Dear Union ESD Community,
Board Briefs shares key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on Sept. 10, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
Executive Session
To begin the meeting, the Governing Board convened for an executive session to discuss the Superintendent’s goals for the year.
Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events
During the Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events, Ms. Kristine Morris shared that September is National Attendance Awareness Month. Ms. Morris said Union ESD understands that showing up daily is the main thing students do to ensure they have the opportunity to learn. Ms. Morris also reported great news to our Board and community: Our schools improved chronic absenteeism in August from August 2025 and August 2024 (25.3% this year as opposed to almost 37% in August of the two previous years).
Ms. Morris also said we have filled our S.T.E.M. teacher vacancies at all three schools and our IDEA Compliance Coach. We also hired a third school psychologist at the time of the meeting. Ms. Morris lauded the Employee Services team and the group engaged in daily huddles for filling these vacancies with high-quality candidates.
In the Stewardship of Resources world, Ms. Morris and Ms. Melanie Blaum, Executive Director of Fiscal and Operational Excellence, met with Stifel regarding the final sale of our 2022 bond. They held the S&P ratings call used to establish a rating for our district to potential buyers.
Ms. Morris also shared another win: The Auditor General team visited our office and confirmed that we have corrected 13 of the 24 deficiencies that put us into corrective action following last year’s audit. The AG team wasn’t permitted to say whether the district would be let out of corrective action, but we are hopeful we have displayed enough concrete progress to do so.
During the week of the Board Meeting, Ms. Morris and Ms. Susan Doucet, our Board President, attended the Arizona School Boards Association Delegate Assembly and Law Conference. Ms. Doucet represented our Board in setting the ASBA’s Political Agenda for the upcoming Legislative Session.
Presentation: General Information on the 2022 Election-Phased Bonding Program
For this first presentation, the Board welcomed Stifel’s Michael Lavallee, who supports us with our bond sale. Lavallee explained the process to the Board and provided an update on our work with this process.
Lavallee said his feel is that our rating should be unchanged from the last time around. He felt our rate should settle somewhere between 4.75% and 5% despite market uncertainties, which is where rates have traditionally fallen during his career.
Presentation: Fiscal Year 2027 Expenditure Budget Revision #1
Ms. Blaum presented the first budget revision for Fiscal Year 2027. She explained that she updated our Average Daily Membership to reflect our lower enrollment numbers. She also updated the budget to account for a grant we were not awarded and the addition of state aid after our initial adoptions.
We will update our community on any future revisions.
Presentation: Union Elementary School Integrated Action Plan 2026
Union Elementary Principal LaToya Turner presented Union Elementary’s Integrated Action Plan. This outlined her leadership team’s goals for the year. Her leadership team consists of Assistant Principal Russell Paperman and others.
Ms. Turner talked about the school’s goals as they relate to student achievement. She also mentioned the 4-to-1 praise to correction ratio, which is our district standard for praising students.
In the area of student well-being, Ms
JToscano
Dear Union ESD Community,
Board Briefs shares key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on Aug. 13, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
Executive Session
To begin the meeting, the Board convened for an executive session to discuss the schools’ emergency operations plans and the Superintendent’s goals for the 2026-27 school year. The Board then adjourned and convened for the regular meeting.
Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events
In the Summary of Current Events, Ms. Morris shared a photo slideshow of pictures from the first day of school at all three campuses and thanked the team for making it a great first day.
Then she provided updates on the new school year. Below is a summary of these updates:
Our eight-day head count, which compiles the number of students who show up to school, is lower than last year (1,570 vs. 1,579). However, this year’s head count from day one to day eight grew more than in previous years, which means we’ve shown more growth despite starting lower.
We are 43 students below our enrollment projections. A new housing complex across the street from Central Office could bring new students to our district as soon as November.
We use projections to determine the number of classroom positions. We create staffing projections using minimum and maximum average class size guidelines, then monitor our schools to see if grade levels begin to come close to the guideline. We’re actively monitoring Dos Rios 4th and 5th grade, and Union 4th grade.
A few AC issues are our biggest concern with facilities at this moment. We expect Union Elementary’s cafeteria to have a new AC unit in five or six weeks. We also have three other places at our schools receiving HVAC service.
This November, we are on the ballot for a continuation of the 15% Maintenance & Operations Override and a District Additional Assistance Capital Override. The M&O Override has been used to fund things like free full-day kindergarten, specials like P.E. and Art, and more. If the DAA Override passes, funding would be used to improve facilities and grounds, upgrade technology and more. We encourage everyone to read the fact sheet and vote.
