Tempe Union High School Board Discusses Student Feedback and Academic Achievement Strategies

The Tempe Union High School District (TUHSD) Governing Board convened on September 3, 2025, to discuss critical educational strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing student performance and inclusivity. A significant focus of the meeting was on the importance of gathering comprehensive student feedback, particularly from underrepresented groups such as English Language Learners (ELL) and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Board Member Gutierrez Miller raised concerns about ensuring that feedback from all student subgroups is adequately represented in the district's anonymous surveys. She emphasized the need for targeted outreach to ELL and IEP students to better understand their unique challenges and needs. In response, district officials acknowledged the importance of this feedback and committed to collaborating with special education and ELL teachers to improve survey participation among these groups.

Vice President Steele highlighted the impressive progress made by Tempe High School, which saw a significant increase in English Language Arts proficiency scores. She also raised questions about the support provided to special education students not enrolled in self-contained programs, indicating a need for further exploration of resources available to these learners.

The board members expressed appreciation for the district's efforts in mental health support and the innovative approaches being taken to enhance student learning experiences. Member Baraza noted the correlation between student behavior and academic performance, particularly for those returning from suspensions, suggesting that additional support systems could be beneficial.

In addition to academic discussions, the board recognized the importance of community engagement and communication. Member Gutierrez Miller praised the district's efforts to involve families in preparing students for upcoming testing, highlighting the positive impact of informative videos produced by district staff.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the diverse needs of all students and to enhance communication between the district and families. The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2025, where further discussions on these vital topics are expected to continue.