Parents urge Tempe Union to secure EVIT transportation amid IGA negotiations

At the meeting, two members of the public urged the Tempe Union High School District governing board to ensure students can access EVIT campus programs.

Donna Russell, who identified herself during public comment, asked the board to "consider setting up a temporary agreement between EVIT and the Tempe School District to provide transportation to the children who are back and forth to the EVIT program so that they can participate this year." Russell said the lack of a transportation route threatens students' ability to enroll and called the situation urgent: "These kids are being held hostage from seeing that opportunity ..." (paraphrase and brief excerpt from her remarks).

Charlotte Windsor, speaking as a parent of a child who attends an EVIT campus program, expressed support for the district's approach during intergovernmental agreement negotiations. Windsor praised the board for keeping communications fact-focused and for allowing the superintendent, administration and legal counsel to lead negotiations rather than board members inserting themselves into operational discussions.

Windsor told the board that reliable, sustainable funding for transportation is essential and that families need a finalized plan in time for school startup. "For many students, transportation is what makes attendance at EVIT campus even possible," she said.

Board members did not take immediate action during the public comment period other than acknowledging the speakers and noting that actions resulting from public comment are limited to directing staff to study the matter or scheduling the matter for future consideration.

The comments occur against ongoing IGA negotiations involving EVIT and member districts; the board and district leaders emphasized that negotiations and operational details remain with district administration and counsel.