This blog will contain written updates from the monthly Union Elementary School District board meetings.
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.
Ms. Morris e
JToscano
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