Hurry up and wait.

That was the heme of the special Douglas Unified School District Governing Board meeting last Wednesday. There was a 30 second consent agenda motion sandwiched between three executive sessions that took more than two-and-a-half hours.

Following the marathon of executive sessions, the board did approve a $23.3 million budget for the 2008-09 school.l year.

The new budget reflects a 1.5 percent increase over the current budget.

Most increases ar3 incremental, with the highest percentage change coming for school sponsored athletics, which increased 5.2 percent, about $21.000.

The biggest increase in the Regular Education section is for classroom instruction , which increased $151,000.

The budget shows a drop in 10 full time positions ,, coming from administration and Special Education instruction.

In other action, the board:

• Ratified summer school administrator (elementary), Martin Muecke.

• Approved Assistant Principal (RBMS) hire, Rene Villalva, at a total of $53,475; Science (DHS) teacher hire, Frances Sciatta, at a total salary of $46,790; Education Technology Coordinator hire, Cynthia Cardona, at a total salary of $36,890; Language Arts (RBMS) teacher hire, and Brad Linsday, at a total salary of $33,790;.

• Approved hiring of New Student Center Clerk II hire, Bertha Barela, at an hourly wage of $12.53; School Security Officer (DHS) hire, Jesus Acedo, at art hourly wage of $8.70; School Security Officer (DHS) hire, Arturo Torres, at an hourly wage of $9.13;

• Alternative to Suspension Monitor (HMS) hire, Tern Quijada, at an hourly wage of $8.70; Attendance Clerk (DHS) hire, Noelle Robles, at an hourly rate of $10.56; Bus Driver (full-time) hire, Mario Chavez, at an hourly rate of $10.55; Bus Driver (part-time) hire, Donna Sanders, at an hourly rate of $10.05; and  CTE summer office clerk (student) hire, Rozela Melgoza, at an hourly rate of $6.90.

• Approved certified and support staff for the 2008/2009 school year.

• Approved revisions to the following job descriptions: Custodian and Migrant record clerk.

• Approved the following support staff resignations/retirements: Cynthia Encinas, TA, Stevenson Elementary; and  Donna Riley, Asst. Supt/Curriculum secretary   retirement

• Conducted first reading of revisions to Policy GCO “Evaluation of Professional Staff Members” and approval of revisions to Policy exhibit GCOEA “Evaluation of Professional Staff Members”.

• Approved longevity steps on Policy exhibit GCBA-EB “Professional Staff Salary Schedule” for those serving 20 and 25 years with the district.

• Approved intergovernmental agreement with AZ Department of Education (IGA No: 08-30-ED) for Leadership-Coaching training (Principal’s Institute).

• Approved renewal of Arizona State Purchasing Cooperative Agreement for FY2009.

• Approved  legal services through School Attorney Enhancement or Prepaid Legal Services.

• Approved a 1 percent pay increase and 15 days vaction in its negotiations with District Business Manager Denise Evans. She is paid $71,003.

The next  regular board meeting for July has been re-scheduled for July 14.