Board approves funding agreement with Resolution Copper for Peralta Trail Nature Learning Center renovation

The Apache Junction Unified School District Governing Board voted 4–0 to approve a funding agreement with Resolution Copper Mining LLC to support the renovation of Peralta Trail Elementary’s outdoor learning area into a science/STEM center.

Peralta Trail Principal Pat Smith described the project as a conversion of the school’s outdoor nature-learning center into a hands-on STEM and science center designed for cross-curricular lessons in agriculture, sustainability and outdoor science. Smith said the partnership with Resolution Copper includes support for STEM nights, literacy initiatives and the new outdoor space. "They support our STEM nights, but also they help us to be able to provide what our students need for literacy," Smith said during remarks to the board.

A Resolution Copper representative said the company has provided multiple gifts to district programs. At the meeting a company representative stated that Resolution Copper had previously donated $4,500 to district programs serving the district’s youngest students and had committed $6,500 for Peralta Trail’s outdoor music program; those amounts were reported by speakers at the meeting. The board-approved funding agreement was described on the agenda as payment to support the nature-learning center renovation; the specific contract terms were not read into the public record during the motion.

Board members approved the funding agreement by a 4–0 vote. District staff said the renovated outdoor area will be available for classroom instruction and teacher-led projects once construction and installation are complete.