Bond election approved by board

The Douglas Unified School District Governing Board succeeded in calling a bond election on its second try.

A cal for an election failed two weeks ago due to a lack of a second.

The election was unanimously approved by a vote of 3-0. Board members Patricia Lopez and Mario Ramos were absent.

The bond election is for  $7.4 million.

Bonds are sold for capital construction and equipment, but cannot be used for the everyday operation of the district, so none of the bond money could be used for such items as salaries or benefits.

An issue was being looked at this time because the current issue being paid for runs out in 2009-10.

If the new issue is approved by voters, once the bonds were sold, the secondary tax rate would actually be less than this tax year. The impact on individual taxpayers would be based on the assessed value of the home.

The preliminary list of projects would include:

• Clawson Elementary multi-purpose room, $1,205,550

• Athletics facilities improvements, $1,534,265

• Improvements at Stevenson & Huber, $973,983

• DHS ADA lift/landing (5th & 6th wing), $705,000

• Roofing improvements (various), $2,620,026

Total estimated for these projects, $7,038.824

Other projects being considered were also:

• DHS gymnasium (new), $11,351,100

• RBMS gymnasium ADA lift, $312,500

The cost for  a single item election, which would be held in November 2009, is $24,000.

Any bond issue would have to be approved by a majority of the district voters.

In other action, the board:

√ Approved hiring of fourth grade teacher, Tracy Daigle, $33,000; second grade teacher, Alexis Perry, $28,400; Special Ed instructor, Stephanie Buttle, $36,100; Fifth grade teacher Ted Basing, $28,400; CTE Marketing teacher, Sheila Vito-Randall, $32,300; Middle School teacher, Tara Sirrine, $28,400; Middle School teacher, Natalie Witzeman,  $29,200; Biology teacher, Martha Celia Alonso, $35,300; and Art teacher, Monica Lumiere, $32,300.

Also, Third grade teacher, Tamra Fisher, $32,700; Middle School teacher, Michael Molina, $30,400; Middle School teacher Mary Kathryn Bailey, $32,700; Middle School teacher, Anna Ingiosi, $28,400; Instructional coach, Francesca Inzerillo, $39,500; Middle School teacher, Carol Messersmith, $33,500; Fourth grade teacher, Laura Alvarado, $28,400; Third grade teacher, Sue Gibbs, $34,300; CTE Law Enforcement teacher, Henry Dillman, $30,400; Middle School teacher Courtney Jenkins, $32,300; and

Middle  School teacher, Sara Crandell, $28,400.

√ Hired substitute teachers at $100 a day: Cecilia Greth, Alfred Novoa, Alan Gordon, Maria Poetter, Keoki Skinner, Ralph Curfman, Leisha Reynolds, Diana Luna, Mary Thomas and George Montano.

√ Approved an addendum for $500 for Sheila Ayrom for extra duties responsibilities; $2,000 for Sheila Vito-Randall for extra duties/responsibilities; $2,000 for Henry Dillman, for extra duties and responsibilities.

√ Approved a salary adjustment of $1,375 for Cyndy Ortega and $425 for payment of ESL endorsement for the 2008-09 school year.

√ Hired Kathy Ballard to assist with the teacher induction program.

√ Accepted the retirement of Robert Fitzhugh, English teacher at DHS, for the 2009-10 school year.

√ Approved the hiring of Computer Lab Instructional Aide, Robert Griffin, $8.87 per hour; Special Ed Instructional Aide, Diane Salazar, $9.56 per hour; Instructional Aides, Sandra Lucero, Elena Rascon, Monica Galindo, Noemi Escalante and Jessica Monje, at an hourly rate of $8.87; Special Ed Instructional Aide, Gemina German, $9.12  per hour; and Special Ed Instructional Aide, Yolanda Ballesteros, $8.87 per hour.

√ Revised the Data Specialist job description.

√Approved renewal  of intergovernmental agreement with Cochise College for dual enrollment classes.

√ Approved unleaded/diesel fuel bid to AZ Fuel.

√ Approved General Statement of Assurance for 2009-10 with the Arizona Department of Education for participation in any ADE administered program.

√ Approved increasing the classroom capacities from 25 to 28 per classroom.

√ Approved the proposed 2009-10 operating budget.

√ Approved a release of contract of Rosela Arvayo with liquidated damages of $1,000.