Coconino County School District highlights grant-driven success and future funding needs

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors held a special session on May 6, 2025, focusing on the fiscal year 2026 budget hearings. The meeting provided an overview of the Superintendent of Schools' office, which encompasses three divisions: the Accommodation District, Educational Support Services, and Fiscal and Elections.

The Superintendent's office employs 21 staff members, with 82% funded by grants and the remainder primarily supported by Secure Rural Schools funding. The Accommodation District operates with a budget of approximately $2.5 million, serving five entities, including Ponderosa High School and Seattle High School. This district caters to some of the county's most vulnerable students, many of whom face significant challenges such as homelessness and poverty. Despite these obstacles, the district has achieved notable success, with all schools receiving A and B ratings and accreditation over the past few years. Seattle High School has been recognized as one of the top 5% alternative high schools globally.

The meeting highlighted ongoing partnerships with local school districts, particularly with Page Unified School District, to combine resources and services. A significant initiative discussed was the district's selection by Wells Fargo and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to pilot innovative energy technologies, aimed at enhancing sustainability and addressing the needs of aging infrastructure.

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of state support for capital projects, as the Accommodation District has not received funding from the State Facility Board since 2014. Efforts to reintroduce a bill to secure funding were mentioned, as well as the pursuit of a multifaceted school safety grant to improve security measures at district facilities.

Dr. Mark Williams provided a financial overview, indicating that overall expenditures exceeded $10 million, with a substantial portion derived from grants, including ARPA and ESSER funds. These grants support various initiatives, including literacy training and mental health services. The budget for the Fiscal and Elections division was noted to be $790,000, primarily funded by Secure Rural Schools fees, which are pending reauthorization.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued advocacy for funding and support for the Accommodation District, emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of students and maintaining the quality of educational services in Coconino County.