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Board approves bond issuance authorization, construction contracts and staff compensation plan
Summary
At its March meeting the Agua Fria governing board authorized a $100 million bond issuance, awarded a construction RFQ for Millennium High School, approved a guaranteed maximum price for Alba Fria High School cafeteria and advanced a naming decision for the Arts Academy. The board also approved benefits and a 2% salary increase for 2025-26.
The Agua Fria Union High School District governing board on Wednesday approved a package of capital and personnel items including authorization to issue school improvement bonds, selection of a general contractor for Millennium High School work, approval of a guaranteed maximum price for Alba Fria High School's cafeteria and benefits and compensation increases for 2025-26.
Bond issuance and financing
District staff asked the board to authorize a next round of school improvement bonds to preserve the district's current bond tax rate. The administration recommended a roughly $100 million issuance; the board voted to adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of school improvement bonds and directed staff to proceed with rating and pricing steps. The administration said proceeds would likely be available by mid- to late April following standard market and closing steps.
Millennium High School contractor selection
The board awarded RFQ number 25-01-29 for the Millennium High School campus master plan phase 2 to Chase Building Team. District staff said five proposals were received and a six-member evaluation panel recommended Chase based on aggregated scoring.
Alba Fria High School remodeling
The board approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) for the second phase of the Alba Fria High School remodel that includes demolition and rebuilding of the cafeteria and kitchen and landscaping and signage along Dysart Road. District staff said additional GMPs for auditorium work will be brought later.
Arts Academy name vote
After a contentious discussion about naming options the board approved Option 1, "Hilltop School for the Arts," allowing district staff to proceed with branding and outreach. Several board members said they preferred to postpone but a majority voted to adopt the Hilltop name.
Benefits and compensation
The board also approved benefits recommendations for 2025-26 that included continuing two UnitedHealthcare medical plan options while the district absorbs an 8.13% increase for employee-only coverage by raising its contribution. The board approved a proposed 2% across-the-board salary increase for all staff for 2025-26 and the administration said it would continue work on wellness programs going forward.
Votes at a glance
- RFQ 25-01-29 (Millennium High School campus master plan phase 2): awarded to Chase Building Team; motion approved by the board. - Guaranteed maximum price (Alba Fria High School cafeteria and kitchen remodel, Phase 2B): approved by the board. - Resolution authorizing issuance and sale of school improvement bonds (next issuance, ~$100 million): approved. - Arts Academy name: Option 1, Hilltop School for the Arts; motion approved (majority vote; at least one member opposed). - Compensation and benefits for 2025-26: medical plan changes with district covering specified increase and a 2% salary increase for all staff; motion approved.
District staff said these approvals allow work on construction schedules, bond-market preparations and outreach to families about program and school naming to proceed. Several board members thanked staff for planning work and noted the need for careful budget management as Goodyear High School opens and expenses grow.
