[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-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",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_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",6575962,"mediaKeyId","3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76","parentId",3340376,"title","Votes at a glance: key actions from the Peoria Unified governing board meeting","audioSeconds",7087,"startMs",3291000,"endMs",10378000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76&start=3291&end=10378","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76/thumbnail_3291000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6575962/Arizona/Votes-at-a-glance-key-actions-from-the-Peoria-Unified-governing-board-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575962-5e687de317f487dcfc23e179b4784840/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765230&Signature=Z2fNumer4X6oBfBXoJhlLgWLhwfh37JYstWYdo-KnmT19SEIgtQ7Q8wNnH6kUhxfGVcWz4Qnu3G5Cx4dkm0CaiwwN7pHFfrEw7Im7jLfOLFCb-0dTGJs9Hz2TVlVO0bG~xdwbVcaDc4cC8Pk0P5reQg7jD1sXuKnbDxtw1Zikap~BvE2O~EFxOcumuoAmXCCI5hACXerH6g6X-XEdQNZbnn3UaYlch2PaS064Pt1XgJ0ixzNx2OXy5Qnqq~fHY3-22r5sZbD9fO8FQcuAsAEqwpvE62tTB4UZfssaRiCs-D7k02eHN7BtQUlg1dD9fFJfeowCKx8UWLV3skMJzovTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Peoria Unified School District","date","2025-04-27T00:00:00Z","article","This meeting produced multiple formal actions. Below is a concise list of each recorded motion and its outcome as stated on the public record.

- Adopt agenda as presented — Motion passed (agenda item adoption).
- Approve appointment of Dr. Kendra Bell as Chief Academic Support Officer — Motion passed (agenda item 9).
- Adopt resolution opposing expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ASBA model resolution) — Motion passed (agenda item 10).
- Adopt proposed changes to Policy GCQC (resignation of professional staff members/liquidated damages) — Motion failed; original GCQC policy remains in effect (agenda item 11).
- Approve compensation recommendations for 2017-2018 (1% base increase for all employee groups; retention stipends; classroom site fund increases; staffing contingencies) — Motion passed (agenda item 12).
- Approve coaching and extra-duty assignment and hourly/special assignment pay schedules (updated to reflect Prop 206 changes) — Motion passed (agenda item 13).

Transcript notes: several motions were carried without an audible roll-call tally included in the searchable excerpt; where a named mover or seconder was announced in the transcript, it is recorded in the longer articles. The board directed administration to communicate details to staff and to return with budget documents reflecting the approved compensation package.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Peoria Unified Governing Board Meeting (April 27. 2017)","oneSentenceSummary","A quick summary of formal motions the board recorded during the meeting: agenda adoption, the appointment of a Chief Academic Support Officer, adoption of a resolution opposing ESAs, approval of compensation recommendations, approval of coaching and extra duty pay schedules, and a failed vote on proposed GCQC policy changes.","taxTitle","Peoria Unified School District (4237), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",13602,"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},6575967,"Board approves hiring of Kendra Bell as Chief Academic Support Officer",608,3336000,3944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76&start=3336&end=3944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76/thumbnail_3336000.jpg","/articles/6575967/Arizona/Board-approves-hiring-of-Kendra-Bell-as-Chief-Academic-Support-Officer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575967-82641e36c28f486d6091eac7689ea919/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765230&Signature=nTwgulxaxptmWjIUVxNEMZVPc4C168im7XOq9e0H42gBYIsofP6Y1tffKFPIp5~hfFRuFt8hFCPWG1Eh7UZTKpJdfhHyTHzc6vXPgzWdHnE1knTEHXWnC-dJTmUpNRS72Q99n70xJrM8rBLOMihiRChxW3o5tN6hHm7Cn62Aesr9qGZYBK~4g8HI2kmfvA-5dJXbf80LJddAd24R2fmpwjY0pL2~jO1qXoC3EQjHOh6Am8saXQlkqb9WVejHQQvCd2EHcRY7PThPLW7MYqB2FHDBwMj7i2P6il9CF6-MWWElFySeKaqOYcYC4rl0lS6HYElxAXcrH8dtzr7-UrCyjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Peoria Unified Governing Board approved the hiring of Dr. Kendra Bell as Chief Academic Support Officer.

