Arizona Watcher
EVIT and nine school districts reached a settlement ending a yearlong dispute over state career-and-technical education funding, but transportation problems continued as classes began.
Parents, district leaders and EVIT officials reported late or missing buses, unfamiliar drivers and widespread complaints; photos showed long car lines and gridlock near EVIT’s Mesa campus.
Tempe Union Superintendent Dr. Stacia Wilson demanded detailed information from EVIT and its contractor, including driver names, qualifications, vehicle types, counts and route manifests, and alleged subcontracted rideshare drivers.
EVIT Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson said drivers are required to have a valid license, an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card and random drug testing, acknowledged early challenges and said routes and communication are being adjusted daily.
Eight districts said they had offered since April to continue transporting students if reimbursed but allege EVIT rejected the offer; they formalized concerns in letters and urged EVIT to remedy operational issues.
The dispute centered on EVIT’s proposed changes to pass-through funding and program control; a June court ruling left questions and, without a new intergovernmental agreement, funding and transportation arrangements were unresolved.
On July 25 the parties announced an agreement providing about $5 million for transportation, 76% pass-through funding to districts, EVIT to provide Mesa campus transport for the first time, and a pause in litigation — but day-to-day transport problems remain.
A settlement between the East Valley Institute of Technology and nine school districts resolved a yearlong fight over funding, but transportation problems have continued into the start of classes. Parents, district leaders and EVIT officials report late or missing buses,…