During the August 4, 2026, Governing Board meeting, community feedback was shared regarding the future use of Roosevelt School District’s vacant properties. Key priorities included community hubs, youth and family programs, workforce development, recreation, wellness services, and continued community involvement in future decisions

Community Voices Help Shape the Future of Roosevelt School District Properties

Roosevelt School District is listening to the community as it considers the future of vacant school properties across South Phoenix.

During the 2025–2026 school year, Roosevelt School District partnered with South Central Collaborative and Vidales, LLC to gather feedback from families, residents, educators, business owners, community advocates and other stakeholders. The engagement process included a bilingual digital survey in English and Spanish, along with in-person community listening sessions held at school sites throughout the District.

More than 80 people participated in the digital survey, while more than 40 community members attended in-person listening sessions. Participants represented multiple South Phoenix communities and included parents, alumni, long-time residents, nearby neighbors, educators, nonprofit leaders and business owners.

Community Hubs Rise to the Top

One message emerged consistently throughout the engagement process: community members want vacant school properties transformed into spaces that continue serving the people of South Phoenix.

The strongest request was for multi-use community hubs that are accessible, affordable and welcoming to people of all ages. Community members expressed interest in facilities similar to YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs and after-school centers. Residents also expressed a desire to reopen tracks, gyms and fields for community use and create multipurpose spaces that could host public gatherings and community activities.

Supporting Youth and Families

Safe after-school programming and child care were identified as critical community needs.

Residents expressed concern about children and youth who may be left without supervision while parents and guardians are working. Suggestions included child care, special education services, programs for children with disabilities, autism education, Head Start, pre-K and other early childhood opportunities.

Community members also expressed strong interest in sports and recreation opportunities, including soccer, basketball, walking tracks and access to existing fields at closed school properties.

Bringing Back Arts, Trades and Life Skills

Residents also shared a desire to see educational opportunities that extend beyond traditional classrooms.

Ideas included art, dance, music and performing arts programs; culinary arts and commercial kitchens; woodworking and home economics; financial literacy; robotics and STEM classes; and vocational and trade programs for teenagers and adults.

Participants also discussed partnerships with colleges, universities and workforce development organizations to provide additional educational opportunities for South Phoenix residents.

Creating Economic Opportunities

Adult education and job training were among the strongest priorities identified through the community engagement process.

Residents expressed interest in GED preparation, résumé assistance, technology literacy, vocational training and workforce development programs. Participants also suggested creating spaces that could support small businesses, entrepreneurship and community-based services.

The feedback reflected a desire for vacant properties to become places where residents can not only receive services but also develop skills and access opportunities that can strengthen their families and the broader community.

Wellness, Green Space and Services for All Ages

Community members emphasized the importance of preserving green spaces and creating opportunities for recreation and wellness.

Suggestions included community gardens, urban agriculture, picnic areas, ramadas, walking tracks, basketball courts and open recreational fields. Residents also expressed interest in senior programs and activity centers, English-language classes with on-site child care, therapy and special-needs services, and programs designed to provide meaningful activities for residents of all ages.

Community Members Want to Remain Involved

Another consistent message was that residents want continued involvement as decisions about the properties move forward.

Participants called for regular community meetings, bilingual communication and opportunities for residents to participate in advisory groups. They also encouraged the District to consider local contractors, businesses and residents as redevelopment opportunities are explored.

The community also identified uses it generally did not want to see at the properties, including police or immigration enforcement training facilities, data centers and large commercial operations. Participants also raised concerns about apartments, luxury housing and multi-family housing.

Moving Forward Together

The community engagement process showed a strong interest in transforming vacant properties into spaces that continue benefiting South Phoenix.

Across surveys and listening sessions, residents envisioned community hubs that could support youth development, families, education, workforce training, recreation, arts and culture, health and wellness, and community-serving organizations.

The next phase outlined in the community engagement findings includes sharing the results with the Roosevelt School District Governing Board and community, determining future opportunities for community involvement, developing potential options informed by the feedback and continuing bilingual outreach.

As Roosevelt School District considers the future of these properties, community input will remain an important part of the conversation and planning process.