AJUSD board approves 2025–26 code of conduct, organizational chart and ASU placement agreement; issues proclamation, moves to executive session
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Summary
The Apache Junction Unified School District board unanimously approved the 2025–26 student code of conduct (including new K–8 phone restrictions), adopted a minor organizational change, renewed a five-year student placement agreement with Arizona State University, issued a proclamation honoring Officer Gabrielle Fazio and voted to go into executive session on the superintendent's performance pay.
The Apache Junction Unified School District governing board unanimously approved several administrative items at its June meeting, including updates to the student code of conduct, the district organizational chart and a five-year renewal of a student placement agreement with Arizona State University.
Dr. Popolardo, the district superintendent, told the board the 2025–26 code of conduct was revised to comply with a new state law that restricts cell phone use for K–8 students — "you cannot have it out completely" in K–8 — while earlier exceptions for grades 9–12 remain in the document. After brief questions from board members and no objections, a board member moved to approve the code and the motion passed 5–0.
The board approved a small change to the 2025–26 organizational chart that places the safety coordinator position under the business manager. Dr. Popolardo said this is the only organizational change for next year; the motion to adopt the chart was approved 5–0.
Miss Verna described a five-year renewal of the student placement agreement with Arizona State University, effective July 15, 2025, through July 15, 2030, to allow ASU student teachers and interns to complete placements on AJUSD campuses. The board voted 5–0 to renew the agreement.
The board also approved a proclamation honoring Officer Gabrielle Fazio for service to the district and for partnership with the Apache Junction Police Department. Dr. Popolardo said Officer Fazio "helped to keep our kids safe and to stand in unity with our partners at AJPD." A board member asked that Officer Russell Duncan be similarly recognized on his anniversary in November; the proclamation for Officer Fazio passed 5–0.
Finally, the board voted to move into executive session under Arizona Revised Statutes §38-431.03(A)(1) to discuss the superintendent's performance pay; the motion was seconded and carried 5–0. The board announced it was proceeding into executive session at the end of the public meeting.
Votes at a glance: agenda adopted 5–0; minutes of 05/27/2025 approved 5–0; consent agenda approved 5–0; 2025–26 student code of conduct approved 5–0; 2025–26 organizational chart approved 5–0; ASU student placement agreement (07/15/2025–07/15/2030) approved 5–0; proclamation for Officer Gabrielle Fazio approved 5–0; motion to enter executive session on superintendent performance pay approved 5–0.
