Board approves relocation of Herrera School for the Arts to Fillmore after heated debate

The Phoenix Elementary School District governing board voted to relocate Herrera School for the Arts to the Fillmore property and to adjust the school boundary, following a prolonged presentation, public comment period, and board debate.

Administration described the relocation as part of the district’s Reimagine Phoenix planning, citing recurring facility problems at the Herrera campus — including a major flood in 2023 that required remediation — and a campus design that administrators said has persistent problems (mold odors, recurring plumbing and sanitation issues). Aaron from facilities said total flood-related remediation expenses approached $8 million, mostly covered through insurance, and noted that some odors and embedded damage remained.

Miss Sarah Sims and other administrators presented a facility-usage plan through 2030 that envisions Fillmore becoming a youth arts campus with performance, rehearsal and production space and stronger downtown arts partnerships. A district chart showed 67% of Herrera students currently live outside the immediate neighborhood; administration said students living more than one mile from the Fillmore site would be eligible for transportation.

Public comments were sharply divided. Longtime teachers, parents and community members described Herrera as a forty-year community anchor that once hosted the state’s longest-standing dual-language program and urged preserving its location and identity. Others, including current Herrera staff and teachers, described repeated flooding, pest infestations and unsafe conditions and urged immediate relocation to protect students and staff.

Board members debated the trade-offs between preserving neighborhood continuity and addressing safety and program needs. Board member Edmonston proposed an amendment to make the move temporary (one academic year) and to require a January 2027 detailed report on enrollment at Fillmore, Fillmore capacity, and a structural/environmental assessment of the Herrera buildings; the amendment failed for lack of a second. In the final roll-call vote the board approved the relocation and boundary change: Board member Trujill (yes), Board member Graham (yes), Vice President Edmonston (no), President Ovay (yes).

Administration and cabinet said they expect to relocate Herrera programs and staff to the Fillmore site for the 2026–27 school year and to continue stakeholder engagement during design, building assessments and any longer-term plans for the Herrera campus properties. The board directed administration to continue community engagement and to pursue proposed capital and lease strategies described in the Reimagine Phoenix presentation.