Governing Board Report - April 23, 1996
President
Mary Belle McCorkle, Ed.D.

Clerk
James N. Christ

Members
Gloria C. Copeland
Brenda B. Even, Ph.D.
Joel T. Ireland

Superintendent

George F. García, Ed.D.

For more information on any items reported, contact the Governing Board Office, 520-617-7338, or the Communications Dpeartment, 520-617-7303.

April 2, 1996 Special Board Meeting Highlights:

This meeting featured a special study feature, "Literacy Across the Curriculum/Literacy Teams in High Schools," with student and teacher presentations. At this meeting, the Governing Board approved the transfer of Manzo Elementary School Principal Gloria Barnett to Drachman Primary Magnet School, beginning in the 1996-97 school year; approved a proposed Bond Program Completion Finance Plan, with authorization for projects to be completed with released contingency funds; approved a revision to Governing Board Policy 5200 on graduation, reflecting changes relating to Free Enterprise instruction allowed by the Arizona Legislature; approved awards of bids for Howell Elementary School renovation/remodeling and for Tucson High Magnet School Vocational Building west wing demolition (both bond projects); approved two new funding proposals, a resolution supporting the City of Tucson's "1% for Kids Fund," and a proclamation of Volunteer Appreciation Week, April 21-27; heard information presentations on "El Hogar de la Paz" (Home of Peace) grant, instructional Internet application, and the Annual Report of the Bonds Project Committee.

April 23, 1996 Regular Board Meeting

This meeting featured a special study feature, "Literacy in Exceptional Education," with students presenting how they are acquiring 21st century knowledge, skills and characteristics through specialized instruction and academic programs. Presentations focused on disability awareness issues.

Action Agenda Highlights

Transferred Roberts Elementary School Principal Ruth Ottley to Smith Elementary School as principal beginning in the 1996-97 school year, replacing John Joe, who is retiring.

Appointed Barbara Wright as Assistant Director of Finance/Payroll, replacing Anita Harlan.

Appointed three new members to the Independent Citizens Committee (ICC), each for a two-year term: Dr. Reginald Barr, Sheila Giddings, and Karen Motta. This committee was established by the Fisher/Mendoza lawsuit Stipulation of Settlement to review and report to the Governing Board progress toward compliance with terms of the Stipulation.

Approved hearing officers' recommendations for expulsion of three students.

Accepted an arbitrator's recommendation on Arbitration Opinion, Grievance No. 1624.

Consent Agenda Highlights

Approved 5 certified personnel new hires/replacements, 13 classified reinstatements/new hires, 7 certified personnel salary changes, 38 classified personnel salary changes, 4 certified personnel separations, 21 classified personnel separations, 8 requests for leave of absence for certified personnel, 10 requests for leaves of absence for classified personnel, 2 requests to cancel leaves of absence, 16 requests for released time, 6 requests for released time and travel expenses. For approval verification contact the Governing Board Office, 617-7338.

Approved a funding proposal for the Charles Getz Charitable Trust, providing financial support, equipment and materials for the education of children who have hearing difficulties and children who are mentally retarded; $5,184 (continuation).

Approved three awards of bids:

• Collier Elementary School remodeling/renovation (Bid #6301) to Richard E. Lambert Ltd. of Tucson, $768,790 estimated cost (bond). The project will include parking and playground improvements, landscaping, irrigation and lighting work, communications wiring and other improvements. Work will be scheduled for summer 1997.
• Roskruge Elementary/Bilingual Magnet Middle School renovation/remodeling (Bid #6324) to Concord Companies, Inc., $3,472,700 (bond and adjacent ways funds). The project will include a new library, kitchen, air conditioning and computer lab, with enlarged classrooms and administrative area; Bid No. 6324 (rebid).
• Paper supply items for 1996-97 warehouse stock (Bid #6313) to a variety of vendors, $545,401.

Highlights of other Governing Board action: approved TUSD's application for participation in the U.S./Israel High School Youth Ambassador Exchange Program; approved the use of supplementary textbooks; repealed Governing Board Policy 1440, "Vagrancy Near School Grounds," to reflect the Arizona Legislature's repeal of the same in Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 13-992.

Study/Action Agenda Highlights

Reviewed the preliminary 1996-97 Capital Budget and proposed expenditures. The current preliminary estimate of the 1996-97 Capital Budget Limit is $10,733,184 -- an increase of $279,806 over the 1995-96 Capital Budget Limit. The final limit will not be determined until late May and will be presented to the Governing Board with the 1996-97 Proposed Budget in June.

Information Agenda Highlights

Update on planning for the 1996 Summer Enrichment/Academic Success (SEAS) Program from SEAS Coordinator Dr. Ingrid Miller. Courses emphasize academics, with enrichment and child care programs offered for ages 4-13. High school programs will offer 74 for-credit courses this summer. For more information (course descriptions, locations, fees and enrollment procedures), contact the SEAS Office, 733-8400 (617-7610 after May 22).

School Community Partnership Council (SCPC) Monthly Update from Jeff Barr.

Summary of selected financial activity and supplemental information for the nine months ending March 31, 1996.

Student Advisory Council report from student liaison Amber Johnson of Sabino High School.

Upcoming TUSD Governing Board Meetings:

Special Meeting/Special Study Session: "Literacy in Diversity," and Public Hearing on Proposed Revision to the 1995-96 Budget, Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m., Carrillo Intermediate Magnet School Cafeteria, 440 S. Main Ave.; Regular Meeting, Tuesday, May 21, 6:30 p.m., 1010 E. 10th St.

Past Governing Board Reports