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How the Tempe Union High School District superintendent approaches parents’ COVID-19 concerns

Navigating the constantly changing waters of COVID-19 for schools and school administrators has been a challenge.

On the Jan. 31, The Show  heard from a parent — a mother of three kids who are in both district and charter schools in the Phoenix area — about what she views as the inadequate mitigation tactics schools are taking to keep kids safe as the pandemic rages on. She worries it all is eroding parents’ relationship with their children's school, and that her kids have lost her trust when it comes to ensuring COVID-19 safety.

Kevin Mendivil is someone who’s on the other end of that equation. Mendivil is the superintendent of Tempe Union High School District.

The Show spoke with him to learn about his district’s approach to the pandemic as it ebbs and flows, and how he approaches parents’ concerns.

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Lauren Gilger, host of KJZZ's The Show, is an award-winning journalist whose work has impacted communities large and small, exposing injustices and giving a voice to the voiceless and marginalized.