Administration presented Dr. Bell as a candidate with experience in instructional leadership, assessment and school improvement, with prior roles in Tucson Unified School District and North Kansas City Schools. Dr. Bell told the board she plans to focus on a well-articulated PreK'12 curriculum, benchmark and formative assessment plans, the use of data to guide instruction and stronger alignment between Student Services and Special Education.

Board members asked about her approach to entering a new district and her leadership strengths; Dr. Bell described a strengths-based approach to coaching school leaders and listed her top CliftonStrengths as strategic, achiever, maximizer and arranger. After questions, the board moved to approve the hire. A motion to approve was made from the dais and seconded; the motion carried.","The governing board approved the appointment of Dr. Kendra Bell to the new district post of Chief Academic Support Officer after a public introduction and a round of board questions about her experience and priorities.",{"_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},6575970,"Peoria Unified board approves 1% base increase, retention stipends and other budget recommendations",967,5972000,6939000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76&start=5972&end=6939","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76/thumbnail_5972000.jpg","/articles/6575970/Arizona/Peoria-Unified-board-approves-1-base-increase-retention-stipends-and-other-budget-recommendations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575970-17f54f439902d2e817e914cec68cf626/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765230&Signature=h6Hpq7FIH8VUq0Rb6P1SKS2wL9Cpdfl-4gQXoPl3qmXFL158-hMmFPNXRrJDfYqqeM~pc8HVr3qdgzw0ooviI-lvi6T4wYxRKg2uSGRRicg3KwOX6yICrnt1YxDSmGmES5c-eP4xTAOf8E4zO1uI3uOX0b0WdyNVnRuqZV0WnCi5JSseKvzjav0qE03CRIiJH2izLNEuDkdbPeVqnHfIxruIxeqzc0BljXVr6RC5sVokhEoFcrFtmX1JRHcp~jbEtrHmTVa9oH3aRhAkxW4qhb1fX6RB8d0E1wJEMQ5Iz8SOEW23Ee98P0rBX0xYX2cXVXVvWkJhSuX7XpTxe6Ehxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Peoria Unified Governing Board approved the administration's compensation and budget recommendations for the 2017'18 school year after a detailed presentation of revenue assumptions, staffing contingencies and cost pressures.

Superintendent Darren Stifler and the budget team outlined assumptions: a modest state inflation increase used in the draft budget (1.25% in the materials presented), projected costs from Proposition 206 (the state minimum-wage increase), and district revenue estimates. Administration recommended a 1% base pay increase for all employee groups, to be applied equally, and additional measures to support staff retention.

Key elements of the package the board approved included:
- 1% base salary increase for all employee groups (does not include stipends);
- Retention stipend paid in August for employees who return: $250 for certified staff and $75 for classified staff;
- Classroom site fund allocations increased by 11%, which district staff estimated would raise the average teacher's total increase (base + classroom funds) to roughly 1.9% on average;
- A certified staffing contingency of eight positions embedded in the draft budget to be activated if student counts or needs justify them;
- Efficiency and special education adjustments that include the elimination of certain vacant contracted positions and itinerant aide roles identified by administration as low-impact reductions;
- A recognition that Proposition 206 (minimum wage) cost increases would be implemented on the schedule required by law; administration proposed to phase the minimum wage-related increases per state timetable rather than layering all budgeted increases immediately.

Board members pressed for clarity on communication to staff about how Prop 206 increases and the 1% base increase interact. Administration said employees whose pay rises because of Prop 206 adjustments (to meet new minimums) would not receive the 1% base increase at the same time but would realize larger percentage increases over the multi-year Prop 206 phase-in.

A motion to approve the compensation recommendations was made and seconded; the motion carried.","After a detailed budget presentation and discussion of staff retention, the board approved the district's compensation recommendations including a 1% base pay increase for all employee groups, retention stipends and modest increases to classroom site funds; Proposal 206 (minimum wage) impacts were discussed and incorporated into the plan.",{"_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},6575975,"Board rejects proposed change to GCQC policy on liquidated damages for resignations",1113,4823000,5936000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76&start=4823&end=5936","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76/thumbnail_4823000.jpg","/articles/6575975/Arizona/Board-rejects-proposed-change-to-GCQC-policy-on-liquidated-damages-for-resignations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575975-d63a69557ebb02880e8fd87887981320/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765230&Signature=TIwg3QeEvib~b5KjX8V12G4CCZQWGxDtnOcjzvjMtE7v-2OIEtYrDizX01SFd~VqFCHSTcosFjl6kWtkfamRlvikEJupPFmxmxPgPYnBUFbOGhjDaFsWxSLluCtLYIAPeMgnGyD~bii06ui6089AdRikukiEnuIZ7Fsg4VmC9LvjFM2p6yUPu6qkUYXculLoKWECHvF7XEWB81JwoxIv9yAXtM6mr2FkiIGM~SA2v~knUGXLyl5xm46ELg2dqy8YGV5AI9JHIXGdAoG91Jsh6jCGELOUW6WEuwWmJtugX~7PsGEOlX4cNR~1MZdiEg2AcyshB~Yz-kPZ2GNVlqhoyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Peoria Unified Governing Board considered and rejected proposed changes to Policy GCQC, which governs resignation of professional staff and includes liquidated damages language.