Prop 320 is on the ballot in Arizona this November. If it passes, it would require districts in Maricopa County and other large counties to spend 60% of their dollars on instructional spending. On its face, everyone would be for this, Ms. Morris said, but the Auditor General has a limiting definition of instructional spending that doesn’t address key areas that contribute to student success, such as electrical, counselors, library books and more. We encourage everyone to understand what is on the ballot.
Presentation: Governing Board Mandatory Reporting Training
Director of Employee Engagement, Ms. Ana M. Avalos, took the Board through the annual training on mandatory reporting. As Governing Board members, they qualify as mandatory reporters, which means they must report any child abuse or misconduct to law enforcement or the Department of Child Safety.
Ms. Avalos eventually provided a few scenarios with the question: Would they have to report that situation, and if so, to who? The Board showed its thorough knowledge of its mandatory reporting duty.
Action Items
Discussion and Consideration of the Arizona School Boards Association’s Proposed 2027 Political Agenda: The Board approved the ASBA’s proposed 2027 political agenda.
English Language Learner Curriculum Adoption Timeline: The Board approved Union ESD’s updated adoption timeline for English Language Learner curriculum.
Emergency Operations Plans 2026-27: The Board approve
JToscano
Dear Union Elementary School District Community,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
We are set to begin another year of inspiring hope and empowering all students to courageously pursue their goals and dreams! Our staff members are eager to meet our students and their families. We can’t wait to see all our students will achieve this year!
The first day of school is August 3!
Today, July 30, we are hosing Meet Your Teacher.
Our Meet Your Teacher Day is a unique and special opportunity to begin building a relationship with your child’s educator. One major part of a successful education is the collaboration between a parent and a teacher, and we want to help foster this. Your child’s teacher has reached out to you to schedule this meeting, and we hope to see you there.
As we embark on another school year, our staff remains committed to giving its best each day to positively engage with your children and you.
Throughout 2026-2027, we are here to help your child discover their passions through our well-rounded education, which includes the basics and S.T.E.M., Music, Art and Athletics. We’re excited for our students to enjoy another fulfilling school year, and we thank you for entrusting us with their education.
It’s going to be an inspiring year!
Fondly,
Kristine Morris
Superintendent
JToscano
Dear Union ESD Community,
Board Briefs shares key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on July 14, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
Public Hearing: Presentation on Proposed School District Annual Expenditure Budget and Truth in Taxation for Adjacent Ways Fiscal Year 2027
The meeting began with a Public Hearing. Union ESD Executive Director of Fiscal and Operational Excellence Melanie Blaum presented on the Proposed School District Annual Expenditure Budget and on Truth in Taxation for Adjacent Ways.
During the first presentation – Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 – Ms. Blaum went through different revenues and expenditures in the budget, like transportation or the K-3 reading program. She explained to the Board that we are balanced as Fiscal Year 2027 gets underway.
In the Truth in Taxation presentation, Ms. Blaum reviewed the ways the Adjacent Ways Funding is a locally funded levy that can be used to improve and maintain specific items on District property or adjacent to the District’s buildings.
Adjacent Ways Levy is $100,000. On a $100,000 tax-valued home, the estimated tax assessed would be $6.22. This is a decrease from last year’s f $25 levy on a home of the same value.
Union ESD notified local media and posted an invitation to this public hearing in the West Valley View.
Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events
During Summary of Current Events, Superintendent Morris shared multiple exciting updates and achievements that happened since she last addressed the Board.
We had two honors under our Student Well-Being umbrella.
The Cook Center for Human Connection named us a Gold Standard District for Mental Health. We earned this because our pilot school, Hurley Ranch, participated in professional development aimed at helping them better help students. We are the first school district in Arizona to receive this recognition for this grant supported by the United States Department of Education’s Education Innovation and Research Grant in conjunction with the Cook Center for Human Connection.
We were given a plaque to commemorate our work supporting attendance in Maricopa County. In collaboration with United Way, which shares this goal, we have worked to increase student attendance and decrease chronic absenteeism.
Ms. Morris also recognized the Child Nutrition team, which won the “Gold Watermelon” award for successfully completing a Farm Fresh Challenge. To win, our team procured three local menu items, hosted two educational activities and promoted the challenge on social media. They also incorporated at least two difficult-to-reach local food items into their menu. We are only one of four districts in Arizona to win the honor.
