School Board MemberSchool board members are elected for a four-year term by voters within the school district during the general election in even-numbered years. Qualifications include living in the district for at least one year, being a registered voter, and a candidate may not be an employee of the district when assuming office or have a spouse or dependent employed by the district.School board members are nonpartisan and are responsible for broad, forward-thinking, and decisive action in all areas that affect students and staff in their schools. School board members have no individual authority, but their authority rests in casting a vote at required governing board meetings.Responsibilities of the board include hiring and evaluating the superintendent, providing input in budget development to ensure funding is provided to meet goals and monitoring and approving the budget, setting salaries for employees, approving purchases, establishing and approving policies, approving curriculum materials, adopting the school calendar, reviewing regulations for compliance with policy, approving personnel actions based on superintendent recommendations, closing or constructing schools; assessing board effectiveness, monitoring progress toward goals.Why you should care:The school board’s role is to advocate for public education in the community and ensure the school district is well run. The board, as a whole, monitors performance to meet academic, financial, and operational goals. The collaborative decisions made by school board members will affect children and their parents, the livelihood of school district employees, and the economic well-being of an entire community. This position is unpaid and requires time, a willingness to learn about issues affecting the school district, and a passion for a positive culture and public education system committed to providing the best and most appropriate education for all children.For additional information:https://www.azk12.org/media/yjvlpkfo/district-school-board-duties.pdfMiembro de la junta escolarLos miembros de la junta escolar son elegidos por un período de cuatro años por los votantes del distrito escolar durante las elecciones generales en años pares. Los requisitos incluyen haber vivido en el distrito durante al menos un año, estar registrado para votar y un candidato no puede ser un empleado del distrito al asumir el cargo o tener un cónyuge o dependiente empleado por el distrito.Los miembros de la junta escolar no son partidistas. Estos son responsables de acciones amplias, progresistas y decisivas en todas las áreas que afectan a los estudiantes y al personal de sus escuelas. Los miembros de la junta escolar no tienen autoridad individual, mas bien, su autoridad se basa en emitir un voto en las reuniones requeridas de la junta directiva.Las responsabilidades de la junta incluyen contratar y evaluar al superintendente, brindar aportes en el desarrollo del presupuesto para garantizar que se proporcionen fondos para cumplir con las metas y monitorear y aprobar el presupuesto, establecer salarios para los empleados, aprobar compras, establecer y aprobar reglamentos, aprobar materiales curriculares, adoptar el calendario escolar, revisar los reglamentos para el cumplimiento de las políticas existentes, aprobar acciones de personal basadas en las recomendaciones del superintendente, cerrar o construir escuelas; evaluar la efectividad de la junta, monitorear el progreso en función de las metas.Por qué debería importarle:El papel de la junta escolar es interceder por la educación pública en la comunidad y garantizar que el distrito escolar esté bien administrado. La junta, como un todo, supervisa el desempeño para cumplir con las metas académicas, financieras y operativas. Las decisiones colaborativas tomadas por los miembros de la junta escolar afectarán a los niños y sus padres, el sustento de los empleados del distrito escolar y el bienestar económico de toda una comunidad. Este puesto no es remunerado y requiere tiempo, disposición para aprender acerca de los problemas que afectan al distrito escolar y pasión por una cultura positiva y un sistema de educación público comprometido con brindar la mejor educación posible y la más adecuada para todos los niños.Para información adicional:https://www.azk12.org/media/yjvlpkfo/district-school-board-duties.pdf
Public Policy Priorities
I will continue to focus on student-centered policies. In my time on the board, I have helped lead the district from C, B, and A schools to all A and B letter grade schools. As the biggest proponent of Career and Technical Education on the board, I will also work with administration and teachers to expand and enhance CTE offerings so that students have as many opportunities for post-secondary success as possible. My leadership has been pivotal in supporting increased employee retention through significant pay, benefits, and investment in working conditions. I spearheaded efforts to eliminate at-will employment in the district, ensuring employees have due process rights. This change has empowered all employees to participate in the district
Qualifications and Experience
