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…