Board accepts monitoring reports on English‑learner proficiency and staff onboarding; district outlines new handbook and induction program

The Phoenix Elementary School District Governing Board accepted monitoring reports on student outcomes and superintendent guardrail 3, which focuses on hiring, onboarding and retention of diverse staff.

Superintendent Doctor Gonzales reported that Board Goal 3 — increasing the percentage of English‑language learners (ELLs) who improve at least one proficiency category on the state AzELLA assessment — is on track. The goal target is to move from 32% in August 2023 to 50% by August 2028; administrators said interim assessments and embedded instructional practices in both math and literacy indicate progress.

Dr. Bowman, assistant superintendent for human resources, described the district’s first‑iteration employee handbook (distributed to new hires), plans to publish a dynamic online handbook, and a three‑year teacher induction program (Build, Believe, Understand, Inspire, Learn, Develop) designed to support new educators toward national board certification after year three. Bowman also described expanded training for custodians, bus drivers and other non‑certified staff and said the district is building internal pathways for staff career advancement and interview coaching.

Board members pressed staff about survey representativeness and response rates. Administration provided counts: 35 new teachers (92% response rate on new‑hire surveys), 64 exit‑interview responses and 96 end‑of‑year baseline survey responses. Administrators acknowledged that quarterly PECTA surveys had smaller, self‑selected samples and said they plan continued partnership with PECTA to broaden input.

President Trujillo moved to approve the monitoring reports; the motions were seconded and carried by recorded aye votes. Staff said they will continue to monitor satisfaction and retention measures and submit updates to the board.