Parents urge Phoenix Elementary to drop preschool tuition for disabled students, demand answers after Shaw safety incident

During the public‑comment period of the Phoenix Elementary District governing board meeting, parents urged the district to change preschool tuition and accountability practices.

Paul Booth read a written comment asking the district to stop charging tuition for full‑day pre‑K programs for children with disabilities. He described his family's experience with a child with a visual impairment who faced prorated charges and cited specific amounts he said families were being assessed. Booth also alleged a disparity in how Shaw Montessori seats were "grandfathered" to attend for free this year and asked who was responsible for the tuition decision.

Angelica Luna delivered a separate public comment calling for transparency and accountability after an incident at Shaw in which two young children left campus roughly 45 minutes before dismissal and were located about three hours later. Luna said communication and procedures were "severely lacking" and urged a full investigation and specific procedural changes so families know when parents and police are notified.

Superintendent Gonzales and staff acknowledged public concern. Gonzales noted that the community had reported miscommunications about program availability and that the district is working to address enrollment barriers and clarify program information through roundtables and partner‑provided options. Miss Sims outlined a menu of partner programs and scholarship opportunities intended to increase equitable access to early learning, and she described which options remain no‑cost (Head Start sites) versus fee‑based slots at certain programs.

The board did not take immediate policy action on either public request during the meeting; members recorded concerns and approved interim guardrail monitoring for further work and reporting.