Chandler Unified approves Equalis cooperative contract to bolster maintenance staffing

The Chandler Unified School District governing board unanimously approved using the Equalis cooperative contract COG2148D to obtain temporary trades staffing services from Tradesmen International LLC, with estimated expenditures up to $750,000 for fiscal 2025–26.

Mister Jeff Dunn, director of support services, told the board the district faces roughly 14 open positions across groundskeeping, HVAC and general maintenance and recommended the cooperative contract to “temporarily supplement staffing” while recruitment continues. District staff said the purchasing department reviewed the cooperative procurement and found it compliant with Arizona school district procurement rules.

Board member Mister John Heap moved to approve the contract; Mrs. Mendoza seconded the motion. Members asked staff to confirm that temporary vendors would be subject to the district’s background checks and child-safety vetting. Mister Dunn replied that all outside vendors are vetted to the same standards as district staff. Board members also confirmed the funding source: the positions are budgeted and temporary staffing will draw on those budgeted funds.

Dunn said the district is continuing efforts to permanently fill open positions and is also evaluating landscaping contracts (Yellowstone Landscaping) to reduce reliance on hourly staffing if feasible. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.

The board’s recorded discussion and the motion are part of the official meeting minutes.