Curriculum staff reported that the K–5 ELA review narrowed top vendors to HMH, McGraw Hill Wonders and McGraw Hill Open Court; the board will invite those vendors for presentations and continue evaluating supplemental early-literacy materials.
The J O Combs Unified School District board approved a superintendent employment agreement and a transition services contract for Toby Haugen and heard brief remarks from Haugen about prioritizing listening and community engagement ahead of a July start.
At its Dec. 9 meeting the J O Combs Unified School District board approved a demographic study contract, applied Arizona's $0.45 COLA to hourly staff effective Dec. 25, updated salary schedules, and approved several routine operational items including course guides and a preventative maintenance statement.
High school staff presented a three‑tier 'Coyotes of Distinction' recognition program tied to CCRI and school-satisfaction measures; board members urged flexibility so the rubric does not exclude students on nontraditional pathways and staff said counselors will have leeway and SchoolLinks will track participation.
Dozens of former athletes, students and community members praised longtime cheer coach Linda Collins during public comment, describing her mentorship, community support and long-term impact on students' lives.
The governing board voted 5–0 to adopt the district's 2024–25 annual financial report and school-level financial reports; board members were asked to sign documents before leaving the meeting.
The governing board discussed releasing a request for proposals for a new K-5 English language arts adoption and reviewed the makeup of a volunteer adoption committee; no formal vote to release the RFP was recorded in the public portion of the meeting.
Board members received background on proposed bylaw votes from the Arizona School Boards Association and a first reading of several policy changes recommended by ASBA; the board will vote on the bylaw items at a future meeting.
District staff presented early-year assessment data showing mixed results: reading has areas of strength while math proficiency is lower in several grades; staff said the current ELA curriculum is no longer state-approved, reinforcing the adoption process.
Superintendent Dr. Wyman highlighted recent student achievements, school leadership programs and recognized teachers and students; the board also adopted a resolution recognizing Legendary Teacher Day on Sept. 25, 2025.