[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6639449,"mediaKeyId","3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1","parentId",3668399,"title","Board approves proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget, consent agenda items and superintendent performance award","audioSeconds",5684,"startMs",1275000,"endMs",6959000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1&start=1275&end=6959","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1/thumbnail_1275000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6639449/Arizona/Board-approves-proposed-fiscal-202526-budget-consent-agenda-items-and-superintendent-performance-award","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639449-08ac27861fdc2556d3dff18612f47ec8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770589487&Signature=HWlkJexpUW4dyqYj22yCYW6dEJAiaWgU3GLMSv~3g4L7flCfVDaVxyewFdz1BlspxaXMFtHRE5a5PSNjUsk1MX78END5q625L~PrGXUKC6A24c9kTltgkq-FJRsVPljvWhBgi8eMrmE4yxFu3yD5VtEkR7nkvlReYg0~xu4booexpM9c9wCGrrnqSMYtbXpvB8~8x7z9dB8ntD1k7r2N0aiFveXiX2kpJPxZ-Rlgjpykj~GNKXCQAfOOkPuRw9Utnhzzr~yoAQzCIYnMrE1IuxLyZxGcV0AdahmDBD~V-r3yDgNQtHIk4o4jQywFz7Ito~h5f4Lcc8SPuiA2Ib5W7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Agua Fria Union High School District (4289)","date","2025-06-04T22:30:09Z","article","The Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board took several formal actions at its June 4 regular meeting, adopting a proposed fiscal-year 2025–26 budget for public notice, approving most consent-agenda items, and awarding performance-based compensation to the superintendent.

Budget: District finance staff presented the proposed 2025–26 maintenance and operations and district additional assistance budgets using preliminary forms from the state auditor-general's office; staff said the state had not yet approved a state budget and that the proposed district budget largely mirrors the current year's figures with a conservative enrollment projection of 2% growth. The board voted to approve the proposed fiscal year 2025–26 budget and to publish the proposed budget summary and hearing notice, authorizing a public hearing to be held no later than July 15, 2025. Roll-call votes recorded included Silk, yes; Naylor, yes; Colton, yes; Landis, yes.

Consent agenda and handbook: The governing board approved the consent agenda as presented with one item pulled for separate handling (item 7.2, ESA tuition rate, which the board later addressed separately). The student \"Rights and Responsibilities\" handbook was approved with updates noted by staff: (1) the addition of a cell-phone policy implemented to reflect statute and the district's ","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","AFUHSD June Board Meeting 06/04/25","oneSentenceSummary","At its June 4 meeting the Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board approved the proposed fiscal-year 2025–26 budget for publication and public hearing, approved the consent agenda (with one item pulled for separate consideration), and approved a performance-based compensation award for the superintendent.","taxTitle","Agua Fria Union High School District (4289) , School Districts, Arizona","taxId",64165,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6639454,"Board keeps ESA tuition rate unchanged, agrees to revisit in December",1209,1587000,2796000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1&start=1587&end=2796","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1/thumbnail_1587000.jpg","/articles/6639454/Arizona/Board-keeps-ESA-tuition-rate-unchanged-agrees-to-revisit-in-December","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639454-eb68a8b8b3b2fbfa901f8306cc39a26b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770589487&Signature=jtqI-CpIbAnxUJumIMYw9JKeXQGU5yndvJpfXpHEISSyxK6b5NWxXpveKOLAmh6~0aoiArwaQaF0L8SgaN-qYQYCTD19mTewZeIhOURtary9mTFMCHu2D2r81lfcvsdeoplE3cWg8bV5~1bd15-Bp-9K0p~q1D-BsyM-GURGO~lzQlE~Et3LuExM8cNEjlKs8UClf6nmM7FsFxJAzrVL1fkaArf8NmRwatFfHkKBxp0vmZcOGFuHsn3OudpTbH7CX9DL69PriNG485WPAsBD1~junja3xJUhsOoBiU489vG6RhvaxJUVWe7mZPd70ztn~IVwrRO3u~l2c2~QirHDnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The governing board voted June 4 to retain the district's existing Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) tuition rate for the 2025–26 school year and to revisit the rate in December for the 2026–27 school year.

District staff described how the rate was calculated last year by totaling per-student revenue sources (base support level, district additional assistance, M&O override, classroom site funds and similar enrollment-driven dollars), arriving at just over $10,000 per full-time student. Staff said they divided that annual per-student figure by eight to derive a per-semester course amount and reported that calculation produced $1,270.23; an extracurricular participation rate of $1,000 was also established last year and staff recommended it remain unchanged for 2025–26.