Ms. Morris also informed the Board that we had offered contracts to two school psychologists as part of our School-Based Mental Health Grant. The Employee Services and Student Success teams have been working hard to find these high-quality candidates.
In other exciting news, instructional coaches reported to work the day before this Board Meeting. New teachers reported on July 16. All staff will return on July 23 ahead of the first day of school on Aug. 3.
Presentation: Student Achievement
Union ESD Executive Director of Student Success Melanie Block gave a presentation on student achievement. She pointed to the positive trends and challenges, and shared our plan for continuous improvement.
During her presentation, Ms. Block informed the Board about actions the All-Admin Team did at its retreat in late May. It’s called the Fishbone Exercise and it facilitates leaders to identify root causes for a certain
JToscano
Dear Union ESD Community,
We are pleased to share key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on June 11, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events
For her Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events, Ms. Kristine Morris updated the Governing Board on multiple exciting happenings across the district since the May meeting.
Since the last Board Meeting,, the school year ended and the All-Administrative Team spent two days at the All-Admin Retreat. The focus: Improving student success. In the spirit of continuous improvement, leaders challenged one another to get better and figure out ways to help our students.
At that All-Admin Retreat, leaders began work with the district’s new Scorecard, which is a way to measure our progress. Ms. Morris showed this Scorecard to the Board and explained how district leaders devised it.
Soon after the All-Admin Retreat, Summer Camp began at Hurley Ranch. Students from all over the district are sharpened their literacy skills. They are being taught by staff who have spent time in literacy training provided by Arizona State University.
Ms. Morris also shared that our Employee Services team remains hard at work filling open positions for the upcoming school year. They have done a great job thus far and are still working hard to recruit school psychologists. (Link to apply: 2026-2027 School Psychologist - Frontline Recruitment)
Public Hearing Presentation: Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 School District Annual Expenditure Budget
Union ESD Executive Director of Fiscal and Operational Excellence Melanie Blaum presented our proposed annual expenditure budget for fiscal year 2027.
During her presentation, Ms. Blaum explained the math completed to balance the budget and how resources would be allocated.
One of the pillars of our Strategic Plan is Stewardship of Resources. We prioritize being fiscally responsible, and this presentation by Ms. Blaum displayed that our budget for the upcoming fiscal year is appropriate for our district’s goals.
The Board was pleased to see the responsibility with which the district manages its funds. The Board didn’t have any questions on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
The new fiscal year begins July 1.
Presentation: Structured English Immersion Curriculum Adoption
Union ESD Student Academic Success Coordinator Ryann Miller presented on the district’s recent Structured English Immersion (SEI) curriculum adoption process. Ms. Miller took the Board through the entire process and explained the district’s recommendation for the new school year.
Ms. Miller reported that the district piloted two programs:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) English 3D Language Portfolio & Issues
Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) Amplify Language Studio.
Two district educators – Ms. Glueck and Mr. Salgado – piloted the curriculum materials as the district went through the adoption process.
After careful review and consideration, the recommendation is to continue the process into next year. Ms. Miller said neither program fully met Union ESD’s full expectations based on student needs.
Thus, we will be creating an updated adoption timeline that will be shared in August. The team will then continue its search for curriculum materials for SEI to meet the needs of learners.
Presentation: Recruiting, Developing and Retaining High-Quality Staff
Director of Employee Engagement Ana M. Avalos gave a presentation on our goal to recruit, develop and retain high-quality staff members. One of the pillars of our Strategic Plan is High-Quality,
JToscano
Dear Union ESD Community,
We are pleased to share key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on May 13, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events and Student and Staff Recognitions
During Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events, Ms. Kristine Morris stepped to the front of the dais for student and staff recognitions. The Governing Board honored Math Challenge winners, students accepted to University High, Eighth Grade Believers of Change, Pride Award recipients and Teachers of the Year.
First, we recognized the students who won the District Math Challenge. Each team represented us at the Westside Impact Regional Math Challenge.
