During the June meeting, the governing board heard updates on several projects, including the Maxine O. Bush and Ignacio Conchos renovations, the Irene Lopez and Cesar Chavez rebuilds, Sunland Phase II and more.
Maxine O. Bush Future Ready Academy
The renovation of Bush is on budget and currently tracking on schedule to conclude in July, with teacher and staff move-in on July 27. The project includes a new administrative building location, an exploration studio and an indoor/outdoor maker space. There will also be a new shaded courtyard, landscaping and an upgraded and modernized school entrance.
The Exploration Studio spaces have been prepped and are currently being converted to beautiful, new conjoined studios. Structural openings will be cut into the building to support modern storefronts and an open floor plan. Furniture and flooring are cohesively designed to support the innovative program. Classroom lighting will be modernized along with tack board walls, and enhanced technology.
Sunland Phase II
The second phase of the Sunland rebuild is in the design development stage and includes features such as:
Full gymnasium for community events, sports tournaments, divided programming, and cross court basketball and volleyball including fullsize bleachers
Scaled up kitchen to support the large Sunland population
Modern cafeteria with performance ready stage and lighting
Outdoor amphitheater to support performances and community events
School Replacement Projects
Irene Lopez
The Lopez rebuild is in the “visioning phase” with Grace Design Studios. The project recently completed the third visioning committee meeting, which focused on community and school identity, future vision, and operational needs. Summer work will synthesize committee input into an initial conceptual design ahead of the fourth committee meeting, scheduled for August 2026, to review and refine the direction.
Cesar Chavez
The rebuild of the campus off 3rd Street and Broadway is scheduled to begin in earnest in the fall, with engagement planned with DLR Group that will focus on stakeholder input and vision setting as well as establishing early priorities and program direction.
Ignacio Conchos
Secure Office Remodel
Design development has been completed with support from the District and Conchos administration. Features include secure access control, modern offices, staff support areas and health office suite. Demo permit was approved and began in May, with work scheduled to conclude by July.
Modern Media Center
Design development has been completed with support from the District and Conchos administration. Construction documentation was submitted to the City of Phoenix and is pending permit approval. Demo began in june and work will be completed in September.
Playgrounds
The playgrounds at Southwest and Pastor schools will feature a modern-traditional hybrid style design, with ADA-compliant surfaces and implements. Both schools are scheduled to recieve delivery of the structures, with work to be completed by July 17.
HVAC Systems
HVAC technician position
As of the board meeting, three open positions have been filled, reducing response times and the number of open repair tickets, allowing for better coordination and efficiency in the preventative maintenance schedule.
FY26 Preventive Maintenance
Pueblo Mechanical completed an assessment and developed a comprehensive plan to address existing systems, either through maintenance or replacement, with quarterly services scheduled to identify and proactively resolve upcoming issues. We will continue our partnership with Pueblo Mechanical in FY27.
Reduction in HVAC units failing
There was a reduction in critical units down, from 76 in July 2025 to just 3 in June 2026. Those units have replacement plans in progress.