Three public commenters raised separate concerns: a parent alleged staff inaction and mocking during a medical emergency at Valley Vista High School; another urged strict compliance with Arizona open‑meetings laws and warned against using intermediaries to coordinate votes; and a community member urged the board to reconsider a vote on a Whitman BNSF rail hub resolution, citing hazardous‑materials risks.
Board approved 2026–27 contract language and notices of employment for certificated and classified staff, authorized issuance of employment contracts, and confirmed a slate of administrator appointments including principals and assistant principals across the district.
Student leaders reported holiday‑season activities across Dysart — spirit weeks, parades, Purple Star recognition for military‑connected students and upcoming winter dances and formals — highlighting districtwide service and engagement.
The board approved a pre‑EPP (Ready to Teach) pilot to provide mentored student‑teaching experiences for candidates, including 15 mentor teachers with $1,000 stipends and student‑teacher pay at the substitute rate; administration said professional development funds will cover the roughly $254,550 program cost.
After months of committee work, the athletic‑eligibility review found athletes generally have higher GPAs than nonathletes and the committee recommended no immediate change to the district's D minimum; board members asked for targeted pilot data and broader extracurricular analysis including choir and band.
Dysart Unified School District officials told the board the district has its highest number of A-rated schools on record, no C-rated schools for a second consecutive year, all four high schools remain A-rated and the district label remains an A; one B-rated school is under appeal.
The Dysart Unified School District Governing Board approved a facility-use agreement with the City of Surprise that allows the city to present shows at the Vista Center for the Arts through June 30, 2031, while the district retains scheduling control and revenue from district events.
Principals and teachers showcased Sundown Mountain's credit-recovery program and Sunset Hills Elementary's PLC-driven third-grade approach; Superintendent Dr. Crodo also recognized Nicholas Schneider, a National Merit semifinalist from Shadow Ridge High School.
Lisa Everett told the board she believed three members opposed a resolution against BNSF's Whitman intermodal hub for personal reasons and urged them to resign, saying personal animosity should not override students' safety and well-being.
The Dysart Unified School District governing board on Oct. 22 heard presentations from two elementary campuses on efforts to raise student achievement through professional learning communities and frequent formative assessment.
