Governing Board approved November 18, 2015
Notice of Regular Meeting
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Location:
Cartwright School District 83
5220 W Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85031
A. Notice of Meeting
B. Agenda
C. Opening Items:
1. Call to Order and Roll Call – Mr. Lopez
Mr. Gomez called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Governing Board
Members Present: Mrs. L. Hernandez, Mrs. Cantu, Ms. M. Hernandez,
and Mr. Gomez. Mr. Lopez participated by phone.
2. Pledge of Allegiance – Mr. Lopez
Mr. Gomez led the pledge of allegiance.
3. Adoption of Agenda – Mr. Lopez
Mr. Gomez asked if there was a motion to adopt the October 21, 2015
Governing Board Agenda.
Adoption of the agenda for the October 21, 2015 Regular Meeting of
the Cartwright School District #83 Governing Board.
Motion by Lydia Hernandez, second by Rosa Cantu.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Pedro Lopez, Lydia Hernandez, John V Gomez, Rosa Cantu,
Marissa E Hernandez
D. Reports/Summary of Current Events
1. Superintendent - Dr. Chávez: A. Superintendent's Award of Excellence
Presentation to Mariachi Band Student Musicians at Marc T. Atkinson
Middle School - Ms. Sanchez; B. Teacher & Principal Evaluation System
Update - Dr. Murphy
The Superintendent welcomed everyone to the meeting. He
congratulated Glenn L. Downs School. They were the recipients of The
Lion King Experience Grant. The grant "gifts" the performance license
and multi-media curriculum for the Lion King to the school. The grant
would allow the school to put on the Lion King musical with the 3rd-6th
grade students. He proceeded to thank Disney on behalf of Glenn L.
Downs School. On Monday, October 19, 2015, Superintendent had the
opportunity to attend the ASBA County Meeting where Mrs. Lydia
Hernandez and Mr. John Gomez were honored for their Boardmanship.
He congratulated Mr. Gomez and Mrs. L. Hernandez. He also had the
opportunity to give the closing keynote speech at the NSBA CUBE 48th
Annual Conference held in Phoenix and thanked Mrs. Cantu for being
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instrumental in making that happen. He thanked Ms. Macias, Ms.
Santos and Mr. Winters for their assistance in preparing the
powerpoint presentation for his keynote speech. He wished everyone a
safe and Happy Veteran's Day for November 11, 2015.
The Superintendent introduced Ms. Veronica Sanchez, Director of
Communications and Community Engagement who presented the
Superintendent's Award of Excellence to Mariachi Band Students from
Marc T. Atkinson and Atkinson Middle School Music Teacher, Karen
Palubinski. Their nomination stated, "The Atkinson Mariachi Band has
been practicing during school hours every single day for the past two
years. Under music teacher Karen Palubinski's direction, the band
performs at school events like the winter and spring concerts. They will
also be forming during the Cartwright Car Show, on October 24, 2015.
Mrs. Palubinski says she teaches students the music and the children
teach her Spanish and Mexican culture. The students say they enjoy
being part of this band because it allows them to play the familiar
music they learned to love as children". The Marachi Band played the
song Los Colores , certificates were handed out and pictures were
taken with the Superintendent. The Superintendent thanked the
students for their performance and shared the reason we are here is
because of our students and we are here to provide them with a
world-class education.
Dr. Chávez introduced Dr. Murphy who presented an update on the
Cartwright School District Teacher and Principal Evaluation. Dr. Murphy
reviewed statewide changes; Some changes made in statewide
assessment (AIMS) and calculation of Arizona Learns school label by
the Arizona Department of Education, have necessitated making minor
adjustments to our teacher and principal evaluation systems for 20152016. He proceeded to explain; had these changes not have been
imposed by the state, changes would not have occurred, as last year
for the first time felt the new system was working very well.