I graduated from the district I represent in 2006 and ran for the board in 2010. Since then, I have served for almost 14 years; in that time, I served as vice president and president of the board. I am currently vice president again. Since being elected, I have drafted and amended policies like our non-discrimination policy, created one of the first paid parental leave policies, and led the development and passage of our Meet and Confer policy. I have successfully led the investment into our CTE programs to give students access to relevant industry experiences. Under my leadership, we have added a new school, remodeled campuses, expanded CTE programs, and achieved A and B schools while maintaining a 98% staff retention rating. Before runn
Organization Memberships and Affiliations
Arizona School Boards Association | Arizona Association of School Business Officials | National School Boards Association
Endorsements
Tolleson Union Educators Association (Teachers and Support staff) | Arizona Federation of Teachers | Arizona NOW PAC | AZ Corporation Commissioner, Former State Representative, and Former Tolleson Mayor Anna Tovar | State Senator Eva Diaz | State Representative and House Minority Leader Lupe Contreras
Community Service
Tolleson Union High School District CTE Advisory Committees | Peoria Unified School District CTE Advisory Committees | Former Officer with Arizona School Boards Association | Former Officer of the Phoenix Community College Alumni Association
Occupation
Vice President of Development for an education technology startup
Education
A.A. - Phoenix College | B.S. Political Science - Arizona State University | Education Finance Certificate - Georgetown University
I have championed various policies to create an inclusive environment for students, staff, and community members. Celebrating our diverse student backgrounds is essential; we host Native American events and acknowledge our presence on Native land at board meetings. Years ago, I amended our non-discrimination policies to better support students and staff. I believe in the importance of student perspectives and have partnered with organizations like the Be A Leader Foundation and ASU Trio to guide students toward post-secondary opportunities. Despite recent legislation affecting school materials, we have approved numerous diverse books representing our students of color. I'm also collaborating with district administration to meet the needs of all ELD students, especially refugees from various language backgrounds. Partnering with organizations like the IRC helps us address their unique challenges and support their educational journey.
Our board adopted a new mission, vision, and strategic goals to prepare us for the future. We will use these as the basis of the superintendent's evaluation and examine innovative initiatives and programs he proposes and supports from the governing board. The superintendent has worked with us to build a financially sound district while investing significant resources in our classrooms and students.
Unfortunately, the federal government has not lived up to its promise for IDEA funding. While they are supposed to be providing 40% of the funding for each student, it is only, on average, about
13%. Our district is fortunate to have the continued support of our community when asking for bonds and overrides. Because of that, we have been able to provide the evaluations and support necessary for our special needs students.
Furthermore, ESAs not only fail to adequately meet the needs of many students but also siphon funds from public schools. This diversion of resources makes it increasingly challenging for school districts to cater to the diverse educational needs of all students.
While our district does offer specific pricing for academic support for ESA students, we, like most districts in Arizona, do not extend opportunities for them to engage in extracurricular activities.
School districts are complex, but I will continue to focus on these areas.
1. Student Achievement: Earning "A" school letter grades and supporting all students to achieve grade-level proficiency in math and reading is essential. We aim to expand our programs for incoming students below the ninth-grade level.
2. CTE and College Preparedness: Enhancing program offerings and internship opportunities is a priority. We must prepare students for college's academic demands, costs, and realities. Every student should graduate with a clear post-secondary plan, whether it involves a career, college, or the armed services.
3. Employee Support: Improving employee benefits, working conditions, and professional development is critical to retaining exceptional staff. We’re enhancing benefits like insurance coverage and paid parental leave. Additionally, I want to collaborate on managing class sizes and expanding professional development opportunities for educators within and outside the district.
This year, the board initiated a comprehensive curriculum audit of our district, an inclusive process involving the voices of teachers, administrators, students, and parents. This audit, led and supported by the board, was necessary to enhance our curriculum. Based on the results and analysis, we worked collaboratively with our curriculum department to identify ways to better support our teachers in the classroom. While the board plays a crucial role in approving and reviewing classroom resources and curricula, I recognize the indispensable role of subject matter experts in the classroom daily, teaching our students. Their collaboration is essential to our success.
