Tonto Basin board approves revised 2025-26 budget, hires and search timeline; adds cafeteria aide

The Tonto Basin Elementary District governing board on Feb. 9 approved Revision 1 to the district’s FY2025-26 budget to capture carryover and updated allocations, the board said during a public hearing. The revision increases maintenance and operations by $164,673, raises unrestricted capital by $31,169 and reallocates $31,169 in federal projects.

The action came at a public hearing that produced no public comments and passed on a unanimous vote. Governing Board member Robin Holt moved to approve the budget revision; Shawna Morris seconded.

The meeting also moved forward the district’s superintendent search. The board approved a timeline calling for a Feb. 10 posting, an application deadline of March 16, candidate reviews March 20, interviews March 25–27, board selection March 27 and a finalized contract by April 13, with a projected start date of July 1. The board agreed the posting will reach local, state and national outlets and will allow applicants to supply missing documents after initial submission; applicants who do not meet superintendent certification requirements may be considered for other administrative roles.

The board approved changes to the district’s administrative application form: removal of personal references, addition of a "reason for separation" field, and an increase in professional references from two to four. Robin Holt moved the application changes; Shawna Morris seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

On personnel and operational matters, the board approved an additional cafeteria assistant position (up to 7.5 hours per day, four days per week) with an anticipated annual cost not to exceed $35,000, citing a lack of help in the cafeteria. The board also approved all listed personnel action items, authorized changes to selected bank accounts while maintaining a $5,000 revolving fund balance, and adopted the 2025-26 performance compensation plan.

The board approved a settlement payment pursuant to A.R.S. 12-821.01 and authorized Quality Pumping to service the district, approving a $2,750 purchase order for that vendor. Consent agenda items including accounts payable and payroll vouchers, minutes from Jan. 12 and Jan. 16, gifts and donations, financials and student activities revenue projects were approved as presented.

During an information item the board received an audit progress update: a Sept. 25 performance audit produced 19 recommendations covering procurement practices, purchase orders and requisitions, cash handling and bank reconciliations, use of pre-numbered receipts, weekly deposits, establishing quotes for purchases over $10,000, reviewing expenditure account codes and creating a PAR form for HR actions. Staff noted steps underway to implement the recommendations and to transition finance responsibilities between Kathleen Manning and Katherine Brooks; legal counsel Denise Lowell-Britt was noted as advising on leave-payout calculations.

The board scheduled a public study session on March 23 at 3:30 p.m. to review the 2026-27 budget projections. The meeting adjourned at 5:02 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Approve FY2025-26 Budget Revision 1 — motion by Robin Holt, second Shawna Morris; outcome: approved (all in favor, none opposed). Approve superintendent search timeline — motion by Shawna Morris, second Lacie Sopeland; outcome: approved. Approve application form changes — motion by Robin Holt, second Shawna Morris; outcome: approved. Approve additional cafeteria assistant position — motion by Robin Holt, second Lacie Sopeland; outcome: approved. Approve personnel items, bank account changes, compensation plan, settlement payment, and Quality Pumping purchase — motions passed unanimously. Consent items approved as presented.