Apache Junction Unified board approves budget revision, grant manager position, instrument rental fee and policy updates

Apache Junction, Ariz. — The Apache Junction Unified District Governing Board on Sept. 9, 2021 approved several administrative and budgetary items, including a revision to the district’s fiscal plan, a three‑year agreement to host Grand Canyon University social‑work interns, a $50 rental fee option for school instruments and the creation of a district grant manager position. All votes recorded in the meeting audio passed unanimously, 5–0.

Board members approved the budget revision after staff said the state legislature finalized funding calculations after the district adopted its proposed budget in June and July. "The only reason we're here is because when we proposed and adopted in June and July, the legislature had not finalized their budget," said Miss Salazar, the staff presenter for the revision. She told the board that carry‑forward amounts and one‑time supplements were larger than previously shown.

The board’s action list and outcomes

- Fiscal year 2026 budget revision No. 1 — approved, 5–0. Motion text: "approve the fiscal year 2026 budget revision number 1." (Mover/second: not specified on the record.) Staff reported the revision reflects updated state calculations after legislative budget actions and updated carry‑forward figures. Miss Salazar said the operating budget increased by about $1.07 million and the capital budget increased from approximately $1.1 million to about $1.3 million; carry‑forward was described as moving from about $141,000 to roughly $1,000,000. These figures were presented by staff during the discussion.

- Grand Canyon University social‑work field education agreement (three‑year internship arrangement) — approved, 5–0. Motion text: "approve the Grand Canyon University social work field education contractual agreement." (Mover/second: not specified.) Staff described the contract as a three‑year arrangement to host social‑work interns who would complete field hours under licensed district social‑worker supervision.

- $50 instrument rental fee option for school year — approved, 5–0. Motion text: "approve the $50 rental fee for school instruments for the school year." (Mover/second: not specified.) Staff said the fee is intended as a low‑cost option for families who cannot pay standard rental or purchase costs; payment plans and sponsor assistance were described as available options.

- Grant manager position (new full‑time position) — approved, 5–0. Motion text: "approve the grant manager position." (Mover/second: not specified.) Board discussion noted the position is intended to pursue private and foundation grants in addition to state grant coordination; members asked whether existing staff could be trained instead and whether the position’s salary would be sustainable. Staff said the position would be funded from district sources initially and the expectation is that the role would help secure external grant revenue to offset its cost.

- Policy and procedure revisions (multiple policy numbers listed on the agenda, including procedures 3‑101b, 3‑301a, 3‑401a, 3‑401g, 3‑402a and policies/procedures in the 4‑ and 5‑series) — approved, 5–0. Motion text: "approve the policy revision and procedures as listed on the agenda, including adoption of Option 3 for Policy 5‑2‑0‑3 concerning identification of students with a specific learning disability." (Mover/second: not specified.) The administrative team recommended Option 3 for the specific learning‑disability identification procedure to combine elements of the other options and give staff more flexibility when identifying eligible students.

Discussion and board questions

Board members asked staff for clarifications on budget worksheets and where the line‑item changes appear in the packet. Miss Salazar walked members through pages noted in the packet and pointed to the operating and capital pages where the changes were made. On the grant manager item, some members asked whether existing grant staff could be reallocated or trained instead of hiring a new full‑time employee; staff replied the new position would supplement current state‑grant work and pursue additional privately funded grants and foundations.

Public comment and follow‑up

A parent commenter during public comment urged improved communication and continued follow‑up on special education services; Superintendent Dr. Papalardo responded that staff would continue to follow up with the commenter.

Why this matters

The budget revision updates the district’s fiscal picture to reflect state action and changes to carry‑forward and one‑time supplement estimates. Approving a dedicated grant manager and the Grand Canyon University internship agreement signals an emphasis on growing staff capacity and external partnerships to support student services. The $50 instrument rental option and the policy revisions affect parental access and day‑to‑day operations for students and staff.

Votes at a glance (for editors)

- Budget revision No. 1 — approved 5–0 - Grand Canyon University social‑work internship agreement (3 years) — approved 5–0 - $50 instrument rental fee option — approved 5–0 - Grant manager position (new full‑time) — approved 5–0 - Multiple policy/procedure updates (listed in agenda) — approved 5–0

(Board roll call and procedural matters such as pledges and recognitions also occurred; ceremonial recognitions of staff and students were presented earlier in the meeting.)