\"We propose to keep that rate the same as the board adopted a year ago,\" a district finance staff member said, and noted that only a small number of ESA students used district courses or extracurriculars last year (one student enrolled in a course and three students paid the extracurricular fee). Several board members questioned whether a $1,000 extracurricular fee for ESA students was equitable compared with in-district participation fees (board members cited typical in-district athletics or activity fees of about $100 per season). Board members asked staff to consider bringing updated calculations to the board in December using revised enrollment and state-budget figures.

The motion to maintain the current ESA tuition rate for 2025–26 and to revisit the rates in December passed with roll-call votes recorded as: Silk, yes; Naylor, yes; Colton, yes; Landis, yes.

District staff recommended the December review to allow updated budget and enrollment figures (including the state budget once finalized) to inform any change to the formula-based rate. Staff also suggested that if the board wanted to revisit fees earlier they could direct staff to bring it back sooner, but the vote preserved the previously adopted approach for the coming school year.","The Agua Fria governing board voted to keep the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) tuition rate at the previously adopted amount for 2025–26 and to revisit the rate in December; board members debated whether extracurricular and activity fees for ESA students are equitable compared with in-district students.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6639459,"Graduates tell board Millennium High’s guidance errors cost students scholarships and recognition",390,791000,1181000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1&start=791&end=1181","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1/thumbnail_791000.jpg","/articles/6639459/Arizona/Graduates-tell-board-Millennium-Highs-guidance-errors-cost-students-scholarships-and-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639459-cddcfb0bb7e37e42e5d9ef0dc3fdd040/orig.mp4?Expires=1770589487&Signature=X9WfXkKwOSKkEp~yM64m~bMdzTaZon39uyxwSU2Ckofm3KCXe2dIFHyw2fyIWdNOG0K6fUvNg0mgIXw8cf8rASdyLMyU~yfGjkbIoY4ZC-Q9awxsMgA93la3t1JgGZK1hqMtQtOgInbz9oJF6hs7uHxCz1gyWEgee6yqtmURbrs9F6IXmSZnmAqt6ilyopF1Tup6y5f6UhD3qOfSbyvFpKeZubCnekcHPJg4prVcx4BZFSV2rSIHulP26gAukx2IATzt72IKERTa2W-VjsAoZLLXSb4SpHfyEqhWS1eApFPxC~ek~DNl823oYpxAqrBbU-nO02PZGMhF1lSdw94FSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public-comment period at the June 4 Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board meeting, two speakers detailed what they described as systemic failures in Millennium High School's guidance and administrative processes that they say led to lost scholarship opportunities and lack of recognition for academically high-achieving students.

\"I lost out on $28,000,\" said Millennium graduate Lizzie Zaidema, describing how she was enrolled in the wrong IB math course, excluded from required courses and told she did not need to submit materials for a scholarship she qualified for. Lizzie told the board she completed more than 150 hours of community service and the full IB diploma program, but administrative errors kept her from being considered for awards and scholarships.

Melissa Zaidema, who identified herself as a parent and a member of the Litchfield Elementary School District governing board, described a separate but similar case involving her daughter. Melissa said her daughter was eligible for a national recognition that carried a $28,000 scholarship but was told by a Millennium guidance counselor that no further action was needed; because the family trusted that guidance, required application steps were not completed and the scholarship was lost. \"This is not a small mistake,\" Melissa said, adding the loss has lasting financial and emotional consequences for a single-income family.

Both speakers said they faced slow or condescending responses when they raised concerns at the school level and only received attention after escalating to the district. Melissa asked the governing board to review guidance-department practices, calling the department \"unresponsive, inconsistent, and in some cases, actively misleading.\" Lizzie asked the district to ensure academically driven students are supported and recognized.

The board president reminded the public that comments were made under Arizona Revised Statutes 38-431.01(H), the call-to-public statute. After the speakers finished, the board said it would have Superintendent Easley follow up on the complaints; the meeting record shows the board offered that supervisory follow-up rather than taking immediate action because the items were not on the agenda.

