Recently, questions and claims have circulated regarding school facility funding, the closure of the high school gym, and the opening of the Academy. Because these topics involve complex state funding processes, we want to clearly explain the facts.

How School Facility Board (SFB) Funding Works

In Arizona, major school facility repairs and renovations are funded through the Arizona School Facilities Board (SFB). When a project is approved, SFB funds are released to the county, not the school district. Those funds are then used only to pay contractors as work is completed on the specific, approved project. These funds are legally restricted. They cannot be redirected, transferred, or repurposed for other uses.

What SFB Funds Were Used For — and What They Were Not

SFB funds were approved for specific facility repairs and were used exactly as required under state law. They were not used to open the Academy, and the SFB had no involvement in the creation or operation of that school. Any suggestion that SFB funds were diverted or misused is inaccurate.

Clarifying Misinformation About the Academy

The Academy was not funded through SFB facility grants, and no students were forced to attend. Families choose schools based on the options available to them, and enrollment decisions are voluntary. Additionally, no schools in Apache Junction Unified School District are named after any individual.

Why Some Facilities Are Aging

Large-scale facility upgrades—such as gym flooring replacements—are typically addressed through voter-approved bonds and overrides. Over the past two decades, AJUSD has had limited bond funding, which directly affects the district’s ability to proactively replace aging infrastructure. Without bond funding, districts must rely on state processes and emergency approvals, which can take time.

Our Commitment to Transparency

We understand that facility closures and repairs are frustrating for families and the community. We welcome questions and value transparency, but it is important that discussions are grounded in facts rather than misinformation.

Anyone who would like to better understand how school funding works in Arizona is encouraged to contact the district office so we can provide accurate information. We can be reached at (480) 982-1110.