[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6574432,"mediaKeyId","3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0","parentId",3075124,"title","Votes at a glance: Liberty Elementary board meeting April 21, 2025","audioSeconds",8620,"startMs",5754000,"endMs",14374000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0&start=5754&end=14374","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0/thumbnail_5754000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6574432/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-Liberty-Elementary-board-meeting-April-21-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574432-6e8a6a7c24438ac998159448d3f7e99d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178477&Signature=OpX2aUCRmZw~0vcRchMzrxFK3FNEdqofivYPJsfo0FCp5nrdBhCh9nYN7ddGAaujhhTdADnBAqwrRaTi9JKhxAkONV3xT4Uv7yqIrCeKu7m9KlTrxDLpe2XizGvIhBhAehfGitjXMndUk4JeN2dMV3BxgAuFFTX-2HJLk9vqEruwvzWAOzsjUmwhALwT7f1gDEN9TXXoPBb4Zssfje-jzM7CdvpPSh7~GbJYBT58d6VIKZ2YkfJn-N6H6LTLFkdS5986gBaNlyHCsBlbZeA1SGtEveMWeF3kjmwpYbNXSxPioi492Hyhtf8p4Z1HauDuK~In2FBJawetDA3Uza5kdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Liberty Elementary District","date","2025-04-22T04:53:47.103Z","article","The following is a concise list of formal motions and recorded votes from the Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board special meeting on April 21, 2025. Each item below reflects the motion text as read into the record, the mover/second where stated in the transcript, and the roll-call outcome recorded at the meeting.

- Convene executive session (item 1.3) under ARS 38-431.03(A)(3) and (A)(4) to consult with attorneys concerning the superintendent’s contract and instruct attorneys: Passed 5-0.

- Direct the attorney as instructed in executive session (item 1.5): Passed 4-1 (yes: Michael Todd, Board Member Schmidt, Vice President Kenyon, Board Member Cerancioni; no: Board Member Zimmerman).

- Place superintendent on administrative leave with pay and authorize Dr. Stephanie Mahorn to act in his stead (item 1.6): Mover identified in transcript as Vice President Kenyon; second recorded. Vote passed 4-1 (yes: Todd, Schmidt, Kenyon, Cerancioni; no: Zimmerman).

- Approve consent agenda (item 2.1): Passed 5-0.

- Move item 3.1 (trust policy transition) to end of general business: Passed 5-0.

- Approve assistant superintendent salary and wage schedule for FY25-26, including $2,500 stipend for a doctorate-level degree (item 3.3): Motion made and seconded; Passed 5-0.

- Reconsideration and vote on third reading of liquidated damages policy to require governing-board decisions on waivers (item 3.4, motion to change final decision to board): Motion failed 3-2 (yes: Vice President Kenyon, Board Member Cerancioni, Michael Todd; no: Board Member Zimmerman, Board Member Schmidt).

- Approve revised job descriptions for a set of administrative and support roles (curriculum and instructional coordinator; executive director of operations; executive director of information systems and technology; early childhood/preschool coordinator; research director; special education services coordinator; student management systems analyst; student registration specialist) and specify salary schedule amendment for executive director of operations; motion excluded executive director of school effectiveness: Passed 4-1 (no: Board Member Zimmerman). The board specifically withheld approval of the executive director of school effectiveness position during this action.

Where the transcript named movers or seconds, those are noted above; in several cases the record shows a motion and a second but does not record names for both roles in the excerpt provided. The board’s official minutes and BoardDocs entries contain the full text of motions and the certified roll-call tallies.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4/21/2025 Special Governing Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A summary of formal motions and recorded votes from the Liberty Elementary School District special meeting on April 21, 2025.","taxTitle","Liberty Elementary District (4266), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",64408,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6574437,"Board declines to move final decision on liquidated-damages waivers from cabinet to full board",1073,10239000,11312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0&start=10239&end=11312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0/thumbnail_10239000.jpg","/articles/6574437/Arizona/Board-declines-to-move-final-decision-on-liquidated-damages-waivers-from-cabinet-to-full-board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574437-f6c754c088a8059f0467eeaafccd6c82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178477&Signature=bpxUi5Nz2Vie~304OIRdtwyZBxwoGnI~lXZoeBhf~pzfrmmN1DXiY6-TUKUqKjU4tXQYtIaJ8qUApnK8tvbcGu0Mn9M0lac6H5CDJb8o-YtNnkbIR~9EfKDR3SjgvgMyLbbg2GRIaoNv-0v77FOEgAd-DX9-37~KgRz4n6K170Mps2nCelhMX96hUgcD7Ij6pJjxSsClwUmIlynP9qSUzVurky5XamkbHIhtNot3f9m9fVDECx4VUWX3yvKCrPdc2~~52YjyV3GYMer9-LQJ3GHw86w6n3QKSUYSpQV7~PHxZHVykzgBkptnqHGyzcecjj~VvHqtx0QOHurDI9fcmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board on April 21 considered a request to reconsider who should decide requests to waive liquidated damages that can apply when employees depart before completing contracts.

