One item that keeps coming up that people don’t know about is the replacement of the Performing Arts Center at the Signal Peak (Coolidge) campus. I originally heard that it would cost about $20 million but later found out that it would be the first phase of a multi-year $80 million complex. Her is Ms. Elliots description in a 10-28-25 e-mail.
Performing Arts Center: The total cost of the project is expected to be $80, with $20 million spent in 2025-2026. Since we are still in the planning phases, GMP1 for Board approval will occur in the spring. The functionality and purpose are to house the programs impacted by the collapse of the Pence ceiling leading to a total loss of the building. It will house an auditorium, art classrooms, culinary arts program, hospitality program, entertainment technology program, meeting rooms, and offices. There will be a visual presentation at the November Board meeting. It is important to note that this project is funded from capital reserves (balance $56,000,000 as of June 30, 2025). Since we have not started construction yet, it is unlikely we will spend $20 million this year. Each year, we put approximately $30,000,000 in capital reserves. The project will take 2.5 years to complete. So even if we spent $20 million this year, we would have $36 million left in reserves with $30 million added in May. An estimate of capital reserves for June 30, 2026, would be approximately $60 million.
The horse-and pony show at the 11-18-25 meeting was full of pretty pictures but the $8million budget approval on the consent agenda was not discussed in detail.
In addition to this, one Board member is continues to push for an Amphitheater for public speaking at the Superstition (Apache Junction) Campus, which I’ve heard may cost at least $4 million.
CAC Monitor 