The 3rd and 4th grade team from Hurley Ranch:
Eduardo Lopez Zepeda
Jesse Gonzales
Monserrat De La Riva
Melanie Rocha
Esther Jackson
The 5th and 6th grade team from Dos Rios:
Benjamin Miller
Rogelio Betancourt Beltran
Ryu Thompson
Regino Urias Calleros
Orlando Orozco
Keanu Rangel (cannot attend)
The 7th and 8th graders from Hurley Ranch:
Louis Lopez
Qu’Raan Huff
Vince Valenzuela
Kamron Hughes
Eddie Guzman Contreras
Lakota Shipman
We then moved to recognizing students who were accepted to University High, allowing them to experience an accelerated education. They can graduate high school with college credits to their name. If they are very ambitious, they can have two years of college credit by the time they graduate.
Those students were:
Daniel Hernandez, Dos Rios
Aliyah Torres, Dos Rios
Hazel Lexi Trujillo, Dos Rios
Josbelie Vega Espinoza, Dos Rios
Lakota Shipman, Hurley Ranch
The 8th grade members of Believers of Change who were not able to attend the April Board Meeting were recognized.
We acknowledged:
Kaleb Allore
Vanessa Ochoa
Raylynn Garcia-Strong
Sebastian Rivero
This ended the student portion of our recognition, and we moved to honoring distinguished staff members.
We began by honoring our Pride Award winners. The Pride Award an annual distinction given to those Union ESD staff members who exemplify our core values. Individuals are nominated by their peers and selected for the quality of the nomination.
Ms. Morris celebrated each Pride Award winner by reading a bit about them from their nominations:
Ericka Daniel, Assistant Principal at Dos Rios
Rogeno Valenzuela, Fourth Grade Teacher at Hurley Ranch
Ryann Miller, Student Academic Success Coordinator at Central Office
Clarissa Villanueva, Office Manager at Union Elementary
Kala Suchan, Director of Child Nutrition at Central Office
Paulina Sanchez, Fifth Grade Teacher at Dos Rios
Leisa Herrera, Instructional Coach at Dos Rios
Jennifer Glueck, English Language Learner Teacher at Union Elementary
Christopher Moreno, HVAC Technician at Central Office
Elmer Rodas, Head Custodian at Hurley Ranch
After recognizing our Pride Award recipients, we moved to honoring our Teachers of the Year: Ms. Khattra (Dos Rios), Mr. Cardoso (Hurley Ranch) and Ms. Ramos (Union Elementary). We played a short video detailing their impact and why they were named Teacher of the Year for their school.
Presentation: Consideration of 2026 Election
Ms. Morris and Executive Director of Fiscal and Operational Excellence Melanie Blaum gave the Board a presentation regarding the consideration of a 2026 election.
Ms. Morris and Ms. Blaum explained the district’s potential needs and how the money could
JToscano
Dear Union ESD Community,
We are pleased to share key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on April 9, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events and Student Recognitions
At the beginning of the Governing Board Meeting, Superintendent Morris recognized a group of exceptional students for their accomplishments: The students who placed at the Westside Impact Regional Science Fair, the District Spelling Bee winner and the eighth-grade members of the Believers of Change. The students joined Ms. Morris and the Governing Board to receive an award and photo.
For the Science Fair, Ms. Morris honored these students:
Dos Rios first grader Anna Cowan, who won first place in Grades K-2 Science.
Dos Rios third grader Viola Cowan, who placed second in Grades 3-4 Engineering.
Dos Rios kindergartener Faris Khan, who placed third in Grades K-2 Science.
Ms. Morris then honored Union fifth grader Tracy Morales, who won our District Spelling Bee after winning her school “Bee.” Tracy represented us at the Westside Impact Regional Spelling Bee, which Ms. Morris acknowledged during her remarks.
In the final portion of student recognition, Ms. Morris celebrated several eighth-grade members of the Believers of Change, one by one. Union ESD’s tradition is to present these eighth graders with a certificate and medal before they go to high school to thank them for their impact as leaders on their campus and throughout Union ESD. The Believers of Change, started in November of 2023, are students who collaborate with their peers to drive positive change and help us inspire hope and empower all students to courageously pursue their goals and dreams. These eighth graders were recognized for their commitment to the community:
Kaleb Allore
Raylynn Garcia-Strong
Blessin Hogue
Adrian Martinez
Vanessa Ochoa
Daniel Ramirez
Arianna Rivera
Sebastian Rivero
Following the student recognitions, Ms. Morris continued her Summary of Current Events by announcing exciting news: In the Read to the Final Four competition, Dos Rios 3rd graders placed in the top 5% of the “best of the Rest” category and won a $400 scholastic gift card, while Hurley Ranch 3rd graders placed in the top 25% and won $100.
