Tempe Elementary board approves mutual nondisclosure agreement with Arizona State University

The Tempe Elementary School District governing board voted to approve a mutual nondisclosure agreement (NDA) with Arizona State University to permit ASU undergraduate seniors to use district data for data‑science capstone projects.

Board member Windsor moved to approve the NDA and the motion passed after discussion. A district staff presenter described the partnership as a low‑cost collaboration in which ASU students complete capstone projects using district data; the district gains analytic work and a potential recruitment pipeline while students gain hands‑on experience. The presenter described the arrangement as requiring no payment from the district: "it's a win‑win, and it cost us nothing," the presenter said.

Windsor said she appreciated the district engaging in collaborative partnerships and asked whether the capstone work was within the College of Education; staff confirmed it was not and explained the project will use ASU data science seniors. One board member disclosed employment with ASU and announced an abstention from the vote because of that relationship. The motion carried.

The board did not attach a funding commitment to the agreement; staff said the NDA will allow supervised student access to district data for specified projects and that the district expects to retain control of any data release per the NDA terms.

Speakers recommended the district post the agreement and related materials for public transparency; staff said district materials (presentations and reports) are posted on the district website.