At its regular meeting the Sierra Vista Unified School District governing board approved multiple personnel and policy items and recorded several roll‑call outcomes.

On personnel and human‑resources items, administration recommended modifying the Exceptional Student Services (ESS) compliance monitor job description to include Medicaid monitoring responsibilities previously centralized in a vacant coordinator role. After questions about ensuring adequate Medicaid training and coding expertise, board members were assured a standard operating procedure manual and training arrangements exist. The board approved the ESS compliance monitor modification 4‑0.

The board also approved creation of a grants and Medicaid specialist position by reallocating an existing FTE and changing classification to achieve wage placement cost savings; administration said the move would not affect maintenance of effort. That job description was approved 4‑0.

The board accepted the resignation of professional staff member Erica Archer, effective Jan. 2, 2026, and then considered Archer’s request to waive $1,000 in liquidated damages under policy GCQC. Administration said the request "did not meet the criteria," and the board voted to deny the waiver 3‑1.

A leave‑extension request from support staff member Cynthia Galindo (extension through Feb. 2, 2026) was considered and denied consistent with district policy for leaves exceeding 12 weeks (motion carried 4‑0).

Board members approved out‑of‑state travel for approximately 11 Buena High School Robotics students, two chaperones and one district employee to attend the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition in Las Vegas in April 2026; funding will come from robotics gifts, donations and student activity funds (approved 4‑0).

During discussion of job qualifications, board member Mr. Conner raised concerns about Medicaid billing accuracy and reimbursement: "I'm just concerned about our reimbursement, because I can see from the medical side, a lot of them get turned down," he said, urging training and credentialing protections before responsibilities are shifted.

The board also completed a first reading of policy updates clarifying holiday and pay distinctions for 9‑, 10‑ and 12‑month employees; the first reading proceeded and will return for subsequent consideration.

Votes at a glance: adopt agenda (4‑0); approve minutes (4‑0); consent agenda (4‑0); ESS compliance monitor job update (4‑0); grants/Medicaid specialist job adoption (4‑0); accept resignation Erica Archer (4‑0); deny Archer waiver (3‑1); deny Cynthia Galindo leave extension (4‑0); approve robotics travel (4‑0); policy first reading (4‑0); adjourn (4‑0).