Phoenix Union board authorizes Title VI assurance under protest to preserve federal funding

The Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board voted to authorize the superintendent to sign the assurance of compliance required by the U.S. Department of Education under Title VI and related to SFFA v. Harvard, after an executive session and discussion about vague language in the certification.

Ms. Andrade, an executive team member presenting federal program information to the board, told members the district typically signs the annual assurance so it can receive federal funds. "This total is, almost $46,000,000," she said, and noted that roughly "60% of these dollars are dedicated to staffing positions," including administrators, certified staff and ESPs who deliver services such as classroom instruction, summer programs and nutrition that provides free lunch and breakfast.

The board moved to authorize the superintendent to sign the…