Board Member Sorrentino (who requested the reconsideration) said he wanted the board to retain the final decision rather than leave it to cabinet, citing concerns about unclear delegation and potential perceived bias if cabinet members who work closely with affected employees decide waivers. Sorrentino argued that, while he disliked voting on individual waivers, the board should have the final authority to modify contract terms that it had approved.

Board Member Zimmerman opposed moving the decision to the full board on procedural grounds, noting policy BEDBA and asserting that the item had not been requested properly as an agenda item per existing rules; Zimmerman also raised concerns about the correct process for reconsideration under Robert’s Rules. Other members disagreed about whether the reconsideration was procedurally appropriate and about the privacy and operational implications of moving waiver decisions to the full board.

Legal counsel and several board members noted that HIPAA does not apply to the district in these circumstances and that board policy and statute assign the board authority over contracts; some members said the board should rely on HR to screen requests and present recommendations, reserving board action for appeals or unique circumstances. The board discussed a possible approach in which HR first reviews and recommends, a small cabinet panel adjudicates routine requests, and the board would hear appeals or unique cases.

A motion to amend the liquidated-damages policy so that all decisions to waive or not waive liquidated damages would be made by the governing board was moved and seconded. The motion failed on a 3-2 vote (Zimmerman and Schmidt voted “nay”; Vice President Kenyon, Board Member Cerancioni and President Todd voted “aye”). The meeting record shows the board therefore retained the existing allocation of authority as written in the adopted policy.

The board did not adopt an alternative escalation process during the meeting; members asked staff and counsel to draft clearer procedures and to ensure alignment between policy and procedures for future consideration.","The Liberty Elementary School District governing board voted 3-2 against a motion that would have required the governing board to make final waiver decisions for liquidated damages; members debated delegating waiver authority to cabinet, HR confidentiality and the board's role in contract decisions.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6574442,"Liberty Elementary board debates FY26 budget priorities including nurses, DreamBox and step increases",1835,8334000,10169000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0&start=8334&end=10169","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0/thumbnail_8334000.jpg","/articles/6574442/Arizona/Liberty-Elementary-board-debates-FY26-budget-priorities-including-nurses-DreamBox-and-step-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574442-43ab7056a4dc926ca9e3537a0762c76a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178477&Signature=WTsfwP2vHEQ1d9RO4Q4aHBeBdYR0rVxDfi-cGrES5td4cVNXUBMjGPgyFg5Xu9ZgxuXxXl-30LN9XXY9DjnhmdnQ9nQDpLY6cqvN~PSPdFkA~mBQaLHfjt~p9XgPwosndQ2GfTMHvDrzovqg8ecIw-90Mh1FC~0RUVu8PZ0NnBEub6y5NwlQqYxe5zSmF4oTwQkN-Tgw9HSqJsdUsUcMOy5~A7lJmf-VPRs7w~cbcdIDA1hlnzTg4ohmter~7F0sBaQsVGlRi9KWRLHDQUKJ1Mo~WnRj5-ySmLf9nRkEubzQsJ1T4ybthYt7gRlIPq-XcuSWa9CZCfNk-yYvrr44gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Liberty Elementary School District board members spent substantial time April 21 discussing fiscal year 2026 budget priorities and possible reductions, after staff presented an updated list of items for reconsideration.

The district presenter outlined items previously flagged for reduction and new items for board review, noting changes since the March 24 meeting. Key discussion points included DreamBox Learning (a supplemental math program), Explore Learning/Gizmos (science/math resources), step increases for support staff, and funding for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) at specific campuses.

Board Member Schmidt said the district had previously set 2.5 reading-interventionist positions in the budget and flagged DreamBox’s $73,000 line as a potential non-reduction if the board wished to retain it. Schmidt and other members asked staff for quotes on alternatives such as IXL for math and for clarity on which curriculum line items carried specific dollar amounts.

Several board members raised concerns about equity regarding an LPN at a single school. Board Member Schmidt and others noted that allowing an LPN only at Liberty Elementary would create uneven services across campuses; members asked whether the district could fund LPNs at all schools or instead hire a CNA at schools without an LPN. Parents’ emails supporting a Liberty LPN were acknowledged, and board members said that community input would be considered.

