Board Report

November 2000

A Message from the Board President
TUSD Bids Adieu to Jim Christ at Farewell Dinner
TUSD Governing Board Welcomes New Member Judy Burns
Dr. Mary Bell McCorkle and Joel Ireland Reelected
Board Approves Agreements Between TUSD and Various Agencies
TUSD and PCC Team Up to Offer Training for Substitutes and Classified Employees
1999-2000 Quality Schools Recognized
Program to Aid Counselors at Elementary Schools
Movie Ticket Winner

A Message from the Board President

Now that the holidays are upon us, there's not much time left before winter break begins and the first semester of school ends.

First, best wishes to Jim Christ for success in his new career as an assistant principal in Tempe.

Second, I would like to welcome our newly elected Governing Board member Judy Burns, who was elected this past month.

She will be a positive addition to our board, and we look forward to the new ideas she will share. Ms. Burns is featured in this month's issue of the Board Report.

As you know, two initiatives that will impact the district were passed by voters on election day: propositions 301 and 203.

We are excited at the prospect of having more funding to support our educational program and to provide raises to our deserving teachers.

The Leadership Team and Dr. Paz will be attending a series of workshops in conjunction with the Arizona School Board Association, the Arizona Education Association, and the Arizona Administration Association to determine how best to create programs and contracts that will put this money to its intended purpose throughout the district.

The money will be used solely for the following: 1) To increase the teacher salary schedule; 2) For teacher performance incentives; and 3) For a variety of items on a "menu" for classroom improvement.

A lot of study will have to be undertaken to make sure that TUSD uses this money wisely and fairly. The money can neither revert back to the state if it is not used nor may it be used for any other purpose at TUSD except for those mentioned above.

As for Proposition 203, the board is also working with Dr. Paz and district administration to evaluate this proposition's effects on bilingual education programs.

Implementation of 203 will take place at the beginning of the 2001-2002 school year.

Before then, however, the Leadership Team, along with other staff, will search for the best ways possible to transition our schools and students.

Here's hoping you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Mary Belle McCorkle, Ed.D.

More articles in this month's report...