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Somerton board approves ESS booster club, calendar, audits and personnel appointments
Summary
At its Feb. 10 meeting the Somerton Elementary District board approved the district’s ESS booster club as the official school parent support organization, accepted the FY24-25 audit, adopted the FY26-27 school calendar, approved a gym membership reimbursement for staff and confirmed several appointments returning staff from ESI.
The Somerton Elementary District (4500) governing board unanimously approved a package of administrative items at its Feb. 10 meeting, including formal recognition of an Exceptional Student Services (ESS) booster club as the district’s School Parent Support Organization for FY26.
During the public-comment period Alejandra Dwarte introduced the parent-led ESS booster club, saying the group was created “to support students with diverse learning needs, their teachers and their families” by raising funds for adaptive resources and inclusive initiatives. After presentations and discussion the board moved to place and approve the organization on the district’s FY26 roster of parent support groups; the motion to approve was made by Miss Areola and seconded by Miss Clark and the motion carried.
The board also accepted the district’s annual audit for FY24-25. Staff said the audit materials include three attachments and a USFR compliance questionnaire that outlines compliance areas; presenters reported the noted deficiencies were minimal and that corrective steps are underway. A motion to accept the audit carried by voice vote.
On the calendar, the board approved the FY26-27 school calendar (Plan A), which sets a July 9 start date for new teachers, moves one summer professional-development day into January, and designates March 26 as a non-school day for students (reducing student days from 180 to 179). Board members said the calendar reflects staff and survey feedback; the motion to adopt the calendar passed.
The board also approved a district-funded gym membership reimbursement program as an employee wellness fringe benefit. HR staff described a reimbursement process that requires staff to document roughly three visits per week and submit attendance to qualify for monthly reimbursement; the district indicated the funding source comes from available carryover funds.
Finally, the board approved several personnel appointments returning employees from Education Service Inc. (ESI): Leticia Uri (custodian/groundskeeper, returning Feb. 4, 2026), Jorge Kano (director of food services, returning March 4, 2026) and Jose Valdez (lead custodian, returning May 11, 2026). Motions for the appointments were made and seconded and passed by the board.
The meeting concluded with routine announcements and adjourned at 6:26 p.m.