Vice President Kenyon and other members emphasized the board’s desire to preserve student supports where possible and suggested prioritizing step increases for support staff over nonessential curriculum subscriptions. Kenyon said she would prefer step increases to DreamBox if resources were limited.

Multiple members urged staff to provide campus-level budgets and program-by-program cost breakdowns so the board can evaluate per-campus costs, signature-program expenses, and maintenance spending. One member said the district has used reserves and maintenance-of-effort funds in recent years and that more detailed campus financials would help identify where cuts could be made without cutting instructional supports.

Staff committed to uploading updated materials to BoardDocs and to provide clearer line-item explanations, quotes for alternative curricula, and a list of one-time purchases identified in prior work (previously estimated at up to about $400,000, though the board has not yet designated those as formal reductions).

No formal votes were taken on budget cuts during the special meeting; members directed staff to return with clearer cost breakdowns and to engage principals, teachers and parents in further discussions before final budget decisions are made.","Board members and staff debated proposed FY26 budget reductions and priorities, including whether to keep DreamBox math software, fund licensed practical nurse (LPN) positions, and provide step increases for support staff. Members asked staff for clearer campus-level cost breakdowns and more stakeholder input before final decisions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6574447,"Liberty Elementary board convenes executive sessions, places superintendent on paid administrative leave and directs attorneys",5610,464000,6074000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0&start=464&end=6074","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3075124-15d97ffc2de7286364e9b083f2fd5bf0/thumbnail_464000.jpg","/articles/6574447/Arizona/Liberty-Elementary-board-convenes-executive-sessions-places-superintendent-on-paid-administrative-leave-and-directs-attorneys","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6574447-6b30a54a55479a26368b2f3ecd1d3697/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178477&Signature=ggI54rOAP0U0tsKr7ksje5fKVq2oi8Wce9RKdW8J4xV4o06D~p8OQTcXHbbKUOuxFcWnjTyQKR5DdTgbpKpNgqBrFNg~akGmbb6D-sTeivJA2hX95~CpVDBRQsqUyssOeSO~Sv9ixO1M8kQqnIW8H1s9xNYTLVWIegwjV1L4MHGM79~uZ7zDRKcWpmJyUyrHR8x5~NRxSEb812NCVl6CNUM-MezOU1KE-LxhhSKfzS3QY~b~GQUeiFcVz6293M5zuuCCBgPJ3beu5vuOYlF0A66wKt0YfKkg6LOfwAi2MhSkcatt234DyJdin3OYEgHs-LXdxYlQmx3t8Fp4bEx34Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board convened two executive sessions April 21 under Arizona Revised Statutes and, after returning to open session, directed district attorneys as instructed in executive session and placed the superintendent on paid administrative leave.

Board President Michael Todd and board members voted to call the first executive session under ARS 38-431.03(A)(3) and (A)(4) to consult with attorneys regarding the superintendent’s contract and the status of his employment and to instruct counsel on matters that are the subject of negotiation and contemplated litigation. The motion to convene that executive session passed on a 5-0 vote.

After the executive session, the board voted 4-1 to “direct the attorney as instructed in executive session.” Board Member Zimmerman cast the lone “nay”; Board Member Schmidt, Vice President Kenyon, Board Member Cerancioni and President Todd voted “aye.” The board then considered the superintendent’s employment status. Vice President Kenyon moved to place the superintendent on administrative leave with pay and to authorize Doctor Stephanie Mahorn to act in his stead; that motion was seconded and passed 4-1, with Zimmerman voting “nay.”

The board made these decisions following the closed deliberations permitted under the cited Arizona statutes. The motions recorded in the meeting minutes identify the legal basis the board used to move into executive session and the formal actions the board took after reconvening to open session.

Board members did not discuss personnel details in open session beyond motions and roll-call votes recorded on the public record. The board announced it would proceed with other agenda items, including budget prioritization and policy review, later in the meeting.

Formal motions and recorded votes from the meeting are reflected in the district’s minutes and in the board’s official action log.","At a special meeting April 21, the Liberty Elementary School District governing board convened two executive sessions under Arizona law, directed district attorneys as instructed in executive session and voted to place the superintendent on paid administrative leave, authorizing Dr. Stephanie Mahorn to act in his stead.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Liberty Elementary board meeting April 21, 2025

Board declines to move final decision on liquidated-damages waivers from cabinet to full board

Liberty Elementary board debates FY26 budget priorities including nurses, DreamBox and step increases

Liberty Elementary board convenes executive sessions, places superintendent on paid administrative leave and directs attorneys