By Mary Goldmeer
Mail | Independent Newsmedia

The Agua Fria High School District Governing Board is scheduled to expand its core responsibilities with new travel and budget policies. 

 New guidelines on board member travel are set to be introduced following the board’s meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the district office, 1481 N. Eliseo Felix Jr. Way in Avondale. 

Board President Gina DeCoste first addressed the policy change in August after revising a similar policy years prior. “I wanted to make sure we had something in place that held us all fiscally accountable,” DeCoste said. 

The proposed document initially allowed one national trip without approval, but this language was removed after board member Trey Terry expressed concerns about public accountability. 

 “As a district, we pride ourselves on being transparent on our expenses,” Terry said. “My only concern is there can be a heck of a lot more travel without us reporting in.” 

 All board members are encouraged to seek professional development through conferences, conventions, tours and workshops and to receive it, the policy set for approval now allows for board members each fiscal year to attend one out-of-county event with overnight accommodations and up to two local in-county events without additional approval.

All other travel requests would require public discussion and board approval.

Visit aguafria.org for more information.