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Board authorizes superintendent to extend and negotiate EVIT intergovernmental agreement amid funding and equipment disputes
Summary
Board members authorized the superintendent to continue negotiations and sign extensions on the EVIT IGA after CTE staff outlined sticking points including a proposed drop in pass-through funding, equipment ownership demands, and teacher-qualification provisions.
The Fountain Hills Unified School District board authorized the superintendent to continue negotiations and sign extensions on the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with EVIT (East Valley Institute of Technology) so district representatives can resolve outstanding points.
Allison Minkum, the district—s CTE director, told the board the IGA affects both students who attend EVIT campuses and programs the district hosts as a satellite, such as sports medicine and digital communications. She said about 60 students are already registered to attend EVIT programs next year and another 70 to 80 students are enrolled in on-campus CTE offerings that rely on pass-through funding.
A district presenter summarized major sticking points in the proposed EVIT amendment: a proposed reduction in pass-through funding from 87% to 70%, a proposal that certain purchased materials, supplies and technology become EVIT property, and proposed oversight provisions related to teacher qualifications. The presenter said the amount held by EVIT in a May fund is substantial and that districts are negotiating those terms collectively with counsel.
"We really, really like our partnership with EVIT," the presenter said, adding the board is seeking an agreement that protects districts— existing programs and funding. The board authorized Dr. Jay to sign extensions and to continue negotiations so the districts can reach terms acceptable to all parties; trustees expressed a preference to avoid signing final SPED language until terms are settled.
The motion authorizes the superintendent to sign amendments or extensions to keep talks open; any final IGA will return to boards for approval as needed.
