Board approves Wilson boundary changes and three school redesignations; parents press transportation, program details

The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board on Nov. 13 approved a package of attendance‑boundary changes and school reconfigurations recommended by the district’s Planning and Boundary Design Advisory Committee (PABDAC). The board voted 5–0 to accept the committee’s recommendation, and then approved three related action items that redesignate campuses and add grades.

What the board approved

- PABDAC recommended attendance‑boundary changes affecting Wilson, Madison and Johnson elementary attendance areas; the board approved the recommendation by a 5–0 vote.

- The board designated the school at 5619 E. Glade Ave. as Franklin Accelerated Academy — Wilson Campus, with grade levels preschool through sixth beginning in 2026–27 and an intent to enroll kindergarten through fourth in 2026–27 (board vote 5–0).

- The board approved adding grades 9–12 at 4949 E. Southern Ave. and designating that campus Franklin High School beginning in 2026–27, with intent to enroll grade 9 (and potentially grade 10 depending on enrollment) in 2026–27 (vote 5–0).

- The board approved adding grades 9–12 at 1407 N. Alta Mesa Dr., to be named Shepherd College Preparatory, and authorized opening with ninth grade for 2026–27 (vote 5–0).

Why the changes were proposed

PABDAC members and staff told the board the Wilson campus has seen substantial long‑term enrollment decline (presenters cited a roughly 40% decline), and that repurposing the site would allow the district to consolidate students into closer‑to‑home schools while creating space for an expanded Franklin program and a new choice high‑school option. The…