Board authorizes superintendent and CFO to sign documents to keep Troy Gilbert Elementary project on schedule

The Litchfield Elementary School District governing board on Tuesday authorized the superintendent and the chief financial officer to sign and execute documents related to construction and permitting for Troy Gilbert Elementary School so the project can proceed between scheduled board meetings.

CFO Vaughn explained the authority is intended to avoid permitting delays caused by the district’s board-meeting schedule; documents executed under this delegation would be brought back to the board for ratification at the next regular meeting when appropriate. Assistant Superintendent Stone said the immediate need arose from timing with the county real-estate department and permitting that could otherwise push site work past the district’s schedule.

Board member Miss Moran asked whether any legal or ethical issues might arise from delegating authority. Vaughn said he did not foresee legal or ethical issues and compared the proposed delegation to the board’s routine authorization in July to issue warrants between meetings. Stone said the immediate permitting matter involves county approval of easements and roadway access around the school site and coordination with Maricopa Water District for irrigation infrastructure; the costs are built into the project budget.

Mr. Mikes moved to authorize the superintendent and/or the chief financial officer to sign and execute any and all documents related to the construction of Troy Gilbert Elementary School and related land; Miss Wallace seconded. The board voted unanimously in favor: Miss Wallace, Mr. Mikes, Mr. Owens, Miss Moran and President Zidemann voted yes.

The board noted that substantial or high-dollar items would be returned for board approval and that this authorization is framed as an administrative step to keep permitting and scheduling on track.