Board discusses using bond and Perkins funds to expand CTE and reclaim enrollment

Phoenix Union's leadership told the board the district has seen roughly a 10 percent enrollment decline over the past three years and urged strategic investments to regain students.

Dr. De Alba presented preliminary demographic maps and recommended the board consider targeted bond investments and program reconfiguration to respond to growth pockets in the Southwest and southern corridors of the district. She said the demographic study in progress (expected completion in March) will help identify which career clusters and geographic areas have the greatest market opportunity.

Board members asked about funding sources. The district noted Perkins grant allocations (the district's Perkins allocation this year was described as about $3.6 million) can cover program equipment and supplies while bond proceeds are the typical tool for new construction and infrastructure. Superintendent Andrade framed a phased approach to a potential CTE center on a district-owned site near Southern and 30th Avenue, saying the site could support a Metro-style technical center accessible to students across the district.

Members debated whether to pursue an exclusive Magnet-like campus versus an open-access technical center (dual model) and asked for options, costs and a master plan. One board member urged a phased pilot rather than a large up-front commitment: "What if it doesn't work?" staff said a phased plan and partnerships with workforce and neighboring districts would be options to limit risk.

The board asked staff to return with more detailed scenarios, cost estimates and community feedback gathered through outreach to families and business partners.