Marana Unified board adopts revised budget, approves grants, new courses and staffing; several policy updates passed

The Marana Unified School District governing board approved several budgetary, curriculum and policy items at its meeting, including a revised expenditure budget and multiple district initiatives.

Budget: Mr. Bogart presented a revised 2025–26 expenditure budget showing an improvement of $1,110,881 since the last presentation in July, attributed primarily to an increase in resource students in exceptional education services. The presenter said the district’s total aggregate spending budget is about $152,000,000. After a brief clarification about a clerical date error, the board moved, seconded and adopted the revised budget as presented.

Grant application: The board authorized submission of a Pascua Yaqui Tribe gaming revenue sharing grant application for Marana Middle School (to be submitted in partnership with Miranda Middle School) seeking $35,806.34 to buy a compact tractor for agricultural instruction and FFA programming. Presenters said the opportunity requires board approval at application time; legal counsel had reviewed the application. Trustees asked who typically applies for these funds and were told that public school districts are eligible and the district had not previously pursued this fund.

FAFSA initiative: The board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Board of Regents under the 50 by Fall project, awarding Marana High a roughly $2,250 incremental fiscal award after a reported 10% increase in FAFSA completion. The presenter described plans to use funds for family engagement events to promote a college‑going culture; Mountain View was noted as improving but not yet meeting the 10% threshold for this cycle.

Curriculum: Trustees approved proposed high school course additions, including AP Precalculus (anticipated at Marana and Mountain View) and multiple offerings of AP Seminar (ELA credit) that can be run concurrently for grades 10–12 and may be offered through Vista; the board discussed dual‑enrollment vs. AP mechanics and staffing for small sections. Presenters said dual enrollment through Pima Community College remains an option and that the district will promote both pathways.

Staffing and policy changes: The board approved additional staffing for Tangerine Farms K–8 and Marana Vista Academy to match projected enrollment; approved minor revisions to policy GBEB (staff conduct) recommended by the Arizona School Boards Association and vetted by legal counsel; and approved updates to sections E (support services) and F (facilities management) of the district policy manual under the ASBA model.

Next steps: Board members set future meeting dates (March 12, April 2 and May 14) and adjourned. Several trustees asked for follow‑up data on enrollment makeup (in‑district vs. out‑of‑district) and the district said it could provide those figures separately.

Votes at a glance: consent agenda approved; 2025–26 revised expenditure budget adopted; Pascua Yaqui grant application approved for submission; 50 by Fall IGA approved; new high school course proposals approved; GBEB policy revisions approved; additional staffing approved; Sections E & F of the policy manual approved.

The board did not take action on student discipline during the meeting; public commenters raised concerns about proposed suspensions earlier in the week.