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Apache Junction Unified School District board approves ESA flex program and sets $160 fee for nonresident K–8 summer school
Summary
The Apache Junction Unified School District governing board voted unanimously to approve an ESA "flex" program aimed at re-engaging homeschooled and ESA-funded students and to charge $160 for K–8 students from outside the district who wish to attend summer school; the board also directed staff to proceed with a phased outreach and rollout.
The Apache Junction Unified School District governing board voted 5–0 to approve an Education Savings Account (ESA) "flex" program and to set a $160 fee for K–8 students from outside the district who want to attend summer school.
Dr. Papalardo, who led the presentation, said the flex program is intended to "recapture some enrollment from community members and parents" in the southern part of Apache Junction, targeting families who currently use ESAs or homeschool. "They want customization — pick the class, pick the time," he said, describing a hybrid set of offerings that would include single-course options, fine and performing arts, CTE certification pathways and extracurriculars.
The program will use ClassWallet for ESA payments, staff said, and follow a phased timeline: initial contact with counselors and school offices in March, a broader announcement and referral information in April, event nights to engage families, and a student enrollment tracking step later. Dr. Papalardo said district marketing staff already have a web page and a promotion template ready pending board approval.
Board members asked logistical questions about ESA mechanics and athletics eligibility. Missus Garcia asked whether ESA students sign a contract, noting a difference from homeschool affidavits; Dr. Papalardo confirmed ESA families sign up with the state and that the district would become a vendor via ClassWallet so funds could be tracked. On athletics, he said the current practice is open enrollment but that pending state legislation could limit play to students who live inside AJUSD boundaries if it becomes law.
On summer school, Dr. Papalardo told the board that some neighboring districts are not offering summer programs and that the proposed out-of-district fee for K–8 attendance is $160; district students would continue to attend at no charge. The board asked staff to follow up on high-school summer options.
The motion to approve the ESA flex pricing and the summer-school fee was moved by Kim and seconded by Missus Ross; the vote was 5–0 in favor (Missus Ross, Missus Williamson, Missus Garcia, Missus Lane, Chair).
The board directed staff to proceed with the phased outreach and to present additional implementation details at the April 1 work session on reimagining school.
Next steps: staff will launch outreach and publication of materials as outlined in the presentation and return with operational details and any adjustments needed if state legislation changes athletic eligibility.
