11/10/2026 Work Study Session & Governing Board Meeting

Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board work study session and regular meeting, November 10, 2026. The work study focused on proposed revisions to classified hourly and exempt salary schedules in response to Arizona’s January 1 minimum wage increase and missed step increases. The administration recommended a schedule starting at $16.12 per hour, with 1.5% increments, and estimated an annual budget impact of about $157,000; this proposal was discussed but not brought to a vote. The board also reviewed budget reporting and a proposed $1.6 million carryover target. It unanimously approved a revised FY 2024–25 annual financial report reflecting approximately $105,000 in recovered funds for that year and an estimated $206,000 total impact across FY 2024–25 and FY 2025–26, subject to state budget adjustments. The superintendent also reported that the district had met with three companies to explore employee medical-insurance options for 2027–28, with a board study session planned for December 8.

The board approved, among other consent items, reclassifying an existing maintenance employee as a district electrician for school year 2026–27, with no added FTE; a paid student-teaching opportunity using an already budgeted vacant teaching position; and an intergovernmental agreement with Buckeye Learning Center for more restrictive special-education placements. Members raised concerns about that agreement’s 15-day payment term, but it passed 3–0. The board also approved the disposal and auction of surplus technology, maintenance, and food-service items, and ratified expense vouchers totaling $1,809,798.15. During voucher review, the district identified an overpayment caused by a clerical mileage-reimbursement error and said it would seek recovery. No contract award or classified salary-schedule adoption was approved at this meeting.