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Agua Fria board approves joint- development agreement, construction steps for Arts Academy in Litchfield Park
Summary
The Agua Fria board approved a joint development legal agreement and long-term lease with the City of Litchfield Park, authorized construction and a CTDS request, approved Julie Jones as principal, and funded $500,000 in preconstruction services for the Arts Academy and Performing Arts Center.
The Agua Fria Union High School District governing board approved multiple actions to establish a new Arts Academy and Performing Arts Center on the La Loma Hilltop in Litchfield Park.
The board voted to approve a joint development legal agreement and a long-term lease with the City of Litchfield Park; board members were told the agreement had already been adopted by the Litchfield Park City Council. The board then authorized construction of the Arts Academy and instructed staff to request a CTDS number from the Arizona Department of Education to begin the formal school establishment process.
The board also approved the appointment of Julie Jones, currently identified in the meeting as the principal of Desert Edge, as the Arts Academy’s principal. Jones said she was “honored” and pledged to make the Arts Academy a regional model: “I am going to do everything within my power to make this the best arts academy not only in the Southwest Valley but throughout Arizona,” she said.
Separately the board approved preconstruction services in the amount of $500,000 to McCarthy Building Companies to begin development work; staff said that sum will be incorporated into the project’s final guaranteed maximum price (GMP).
Board members and staff discussed funding and scheduling concerns. Staff told the board that the bulk of available funds for current projects come from the 2023 bond, and that district bond managers are working to expedite the sale of additional bonds so projects such as the Millennium High School phase of work and the Arts Academy can begin on schedule. Staff also noted coordination with the City of Litchfield Park on infrastructure (including a planned roundabout and library design) that affects project timing.
Superintendent and program staff explained that the CTDS request is an administrative step with the Arizona Department of Education; staff said the CTDS assignment process will take several months. The board’s actions included an authorization for district leaders — named in the meeting as Mr. Nall and Dr. Pearson — to start the CTDS application process.
All measures related to the Arts Academy passed by recorded voice vote. The board instructed staff to continue coordinating with city officials and contractors, and to return with any required follow-up documents and timelines.