Administration brought the policy back for a second reading with two highlighted changes: an exception to liquidated damages when a staff member advances to a position of higher pay or responsibility, and a clarification that waivers could be contingent on availability of a qualified replacement. The administration recommended approval of the revised wording.

Board members expressed divided views. Some said they did not want to restrict staff members'professional mobility; others said waiving liquidated damages in uneven circumstances would be unfair to staff who could not secure a replacement. Several board members emphasized the policy's role in protecting students from mid-year staffing disruptions and noted the district's practice of asking certified staff to sign contracts earlier in the cycle.

After discussion, a motion to approve the proposed changes failed. The board voted to leave the existing GCQC policy in place.","After a lengthy, divided discussion, the board voted down proposed amendments to Policy GCQC that would have added exceptions to liquidated damages for certain staff who advance to higher-paying positions.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6575980,"Peoria Unified board adopts resolution opposing expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts",774,4006000,4780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76&start=4006&end=4780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3340376-50de6cb6199d81b179966d8454805d76/thumbnail_4006000.jpg","/articles/6575980/Arizona/Peoria-Unified-board-adopts-resolution-opposing-expansion-of-Empowerment-Scholarship-Accounts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6575980-895d6a3551bd6bf4bdd9f9661e4b3cf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770765230&Signature=OQxCti41q9MuT2lHh9c-N8jDLsjFq6DvX7jgsQldx0aOvjZ~yGp30R2PN~CvHYBQsc93uqWytONdt~AGy9OW-K8pPjTJSo0TGFnAqXxduo-SwADR9pxqU9FvyOCyq0g9-tYVQd5kKxDqA6YO3xV6p7gcHHn0jWJSl26kJ87CStrC4omySLn~rolwuS9sWrWyP70~0aQImpwEuw8LHWpkVWupAx41DOY4KlUKlOaXnmjJspXJAyKZIIgYIRf8AaZ9CZkPnVdfm-xcUkg8BzOG8-Eoxk8HCoXfv5NSgToWh~HTulUykP9uUIb1Idrs~1s7NjPgdBFga00Mc-ZMuuOurQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Peoria Unified School district governing board voted to adopt a resolution opposing expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs), saying the program reduces funding available to district schools.

Board members debated the resolution after administration presented language from the Arizona School Boards Association. The board approved the resolution following public and member discussion about parental choice, impacts on special education services and the effect on district finances.

The resolution draws on language prepared by the Arizona School Boards Association and urges reconsideration of the state law expanding ESAs. Administration noted the legislature'enacted law expanding ESAs beginning in 2017'18; board members said the district must protect resources for its roughly 37,000 students. Board member David Sandoval argued the district should speak out because the program could erode resources for public schools. Board member Judy Doan said she supports choice but not if public funds flow out of public schools to private providers. Ken Hicks, speaking as district staff during the discussion, described how ESA payments compare to the state funding the district receives and said the general fund must make up differences, a dynamic he said would erode resources for remaining students.

After debate, Board Clerk Monica Seja Martinez moved to approve the resolution; a board member seconded and the motion passed.

The board did not adopt ordinance-level language or change district policy; the action is a formal statement of position that district officials said they will share with the state association and legislators.","After extended debate, the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board voted to adopt a resolution opposing the state'level expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, citing concerns that the program diverts public dollars from district schools and may benefit families who already choose private options.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: key actions from the Peoria Unified governing board meeting

Board approves hiring of Kendra Bell as Chief Academic Support Officer

Peoria Unified board approves 1% base increase, retention stipends and other budget recommendations

Board rejects proposed change to GCQC policy on liquidated damages for resignations

Peoria Unified board adopts resolution opposing expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts