Tempe Union board adopts 2023–24 budget, approves online model and vision/mission; tables superintendent pay addendum for FY23‑24

The Tempe Union High School District governing board on July 12 completed several formal actions after a study session on student data, approving routine items and several substantive proposals.

Consent and routine business: With no public comment, the board approved the consent agenda items G‑1 through G‑23 as moved by President Montero and seconded by Member Barraza; the chair called for ayes and recorded the motion as passing. The board then held the second required public hearing on the Tempe Union online instructional time model (no public comment) and approved the revised model for submission to the state. "If what the governing board has any other further questions, I think the only request is that you approve the Tempe Union online instructional time model, and we can submit that to the state," Superintendent Mendiville said before the motion.

Budget adoption: The board also held the required public hearing for the 2023–24 expenditure budget and subsequently adopted the budget presented at the prior meeting. Business services staff described adoption as a formality, noting the posted budget is the same document previously submitted for review.

Superintendent contract addendum: The board approved an addendum to the superintendent’s contract covering the FY2022‑23 performance‑based pay plan after Superintendent Mendiville summarized the multi‑phase work and stakeholder engagement that went into the district’s goals. The board discussed a second addendum for FY2023‑24 and—stressing alignment between superintendent goals and board‑set district priorities—moved to table that item until the retreat scheduled for July 13 so the board and superintendent can align goals.

Vision, mission and values: New district vision, mission and values (incorporating prior study‑session feedback) were brought forward and adopted after members emphasized adding 'students first' and language recognizing district employees.

School safety executive session: Citing ARS 38‑431.03 and a need to avoid public disclosure of sensitive safety details, the board voted to convene an executive session to discuss model school safety recommendations and to ask follow‑up questions in private.

What this means: The approved budget and online instructional model allow district operations and the online program to proceed under the updated parameters; tabling the FY2023‑24 superintendent pay addendum means the board intends to finalize superintendent performance criteria in coordination with goals set at its July 13 retreat. The executive session on school safety indicates the board will examine operational and security details not suited for public discussion.

Recorded actions: The meeting record shows votes and motions for the consent agenda, the online instructional time model, budget adoption, approval of the FY22‑23 superintendent addendum, tabling of the FY23‑24 addendum, and adoption of the vision/mission/values. The board announced the next regular meeting for Aug. 2, 2023 and adjourned.