrics
Summary
Trustees debated language tying a portion of superintendent pay to student-outcome goals, sought legal clarity and measurable metrics, and voted 4–1 to table the addendum while directing staff to return with revised, measurable language.
The Tempe Union Governing Board on Aug. 2 paused consideration of an addendum to the superintendent’s contract that would link part of performance pay to district goals and student outcomes.
Member James requested legal advice about statutory requirements and whether certain questions warranted executive-session discussion. Board counsel Jordan (on the record) said legal advice about contract language and statute could be provided in executive session if the board chose to go there. Trustees differed sharply over whether the board was ready to finalize measurable criteria this term or should wait until district-level goals and operational planning are more fully in place.
Vice President Steele proposed language to make the superintendent’s next-semester target concrete: "By the end of the next 6 months, the superintendent will lead the implementation of a comprehensive 3 phase plan to improve student outcomes and close opportunity gaps for historically marginalized students in alignment with the recently adopted board goals." Several trustees supported integrating measurable “buy-in” or site-level indicators (for example, attendance or documented site-level adoption of goals) so the addendum would be assessable.
Member Barraza and others urged caution about changing substantive performance criteria at the last minute and stressed the administrative time needed to cascade board goals to sites, departments and teachers. After an extended public discussion and repeated calls for clearer, measurable language, President Montero moved to table Item I1, and the motion passed 4–1.
Trustees instructed the superintendent and counsel to draft revisions that align the addendum to board-adopted goals and statutory requirements and to return the revised language at a future meeting for action.
