By Tamsin Hurlbut

   Feeling like you have too much homework? Well, middle school homework was a topic of controversy at the March board meeting! 

   The meeting started off like most with President Todd Snyder calling order and the board settling in. But, when the board read their invitation for public comment, unlike usual meetings with few or no speakers, many parents stood up. 

   The first few parents wanted to talk about their petition advocating for lowering middle school homework loads. The parents, backed up by about 80 petition-signatures, said their children are “overloaded with hours of homework,” that they are skipping extracurriculars to do it and “feel overwhelmed.” 

   Then, the next group of parents gave their comments. These parents said they felt their middle schoolers have had acceptable amounts of homework, leaving time to participate in “extensive extracurriculars, intense sports for 20 hours a week, and even have time for socializing.” They emphasized that they chose Tempe Prep for the rigorous academics, and that they wanted the homework load to remain as it is. 

   Dr. Porter and the board replied by assuring parents that this is a topic of conversation, and that they will continue this “important discussion.”    

   Dr. Porter then moved on, updating the board on the financials, which are “in line with forecasts as expected.” 

   The board tabled the discussion about student retention until the next meeting due to time. 

   Then, the members approved the slight change around students participating in two sports, saying they will have to agree with the athletic director and coaches about which games and practices to attend.