Grant approval, Maricopa Wells update main topics at school board meeting

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Rick Abel

Maricopa Unified School District’s governing board met Wednesday evening to hear an update on Maricopa Wells Middle School from its new principal, Rick Abel. The board also approved a $3.2 million grant from the Ak-Chin Indian Community for a turnaround project.

Introducing Maricopa Wells assistant principal Kevin Ames, “one shining example of the staff members we’ve added this year,” Abel provided an update on the start of school at Maricopa Wells. Enrollment is currently 630 students with an average of 26 students per class; there are 39 staff members, including 16 new to the school.

Maricopa Wells is now on a block schedule, as is Desert Wind Middle School. This schedule features a four-period day with 82-minute class periods, providing 20 additional minutes per day for math instruction. It also cuts down on the number of passing periods so there are fewer conflicts, according to Abel. “There is more time to learn.”

New sod, sunshades and outside drinking fountains are some of the cosmetic changes planned for the campus.

In addition, students are scored for lunchroom behavior on a 1-10 scale. The grade levels are averaging a score of 8, which Abel sees as highly commendable.

“It’s an overall positive atmosphere,” said Abel, noting that instructional improvement will continue. “Our vision is every child learning every day,” he said.

Business Director Aron Rausch presented the monthly financial report, indicating, “Right now we are within budget.” He will be preparing a financial data analysis for board members covering at least the last two years. “I think you’ll see a huge revenue change and a huge expenditure change,” said Rausch.

A final reading of the extracurricular activity eligibility policy received unanimous board approval. Athletes and students in extracurricular activities will have their grades checked at two-week intervals, with warnings for D grades. Ineligible students may practice in order to maintain physical conditioning and instruction, but they will not be allowed to travel, wear uniforms or sit with their team or group during their ineligibility.

The energy management policy presented to the governing board in June was approved. Actual controls and procedures will be determined in the near future.

Board members approved a sixth and eighth grade “Worth the Wait” abstinence until marriage curriculum and a fifth grade “Puberty, Growth and Development” curriculum, which includes a parent night at all six elementary schools. Both curriculums are provided by the Pinal County Health Office School Liaison Program. Parents may review each curriculum and must sign permission forms for their children to participate.

The $3.2 million grant provided by the Ak-Chin Indian Community was approved unanimously, but the vote on the grant-funded positions was 3-1 with board member Lori Glenn voting ‘no.’ (President Geoff Goddard was absent due to a work emergency). Glenn felt she did not have enough information on the Turnaround director’s position. 

The grant provides for a MUSD Turnaround Project affecting five schools in the district: Butterfield Elementary School, Maricopa Elementary School, Maricopa Wells Middle School, Maricopa High School and Saddleback Elementary School.

Grant monies will be paid to the district in four quarterly installments of $400,000 each or $1.6 million per year for a two-year period. According to Superintendent Jeff Kleck, the Turnaround Project will, hopefully, be a ‘bridge’ for the district until better economic times.

Grant specifics stipulate the hiring of 25 teachers to reduce class sizes. The funds will also allow for a district-wide gifted coordinator. A turnaround director will be hired for oversight and to determine program progress. Eight paraprofessionals and four academic and behavioral coaches will also be hired for the program.

File photo