Phoenix School Board Ends ASU Prep Lease

The Phoenix Elementary School District has decided not to renew the lease for ASU Preparatory Academy's downtown Phoenix campus, affecting approximately 1,200 students. This decision, made during a special virtual meeting, has caused significant concern among families and community members, who feel excluded from the process. The district cited the need to better utilize the property to serve its own students and address issues such as the teacher shortage and financial constraints. ASU Prep, which has operated in the location for over 15 years, has been paying below-market rent, and efforts to negotiate a new agreement have failed. State Rep. Matt Gress and others have urged the board to reconsider, highlighting the school's importance to the community. Students and parents express disappointment and uncertainty about future educational plans as the lease is set to expire in June 2026.