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Board tables Elevate Ed amendment after members raise compliance concerns about Chamber partner
Summary
Board voted 5–0 on May 8 to table an amendment to the district’s memorandum of understanding with Elevate Ed (Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation) after members requested legal review and written assurances about adherence to the district’s recent resolution and federal guidance.
Peoria Unified administration asked the Governing Board May 8 to approve an amendment extending or continuing the district’s partnership with Elevate Ed (a program of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation) at multiple high schools to expand work‑based learning, internships, dual‑enrollment supports and teacher externships. Dr. Hernandez described program goals, metrics and initial successes, and said there was no cost to the district for the college and career coaches funded through Elevate Ed.
Several board members expressed support for the program’s work on dual enrollment, internships and teacher externships; Dr. Hernandez pointed to student placements at local employers and grant funding (for example a RAMPS cyber security grant and national grant activity). The presentation included an exhibit with masked student IDs and program metrics that the district said Elevate Ed would use for program evaluation.
Board members raised compliance questions about the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation’s public materials on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Mrs. Bowles asked specifically how the district would be assured that the contractor’s work would comply with the district’s governing board policy and recent board resolution; she read aloud language she found on the Chamber’s website describing DEI tools and the Chamber’s DEI committee. Other trustees asked for legal counsel and for a formal attestation from the partner that it would comply with the district’s expectations and not promote prohibited practices.
After discussion, Mrs. Bowles moved to table the amendment so administration could seek legal counsel and request assurances; the motion, seconded by President Rooks, passed on a voice vote with five yeas. The motion was recorded on the record as to table the amendment “with the intent to seek legal counsel and revisit the item on 05/29/2025.” Dr. Hernandez said staff would pursue the requested documentation and return the item as soon as practicable to meet the program’s timing for hiring and funding allocation.
The board did not approve the amendment at the May 8 meeting. Members asked administration to request a written attestation from the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation and to consult the district attorney before bringing the item back for formal action.
