- Students from Amphitheater Middle School led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance, and art from the school was on display. See photos of the students and art teacher below.
- Superintendent Todd Jaeger shared information about Proposition 320 and its potential impact on District funding as well as photos of happenings from schools around the District. View his report here.
- The Governing Board recognized two employees with the Distinguished Service Award. Learn more about Yvonne Sanchez, a custodian at La Cima Middle School by watching our video about her here. Get to know Nicole Stern, a Software Database Application Specialist in the Technology Department, by watching a video about her here. Photos are included here.
- The Board heard an annual review of bond and capital projects around the District.
- The Meet and Confer Teams for 2026-2027 were introduced.
- The Governing Board approved policy revisions based on changes made by the Auditor General.
- The Governing Board approved the 2025-2026 Annual Financial Report, with updates expected at a later date due to changes in the reporting process at the state level.
- The Board approved a timeline and survey for the Superintendent Search.
- The Governing Board passed a resolution declaring the third Friday in November as School District Substitute Employee Day.
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For those who have not yet voted, here is a quick review of items on the Nov. 3 ballot that affect Amphitheater Public Schools: |
Five candidates are running for three seats on the Governing Board. Voters will select up to two candidates for four-year terms and one for a two-year term.
Four-year terms (two seats)
- John Fife
- Nina Godlewski
- Elizabeth Slater
Two-year term (one seat)
- Mike Gemma
- Kimberly Outlaw Ryan
Governing Board members are responsible for setting District policies, approving budgets and overseeing the superintendent.
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Proposition 426 asks voters to authorize the District to sell, lease or exchange six properties.
The District placed the measure on the ballot to provide flexibility should opportunities arise for transactions requiring voter approval. Approval would not require the District to sell any property, nor does it mean that sales are currently planned.
The properties are:
- Copper Creek Elementary School
- Donaldson Elementary School
- Holaway Elementary School
- Nash Elementary School
- Amphitheater Land Lab on Wetmore Road
- Vacant land at 5940 N. San Joaquin Ave.
Revenue from the sale, lease or exchange of these properties could be used for capital expenses, including school facilities, technology and student transportation.
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Statewide Proposition 320 would require certain public school districts, including Amphitheater, to spend at least 60% of their operational budgets on direct instructional expenses. Charter schools would not be subject to the requirement, and no additional funding would be provided.
According to the Arizona Auditor General, Amphi spent 66.5% of its budget on classroom spending in 2025, but only 49.9% was classified as instruction. The difference is important because many services that support students are not included in the definition of instruction.
What counts as instruction? Teacher salaries, classroom aides, substitutes, textbooks, classroom materials and some expenses for athletics, field trips and special programs.
What doesn't count? Counselors, psychologists, nurses, therapists, social workers, school resource officers, transportation, food services, building maintenance, instructional coaches, librarians, technology services and administrative expenses.
What would it mean for Amphi? If Proposition 320 passes, the District would be required to increase spending classified as instruction by at least 0.5 percentage points annually until reaching 60%. Districts that fail to meet the requirements could face reductions in state funding that supports teachers and students.
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As the election draws near, we want to provide a quick reminder of the guidelines for employees in public schools.
Click here to view a PDF of this document, which outlines what activities are allowed and not allowed by legal regulations and/or district policy.
If you have questions, please reach out to your supervisor or email answers@amphi.com.
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The Amphi Foundation is hosting its annual food drive at sites around the District.
Please contact your school for specific donation information or to request to receive a box of donated items.
This annual drive is a wonderful way to support our Amphi families and staff members. Thank you to all of the families, students and staff who make this happen for our community.
Key info:
- Donations will be accepted from Oct. 30 to Nov. 12.
- The most requested items include canned vegetables, canned fruits, peanut butter and jelly, pasta, mac and cheese, cereal, rice, beans, soup and canned meat and grocery store gift cards.
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In case you missed it: The Governing Board is seeking input to help guide the search for our next superintendent. Superintendent Todd Jaeger will retire at the end of this school year after nearly 30 years of service to the District.
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Looking for information like phone lists, meeting dates, safety training, etc? The District has a SharePoint site available to all employees with lots of handy info!
Click this link to navigate to the SharePoint site. Here are some of the things you'll find:
- Contact Lists: Printable Color School Site List, Department Contact List, Student Services Contacts
- Dates: 301, All-Team Meetings, Governing Board Meetings, Calendar Dates, Pledge/Art Display, Principal Meetings, AP Meetings, Advisory Councils, Jewish Holy Days
- HR and Legal Info: Mandatory Reporting, Student Records, Bullying Reporting, HR Procedures,
- Copyright Laws, Site Council Guidelines, Subpoenas and Summons, Changes to the Student Code of Conduct
- Safety Training: Safety Data Sheets, Transportation Van Training Classes, Vehicle Accident Reporting Procedures
- Printed Materials: Business Card Info, Guidelines and Templates for Flyers and Programs, Non-Discrimination Statement
- Technology: Buying New Computers, Responsibilities, Donations
- Paying for Things: Travel, District Vehicle Rates, Rentals, Catering, Grants
- Communication: Mass Notifications, Website, Social Media, Outside Media, PeachJar, Smore,
- Compensation and Payroll: Timekeeping Requirements, Overtime, and Comp Time
- Governing Board Info: Meetings, Inviting Board Members to Events, Distinguished Service Awards
- Family/Student Info: Customer Service Training, Food Service Meal Prices, Student Fees, CEP
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ParentSquare is the platform for communication from teachers, schools and the District. Please visit parentsquare.com to set up your account. You can download the ParentSquare app, which gives you all of your communication in the palm of your hand! Need help? Email answers@amphi.com. |
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The Infinite Campus Parent Portal is a must-have this school year! This is where you will register your student and find information such as schedules, attendance, grades, etc. If you have not signed up for the portal, please contact your school’s front office. You will need a link specific to your child to get started in the Portal. |
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If you have questions about something involving Amphitheater Public Schools and aren't sure where to turn, send an email to answers@amphi.com. Please share this email address with families and community members who are looking for answers, too.
The Communications team receives the emails and will get answers ASAP. No question is too hard or too silly!
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Are you following Amphitheater Public Schools on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram? If not, you're missing out on all sorts of important, uplifting posts about our schools, our students, our staff and our District. Follow us today!
Sharing news about the District
To suggest items to include or address in Amphi News, please contact the Communications Department at contactus@amphi.com. |
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Location: 701 W. Wetmore Road
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