Mesa Development News
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Mesa Public Schools Seeks $75,000 Grant for Physical Education Equipment
The governing board approved applying for the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority Biannual Grant for the 2026-2027 school year, with a potential award of up to $75,000. This grant program operates on a matching fund basis, where the district spends one-third of the cost, and the grant provides the remaining two-thirds, resulting in a 67% reduction in expenditure for physical education equipment. The selection of schools to receive funding is managed by Deb Brandon Grazy, who maintains a master list and considers the specific equipment needs of each school, rotating through them to ensure equitable distribution. Schools have not had rope, cone, or ball replacements for a significant time. This grant is seen as a strategic way to acquire necessary PE equipment at a significantly reduced cost, especially as capital funds are becoming limited.
Mesa Public Schools Accepts Gift to Enhance Student Outcomes Through Instructional Improvement Project
The governing board approved the acceptance of a gift from Teach Plus. Dr. Eastless explained that this gift is part of a three-year project with Instruction Partners and ASU aimed at improving student outcomes through collaborative planning, high-quality instructional materials, and unit/lesson internalization. Currently, three schools, including Stevenson, Whittier, and Hermosa Vista, are participating. Stevenson has completed its first year focusing on SAVIS math resources, with teachers building knowledge in instructional design and evidence-based practices. The project has shown success, leading to an idea to expand the work to ELA, and is also being researched by Mathematica. The gift will support this ongoing initiative.
Mesa Public Schools Board Approves ASBA Membership Amidst Debate on Value and Cost
The governing board approved the district's membership with the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) for the upcoming school year with a vote of 3-2. This decision was debated, with some board members questioning the value and cost of the membership, citing rising dues and the availability of alternative resources for training and legal services through other organizations like the Trust and the County Superintendent's office. Concerns were raised about potential redundancies in services and the lack of an attorney on staff at ASBA for three years. However, other board members highlighted ASBA's role in advocacy, particularly its involvement as a plaintiff in the critical school capital funding lawsuit, and the importance of maintaining a voice in statewide discussions and legislative priorities. The value of ASBA's networking opportunities and its potential to inspire was also mentioned. The current membership fee is $1,000, with discussions on potentially revising the pay-for-performance model in the future, particularly regarding its application to administrators and its focus on student outcomes.
Mesa Public Schools Board Approves Revised Meeting Policy to Enhance Transparency and Public Participation
The governing board reviewed and approved revised Policy 1-302, concerning governing board meetings and open meeting law requirements, effective July 1, 2026. The revisions aim to enhance clarity between open call to the public and public comment on agenda items, ensuring that rules apply consistently. The total time limit for public comment on agenda items and open call to the public may be limited to 30 minutes each. The policy allows flexibility for the board president to manage speaker time, with current practice limiting each speaker to three minutes regardless of the number of items they wish to address, though potentially allowing multiple sign-ups. The policy was rewritten to address potential First Amendment concerns raised by the Goldwater Institute, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and accessibility to citizens, while also clarifying district ownership of official social media accounts and prohibiting employee access to personal social media. The changes aim to ensure respectful and productive public participation.
Mesa Public Schools Extends Current Pay-for-Performance Plan for 2026-2027, Future Revisions Considered
The governing board approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 pay-for-performance plan and guidelines, continuing with the current model for the fourth consecutive year. This decision was made in consultation with employee associations (MEA, Max Group, MASSA, and MESPA), who collectively agreed to maintain the existing structure. The plan includes two main components: performance goals focused on improving results through data analysis (individual or collaborative), and work product goals centered on implementing new approaches. Teachers are required to have a minimum of 20% of their evaluation based on pay-for-performance, while other employee groups (certified personnel, administrators, classified staff) are not mandated but receive it from M&O funds, not Prop 301. The current model is seen as status quo due to significant district changes and a desire not to add more change, but future evaluation is planned. Some board members expressed interest in re-evaluating the model, particularly regarding its focus on student outcomes and its application to administrators, and potentially shifting more funding to base pay for teachers.
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The Mesa News archive
Governing Board Study Session & Regular Meeting - June 25th, 2026
City Council Study Session
Council Study Session - 6/8/26
City Council Meeting- 6/8/26
City Council Study Session
Council Study Session - 6/4/26
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