Let Bartlett Lead: CatFoot Sup’t Unveils Ambitious Goals for Flowing Wells Math Success

Kudos to the Catalina Unified School District Governing Board for their commitment to transparency in local politics. The board has requested Superintendent Denise Bartlett to outline her goals and plans for the upcoming year, a move that is commendable for its rarity.

During Tuesday’s board meeting, Bartlett will present her comprehensive 365-day plan. While some elements may seem routine—like monitoring Collaborative Inquiry Teams for school improvement—others signal a more proactive approach to leadership. The district has faced significant challenges in retaining new teachers, and Bartlett aims to implement a specific data-driven strategy for tracking their progress.

This initiative, focused on improving teacher retention, differentiates Bartlett’s plans from mere oversight. Recognizing the difficulties districts face in keeping educators, her approach could lead to valuable lessons, even if initial efforts encounter setbacks.

Bartlett is also set to oversee curriculum changes in science, social studies, and English Language Arts, demonstrating a commitment to active involvement rather than passive monitoring. Additionally, plans for a climate survey, aimed at assessing working conditions, reflect a willingness to seek feedback from staff, a move that is both bold and necessary.

Meanwhile, the Tucson Unified School District is preparing to purchase 10 electric buses, with funding sourced from a federal grant and additional rebates. This $6.4 million initiative positions TUSD as a leader in adopting green technologies. The district’s actions hinge on meeting a 2025 deadline for establishing charging infrastructure to qualify for rebates.

In conjunction with these developments, a new sick leave buy-back policy is set for approval. This policy would allow employees with three or more years of service to cash in excess sick leave, contingent on attendance for specific key dates throughout the year.

Moreover, final labor agreements affecting multiple employee groups will be voted on, providing a notable salary increase for teachers up to $88,000 under a new pay schedule. This round of negotiations mirrors past agreements, yet includes critical adjustments for employees not covered under the Family Medical Leave Act.

The Vail Unified School District is also tackling pressing issues, with plans to discuss a suicide prevention strategy. However, details remain sparse, raising concerns about the seriousness of addressing such a critical matter. Concurrently, policies regarding property rentals are being updated.

In a pilot program, students in the Flowing Wells Unified School District can earn cash incentives for completing advanced math courses, with the David Lowell Foundation providing the necessary funding. This proposal, pending board approval, rewards students for academic achievement.

As the Amphitheater Unified School District reviews previously approved policies, it too indicates a cautious approach, opting to forgo new school construction amidst steady enrollment numbers.

Finally, the Rio Nuevo Facilities Board will provide updates on the El Presidio redevelopment project. The initiative has already allocated $500,000 for improving the area’s streetscape as part of a long-term vision to enhance downtown Tucson. Additionally, discussions regarding potential incentives for the Vertigo Winery are set to resume.