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Board tables ElevateEd MOU with Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation; seeks legal assurance on equity language
Summary
The Peoria Unified governing board voted 5–0 to table an amendment to the district’s MOU with ElevateEd Arizona and the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and asked for legal review and a written attestation that the foundation’s practices will comply with the board’s equal‑education resolution and federal civil‑rights requirements.
The Peoria Unified governing board voted unanimously to table an amendment to its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ElevateEd Arizona and the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and requested legal review and a written assurance that the foundation’s practices align with the district’s equal‑education resolution.
Educational Services staff described ElevateEd as a career‑and‑college partnership that places college and career coaches on high‑school campuses, helps students secure internships and dual‑enrollment opportunities, and supports teacher externships. Doctor Hernandez highlighted early results at Peoria and Ironwood high schools and asked the board to continue the district’s partnership and expand ElevateEd services to Kellis and Cactus high schools. He said the program carries no cost to the district for the assigned ElevateEd coaches and director and presented metrics tied to dual enrollment, credentials and internships.
Board members praised the program’s student opportunities but raised compliance concerns after noting language on the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and ElevateEd websites about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Board member Missus Bowles said the Chamber’s public DEI materials raised questions about the foundation’s alignment with the governing board’s recent resolution on equal education opportunities. Several board members asked for legal advice and an attestation from the foundation that it will not undertake practices that would contravene the district’s resolution or federal civil‑rights law.
Missus Bowles moved to table the amendment to the agreement with the intent to seek legal counsel and revisit the item on May 29, 2025; President Rooks seconded the motion. A roll call voice vote recorded five yeas and the motion passed.
Doctor Hernandez said the district is in active discussions with ElevateEd on program details and emphasized local program elements — mock interviews, resume workshops, teacher externships and work‑based learning — that he said present no material curriculum or ideological content. Board members asked staff to fast‑track legal review and to request a written assurance or attestation from the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation addressing the board’s specific concerns.
Ending: The board tabled the MOU amendment and directed staff to secure legal review and a written attestation from the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation before reconsidering the amendment at a future board meeting (the motion specified an intent to revisit the item on 2025‑05‑29).