The District Evaluation Committee, including teachers, administrators,
and the CEA reconvened in September to consider refinements to the
current system. The Committee's goals included: Making appropriate
adjustments to ADE changes in school data measurements; adjust
school data measures to parallel performance categories, maintain
parallel structure with Principal evaluation. He went on share the
Teacher Evaluation Components remain the same for 2015-2016 and;
67% of each teacher's evaluation is based upon qualified evaluator's
classroom observation using our standards-base Evaluation
Instrument, and School Performance and Growth Data will determine
the remaining 33% of the Final Evaluation for all teachers. He
proceeded to review The School Performance & Growth Data - 33% is
where there were a few changes; Parent Survey-remains the same
and refer to teacher performance, ELL Reclassification- remains the
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same, three new aspects that have been added to replace the previous
AIMS data; still have 4th & 8th Grade AIMS Science, Special Education
Gains-AIMS Web, and all students Growth- AIMS Web the average of
the five components will equal the 33% school performance and
growth data for each school. He briefly explained the average
percentages of Aggregate Performance Classifications for Teachers in
2014-15; Highly Effective- 241 teachers -24.4%, Effective 728
teachers - 73.8%, 2 teachers classified as Developing -.2%, and 15
teachers classified as ineffective -1.5%. Dr. Murphy went on to explain
the Principal Assessment Update; 67% of each Principal's evaluation is
based upon Superintendent's observation developed through quarterly
performance reviews, and the evaluation instrument is standards
based and aligned to the ISLLC Standards. He proceeded to review
33% of each principals evaluation is based upon school performance
and Growth Data; components consist of; Staff Survey Data, Parent
Survey Data, ELL Reclassification, 4th & 8th Grade AIMS Science,
Special Education Gains-AIMS Web, and All Student Growth- AIMS
Web. He concluded his presentation by sharing the Aggregate
Performance Categories for Principals in 2014-2015; 2 principals were
classified as Highly Effective- 10%, 18 principals achieved the Effective
rating - 90%, there were zero principals that were Developing- 0%,
and Ineffective -0%. Dr. Murphy asked if there were any questions.
Dr. Chávez thanked Dr. Murphy for his presentation. Mrs. M.
Hernandez asked what happens with the 1.5% and .2% of teachers
that were classified as ineffective and developing and how does it
effect the performance rating? Dr. Murphy explained of the fifteen
teachers that were classified as ineffective; eight of those teachers are
no longer employed with the district and of the seven remaining, some
were continuing teachers who were essentially veterans beyond three
years and some were non-continuing probationary teachers in their
first three years. He proceeded to explain; those that were continuing
were notified under policy and state law they are no longer considered
this year a continuing teacher and are probationary teachers. Each of
the seven remaining ineffective teachers are on improvement plans,
working with their principals to improve their performance and is
essential that they move to the effective performance classification
this year, if not they do not, we anticipate bring to the Governing
Board recommendation for non-renewal. He continued to explain the
two that are developing; improvement plans are in place. Mrs. M.
Hernandez thanked Dr. Murphy.
Mrs. L. Hernandez asked what is the difference between the effective
and highly effective category. Dr. Murphy explained; essentially a
teacher who is classified as a highly effective teacher is an outstanding
performing teacher who goes above and beyond the highest level.
Effective is what we expect all our teachers to be at and they are
performing at an expectable level based on the twenty-nine ratings
from the qualified evaluator.
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Mrs. L. Hernandez asked as an evaluator what does it look like to be a
highly qualified and effective teacher. Dr. Murphy proceeded to say;
the teacher that is highly effective is someone that is doing an
outstanding job of teaching the material, they are doing an
outstanding job of re-teaching the material. These are teachers that
are fully invested in the life of the school, and participating in after
school activities, sports and community activities. The Superintendent
added; one thing we also have to look at now is the rigor of the
lesson. We have to look at the objective, the activity and the
assessment to make sure that it is aligned. In the depth of knowledge
we want to make sure students are getting to the problem solving
stage and the evaluative stage, not just the knowledge stage. Dr.
