Parents and students press Tempe Union board to preserve Innovation Center as district outlines transition work

At its Jan. 18 meeting, the Tempe Union High School District governing board heard a series of public comments urging the district not to close the Innovation Center and requesting additional transition supports for students with disabilities.

Parents and students described the Innovation Center as a program that changed academic outcomes and social engagement. Parent Monet Neville said she was told the program “might be canceled next year,” and asked the board to “take a second look” and consider alternatives so the program can continue to serve students like her daughter, who attends the Innovation Center.

Students testified that the program has helped them recover grades, find purpose and gain workplace skills. Eden Inger, a Desert Vista High School sophomore and Innovation Center participant, credited the program with raising her grades to honors and said it “planted a seed” that changed how she thinks about learning. Several other students gave concrete examples of partnerships with local organizations, project-based learning and how the center changed their outlook.

Speakers representing families of students with disabilities pressed the board for clearer transition guidance and for policies that would avoid abruptly removing services. Jody Hernandez described gaps between district presentations and resources she had read and urged the board to consider a grandfather policy for students whose transition to adulthood would otherwise be disrupted. Brenda Walsh, who identified herself as a Tempe Union resident and special education advocate, offered to serve on a committee to help evaluate policies and programs to support students with disabilities.

Pam Bartlett, a longtime advocate, raised concerns about how faculty at Success University have been treated and called for better communication with staff before decisions are made. Several commenters asked the board to form a committee, citing repeated public requests and a need for more collaborative planning.

District response and next steps

President Montero and district staff said the board’s role is not to run daily operations but to hear public input and work with the superintendent’s office. Acting Superintendent Doctor Wilson described administrative steps already underway: the Special Education webpage has been updated with transition resources, a survey for parents of students with disabilities will be sent in February, staff training is occurring so case managers can discuss program options at IEP meetings, and a district committee that will include parents, students, teachers and special education administrators will be formed to advise on special education programs and transition planning.

Wilson emphasized the district is collecting parent input and working on operational items that fall to staff. The board did not take any immediate formal action to change program status during the meeting; members stated they are receiving updates and will continue to ask questions of the administration.

What remains unresolved

Speakers said they had been told the Innovation Center “might not reopen next year,” a claim district staff did not confirm as a board-level decision during the meeting. Parents and advocates requested clearer timelines and concrete commitments; district staff listed planned outreach steps but did not announce a final determination on the Innovation Center’s future at this meeting.

The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2024, where the issue may return depending on administrative timelines.