Higley board authorizes drafting resolution on 19.5-acre parcel, approves pay, grants federal-assurance authority; proposed equal‑opportunity resolution fails 2

HIGLEY, Ariz. — The Higley Unified School District Governing Board voted Monday to direct district staff to draft a resolution that could put a 19.5‑acre vacant parcel behind the Target on the ballot for sale, lease or exchange, moved to authorize the superintendent to execute federal grant assurances, approved a $6,000 performance payment for the superintendent and several procurement items, and saw a proposed board resolution on equal educational opportunity fail in a 2‑2 vote.

The board’s most consequential action for community finances was to authorize district administration to draft a sell/lease/exchange resolution for the vacant parcel described in the meeting as “behind Target,” a 19.5‑acre site zoned industrial in the Town of Gilbert. Mr. Moore, who presented the item as district staff, said the parcel was appraised in 2022 at $8.6 million and that market appreciation since then was likely but not specified.

“Once the district or if the board elects to give the district authority to move forward with an election, we would have three options…sell, lease, or exchange,” Moore said. He explained leases under 20 years do not require voter approval, while sales or leases of 20 years or more would. The board voted 4‑0 to authorize drafting the resolution; final ballot language and any contract or lease terms would be brought back to the board for later approval.

Why it matters: Moore told the board lease revenue could provide a recurring revenue stream to the school plant fund, which by law is used for capital purposes and, in part, to pay down outstanding debt. Board members asked about potential revenue — Moore cited a nearby district example, saying a long‑term lease in another district produces about $800,000 annually — and about environmental liability, maintenance, rezoning and protections allowing the district to regain the land if needed.

Other business approved or discussed

- Superintendent performance pay: The board approved a $6,000 performance‑based pay award for Superintendent Sherry Richards. President Wade moved the motion; Sarah German seconded. The motion carried 4‑0.

- Market stipends for hard‑to‑fill positions: The board heard a presentation that the district plans market stipends for special education teachers and certain transportation staff. The superintendent’s staff described proposed stipends of $2,500 annually for special education resource teachers, $5,000 annually for self‑contained special education teachers, and $1,500 annually for transportation staff who hold a school bus certificate. Presenters said roughly 10 special education positions are open for the coming year.

- Vacant‑parcel next steps: Moore said, if the board gives final direction, staff would place a sell/lease/exchange resolution and a separate maintenance and operations override resolution on the May 13 agenda and later present draft contracts or lease terms for public review if the board proceeds. He recommended keeping ballot language broad enough to allow sale, lease or exchange and emphasized the board could craft termination or recall clauses in any lease to protect future district expansion.

- Federal assurances and civil‑rights assurances: The board unanimously delegated authority to Superintendent Sherry Richards to execute requests for certification and assurances issued by the Arizona Department of Education that preserve eligibility for federal grant funding, including assurances related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). President Wade moved the item and Ms. Van Hook seconded; the motion passed 4‑0.

- Proposed resolution on equal educational opportunity: After discussion the board considered, but did not adopt, a resolution affirming non‑discrimination and compliance with federal civil‑rights obligations. The resolution text — read into the record by a board member — said the district will comply with Title VI, the Equal Protection Clause and related authorities, and that the district will not use race in decision‑making and will abide by department guidance. The motion to adopt the resolution failed on a 2‑2 vote; two members voted in favor and two opposed, so the measure did not pass.

Board members debated the measure at length. President Wade spoke at length in opposition to removing diversity, equity and inclusion practices from schools, saying the Civil Rights Act and later federal actions led to programs that expand access and equity. “The demand to remove DEI practices under the guise that we are protecting from discrimination is only going to have the direct result of bringing about uniformity, inequity, and exclusion,” Wade said. Board member Armstrong, a history teacher, said he supported the district’s efforts to teach serious historical events at appropriate grade levels and indicated he would vote to affirm nondiscrimination.

- Capital budget: The board gave tentative approval to the fiscal year 2025‑26 capital outlay budget, a version of the budget presented previously with one change: a $75,000 participatory budget line to fund school‑level capital projects. The motion carried 4‑0. The $75,000 was moved from the major projects line item.

- Athletic trainer contract: The board approved RFP No. 25‑1‑30 for athletic trainer services to Phoenix Children’s, to expand coverage across the district’s secondary schools and middle schools. The motion carried 4‑0. Board members clarified that parents provide medical consent through athlete registration packets.

- Overnight and out‑of‑state staff travel: The board considered and failed to approve an overnight and out‑of‑state staff travel request by a 2‑2 vote. Some board members urged restraint on conference‑related travel costs given budget pressures.

- Payroll and vouchers: The board ratified payroll and expense voucher 11‑23 by a 4‑0 vote. During discussion a board member asked for follow‑up on a roughly $12,000 intergovernmental agreement described in board materials for lobbying services and whether the district can show measurable returns from that contract; staff said they would provide background and status.

- Personnel and appointment: The board recognized and confirmed consent agenda appointments, including the district’s new IT director, Robert (last name not specified in the meeting). David (last name not specified) introduced Robert, who said he had worked in the district for 17 years and held a master’s degree in cybersecurity.

What’s next: The board directed staff to draft the sell/lease/exchange resolution and indicated the item and a possible maintenance and operations override would return for board consideration. Any proposed sale, lease or exchange and associated contracts would be presented to the board and made public before any final action or ballot placement.

— Votes at a glance — - Motion to authorize drafting a land sell/lease/exchange resolution: mover President Wade; second Mr. Glover. Outcome: approved, 4‑0. - Superintendent performance pay, $6,000: mover President Wade; second Sarah German. Outcome: approved, 4‑0. - Delegate authority to superintendent to execute ADE certification and assurances (Title VI, FERPA): mover President Wade; second Ms. Van Hook. Outcome: approved, 4‑0. - Adopt resolution on equal educational opportunity (as presented): mover (not specified); second (not specified). Outcome: failed, 2‑2. - Tentative approval of 2025‑26 capital outlay budget (includes $75,000 participatory budget): outcome approved, 4‑0. - Approval of RFP 25‑1‑30 athletic trainer services to Phoenix Children’s: outcome approved, 4‑0. - Approval of overnight/out‑of‑state staff travel: outcome failed, 2‑2. - Ratify payroll and expense voucher 11‑23: outcome approved, 4‑0.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the board’s regular meeting and are recorded in the public meeting transcript. The board will receive additional documentation and draft contract language on the vacant parcel and any subsequent ballot language before any final sale, lease or exchange occurs.