Students and parents tell Agua Fria board guidance failures cost local students scholarships

Two public commenters addressed the governing board during the call to the public on June 4, telling the board the high school guidance system failed to provide required information and follow-up that resulted in missed scholarship opportunities. Lizzie Sinema, a recent Millennium High School graduate, said administrative errors — incorrect IB math placement, missing required theory-of-knowledge coursework and inconsistent counseling — prevented her from completing steps for a scholarship she otherwise qualified for and cost her $28,000. She said her family’s ability to pursue remedies depended on having a well‑connected parent and urged systemic change so all students receive consistent information and support.

Melissa Zaitama, who identified herself as a Litchfield Elementary School District governing board member and a parent of a recent Millennium graduate, described a parallel case in which her daughter, eligible for a $28,000 national recognition scholarship, was told by a guidance counselor that "no further action was needed." That advice, she said, proved incorrect and resulted in the family losing the award. Zaitama called the guidance department "unresponsive, inconsistent, and in some cases, actively misleading" and asked the board to investigate and report back.

Board members thanked the speakers and directed the superintendent and staff to follow up with the families; the record shows the board noted the matter was not on the agenda but that staff would contact the families for follow-up. The comments put questions about counseling accuracy, equity in recognition and record-keeping on the board’s radar for staff review.