Murphy went on to say; teachers that are highly effective go above
and beyond, effective teachers is what we expect all our teachers to be
and they are performing at an acceptable level. Mrs. L. Hernandez
thanked Dr. Chávez.
Mrs. Cantu indicated that there are nine hundred and eighty six
teachers and nine hundred and sixty nine are effective and highly
effective. She expressed this is wonderful. Dr. Murphy commented that
he believes the people who are highly effective whether it be a teacher
or principal, are people who have a mission and invest themselves into
their school far beyond their best interest. Mrs. Cantu thanked the
Administrators and Dr. Chavez for their hard work. Mr. Gomez
congratulated all of the staff for their hard work that they do everyday
within the community. Mrs. L. Hernandez shared she would love to see
the 18% of our principals move into the highly effective area. The
Superintendent stated; it takes intestinal fortitude and passion to stay
focused on student achievement. He proceeded to express; how proud
he is that our district is focused on student achievement, exceptional
customer service, and providing opportunities for innovation. The
Superintendent thanked everyone and concluded his update.
2. Board update - Board Members
Mr. Lopez - Shared it had been a busy month with his personal life and
work and had taken some time off. He felt he was not fully engaged
this past month at schools, however shared he is ready to be
committed to be engaged in activities at schools and looks forward to
visiting schools.
Mrs. L. Hernandez- Attended the Arizona School Board Association
(ASBA) Maricopa County Meeting. She handed out documents
regarding the proposed ByLaw Change that were approved. She
proceeded to share she is a member of the Native American Indian
Caucus as well as a member of the Black Caucus. Proposed language
to ASBA requested that each Caucus have each group represented by
individuals in their respective roles to serve on the ASBA Board. She
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went on to say she is a volunteer for both Caucus's and is working with
both Presidents on putting together plan for programming at the
upcoming Equity Conference and ASBA Meeting in December. In
addition she participated in the National teleconference call with the
National Hispanic Caucus to follow up with the board retreat and
pending board work. She went on to say, she also forwarded the SRO
Resolution to the National Hispanic Council. She concluded by sharing
she continues to work with parents in the community regarding the
college and career readiness and bell schedule advisory
recommendations that have been made which she hopes to be
implemented as early as next spring. Shared CUBE was a big weekend
and felt proud to be part of Cartwright. Several people indicated how
impressed they were with the powerpoint and video's that were
presented and thanked the board members and staff that were
present.
Mrs. Cantu - Shared she attending the Equity Conference hosted by
CUBE and it was a very successful conference. She expressed Dr.
Chávez did a great job as the keynote speaker and was proud to see
all the support the Superintendent had from his staff and Executive
Team. She shared the presentation was excellent and the videos
shared about our staff was important as it shows our voice of the good
things that are happening in our district. She thanked everyone
involved for their hard work and support.
Ms. M. Hernandez- Expressed it is a shame that students do not stay
after being awarded to hear how appreciated they are of their work
and success. She went on to share she attended the CUBE Conference
and briefly explained she found interesting was a homework diner,
where some schools serve dinner at schools. She went on to say as a
parent sometime there is a disconnect between classroom and what
the student brings home. She proceed to share; trying to help parents
understand the curriculum and having a homework diner would be
very helpful and expressed she hopes to see something similar in our
schools and hopes there may be parents out there who are interested
in seeing his happen. Ms. M. Hernandez reminded everyone about all
the overrides coming up and reminded everyone to be safe with
students over Halloween. She concluded by thanking teachers, staff
and principals for all the hard work that they do, she expressed it
makes her proud to be a Governing Board Member.
Mr. Gomez - Shared he was unable to attend the last Governing Board
Meeting, as he was attending an event on Domestic Violence
Awareness with his office and Supervisor Gallardo. He explained
October is Domestic Violence Month and the State has a big program
and briefly explained how his office expanded the program. He shared
his office and other City Council Members were recognized by the
Phoenix Suns for their work on Domestic Violence. He thanked Mrs. L.
