Hackberry School Board approves roughly $1.3 million FY27 budget and routine handbooks, IGAs and vendor renewals

Hackberry Elementary School District #3’s governing board approved the district’s FY27 proposed budget and a package of standard operational items at a June 9 regular meeting in Kingman.

Sam Dell, the district’s business manager, presented the budget and said the district is "looking at 1.3 million for next fiscal year," adding that "most likely the taxes will not go up." Dell also reported that the district’s financial position "continues to trend positively," with a projected year-end maintenance-and-operations balance of approximately $1.177 million as of April and an anticipated rollover of roughly $220,000 into the next fiscal year.

The board voted 4-0 to approve the FY27 proposed budget on a motion by Pam Adams and a second by Tammy Herrera.

The meeting also included routine approvals typically handled by the consent agenda. The board approved May 12 and May 21 meeting minutes, a donation list, accounts payable vouchers (2689–2692) and payroll vouchers (2627–2628), each recorded as passing 4-0.

Administrators presented non-financial updates that the board noted. Christina Ramirez, the district administrator, summarized results from recent parent and student surveys: parents praised small class sizes and staff engagement but requested more PE time, clearer report cards and better communication about student progress; students reported they were generally happy with teachers but mentioned incidents of bullying and disrespect among peers. Ramirez said the district will review this feedback with staff and schedule a special meeting to discuss relevant policies.

Under old business the board received an update that the Arizona Auditor General has notified the district it is no longer in a corrective action plan; the minutes specifically recognize Sam Dell’s contributions to addressing the issues identified by auditors.

On routine new-business items the board approved the SY26–27 Parent-Student Handbook and Employee Handbook (motions by Valerie Grimes and Pam Adams), authorized an intergovernmental agreement with Mohave County Educational Services, confirmed continued use of the Instructure district data system (second year), continued participation in the Aspin Mohave Cooperative for food service, and approved the Oculens/Verkada renewal for SY26–27. Each of those motions was recorded as passing 4-0.

The board moved into executive session at 4:42 p.m. to continue discussion about the high school presentation and returned to open session at 5:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.; the board noted the next regular meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2026.

The minutes list contact information for submitting future agenda items (cramirez@hesd.net) and certify that the meeting notice was posted at the district office on June 4, 2026.