The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board voted to add two new high schools to existing district campuses during its meeting on Oct. 23. The board separated the two school proposals into distinct categories for consideration.
In a separate development, the Mesa Board of Adjustment approved a permit allowing deviations from specific development standards to facilitate the expansion of a marijuana dispensary. The board cast a unanimous 5-0 vote on the matter on Nov. 5.
The Mesa City Council also took action on municipal infrastructure and public safety equipment. Council members approved a contract for a construction manager at risk to oversee the reconstruction of Fire Station 205. This approval occurred as part of a multi-item consent agenda and passed with a 7-0 vote. Additionally, the council authorized a dollar increase for a contract covering radio equipment and parts for the Mesa Police Department, which also received a 7-0 vote as part of a multi-item consent agenda.
Regarding local elections, the first batch of ballots from the mail-only special recall election for Mesa District 2 Councilmember Julie Spilsbury, held on Nov. 4, has been counted. Dorean Taylor, who is seeking to fill the vacant seat, currently holds 8,219 votes.
Mesa is about 16 miles northwest of Queen Creek.
The Mesa Unified School District received an overall "B" grade for the 2024-25 school year in the latest A-F letter grade report issued by the Arizona Department of Education’s state accountability labels.
Other recent municipal activities included a consideration by the Mesa Board of Adjustment regarding a permit for deviations from development standards for a marijuana dispensary expansion, scheduled for a Wednesday meeting. The board was also set to consider reducing the front setback requirement for 225 corner lots at the Venture Out recreational vehicle subdivision from 20 feet to 4 feet during that same Wednesday session.
