Superintendent outlines facilities work, playground replacements and explores hosting ASDB services
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Summary
Superintendent Daniels updated the board on HVAC and weatherization work, asbestos abatement, playground equipment replacements, potential demolition or repurposing of older buildings, and a preliminary contract to host Arizona School for the Deaf & Blind services at Heritage; details on capacity and tuition arrangements remain under review.
Superintendent Daniels told the board the district is working through several facilities projects, insurance recommendations and a possible new service partnership with the Arizona School for the Deaf & Blind (ASDB).
Daniels reported ongoing weatherization and HVAC work at Del Rio and noted asbestos abatement around caulking. The district’s insurance provider recommended replacing two worn playground pieces (Territorial and Del Rio), and staff are awaiting final quotes for removal and replacement. Daniels said one on-campus building (the art room) will be demolished for safety reasons, while an 8-plex that had a previous fire has been rebuilt internally and staff are exploring limited, non-classroom uses (for example, a wrestling room or storage) because the structure lacks HVAC and may not meet classroom-occupancy standards.
Daniels described a preliminary, fully executed contract to bring RISE onto the Heritage campus for four classrooms plus a workroom and student bathrooms; ASDB has asked the district to consider serving as a regional hub, which would mean that students from other districts could be bused here while their home districts pay tuition to Chino Valley. "We've never been a tuition collecting entity before, so we're exploring what all that means," Daniels said. District staff reported they are working with school finance and special education staff to define the tuition-collection mechanism and service responsibilities. Board members asked about capacity; Daniels and others estimated six maximum classrooms if the program grows, and said staffing, classroom availability and special education supports are being evaluated.
Daniels emphasized the need to weigh retention of older buildings against future capital- improvement eligibility—if the district retains some buildings, the State Facilities Board (SFB) may not fund future renewals. She said the governor’s preliminary budget included recognition of Chino Valley projects, which could help cover excess site-condition costs if that funding is retained in the final state budget.
No formal action was taken at this item; staff said they would return with more detailed contracting, finance and program documents as they are developed.
