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District reports strong contract return rates; principals and teachers promote National Board Certification
Summary
Superintendent reported a high contract return rate and multiple open positions; two teachers outlined the National Board Certification process and the district noted a $2,000 stipend and $500 lane change for certified teachers.
At the April 14 meeting, Dr. Gordon told the board the district's contract season was progressing well: of 277 certified teacher contracts, 11 remained unsigned and 10 teachers had retired or resigned, leaving 21 unsigned/retired/resigned; if the unsigned contracts are returned the district would see a roughly 97% return rate. On the classified side, 367 contracts were issued with 12 unsigned and 10 retired or resigned. Dr. Gordon also reported 33 open positions districtwide and three open school psychologist/speech pathologist roles, noting principals are actively interviewing to fill vacancies before July.
The board also heard from two National Board Certification candidates. Kimberly Ward, principal at Manzanita Elementary and a candidate in early/middle childhood literacy, discussed the certification's job-embedded professional development and cited research suggesting measurable benefits for student achievement. Christina Whitchurch, a kindergarten teacher from San Benito, described the process and supports and said certification renews an Arizona teaching license. Staff said the district offers a $2,000 stipend on successful certification and a $500 salary lane change.
Board members asked about costs and supports; presenters cited scholarship opportunities and state supports through the Arizona K-12 Center and Arizona Teachers Academy. No formal vote was required on the National Board program overview.
