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Apache Junction USD board approves technology, service contracts and program agreements
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Summary
The Apache Junction Unified School District governing board on April 28 approved multiple contracts — including a five‑year $49,019.09 annual network agreement and a three‑year $2,583.21 monthly communications contract — and several program agreements, all by 5–0 votes.
The Apache Junction Unified School District governing board approved a package of technology and program agreements at its April 28 meeting, voting unanimously to move forward with a five‑year network and security services contract, a three‑year communications agreement and several program partnerships aimed at supporting ninth‑grade success and extracurricular programs.
The board approved an agreement with High‑tech Network and Security Solutions LLC for $49,019.09 per year over five years to migrate district servers to a cloud‑based model. Superintendent Dr. Popalardo said the arrangement will remove on‑site servers and reduce future server‑replacement costs: “It takes away the servers … it’s all in the cloud … we don’t have to purchase any servers,” he said.
Board members also approved a three‑year service agreement with Zayo Education for a monthly fee of $2,583.21. Board discussion focused on an estimated shipping charge for hardware. Members asked administration to seek a detailed shipping‑cost breakdown and to negotiate where possible; Dr. Popalardo said the vendor had reduced its estimate and the district would continue conversations with the vendor.
Other items on the action calendar included approval of a new Prospector Pride football booster club, adoption of the athletics and activities supplemental pay schedule for 2026–27 (with a noted elementary stipend adjustment to $600 to avoid program pauses when funds run out), and the reopening/renaming of an alternative high‑school campus as the Apache Junction Educational Center School through a Graduation Solutions partnership for the 2026–27 school year. The board also approved an Arizona Department of Education intergovernmental agreement (IGA) CTRO80245 and ratified the Center for High School Success partnership tied to a ninth‑grade success grant.
Votes at a glance • High‑tech Network and Security Solutions LLC — Approve agreement for $49,019.09 annually for five years; motion passed 5–0. (Mover: Mrs. Garcia; second: Mrs. Ross.) • Zayo Education communication services — Approve $2,583.21 monthly, three‑year contract; motion passed 5–0. Board requested shipping‑cost breakdown. (Mover: Mrs. Garcia; second: Mrs. Ross.) • Prospector Pride football booster — Approve formation and recognition; motion passed 5–0. (Mover: Mrs. Garcia; second: Mrs. Ross.) • Athletics and activities supplemental pay schedule (2026–27) — Approve; motion passed 5–0. The board noted the elementary stipend was set at $600. (Mover: Mrs. Garcia; second: Mrs. Ross.) • Arizona Department of Education IGA CTRO80245 — Approve as presented; motion passed 5–0. Administration clarified that ADE funding flows to the district and the district invoices GenTech for services. (Mover: Mrs. Garcia; second: Mrs. Ross.) • Apache Junction Educational Center School (Graduation Solutions MOU) — Approve name/adoption for 2026–27 pending continued negotiation; motion passed 5–0. (Mover: Mrs. Garcia; second: Mrs. Ross.) • Center for High School Success agreement — Approve partnership tied to grant funding to support ninth‑grade persistence and professional development; motion passed 5–0.
Why it matters: The contracts formalize the district’s move to cloud‑hosted infrastructure, shore up communications infrastructure and implement grant‑funded support intended to boost ninth‑grade persistence. Several board members pressed for clearer cost breakdowns (notably shipping on the Zayo agreement) before full implementation.
Administration said most motions will not require further board approval if vendor pricing falls, but the board asked for written follow‑up on the shipping breakdown and any material contract changes. The board took no votes that were opposed; all action items passed 5–0 and the meeting moved on to recognitions and updates.
