District update: new hires announced, cell‑phone procedure added and search continues for band teacher

District administrator Mr. Roloff gave the board an update on the start of the school year, staffing and procedures.

Mr. Roloff said he was encouraged by the atmosphere at recent welcome‑back nights and by district professional development: “there's really good energy,” he said, calling the events uplifting for teachers, students and families. He noted the district had engaged an outside consultant for professional learning and that administrators and board members participated in kickoff events.

During introductions earlier in the meeting, principals described multiple new hires across the district. The elementary school reported four new teachers, including Rita Wilhite (sixth grade), Katherine Grabowski and Rhiannon Smith; the high school reported five new hires, including a new chemistry teacher and a head basketball coach who is a special-education teacher. The elementary also introduced new aides Jenneline Petty (title aid) and Perla Moya (SPED aid).

Mr. Roloff told the board staff added a cell‑phone procedure to the packet to align with a new state law on how cell phones are used and overseen in Arizona schools; he emphasized the document is a procedure, not a policy, and said administrators have conducted professional development to ensure compliance.

He also noted the district will observe Code Talkers Day with a recess on Monday, Aug. 18. On staffing, Roloff said the district continues to seek a band teacher and is exploring creative interim options, including student leadership or mid‑year hires from university programs.

Board members asked about calendar planning; Mr. Roloff offered to take questions to the calendar committee and explore adopting a multi‑year block calendar in the future.

The board did not receive any public comment during the call to the public.