Board approves Fees College Prep middle‑school career‑exploration program and boundary shifts for 2026–27

The Tempe Elementary School District governing board authorized a middle‑school career‑exploration program at Fees College Preparatory Middle School and approved boundary adjustments for Moseley and Connolly middle schools for the 2026–27 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Driscoll and staff described the Fees program as a place‑based middle‑school option emphasizing career pathways and exploratory electives. Supporters said the program is designed to make middle school more relevant and attractive to families amid districtwide enrollment declines. Board Member Miller and others said the district has available capacity at many sites and that new specialized options could help retain students. "We're not gonna teach the kids how to weave and expect them to do a prayer rug coming out of the first semester. That isn't what this is about," Miller said, urging exposure to a range of fields and technologies.

Public comment included concerns about potential crowding and whether boundary changes concentrate poverty; Manuel Mattis, a local resident, asked whether the proposed boundaries pull students from lower‑income neighborhoods into schools already serving those areas and warned of possible overcrowding. Staff said space exists in the district to absorb transfers and that the 2026–27 timeline gives months for planning, transportation and operational work.

The motion to approve the Fees career‑exploration program passed on a 4–1 recorded vote. Board members directed staff to continue planning, address transportation logistics and report back with program details before implementation.