District 1 board OKs goals for superintendent

At a meeting Tuesday, Yuma Elementary School District 1 board members unanimously approved three specific goals for the district superintendent to meet.

The goals for Superintendent Darwin Stiffler had been discussed at a prior study session. They included: having an effective reading program in place for K-3 grade levels, developing an effective internal and external communication system to have interactive relationships with the community and business leaders to make the public aware of what is going on in District 1 and to establish a marketing plan and also to develop an ongoing program to recognize and reward achievements of building level administrators and staff.

The board has requested that the superintendent report to the board on the progress of the goals throughout the year.

The group also approved an education services agreement between the West Central Regional Service Center and District 1. Through this agreement the district has access to services provided by the WCRSC, some of which are at no cost and others which are for purchase such as professional development.

“The WCRSC was formed by the elected county school superintendents as a statewide movement toward a shared services model,” said Stiffler. “The West Central Region combines Mohave, La Paz, Yavapai and Yuma counties to mutually provide services to districts throughout the region.”

In other meeting news, chief financial officer Kerry Jones reported that the district has expended a little over $8.35 million in the Maintenance and Operation budget up through September and encumbered a little over $32.85 million, leaving a budget balance of a little over $2.82 million.

When comparing figures to last year, the district has expended $1.12 million more than last year and encumbered $2.41 million. Jones said that it is about $3.54 million over last year's budget at this point, but noted that it was something that was planned for to pay for the hiring of additional teachers to stabilize class sizes and to also pay for the increase to the alternate contribution rate to the Arizona State Retirement System.

Lastly, the board approved a resolution for National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 15-19.

Yuma Schools Transportation Consortium Director Ron Schepers reported that for District 1 alone, they transport about 2,800 students every day to and from school using 115 school buses, driving 254 individual bus routes and traveling 6,000 miles to the 11 elementary schools and five middle schools.