Apache Junction board approves fee increase, $35,000 network contract and Graduation Solutions agreement
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Summary
The governing board voted unanimously to raise the kindergarten screening fee to $75 (effective May 1, 2026), approved a $35,000 network consultant contract for 2025'2026, approved a Graduation Solutions LLC partnership (district to receive 20% of ADM generated), authorized two out-of-state travel requests, and adopted a calendar change for May 2026.
The Apache Junction Unified School District governing board voted unanimously on Jan. 27, 2026, to approve several action items affecting district operations and services.
A kindergarten screening fee was increased from $50 to $75, effective May 1, 2026. Missus Garcia moved the motion to approve the fee increase; the motion was seconded and carried on a 5-0 roll call.
The board also approved a network consultant services contract in the amount of $35,000 for the 2025'2026 school year. Superintendent Dr. Papalardo clarified the contract covers a part-time remote contractor who provides network maintenance and troubleshooting; the district's board cited that hiring an equivalent on staff would cost substantially more (an approximate range of $70,000 to $100,000 annually). The consultant was described as a vendor working remotely approximately four to six hours per day; the motion passed 5-0.
Members approved an agreement with Graduation Solutions LLC to provide targeted instructional and intervention services for students ages 16'22 who have not yet graduated. Under the contract the district will host a local hub and receive 20% of the average daily membership (ADM) generated through the program; the board approved the contract 5-0.
The board authorized two out-of-state travel requests: Superintendent Dr. Papalardo and Mira Verna to attend the AASA National Conference in Nashville on Feb. 14, 2026 (funded from Title II), and Lehi Scott and Allison McCoch to attend an AASA "Rooted in Relationships" summit in Miami in March 2026 to support recruiting and program work. Both travel motions passed unanimously.
Separately, the board made a motion under Arizona statute to convene in executive session to discuss the governing board's performance evaluation, and approved the fiscal-year 2025'2026 meeting calendar with a date change moving the May meeting to May 19, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Governing Boardroom. The meeting adjourned following unanimous votes.
The votes on these items were recorded during the meeting; each motion was seconded and passed by a 5-0 tally with the following board members recorded as voting "Yes": Missus Ross, Missus Williamson, Missus Garcia, Missus Lane and Board President Kimball.