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Duncan Unified board designates fairgrounds for high school activities, approves trips, hires and volunteers
Summary
At its Feb. 9 meeting the Duncan Unified District Governing Board unanimously approved using the fairgrounds as a consistent site for high school activities, authorized a senior trip to Flagstaff and an eighth‑grade trip to OdySea Aquarium and Mesa Golfland, accepted a staff resignation and approved hires and volunteer coaches.
The Duncan Unified District (4228) Governing Board on Feb. 9 unanimously approved a slate of routine items, including designating the county fairgrounds as a common, consistent location for high school activities, authorizing two student field trips, accepting a maintenance resignation, and approving a teacher hire and volunteer coaches.
Superintendent Eldon Merrell told the board that "spring sports started today. Transportation will be very tricky," and updated members on audit work and pending legislative bills affecting the district.
On facilities, Member Wade Wagley moved and Member Pamela Harrington seconded a motion to approve the fairgrounds as a regular location for high school activities; the board voted 5–0 to adopt the designation.
On student travel, the board approved a senior trip to Flagstaff (May 14–16) after a presentation from senior class president Josh Free and a budget review by student Zoley Lane. Lane reported the class has raised $10,850 toward the trip, which the students expect will cost about $300 per student and will not require out‑of‑pocket payment by participants. The trip plan calls for four adult chaperones and use of four mini buses; students will follow the Bearizona code of conduct. Member James Hughes moved to approve the trip; the motion passed 5–0.
The board also approved an eighth‑grade trip (May 15) to OdySea Aquarium and Mesa Golfland. Student presenters described the educational focus of the aquarium visit, a legacy project to install a closed‑circuit television for junior high concessions, and a request for district transportation. Superintendent Merrell and teacher Valerie Smith confirmed accommodations will be made for students with special needs. The board approved the trip on a unanimous vote; the presented cost was $2,097.19.
Personnel actions included acceptance of the resignation of maintenance employee Garrett Welleford, who is relocating to Safford, and hiring Kariana Schnebly as an elementary special education teacher. Member Holly McCluskey moved to accept the resignation; Member James Hughes moved to approve the hire. Both motions carried 5–0.
The board approved two volunteer junior high softball coaches, Kaktys Garcia and Henry Chavez, on a unanimous roll call vote.
Superintendent Merrell briefed the board on the preliminary certified rehire list, noting it currently includes all teachers in regular positions and that staff filling positions as long‑term substitutes do not qualify for the certified list; a final certified list will be presented in March. The 2026–27 school calendar was presented for first reading, with staff given one month to propose changes prior to a March final vote.
The board voted unanimously to enter executive session at 6:22 p.m. under Arizona Revised Statute 38‑431.03(A)(1) to discuss the superintendent’s annual performance review and employment status; the meeting reconvened in open session at 8:01 p.m. President Mike Sweetser adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m.
Votes at a glance: the motions recorded in the minutes were carried unanimously (Sweetser, McCluskey, Hughes, Harrington, Wagley — all Yes).
