Sierra Vista Unified board declines to pursue former CFO, approves SLPA hire and 2026–27 meeting calendar

The Sierra Vista Unified School District governing board took multiple formal actions at its regular meeting, moving to forgo collection from a former chief financial officer, approve a new full‑time speech‑language pathologist assistant and adopt next year’s board calendar.

Board decision on prior chief financial officer: At the outset of the district’s action items, a motion was made "to take no action to pursue repayment from its former CFO based upon the 09/30/2025 letter from the Arizona solicitor general closing the file on this matter," and the board voted 5-0 to carry the motion. Superintendent Terry Romo told the board the governing body had met in executive session with district counsel to review factors relevant to the decision. The motion was introduced by Board Member Mrs. Sherif and seconded; the roll-call vote was recorded as unanimous.

SLPA position approved: The board approved administration’s recommendation to add one full‑time speech‑language pathologist assistant for fiscal year 2026–27. Administration said the request responds to a rising number of students needing speech‑language services and the increasing intensity of supports required to meet individualized education program (IEP) commitments. The new position is intended to increase in‑person service capacity, reduce reliance on higher‑cost contracted providers and help the district remain compliant with state and federal requirements. Funding was described as coming from the district’s maintenance and operations budget. The motion to approve the position passed 5-0.

Consent agenda and calendar: The consent agenda, which included personnel actions, passed with four votes in favor and one abstention (4‑0‑1); Board Member Conroy voiced concern about district and county funding shortfalls and the personnel expenditures reflected in the personnel actions report. The board also approved the 2026–27 governing board meeting calendar 5-0; administration said the schedule was published for public awareness and reconciled with the 2025–26 school year calendar.

What happens next: Per the board’s vote, the district will not pursue repayment from the former CFO; the newly approved SLPA position will be added for FY 2026–27 and funded from the maintenance and operations budget. The calendar will be published as required for public notice. The meeting record shows the board relied on information discussed in executive session regarding the Auditor General’s matter while making the decision on the CFO.