Tempe Elementary Board approves ParentSquare for improved school-parent communication

The Tempe School District's Governing Board made significant strides towards enhancing communication between schools and families during their recent meeting on June 11, 2025. The board approved a new agreement with ParentSquare, a two-way communication platform, aimed at improving engagement and compliance with district policies.

The decision follows a successful pilot program conducted at Curry Elementary and McKamey schools, where teachers and staff utilized ParentSquare to communicate with parents. Over the course of the pilot, Curry staff made 92 posts and exchanged nearly 1,000 direct messages with parents, while McKamey staff sent 55 posts and received 879 messages. Feedback from both parents and teachers indicated a strong preference for the platform, with many believing it would enhance school-to-home communication.

The board highlighted the need for a unified communication system, as the district had been using multiple platforms, leading to confusion and compliance issues. ParentSquare not only allows for direct messaging but also translates communications into over 100 languages, ensuring accessibility for all families. This feature is particularly important given the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the district's student population.

In addition to the ParentSquare agreement, the board discussed the transition from their current policy provider to a new service that promises to streamline policy management and reduce costs. The annual fee for the new service is significantly lower than the current provider, which is expected to save the district over $5,000 annually.

The board's discussions also touched on the importance of training for staff and parents to ensure a smooth transition to the new systems. Plans are in place to provide resources and support to help families adapt to the new communication tools.

Overall, the decisions made during the meeting reflect the district's commitment to improving communication and operational efficiency, ultimately benefiting students and their families. As the district moves forward with these initiatives, stakeholders can expect enhanced engagement and a more cohesive approach to school communications.