Maintenance and Operations Override and and District Additional Assistance Election Consideration Presentation and Discussion
Ms. Morris and Ms. Melanie Blaum, Union ESD’s Executive Director of Fiscal and Operational Excellence, presented on our use of the 2022 voter-approved 15% Maintenance and Operations Override uses, free full-day kindergarten, competitive salaries and benefits for staff, and electives like Art, S.T.E.M and Physical Education. The override will begin phasing out in 2027 if not renewed. If not renewed, we would have to reduce the budget by about $1.9 million by 2029. The Board provided guidance on a potential 2026 election for M&O override continuation.
Ms. Blaum laid out all the ways we have used our 2022 voter-approved bond funds. Funds were used to expand the Union campus, move transportation, re-work central office, purchase buses, buy furniture for all campuses , and purchase some new technology for students. There is about $6-8 million remaining and many desired improvement projects. Ms. Blaum also explained our Capital Plan and explained some of the details, such as our conservative technology refresh plan. There is also a need at Union for an indoor athletic facility and performance stage. If this improvement could be done within the remaining bond dollars, it would bring more facility parity to our campuses. This would take all remaining bond dollars.
Ms. Morris then engaged the board in a discussion about potentially calling for a District Additional Assistance (DAA) Override election. Potential uses for DAA would be field improvements, technology upgrades, deferred maintenance, HVAC and energy efficiencies. A timeline was shared on next steps. The Board members recommended exploring avenues to build athletic and performance facilities at Union and to improve fields at Hurley. Additionally, they look forward to seeing polling data and the impact of the elections on tax rates, and hearing feedback from Parent Teacher Organizations and Principals.
Action Items
The Board approved the 2026 ASBA Political Agenda and Assembly Delegate.
The Board approved the Second Reading of Policy Advisory No. 960 regarding audits and financial monitoring.
The Board approved the First Reading of Policy JHCA, which deals with open/closed campus regulations.
The Board approved the English Language Program Curriculum Adoption Timeline.
The Board Approved the revised 2026-2027 Salary Placement Schedules.
The Board informed Superintendent Morris of the intent to extend the Superintendent’s contract and to proceed with legal counsel to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the contract. The Board motioned to extend the Superintendent’s contract until 2029.
Future Agenda Items
Final FY 26 Budget Revision – May 2026
Possible call for an Election – May 2026
Social Studies Curriculum Adoption – May 2026
English Language Learner Curriculum Adoption – June 2026
Fiscal Year 2027 Evaluation Revisions – June 2026
Fiscal Year 2027 Pay for Performance – June 2026
We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to furthering our district's goals together. Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome as we strive for educational excellence. Please join us at our next meeting to stay informed and involved.
Sincerely,
Susan Doucet Nubia Briceno
Governing Board President Governing Board Member
JToscano
Dear Union ESD Community,
We are pleased to share key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on March 5, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
Study Session Information and Discussion
The Governing Board held a study session on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Superintendent Kristine Morris, Executive Director of Student Success Melanie Block, Executive Director of Fiscal and Operational Excellence Melanie Blaum, and Director of Employee Engagement Ana M. Avalos shared strategies for the next few years.
The Board details reviewed details on Union ESD’s current flat and declining enrollment, including context about the district’s opportunity for growth if it captures the growing number of children in its boundaries.
As the district seeks improved student outcomes, we will invest our reserves strategically to preserve our financial health. The Board understood Ms. Morris’s explanation and added that it often takes financial investment on the front end to see academic growth and enrollment gains.
Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events
Ms. Morris provided the Board with updates on the week leading into Spring Break. Among them:
For Read Across America Week, Union ESD schools held events like Family Literacy Night and Buddy Reading. The former is to educate families on literacy and how to help their children with reading, and the latter consisted of older students reading books to younger students.
The district’s Principal Professional Learning Community (PLC) met to analyze Illuminate data and discuss how to track essential standards. Specifically, the group broke down mathematics.
The district was finishing AZELLA spring testing for all English Language Learners. At the time Ms. Morris spoke, 397 of 399 EL students had been tested.
Social Studies Adoption Presentation
Ms. Block provided the Board with a presentation on the adoption of the social studies curriculum for 6th to 8th graders.
Ms. Block first explained how the curriculum adoption directly aligns with our Strategic Plan and Portrait of a Learner. She then provided an overview of the curriculum development cycle.
