Arizona Revised Statutes (§§ 15-711, 15-716, and 15-102) state that if a school chooses to teach sex education, instruction must be age-appropriate, include instruction on the laws relating to sexual conduct with a minor (grades 7-12), and stress abstinence. 

Arizona Administrative Code R7-2-303 states that schools may “provide a specific elective lesson or lessons concerning sex education as a supplement to the health course of study.” Schools that choose to provide sex education must have the lessons approved by the school’s local governing board. All sex education materials and instruction that discuss sexual intercourse must: 

-Stress that pupils should abstain from sexual intercourse until they are mature adults; 

-Emphasize that abstinence from sexual intercourse is the only method for avoiding pregnancy that is 100% effective; 

-Stress that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have severe consequences and constitute a serious and widespread public health problem; 

-Include a discussion of the possible emotional and psychological consequences of pre-adolescent and adolescent sexual intercourse and the consequences of pre-adolescent and adolescent pregnancy; 

-Promote honor and respect for monogamous heterosexual marriage; and 

-Advise pupils of Arizona law pertaining to the financial responsibilities of parenting and legal liabilities related to sexual intercourse with a minor.

Whereas: Student 30653580 was accepted in Grand Canyon University last year but unable to earn her 4th Math credit and graduate due to gaps developed at her prior school during online learning and COVID, and

Whereas: During summer school, the student requested to return and re-take the courses she was passed through at her previous school so she would actually be ready for college, and

Whereas: The student has now completed all courses and is eligible to graduate, and

Whereas: Arizona requires Board approval for early graduation.

Therefore, let it be resolved that: Student 30653580 be permitted to graduate immediately upon documented completion of all of Empower College Prep’s graduation requirements.

Whereas: Arizona requires school attain Board approval of their school calendars, and

Whereas: The approved school calendar is necessary to set up the schedule for the following year and schedule students in a timely manner, and

Whereas: The Senior Management Team has approved a school calendar that meets all requirements established by the Governing Board and State of Arizona.

Therefore, let it be resolved that: The attached calendar be approved as the School Calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.

Whereas: Empower College Prep began the year with 1,075 students and currently has more than 1,030 students, which represent enrollment more than 85% of its current capacity of 1,200 students, and

Whereas: Based on historic trends, and given the anticipated impact of adding a preschool to the school’s K-12 enrollment, the school is projected to exceed its enrollment cap in the upcoming year, and

Whereas: The school’s projected enrollment in the next 3 years is 1,950 students, and

Whereas: Increasing the enrollment cap requires the Authorized Representative to submit an amendment with Board approval to do so.

Therefore, let it be resolved that: Empower College Prep’s Authorized Representative submit an amendment to increase the enrollment cap from 1,200 to 1,950 students, which is hereby approved by the School Governing Board.