The Yuma Union High School District governing board on Jan. 8 approved a development agreement among the district, Von Verde Partners LLC and city partners that gives the developer permission to begin a proposed housing development on newly acquired district property in the San Luis/Somerton area.

A district presenter said the agreement permits Von Verde to start development work where required infrastructure is already in place and that the agreement does not impose immediate costs on the district. The presenter added that if the district later chooses to invest in roads or infrastructure tied to a future school build, that cost would be negotiated with the developer.

Board members asked about the developer’s origins; staff replied that Von Verde Partners is a local company with at least one graduate of the district among its principals. The motion to approve was moved and seconded and recorded in the meeting as carrying unanimously.

The agreement is intended to allow the district to continue planning for a future school while letting private development proceed on adjacent parcels that already include infrastructure.