Tempe Union board adopts agenda, uniform policy on walkers and riders, routine consent items and ASBA legislative priorities

The Tempe Union High School District governing board handled a series of routine and informational items May 1, adopting the meeting agenda, approving the consent agenda and passing a first-reading/adoption of Policy EEEAA (walkers and riders). President Montero opened the meeting and moved to adopt the agenda; Member Steele seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

Later in the meeting Vice President James moved to approve Policy EEEAA and Member Steele seconded; the board approved the policy 4-0. The board also approved consent agenda items F1–F10 in a single motion earlier in the meeting.

In an information item, the board reviewed and then approved its proposed 2025 Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) political-agenda priorities, selecting issues that include stable base funding for public schools, support for school meals, prioritizing special-education funding, and a recommendation that ASBA press the state for stronger fiscal and academic transparency requirements for entities receiving public funds, including Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (vouchers). Member Barraza argued oversight of ESAs should be a top priority, saying there is insufficient accountability compared with public school funds.

Votes at a glance: Adopt agenda — mover: President Montero; second: Member Steele; vote: 4-0. Consent agenda F1–F10 — mover: President Montero; second: Vice President James; vote: 4-0. Policy EEEAA adoption — mover: Vice President James; second: Member Steele; vote: 4-0. Approval of 2025 ASBA priorities — mover: President Montero; second: Member Steele; vote: 4-0.

What’s next: The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for May 15, 2024.