No formal action or vote was taken during public comment. The speakers asked for systemic changes to counseling procedures and better, documented guidance to prevent similar scholarship losses for other students.","Two speakers during public comment said Millennium High School guidance and administration mistakes cost high-achieving students recognition and a $28,000 scholarship; the board directed the superintendent to follow up.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6639462,"Agua Fria Union High School District outlines summer bond projects, plans cafeteria rebuild at Agua Fria High",450,126000,576000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1&start=126&end=576","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3668399-423ff7162f972d8e1fbedcfa5d9fb2d1/thumbnail_126000.jpg","/articles/6639462/Arizona/Agua-Fria-Union-High-School-District-outlines-summer-bond-projects-plans-cafeteria-rebuild-at-Agua-Fria-High","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639462-ae14b72d3887406d53dd63e4416e290a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770589487&Signature=b4MqRDaIywMxXTZm7lTDYyllIXPLGjM-kHXAr-LlfqkYOI2nWzB8X6yQC9zKLL-VI9Uv1W77rel8DwhdEgiC5NTfUurol2Fu8H5KPVzLTsX5yoNXXlfEhoLg6FeapaZB~aFFK89CicmRzqjwNW-oYz5sVPOKK17BDxSGg3wnMgUrsrTnsAVb4i3rkzC~OWW7SGT4vKw~z5HZWqpilXgD-ZTaW17GlH6D0y9aPtHD39B6rKCSAQX4x1rAwWeW8ZHv62FcqnSyeSFV4F3-XbAsgQiH4zOXpbrIjRLkLcSr1G8mMcbJowe3HQ1G2cggUBNNMaDD3fYKA-7-yw5QAK3qAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vice President Landis and members of the Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board heard a summer bond project update at their June 4 meeting, when district staff summarized construction and maintenance work planned or underway at multiple campuses.

District staff said the largest single project this summer is a complete tear-down and rebuild of the cafeteria and kitchen at Agua Fria High School, with work expected to show visible progress by Christmas. \"It's too late to turn back now,\" a district facilities staff member said as images of the site were shown to the board. The district acknowledged contingency plans to keep students fed during construction and thanked the cafeteria team and Director of Food Service Barbara Duncan for arranging interim food service.

The presentation listed SFB-funded (School Facilities Board) and other projects across the district: at Agua Fria High a chiller and auditorium HVAC replacement and girls locker-room counter repairs; Canyon View High School door-system and connectivity upgrades; Desert Edge High School cafeteria expansion and parking-lot maintenance; Millennium High School campus core reconstruction (described as “gutting the core of campus” to update classroom and infrastructure systems, with sequencing intended to avoid adding portables); Verrado High School cooling-tower and heat-exchanger replacements; resurfacing of the YMCA lap pool (the district owns the lap pool at that facility); and electric-vehicle charging infrastructure at the transportation yard. The Hilltop School for the Arts project and the new Goodyear High School were described as continuing on schedule, with Goodyear on track for an August opening and Hilltop awaiting final easement paperwork before major site work begins.

District staff highlighted construction sequencing at Millennium that is intended to maintain classroom capacity without adding portables, and noted logistics work to preserve alarm, phone and network (MDF) systems while the center of campus is rebuilt. Staff also said stadium light fixtures at some schools are obsolete and impossible to source replacement bulbs for, prompting full fixture replacements rather than repairs.

Board members asked about specific sites and timing: the Desert Edge expansion will enclose an existing covered outdoor eating area to create more enclosed cafeteria space and a new outdoor eating area; some projects (for example, a shared West-MEC campus partnership near Agua Fria) may not be finished before school starts, and the district is coordinating temporary space on another campus for affected students. District staff identified Mark Gonzales (project manager), Ernie Molina (director of field operations) and Mary Hammonds (director of facilities) as the on-site leaders managing the summer work.

The board was shown recent photos of active sites and was invited to tour facilities, including the new Goodyear campus once certificate of occupancy and building-team coordination are complete. No formal action was required on the update; it was presented for information and questions.","District staff gave the governing board an overview of summer construction and maintenance funded by the bond—projects include a cafeteria and kitchen rebuild at Agua Fria High, chiller and HVAC work, athletic lighting replacements, campus renovations at Millennium and Verrado, and ongoing work at Goodyear and Hilltop School for the Arts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget, consent agenda items and superintendent performance award

Board keeps ESA tuition rate unchanged, agrees to revisit in December

Graduates tell board Millennium High’s guidance errors cost students scholarships and recognition

Agua Fria Union High School District outlines summer bond projects, plans cafeteria rebuild at Agua Fria High