Western School of Science and Technology: CFA
Minutes
Meeting of the Board of Directors of Western
Date and Time
Thursday November 5, 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
Meeting ID: 875 7765 6077
Passcode: 405645
Conference Line
+12532158782,,87577656077#,,,,*405645# US (Tacoma) +13462487799,,87577656077#,,,,*405645# US (Houston)
When: Thursday November 5, 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), E. Yndigoyen (remote), J. Kaprosy (remote), S. Avila (remote)
Directors Absent
D. Ebert
Guests Present
A. Espana, N. Carbajal, Valeria Escobedo
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Roll Call
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
D.
Public Comments
No Public Comment
E.
Read Mission Statement
Western School of Science and Technology exists to be an integral part of the Maryvale community, empowering students with access to a high-quality and inclusive education that will prepare every student with the skills to excel in a post-secondary institution and career.
II. WSST Update
A.
Board Update
Executive Director’s Report – Mr. España
Mr. España provided the Board with an update on the following:
- Annual Audit: The school is currently working toward finalizing the annual audit.
- Arizona Department of Education – School Improvement: The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) School Improvement Office officially notified the school that, after more than five years, WSST has successfully exited Comprehensive Support and Improvement – Targeted (CSI-T).
Based on updated data reflecting student growth scores and the school's ESS graduation percentage, along with discussions and an appeal submitted in collaboration with the ADE School Improvement Representative, WSST was approved to exit under the Alternative Methods pathway.
This achievement represents a significant milestone for the school and recognizes the hard work and dedication of the campus team, as well as the positive impact of the changes, improvements, and increased expectations implemented throughout the school.
B.
Enrollment Update
Mr. Espana provided the Board with an update on Enrollment:
Enrollment ADM Target 425
Current Enrollment 98%
Mr. Espana updated the board on initiatives being taken to improve enrollment.
C.
Academic Update
Principal Escoebdo's academic update consisted of our current Letter Grade
- A letter grade-to-percentage comparison was presented to the Governing Board. Things being done to help support our teachers.
- Teacher Professional Development
- NAVVY Testing
- Work with ADE staff for support on campus goals and priorities
- Awaiting results for alignment and next steps
D.
Staffing Update
Ms. Escobedo updated the Board with our current staffing Report;
- 40 Staff Members
- 1 vacancy in ELA
E.
Financial Update
Ms. Aimee Heising of Diamond Financial updated the Board on our financials for August and September.
President Kaprosy led the Pledge of Allegiance