Board approves 'Catch My Breath' vaping-prevention curriculum; MOU with Maricopa County prompts opt-in survey debate
March 09, 2023 | Fountain Hills Unified School, School Districts, Arizona
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Fountain Hills Unified School District governing board on March 8 approved recognizing the 'Catch My Breath' youth e-cigarette prevention curriculum for grades 4–12 as a partnership with the Fountain Hills Coalition and under a memorandum of understanding with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.
Program and partnership: Superintendent Doctor J said the program materials and surveys would be provided through the county because the county obtained grant funding. Mike Charno, executive director of the Fountain Hills Coalition, told the board county staff would supply the curriculum and that coalition staff’s intent was to present the lessons themselves; the MOU with the county exists because the county obtained the grant and hired additional staff.
Surveys and privacy: Board members asked whether pre/post surveys were required. County/cohort representatives clarified the survey is opt-in; it is not required to deliver the curriculum and would only be used for grant reporting or voluntary program evaluation. Board members expressed concerns about data collection, whether survey results would leave the district, and the additional burden on staff if district employees were asked to implement the curriculum. Mike Charno said the coalition intends to present the curriculum and that classroom teachers would not have to administer surveys for the program to proceed.
Board vote and concerns: One board member said the packet described an MOU with Maricopa County Health and that, because of that MOU and concerns about staff workload, their vote would differ from supporting only a coalition-led program. The motion carried with three yeas and two nays.
Next steps: The program will be offered on an opt-in basis for surveys; coalition/county staff will coordinate training and presentation. The district will receive curriculum materials from the county; the board did not approve a district-wide mandatory survey.
Program and partnership: Superintendent Doctor J said the program materials and surveys would be provided through the county because the county obtained grant funding. Mike Charno, executive director of the Fountain Hills Coalition, told the board county staff would supply the curriculum and that coalition staff’s intent was to present the lessons themselves; the MOU with the county exists because the county obtained the grant and hired additional staff.
Surveys and privacy: Board members asked whether pre/post surveys were required. County/cohort representatives clarified the survey is opt-in; it is not required to deliver the curriculum and would only be used for grant reporting or voluntary program evaluation. Board members expressed concerns about data collection, whether survey results would leave the district, and the additional burden on staff if district employees were asked to implement the curriculum. Mike Charno said the coalition intends to present the curriculum and that classroom teachers would not have to administer surveys for the program to proceed.
Board vote and concerns: One board member said the packet described an MOU with Maricopa County Health and that, because of that MOU and concerns about staff workload, their vote would differ from supporting only a coalition-led program. The motion carried with three yeas and two nays.
Next steps: The program will be offered on an opt-in basis for surveys; coalition/county staff will coordinate training and presentation. The district will receive curriculum materials from the county; the board did not approve a district-wide mandatory survey.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