Public Policy Priorities
I'm running for the Tolleson Union High School Governing Board because I believe in fostering a safe and supportive environment for our students. My top priorities include: 1. Enhancing School Safety:I am committed to ensuring that our schools are safe and secure for every student and staff member. This includes implementing effective safety protocols and fostering a culture of respect and support. 2. Increasing Funding for Extracurricular and Athletic Programs: I believe that extracurricular activities are vital for student development and well-being. By advocating for increased funding, we can provide more opportunities for students to engage in sports, arts, and other enriching activities that promote teamwork, creativity, and leadersh
Qualifications and Experience
My experience uniquely qualifies me to address these priorities. During my time at La Joya Community High School, I served in student government, connecting with my peers and gaining insight into the current educational landscape. As a member of the Superintendent Student Council under TUHSD Superintendent Nora Gutierrez, I acted as a liaison between students and the district, effectively communicating both concerns and academic achievements. In college, I continued my advocacy as a Senator representing over 17,000 students, where we focused on budgeting and policy initiatives to enhance the educational experience. Currently, I serve on ASU’s University Boards and Committees—Civic Engagement Coalition, further strengthening my commitment t
Organization Memberships and Affiliations
ASU University Boards and Committees Member- Civic Engagement Coalition
Endorsements
AZ NOW PAC
Community Service
Voter engagement and public awareness online post
Occupation
Human Resource
Education
ASU Bachelors of science in Public Service and Public Policy, ASU bachelors of arts in Political Science, and currently doing my Masters in Public Administration at ASU
I am deeply committed to valuing and celebrating the diverse student population within our schools. With my background in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) field, I recognize the critical importance of implementing strategic policies that promote inclusivity and equity. I believe that diversity is our greatest strength, and it is essential to foster an environment where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. By actively engaging with students and the community, I will ensure that our programs reflect and support the unique backgrounds and perspectives of all individuals, creating a richer educational experience for everyone. Together, we can build a school culture that not only acknowledges diversity but thrives on it.
In recruiting and evaluating the district superintendent, I will prioritize several key qualities, skills, and areas of expertise that are essential for effective leadership. My background in Human Resources equips me to thoroughly assess candidates, focusing on their ability to inspire and manage teams while navigating challenges. I believe it is crucial to analyze the existing team dynamics and identify areas for growth, ensuring we select a superintendent who not only has the vision and experience to lead but also the interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and innovation. Ultimately, I aim to select a leader who can bring the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively run the district and elevate our schools.
To effectively address the costs of special education evaluations and proportionate share services for ESA students, I will begin by thoroughly analyzing our current policies and expenditures. My commitment is to ensure our schools provide successful academic outcomes for all students, which includes exploring all viable solutions to enhance services for ESA students. I believe in promoting equality and inclusivity, ensuring that every student feels safe and supported in our schools. Regarding ESA students participating in sports, I aim to initiate open conversations with parents and guardians to understand their perspectives and concerns. Recognizing the importance of physical activity and social engagement. Before implementing any decisions, I will encourage discussions at governing board meetings to ensure that we carefully weigh all viewpoints from parents, staff, and students.
While it’s challenging to pinpoint just three pressing issues facing our district, I believe the following should be prioritized when preparing the school budget:
1. Sustainability Initiatives: Allocating funds to make our schools more sustainable is crucial. This includes investing in energy-efficient infrastructure and resources that enhance the learning environment for students.
2. Extracurricular Activities and Sports:Increasing funding for extracurricular programs and athletics is essential for fostering student engagement and development. These activities play a vital role in promoting teamwork, leadership, and overall well-being.
3. Employee Benefits and Retention: invest in areas where we can enhance access and support for our staff. Ensuring competitive and comprehensive benefits is key to retaining quality educators and support staff.
By prioritizing these areas, we can create a well-rounded budget that supports students but also invests in long-term goals for our district.
The school board plays a crucial role in overseeing curriculum development and setting educational standards that reflect community values and priorities. It is essential for the board to engage actively with parents and guardians to gather their input and concerns. Additionally, I advocate for hosting town halls for teachers and staff, allowing for open dialogue about curriculum needs and innovations. This collaborative approach ensures that the curriculum is not only relevant and inclusive but also supports the diverse needs of our student population. By fostering these connections, the school board can enhance educational outcomes and strengthen community trust.
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