Western School of Science and Technology: CFA
Minutes
Meeting of the Board of Directors of Western
Date and Time
Thursday October 15, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Location
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: 838 5956 7115
Passcode: 766244
One tap mobile
+17193594580,,83859567115#,,,,*766244# US
+12532050468,,83859567115#,,,,*766244# US
When: Thursday, October 15, 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), B. Stratford (remote), D. Ebert (remote), J. Kaprosy (remote), S. Avila (remote)
Directors Absent
E. Yndigoyen
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
D. Ebert
Guests Present
A. Espana, N. Carbajal, Valeria Escobedo
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Roll Call & Pledge of Allegiance
C.
Public Comments
D.
Read Mission Statement
President J.Kaprosy read the Mission Statement
II. WSST Update
A.
Board Update
Mr. Espana presented the Board update.
- Audit is in progress (More information to come)
- Preparations for:
- AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction (This Year)
- Cognia Accreditation (Next Year)
- Charter Renewal (Next Year)
B.
Enrollment Update
Mr. Espana presented the enrollment update.
C.
Academic Update
In Ms. Escobedo's Academic update she went over testing NAVVY for 7th and 8th Grade students in Nov from ADE. Shared the professional Development teachers and herself.
- ADE Standards Resource Tool (ADEL)
- Professional Learning Community (PLC) support and development training
- AZ Charter School Association Leadership Cohort-Courageous Principals at Deloitte University
- Principals Leadership Academy II
Mr. Espana and Ms. Escobedo also reviewed the updates to the letter grade.
The metrics previously categorized as "bonus points" are being transitioned into standard framework indicators:
- Science Assessment Performance: Science scores (AASA Science for elementary/middle; ACT Science for high schools) are being integrated into core Academic Proficiency metrics.
- Special Education (SPED) Inclusion & Performance: SPED progress and inclusion rates are being built into standard growth and readiness indicators.
- FAFSA Submissions: High school FAFSA completion rates remain tracked inside the 20-point College & Career Readiness (CCRI) indicator rather than earning separate bonus points.
The proficiency increase may cause approximately 10% of schools statewide to see lower letter grade outcomes under the new rules:
- A (Excellent): ~85% – 100% Total Points
- B (Highly Performing): ~72% – 84.99% Total Points
- C (Performing): ~60% – 71.99% Total Points
- D (Minimally Performing): ~50% – 59.99% Total Points
- F (Failing / Improvement Needed): Below ~50% Total Points or bottom 5% statewide
D.
Staffing Update
Ms. Escobedo presented the Staffing update
III. Approval of the Consent Agenda
A.
Approval of September 10, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes
IV. Action Items #1
A.
Discussion and Consideration of the Annual Financial Report (AFR)
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| A. Ballesteros |
Aye
|
| J. Kaprosy |
Aye
|
| S. Avila |
Aye
|
| D. Ebert |
Aye
|
| E. Yndigoyen |
Absent
|
| B. Stratford |
Aye
|
B.
Discussion and Consideration add Sandra Avila to the Arizona Corporation Commission as one of the Directors
V. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
President J. Kaprosy shared that he has scheduled several upcoming school tours with representatives from national organizations focused on supporting schools. He encouraged Board members to identify opportunities to invite outside organizations and community partners to visit WSST. An incoming legislator is also expected to visit the school.
No Public Comments