Franklin Families Question District Communication on Wilson School Discussions

Concerns over communication and transparency took center stage during the Mesa Public Schools Planning and Boundary Design Advisory Committee meeting on September 4, 2025. Parents from Franklin Elementary voiced frustrations regarding the lack of information shared with Wilson families about potential school boundary changes that could impact their students.

A parent raised a critical question, highlighting that Franklin families had participated in discussions with the administration dating back to May, while Wilson families were left in the dark until much later. "Several families found out about potential changes from Franklin families, not the district," the parent noted, emphasizing the need for equitable communication across all affected communities.

Committee members acknowledged the oversight, explaining that discussions about Franklin's transition to a K-12 model had been ongoing, but conversations regarding Wilson only began in July. "There was no discussion through PABC that Wilson was being recommended until maybe July," a committee member clarified, addressing the timeline of events.

In response to concerns, committee representatives mentioned efforts to engage with parents individually and share information through a dedicated FAQ website. They admitted that some meetings were scheduled late, which may have contributed to the communication gap. "We did share information that was requested by families as well as the link to the website," one member stated, aiming to improve transparency moving forward.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the district is committed to enhancing communication strategies to ensure all families are informed and involved in discussions that affect their children's education. The committee's next steps will likely focus on addressing these concerns and fostering a more inclusive dialogue among all stakeholders.