The governing board approved a memorandum of understanding with Cochise Chess to run an after-school chess program at Rayburn Middle School.

Administration said Cochise Chess will provide the program at no cost to the district, supplying chess kits and weekly activities, and that last year the group ran informal sessions at the library that drew student interest. Rayburn staff said the program is being piloted at the middle school and Cochise Chess hopes to expand to the high school and other sites as volunteer capacity allows.

Board members asked whether the organization is affiliated with a government agency; administration said it is not. The district's attorney reviewed the MOU before approval, staff said.

The board approved the MOU by roll call. Participants described the program as an engaging enrichment opportunity, especially on early-release afternoons when many students have limited supervised activities.