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Parents and students urge Tempe Union to reverse decision to close Innovation Center
Summary
Three public commenters—two students and a parent—told the board the Innovation Center gave students hands‑on, project‑based learning and urged the district to reconsider its closure and provide a clear plan to continue project‑based pathways.
Multiple speakers addressed the governing board during public comment to urge the district to reconsider or clarify plans for the Tempe Union Innovation Center.
Parent Katie Merrill described the Innovation Center as transformative for her daughter, saying the program created a sense of belonging she had not seen at school. "It's really, truly upsetting and disappointing … that this wonderful place will no longer be in existence," Merrill told the board and asked the district to "revisit their decision for students like Myra now and in the future." (public comment)
Student Myra Merrill said the board "has the power to change future generations' lives" and said students do not feel the district is putting "students first," urging the board to provide results and concrete plans to implement project‑based learning across the district. Student Eden Anger emphasized the time needed for startups to become sustainable and asked the board to "be that someone now" to support ongoing innovation opportunities.
Board members did not take immediate action during public comment. President Montero moved the agenda so the public comment item occurred before the school safety presentation; the public comment period concluded and the board proceeded to the scheduled updates.