Within the presentation, Ms. Block explained how the district landed on its specific social studies curriculum, including how it followed the Arizona State Board of Education’s standards when doing so. Union ESD follows a curriculum review process annually to ensure all students have high-quality learning materials.
This process is bringing evidence-based curriculum to our students for social studies.
In April, our committee will receive sample textbooks and materials for initial preview. On April 20, the pilot of classroom materials will begin. Vendors will submit final proposals on May 8 and the Governing Board will be given a recommendation at the May 14 meeting.
Transportation Update Presentation
Ms. Blaum updated the Board on the district’s transportation efforts.
Ms. Blaum shared ridership numbers and explained new routes for the 2026-2027 school year.
Ms. Blaum shared that her team needs time to improve its systems. Her aim is to bring more clarity to who can and cannot ride the bus, which will ensure we continue to be responsible stewards of taxpayer resources.
Ms. Blaum also informed the board that our website is being revised to align with our new transportation system. This will include a digital method for families to request transportation.
Significant Actions
First Reading of Policy Advisory No. 960: The Board approved the first reading of Policy Advisory No. 960, which was developed to simplify existing and duplica
JToscano
Dear Union ESD Community,
We are pleased to share key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on Feb. 18, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
Superintendent’s Summary of Current Events
Superintendent Kristine Morris shared a presentation with the Board about the district’s current financial standing and its action plan to continue its success.
Ms. Morris began her report by discussing the Auditor General’s Arizona School District Financial Risk Analysis, which uses different categories to evaluate each district’s financial health. The report assesses each district based on certain risk factors, like changes in weighted student account or operating and capital budget reserves.
Ms. Morris shared wonderful news with the Board: Union ESD has no high-risk indicators, per the report. Only 34% of Maricopa County school districts had zero high-risk indicators, and Union ESD was one of them. This is yet another example of the district’s goal of being a responsible steward of taxpayer resources.
Ms. Morris also provided the Board with an update on enrollment. We have a large group of 8th graders who will be promoted to high school. The number of kindergarten enrollees has not been keeping pace with those promoting due to lower birth rates. Because of this, projection show an enrollment decline. Our team is committed to recruiting and enrolling students at a higher rate going forward and have begun our annual spring Kindergarten Round-up events. Early recruitment is important because recent data shows that Union ESD sits in a growing area. Thus, the district has ample opportunity to increase its enrollment and serve our community .
Ms. Morris also laid out considerations for remaining in healthy financial standing if enrollment doesn’t increase. Considerations include certain cost-cutting measures and/or revenue-increasing ventures, stressing the main goal is to enroll more of our neighborhood children.
Fiscal Year 2024-25 Audit Presentation
Union ESD Executive Director of Fiscal and Operational Excellence Melanie Blaum presented on the audit from the 2024-25 fiscal year. The audit includes the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Package, the Single Audit Report Package and the Compliance Questionnaire.
The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Package shows where the district's money came from and how the district spent it. It also evaluates the district's financial health. Ms. Blaum reported that the district's total revenues were $24 million, while the total costs of all programs and services were $23.1 million.
The Single Audit Reporting Package (SARP) reviews how the district uses and manages federal funds. This independent auditor report revealed three key findings: A timing issue, a posting error and errors within capital asset records.
Ms. Blaum also detailed the district’s corrective action plan for these findings.
The Board appreciated Ms. Blaum’s action plan. Going forward, Ms. Blaum will be implementing additional standard operating procedures to correct the deficiencies and improve efficiencies.
She also went over the Uniform System of Financial Records (USFR) Compliance Questionnaire, which helps districts identify growth areas. The audit revealed a few different areas in which it could strengthen its procedures, including in procurement and asset control. The enhancements have already begun.
Stewardship of Resources: Special Projects Presentation
Director of Maintenance Mark Carvis and Ms. Blaum presented on Special Projects.
Mr. Carvis laid out the ways the district has upgraded its campuses without using local taxpayer funds. Examples: New roofs at multiple schools and new HVAC units where they were needed. The district is also doing weatherization work at Hurley Ranch. These projects were funded by the School Facilities Division.
Significant Actions
Acceptance of 2024-2025 Audit, including Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: The board voted to approve the acceptance of the 2024-2025 Audit and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report.
School Based Mental Health Grant: The board voted to approve the acceptance of the School Based Mental Health Grant from the United States Department of Education.
Invoice Payment Approval for Fiscal Year 2025: The board voted to approve an invoice payment for fiscal year 2025.
