Parents and advocates urge Tempe Union board to halt decentralization of Success University

Dozens of parents and advocates urged the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board on Dec. 1 to pause or reconsider a plan to decentralize Success University, the district's program serving students with significant disabilities, saying the change could strip students of transition services and violate federal law.

At the start of public comment, Giovanni Chavez said Success University provides job-preparation and supports students with special needs, and asked the board to "reconsider the decision" so future students can access community employment opportunities. "SuccessEDU, they have that," Chavez said, describing hands-on staff support that helped him find work and independence.

Parents and advocates raised related concerns repeatedly. Michael Chapnick, a parent who attended a Dec. 4 district meeting, said district leaders did not explain how decentralization would affect student outcomes and that promised follow-up (a parent panel) had not been convened. "I asked Dr. Boyle multiple times about the expected impact on student outcomes. She did not directly respond," Chapnick said, calling for clear metrics the district will use to gauge effectiveness.

Pam Bartlett and Kristen Cutlip urged the board to keep Success University centralized. Bartlett said the program's transportation model and community partnerships are essential to a vulnerable population. Cutlip invoked the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), saying she was told at the district meeting that allowing students to remain in school beyond age 22 was a "myth," and asked how the district is interpreting IDEA and awarding credits for state requirements like economics.

Other speakers described administrative confusion that parents say has contributed to attendance and enrollment problems. Jody Hernandez said course labels and schedules appeared inconsistent across sites, leaving families uncertain which classes meet state standards. Joe Ellen McNamara said parents have been forced to hire advocates or attorneys to resolve repeated problems.

Advocates asked for immediate actions the board can take: halt decentralization until stakeholder input is completed; provide written guidance to case managers about credits and transition processes; form a board-led committee that includes parents, teachers and students; and publish the metrics the district will use to evaluate any change.

The board did not take formal action on Success University at the meeting. District staff acknowledged receiving parent emails and said a panel had been suggested, but public commenters said outreach has been inconsistent. The board agenda showed the item was raised during public comment for follow-up; parents asked the board to place the issue on a future agenda for formal district response and review.

Next steps: Parents asked the board to schedule a future agenda item and for the district to provide a written response and clear metrics on outcomes and credit-awarding practices.