Western School of Science and Technology: CFA

Minutes

Meeting of the Board of Directors of Western

Date and Time

Thursday September 10, 2026 at 8:30 AM

Location

Notice of Public Meeting of the Board of Directors of Western School of Science and Technology: A Challenge Foundation Academy, Inc.


Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes (“A.R.S.”) § 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the Board of Directors of Western School of Science and Technology: A Challenge Foundation Academy, Inc., and to the general public that the board will hold a meeting, open to the public as specified below.  The Board of Directors reserves the right to change the order of items on the agenda, with the exception of public hearings set for a specified time.


Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03.A.3, the Board of Directors may go into Executive Session, which will not be open to the public, concerning any item on the agenda, for discussion, consideration, or consultations for legal advice.


ALL ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE OPEN FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION, INCLUDING REPORTS AND ACTION ITEMS AGENDA


Disabled persons in need of special accommodations should contact Ms. Nancy Carbajal at 623.249.3900, ncarbajal@wsst.school at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting time.

 

 

Members of the Governing Board may join in person, by telephone, or by Internet Conference.

 

Where:                Western School of Science and Technology:
                                             A Challenge Foundation Academy
                                             6515 W. Indian School Rd.
                                             Phoenix, AZ 85033

 

Conference Line: 

Meeting ID: 896 0955 5031
Passcode: 229998

One tap mobile
+16694449171,,89609555031#,,,,*229998# US
+16699006833,,89609555031#,,,,*229998# US (San Jose)
                                        
When:               Thursday, September 10, 2026, 8:30 am

 

The public space will open 10 minutes before the meeting begins. The virtual space will open 5 minutes before the meeting begins.

Directors Present

A. Ballesteros (remote), D. Ebert (remote), E. Yndigoyen (remote)

Directors Absent

B. Stratford, J. Kaprosy

Guests Present

A. Espana, A. Torres, N. Carbajal, Valeria Escobedo

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

A. Ballesteros called a meeting of the board of directors of Western School of Science and Technology: CFA to order on Thursday Sep 10, 2026 at 8:39 AM.

B.

Roll Call & Pledge of Allegiance

C.

Public Comments

No Public Comments 

D.

Read Mission Statement

Vice President Ballesteros read the Mission Statement 

II. WSST Update

A.

Board Update

Executive Director's update: 

  • Professional Development: Staff participated in professional development focused on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), data analysis, and STEM.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: WSST is increasing its focus on using data to inform instructional and organizational decisions, including preparation for state testing and the transition to the new school letter grade system.
  • ADE Arizona Teacher Apprenticeship Program: WSST is participating in the Arizona Department of Education’s Arizona Teacher Apprenticeship Program.
  • ADE Arizona Principal Evaluation Study: WSST is participating in the Arizona Department of Education’s Arizona Principal Evaluation Study.
  • Athletics and Clubs: Athletics and student clubs have officially started for the school year.

B.

Enrollment Update

C.

Academic Update

Principal's Escobedo's update: 

  • Professional Development for Teachers: Professional development focused on:
    • Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), including data analysis and development of action items based on student performance data.
    • Project-Based Learning (PBL) and STEAM integration.
    • Tier I and Tier II instruction, with an emphasis on differentiation to address student needs based on data.
  • Title I Parent and Family Engagement Night: The event included:
    • An overview of Title I funding and its allocation at WSST.
    • An academic overview for families.
    • Information regarding post-secondary support, including a FAFSA Night planned for October for the WSST community.
    • A review of credit requirements and steps for students to obtain credits, including ways parents can support their students.

D.

Staffing Update

E.

Financial update

III. Approval of the Consent Agenda

A.

Approval of July 9, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes

A. Ballesteros made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
A. Ballesteros made a motion to approve the minutes from Meeting of the Board of Directors of Western on 08-13-26.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Approval of Financial Statements and Vouchers for July 2026

IV. Action Items #1

A.

Discussion and Consideration to add Sandra Avila to the Board of Directors

E. Yndigoyen made a motion to Approve the addition of Sandra Avila to the Board of Directors.
D. Ebert seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Discussion and Consideration add Denise Ebert to the Arizona Corporation Commission as one of the Directors

E. Yndigoyen made a motion to Approve adding Denise Ebert to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
D. Ebert seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Discussion and Consideration to approve the FY27 Principal/ Directors Bonus Structure

E. Yndigoyen made a motion to Approve the FY27 Principal/ Directors Bonus Structure.
D. Ebert seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

V. Executive Session: Executive Director Goals & Bonus StructurePursuant A.R.S-38-431.03.

A.

Board Members to take action on the listed and or from Executive Session

A. Ballesteros made a motion to Convene into Executive Session.
E. Yndigoyen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
D. Ebert made a motion to reconvene back to regular meeting.
E. Yndigoyen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Action Item:II

E. Yndigoyen made a motion to Approve the FY27 Executive Director Goals and Bonus structure as presented.
D. Ebert seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

VI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:27 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
A. Ballesteros