At a time‑certain public hearing Tuesday evening, dozens of parents, students and staff urged the Salt Lake City School District Board of Education not to close Innovations High School, saying the program meets the needs of students who do not thrive in larger schools.

The hearing, which the board scheduled for 7 p.m., drew students and families from across the district who said Innovations provides small classes, advisory supports and opportunities for concurrent enrollment that they could not easily find elsewhere. Tim Phillips, who chaired the school community council, told the board he was told the district had a plan to "hold us harmless" as enrollment shifted, and said parents later learned the district was considering closure. "We were told 'you're being held harmless' — those words are embedded in my brain forever," Phillips said.

Several student speakers described academic recovery and stronger engagement at Innovations. A junior said the school helped after a difficult period and enabled participation in clubs and college coursework; a parent, Trista Emer, said her children "thrived" there and asked the board not to close the school. Neil Fisher, a parent and alumnus, credited Innovations with helping his child graduate and enter a competitive college engineering program.

Speakers pressed the board for clearer information about recruitment rules and program changes that community members say reduced enrollment. Multiple witnesses said staff at Innovations have tried to recruit and adapt but faced district constraints. Some parents said the program's mission — including early college courses and adviser‑based supports — has been weakened by changes in scheduling and eligibility.

Board members acknowledged the testimony and said they would consider the concerns. The hearing concluded after the last public speaker and the chair thanked parents, teachers and students for their remarks.

The board did not take action on the Innovations item during the hearing. Next steps were not announced at the meeting; the board receives public comment as part of an ongoing review process and may schedule further deliberations on the agenda in a future session.