Board approves TAD Management contract to run Performing Arts Center, pledges fundraising planning

The Apache Junction Unified School District board unanimously approved a professional services agreement with TAD Management Sept. 17 to operate and market events at the district Performing Arts Center (PAC). The contract assigns ticket sales, promotion, setup (lighting and sound) and event staffing responsibilities to TAD and allows the district to open and close the building.

Superintendent Popalardo outlined the roles: “Basically, they're gonna handle all ticket sales for us, all promotion and advertising, whether it's in house or it's theirs. When it's their productions that they're putting on, they're paying the rental fee for that building.” He also said the vendor will make a contribution to district facilities: “They're going to give us at least $7,500 towards a donation that we can use for projects at our facilities.”

Board members asked that the board help set fundraising priorities for the donation and noted that TAD will coordinate with the district’s PAC staff for advertising and scheduling. The motion to approve the professional services agreement passed 5-0.