Millennium robotics team seeks space, boosters; parent urges broader support for school bands
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Summary
Students from Millennium High School described their FIRST Tech Challenge work and asked the board for a larger classroom, booster-club approval and access to larger practice areas; a parent urged the district to review band funding and noted instrument repair funding of $3,000 versus booster contributions exceeding $50,000.
At the Feb. 4 meeting of the Agua Fria Union High School District governing board, students from Millennium High School's robotics team described their season and asked the board to be aware of facility and booster-club requests that they are pursuing with school administration.
"My name is Ashley Park, and I'm the president," Ashley Park told trustees, describing the team's participation in the FIRST Tech Challenge and saying the team is currently ranked seventh in the state out of 97 teams. Park said the club is requesting a larger classroom to house a robotics field, formal approval of a newly formed booster club and access to larger campus spaces to set up a full competition field. The team plans to compete at the state championship Feb. 21 at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and invited board members to attend.
A Millennium teammate, identified as Tyler, explained the robot's three main subsystems and the team's recent awards, noting the group had won Inspire, Think and Sustain awards at regional events.
Following the students, parent Brian Murphy urged the board to examine how band programs are funded across district campuses. "Currently, they are provided just $3,000 for instrument repairs," Murphy said, describing the Millennium Marching Tigers as a sustained successful program supported by a booster club that provides "over $50,000" annually for clinicians and equipment. Murphy asked that the board add an agenda item to review funding for bands districtwide and said the request was for "recognition and support" rather than direct money from the district at this time.
Board response: Trustees thanked the students and parents and noted the district will follow up with school administration. The superintendent also acknowledged the robotics team and said district staff would meet with the parents to discuss next steps.
What happens next: The students and parent said they are working with school administrators on the requests. The board did not take formal action during the meeting; both the robotics team and parent indicated they would return to the board if they need further support.