Since being elected Maricopa County School Superintendent in 2016 I have appointed over 90 governing board members to school board vacancies throughout Maricopa County. A lot has transpired since then, but there is still much to do to improve our public education system. While the education landscape looks very different in 2023, quality leadership in education is still very important if we want to continue to live in a free society made up of responsible citizens.
The appointees I have chosen for these leadership positions have all met my main three criteria to serve on a governing board:
Caring about the local school district
Being temperamentally ready to govern
Being fiscally responsible (focus dollars to the classroom)
Like you, I seem to hear countless news and social media stories about the disconnect between families and school district leadership. That’s why so many of my appointees are individuals with children currently attending their district schools. These parent voices, now serving in leadership positions, are crucial.
I hope we can bridge the perceived gap between parents, district administrators, and community stakeholders. School board service is a volunteer job that requires intelligence and wisdom (and often a thick skin). It is a lot to ask of people, but I don’t hesitate to do so because the stakes are so high.
I am also asking them to be expert communicators — to help districts understand the needs and wants of parents and children, while at the same time providing transparency to the community and taxpayers.
I have had the opportunity to get to know and appoint some amazing people the last few years, and I ask for your vote again because I look forward to continuing this work.