Tax Credit Donations for the 2025 Tax Credit Year: The board voted to approve the acceptance of tax credit donations for the 2025 tax credit year.
Future Agenda Items
Staffing and Enrollment Projections – March 2026
Salary Schedules and Supplemental Pay – March 2026
Offer of Contracts and Notice of Appointment Lists – March 2026
Enrollment Projections and Override Election: Study Session – March/April 2026
Student Fee Schedule – April 2026
Student Wellness Presentation – Counselor/Special Education Overall Wellness – April 2026
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Revisions – May 2026
We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to furthering our district's goals together. Your thoughts and feedback are always welcome as we strive for educational excellence. Please join us at our next meeting to stay informed and involved.
Sincerely,
Susan Doucet Nubia Briceno
Governing Board President Governing Board Member
JToscano
Dear Union ESD Community,
We are pleased to share key moments and decisions from the recent Union Elementary School District Governing Board meeting on Jan. 8, 2026. Your engagement and support are invaluable to our progress and success. Below are summaries of presentations, significant actions taken by the Board, and a glimpse into future agenda items, all aimed at furthering our District Strategic Plan goals and mission.
School Board President Election
During the meeting, Ms. Doucet and Ms. Briceno elected Ms. Doucet as President of the board.
Ms. Doucet began her current term as President in 2024. Ms. Briceno preceded her as President.
School Board Recognition
January is School Board Recognition Month, and during her Summary of Events, Superintendent Kristine Morris honored the board members, Mrs. Susan Doucet and Mrs. Nubia Briceno. Ms. Morris gave them each a vase of yellow flowers and presented them with individual certificates to recognize their years of service.
“They dedicate countless hours of unpaid time working to ensure the best possible education for our students,” Ms. Morris said in her Summary of Current Events. “As elected officials, they represent the voices and priorities of their local communities. School Board Recognition Month gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude for their service and unwavering commitment. We thank Ms. Doucet and Ms. Briceno for supporting our mission of inspiring hope and empowering all students to courageously pursue their goals and dreams.”
Ms. Morris then individually honored Ms. Briceno, who is celebrating 15 years of service to Union ESD. Ms. Morris presented Ms. Briceno with a personalized award vase inscribed with her name and a message recognizing her years of service.
“She has witnessed the district’s growth and change and has kept a calm and steady emphasis on ensuring we continue to improve,” Ms. Morris said. “She champions the district and our students and staff and represents the community’s voice on the important issues.”
Superintendent’s Welcome
In her Summary of Current Events, Ms. Morris welcomed everyone to 2026. She said staff and students returned to school refreshed after Winter Break.
Ms. Morris then provided exciting updates:
Union ESD schools have kicked off their athletic seasons. The boys’ and girls’ basketball teams are currently playing. The new district-only schedule allows schools to have earlier start times, more game time and reduced travel.
Principals and grade-level teams are evaluating students’ progress on Illuminate Middle of the Year testing and determining next instructional and intervention steps, Ms. Morris said.
Conflict of Interest Presentation
Ms. Melanie Blaum, Union ESD’s Executive Director of Fiscal and Operational Success, provided the board with a Conflict of Interest presentation, which outlined State of Arizona and federal laws on accepting gifts and other benefits. In the presentation, Ms. Blaum included the exact verbiage of all pertinent laws. She also provided three made-up scenarios and asked the board whether each situation represented a conflict of interest. The board demonstrated a clear understanding of their responsibility in such matters.
Annual Survey Results Rollout Presentation
Ms. Morris and Ms. Melanie Block, Union ESD’s Executive Director of Student Success, gave the Annual Survey Results Rollout Presentation for the board. Ms. Morris and Ms. Block outlined the district’s survey process and how it provides insight into strengths and pinpoints areas for improvement.
Ms. Block broke down the results of each survey: Students, parents and employees. She explained the different data points and their significance. She also informed the board on the action plans the all-administrative team and the school staffs planned to implement based on the feedback.
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- Board Brief for Sept. 10, 2026, Meeting
- Board Brief for Aug. 13, 2026, Meeting
- Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!
- Board Brief for July 14, 2026, Meeting
- Board Brief for June 11, 2026, Meeting
- Board Meeting Brief for May 13, 2026
- Board Brief for the April 9, 2026, Meeting
- Board Brief for the March 5, 2026, Meeting
- Board Brief for the February 18, 2026, meeting
- Board Brief for the January 8, 2026 meeting
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