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Hernandez for her hard work at the last board meeting and for the
resolution being passed. Mr. Gomez thanked Mr. Anderson, Principal at
Estrella Middle School for hosting an Animal Wellness Event with
Supervisor Gallardo's office and Maricopa County Animal Care and
Control. He shared it was very successful and thanked Veronica
Sanchez, Community Engagement Director, and Alma Sotelo,
Language Services Coordinator for their assistance. He thanked Mr.
Anderson for his commitment and staff for the successful event. Over
forty-three animals were spayed and neutered and several animals
were vaccinated. He shared he also participated with Mrs. L.
Hernandez in the National teleconference call with the National
Hispanic Caucus and during the conference call Educators and School
Board Leaders were speaking very highly regarding the
Superintendent's closing remarks at the CUBE Conference. He thanked
teachers for their work and going above and beyond.
E. Call to the Public
1. Consideration and possible discussion of comments and complaints
from the public. The Governing Board will not take any legal action on
matters raised during this portion of the meeting unless the comments
and complaints pertain to items included on the agenda. A three (3)
minutes time limit is set and all are asked to adhere to this limit. The
Governing Board may direct staff to study matters raised by the public
or to reschedule those matters for future consideration, discussion and
possible action at a later date.
None were made.
F. Consent Agenda - Dr. Chávez
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Study Session/Special Meeting followed
by Regular Meeting Held on September 23, 2015
2. Approval of the Minutes of the Special Meeting/Study Session Held on
October 13, 2015
3. Approval of the Student Activity Fund August 2015
4. Approval and/or Ratification of District Acceptance of Gifts and
Donations
5. Ratification of Payroll and Expense Vouchers
6. Approval of Budget and Expense Statement for Month Ending
September 2015
7. Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Schools
8. Approval of Not to Exceed Amount with ProCare of $200,000, and
Approval to Increase Not to Exceed Amount with Gary D. Stromberg &
Associates from $225,000 to $500,000, and Increase Therapy Time
from $110,000 to $250,000 for the 2015-2016 School Year
9. Approval of New Hires, Resignations, and Terminations of Classified
Employees
10.Approval of Resignation of Certified Teachers
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11.Approval of Extension of Family Medical Leave of Employees
12.Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure provide for a Consent
Agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single
motion. Items listed under the Consent Agenda have gone through a
review and recommendation process. Documentation concerning these
items has been provided to all Board Members and the public in
advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be
removed from the Consent Agenda at the request of any Board
Member
Adoption of Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion by Lydia Hernandez, second by Pedro Lopez.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Pedro Lopez, Lydia Hernandez, John V Gomez, Rosa Cantu,
Marissa E Hernandez
G. Other Action Items:
No items
H. Other Information/Discussion Items
1. Request(s) for Future Agenda Item(s) as information/discussion at the
November 18, 2015 Governing Board Meeting - Mr. Lopez
Dr. Chávez announced at a future meeting, there would be an update
presentation on AzMERIT and an update on the Action Plan for
AzMERIT Scores for those schools in need of improvement. He
proceeded to share there would also be an update on Phase Two of the
Teacher Shortage.
No request made from the Governing Board.
I. Announcement(s) of future meeting date and other routine
information concerning the Governing Board.
1. The next Regular Governing Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday,
November 18, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cartwright School District
Board Room - Mr. Lopez
Mr. Gomez announced the next Special Meeting/Governing Board
Retreat would be held on Thursday, November 5, 2015 and a Regular
Governing Board Meeting would be held on Wednesday, November 18,
2015 at 6:30 p.m.
J. Adjournment
1. Adjournment - Mr. Lopez
Mr. Gomez adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
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Motion by Marissa E Hernandez, second by Lydia Hernandez.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Pedro Lopez, Lydia Hernandez, John V Gomez, Rosa Cantu,
Marissa E Hernandez
John V. Gomez, Vice President
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