Board approves personnel schedule 3-1; district introduces new athletic director and dean of students

The Maricopa Unified School District governing board voted 3-1 on July 9 to approve the personnel schedule presented by HR staff. President Robert Downey moved to approve the schedule and a board member seconded; roll-call recorded Shontay Rothschild and Ben Owens voting aye, Patty Couture voting nay, and President Downey voting aye.

Board members discussed several positions on the schedule during the meeting. Concerns were raised about a newly created pack theater manager role that will be funded by facility rental fees and intended for facility rentals rather than school activities. Members also questioned the conversion of a middle-school dean position to a TOSA role with the district noting the conversion is initially a TOSA assignment while administrators work with the individual on credentialing with the goal of moving to a dean of students assignment. The board discussed filling a counseling role vacated by a leave of absence and whether the district would be required to guarantee the exact same position to an employee returning from leave.

Following approval of the personnel schedule, HR introduced district hires. The presenter introduced Dr. Matt Smith, who will serve as athletic director and assistant principal at Maricopa High School, and Tevin Rutherford, who will serve as dean of students at Desert Wind Middle School.

HR and administrators committed to working with school-level leaders on assignment details and credentialing timelines. The personnel vote recorded one dissenting vote; the board did not change the schedule at the meeting.