Paradise Valley Schools approve new administrative hires and 3% employee salary increases

In a recent meeting held on April 17, 2025, the Paradise Valley School District Governing Board addressed several key issues that will significantly impact the district's educational environment and staff morale. The meeting highlighted the approval of new administrative personnel, updates to bargaining agreements, and the importance of community feedback through a satisfaction survey.

One of the most notable discussions centered around the approval of new administrative positions. The board unanimously approved the hiring of Stacey Alejo as the assistant principal at Greenway Middle School and Dr. Jeffrey Fensel as the assistant principal at Sunrise Middle School. Both candidates bring extensive educational backgrounds and experience, which the board believes will enhance leadership within the schools. Additionally, Ernesto Mesa was appointed as the interim director of transportation, bringing over 40 years of experience in public school transportation and maintenance.

The board also reviewed changes to the bargaining agreements for the 2025-2026 school year, which primarily focused on compensation for staff. Dr. Holmes reported that all employee groups would receive a minimum salary increase of 3%, a significant achievement considering the financial challenges faced in recent years. The Paradise Valley Education Association (PVEA) and the Paradise Valley Support Employees Association (PVSEA) both ratified their agreements with an impressive 95% approval rate, reflecting strong support from their members.

Heather Schmidt, president of the PVEA, expressed enthusiasm about the new agreements, which include a base salary increase for new teachers to $50,000 and additional compensation for longevity and professional development. Similarly, Michelle Courtright, president of the PVSEA, highlighted the importance of maintaining competitive salaries for hard-to-fill positions and ensuring that all employees receive equitable pay.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for parents and guardians to participate in the district's annual satisfaction survey, which aims to gather feedback on various aspects of the educational experience, including academic support and school climate. This survey is crucial for the district as it seeks to improve and empower every learner.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational leadership, supporting staff through competitive compensation, and valuing community input. As the board moves forward, these initiatives are expected to foster a more positive and effective learning environment for both students and educators in the Paradise Valley School District.