Superintendent details playground plans, indoor play option and staffing needs at work-study
April 27, 2023 | Fountain Hills Unified School, School Districts, Arizona
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Superintendent Dr. Jay provided an update on proposed playground and sports-facility improvements at the new campus and described related staffing and testing updates.
Dr. Jay said the playground plan grew from a month-long process involving a committee of students, parents and staff; the district is evaluating equipment from two installers and prioritized poured-in-place rubber surfacing for safety in the courtyard. "We're looking at opening it up on weekends to families and just do more engagement with the community," he said, emphasizing imaginative play and durability because of the district s increased K-5 enrollment.
He described plans to convert three basketball courts into distinct sport areas: one full basketball court, one turf area usable for football and soccer, and a third resurfaced for floor hockey and futsal. Dr. Jay said the larger 12,000-square-foot space would serve fourth- and fifth-graders and that the equipment purchases already had trust approval for insurance coverage; final quotes are pending.
To bridge construction lead times, Dr. Jay proposed installing an indoor playground inside an existing team room that could be installed in about two weeks and accommodate approximately 150 students at a time. Occupational and physical therapy staff indicated they could use the indoor playground for related services, adding to its value for the campus.
On academics and staffing, Dr. Jay reported testing was largely complete with most sites above 95% participation, praised testing operations managed by Mr. Alexander, and said hiring had been strong but vacancies remain in high-school math, science and Spanish as well as multiple special-education positions. He said the district is planning a self-contained K-5 special-education classroom to reduce expensive out-of-district placements and is close to hiring for that role.
Ending: Dr. Jay said he would return with final quotes and more detailed information to the board; no formal procurement vote was held at the meeting.
Dr. Jay said the playground plan grew from a month-long process involving a committee of students, parents and staff; the district is evaluating equipment from two installers and prioritized poured-in-place rubber surfacing for safety in the courtyard. "We're looking at opening it up on weekends to families and just do more engagement with the community," he said, emphasizing imaginative play and durability because of the district s increased K-5 enrollment.
He described plans to convert three basketball courts into distinct sport areas: one full basketball court, one turf area usable for football and soccer, and a third resurfaced for floor hockey and futsal. Dr. Jay said the larger 12,000-square-foot space would serve fourth- and fifth-graders and that the equipment purchases already had trust approval for insurance coverage; final quotes are pending.
To bridge construction lead times, Dr. Jay proposed installing an indoor playground inside an existing team room that could be installed in about two weeks and accommodate approximately 150 students at a time. Occupational and physical therapy staff indicated they could use the indoor playground for related services, adding to its value for the campus.
On academics and staffing, Dr. Jay reported testing was largely complete with most sites above 95% participation, praised testing operations managed by Mr. Alexander, and said hiring had been strong but vacancies remain in high-school math, science and Spanish as well as multiple special-education positions. He said the district is planning a self-contained K-5 special-education classroom to reduce expensive out-of-district placements and is close to hiring for that role.
Ending: Dr. Jay said he would return with final quotes and more detailed information to the board; no formal procurement vote was held at the meeting.
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