2022 Candidate Website Statements
APACHE JUNCTION UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #43
Barbara Kanzler
My name is Barbara “Ms. K” Kanzler. I have recently retired from AJUSD#43 in May of 2021 and have had the pleasure of working within the school system for 40 years. My experience ranges within the realm of teaching and administration for various grade levels and vocational programs.
As a parent and grandmother, I know first hand the challenges we all face in making sure our children reach their full potential. I believe that the Board of Education has the duty to collaborate with staff, parents/guardians and community members when seeking solutions to provide every student the education they deserve. School board members are responsible for ensuring that student learning is front and center in every decision we make.
I am a student advocate who is not afraid to seek solutions that will give every AJUSD student a diploma in hand within their 4-year high school career. I believe in partnering with our local colleges to enhance our college-bound students as well as to increase our student enrollment for those pursuing a trades’ option. Schools must foster a positive learning environment focused on academic and career readiness with extra curricular programs that enhance motivation and foster community spirit.
In addition, I would like to expand teacher support in analyzing our core curriculum at both the elementary and middle schools in order to give our students the best opportunity for personal success. I support collaborative decision-making, using accurate and timely information to ensure that AJUSD is, as a whole, performing well.
I impartially listen to, and communicate divergent concerns as stated by all interested parties that would benefit our specific population within the Apache Junction Unified School District. I hear ALL our voices and am up for the challenge. I am unafraid to make tough decisions.
Thank you.
Valerie Fleming
I come to you humbly, as a teacher who loves the community of Apache Junction. If elected, some of my priorities will include getting the community to be invested in the district again, which will include working to rebuild the feelings of trust that the community has lost over the years due to various mishaps both financially and academically within the district. Our district has a severely high turnover rate among teachers and faculty. The district employs phenomenal people who, unfortunately, aren't staying long term. Where is the disconnect? Issues like this do not contribute to fostering a trusting relationship with the community, and a positive relationship with the community is crucial to the success of the students in our community. As a school board member, I can help ensure the district continues to employ highly qualified, certified staff that return to work there year after year. As a school board member, I will bring the wisdom and insight of a seasoned educator, that which has not previously been heard in sessions. I will advocate for the budget to re-examined and questioned to find oversight in overspending or unnecessary spending that could be better used elsewhere within the district. This includes examining the administration to student ratio, the support staff to need ratio (such as front offices), and the district personnel to need ratio, and making cuts accordingly to this further support high quality academics, extracurriculars, sports, etc.. Less can oftentimes be more. Adjustments such as these can reduce the need for the district to ask for a bond or override vote in future voting years.
In addition to rebuilding trust with the community and working to make better use of given budgets, I want to advocate for the voices of those who often go unheard or feel unheard. If elected, I want the community to know they are heard by their school board. As a school board member, I will be available regularly on a monthly or bimonthly basis, at a local location like a park or coffee shop, to visit with anyone interested in stopping by to share their thoughts, concerns, input, etc.. I lead with love in my classroom and my students have flourished. Many of you have witnessed this firsthand as they are your own children who I have been so honored to work with in these last four years. I will bring the same approach with me in this endeavor. I want a district the community raves about on the local social media pages whenever someone asks for school recommendation. Through adjustments like this, our district will see an increase in student performance, which will in turn continue to raise our school letter grades, giving the community a sense of pride for our rural district in front of the Superstition Mountains.
Dena Kimble
I have been a resident of Apache Junction for twenty-one years and have three children who have attended our public schools. I have observed firsthand the importance of providing our children with a quality education and our teachers with the resources necessary to ensure student success in the classroom. I have also been actively involved as a volunteer with our schools. Specifically, I served as President of the Desert Vista Elementary and Cactus Canyon Jr High Parent-Teacher Organizations and have donated time to several other organizations within the Apache Junction Unified School District.
While President of the Parent-Teacher Organizations, I assisted in spearheading many different projects which served to benefit our students and teachers. Specifically, I worked to have the DVES PTO recognized as a non-profit organization by the IRS and raised funds to acquire and install "interactive smart" technology throughout each of the schools. Moreover, we organized several popular events for our families, purchased equipment, funded field trips for students and installed AEDs in each school.
As a school board member since 2015, I have served as President and Vice-President of the Governing Board and pride myself upon being very active and attentive. I take time to visit campuses and walk classrooms. I place important matters on the Governing Board Meeting Agenda and thoroughly research issues before offering my opinion and casting a vote. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our District is headed in the right direction. This includes paying close attention to financial and budgetary matters so that our school funds are utilized efficiently. During my presidency, I worked with the Superintendent and the Board’s Executive Assistant to hire an outside consultant whose sole purpose is to file School Facility Board Grant Applications. In doing so, we have been able to make much needed improvements to our facilities. I campaigned to update curriculum, technology and add additional programs such as AVID so that our students are prepared for college or a career in the workforce upon graduation. I have also remained active in the community. I often attend City Council meetings and work to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship between the City Council and Governing Board. I also regularly attend meetings with business leaders to obtain information about residential development projects so that our school district can be prepared for the expected growth. I’ve attended many consortiums and conferences to obtain ideas from neighboring districts and stay updated on new legislation, policies, and regulations. My goals for AJUSD during the next four years include raising test scores, increasing the graduation rate and student enrollment, retaining quality teachers, incorporating a College Preparatory Academy, and having each of our schools achieve Grade A status.
I truly believe the Apache Junction School District will soon be a model for others to follow. Undoubtedly, we have made great strides, but I realize there is much work left to be done and hope to continue serving my community for the next four years.
Gail Ross
My name is Gail Ross and I am running for Apache Junction School Board. Thank you for taking the time to research all the candidates.
I fell in love with Arizona in 1991 and moved to Apache Junction in 2000. I have been a Licensed Optician for a total of 40 years in two states. I have a critical and analytical mind and I excel when determining and solving problems my patients may have. I truly have a passion for helping people. In my business, I educate my patients so they have the knowledge to make informed choices regarding their eye care.
I have managed numerous optical businesses so I am skilled with numbers and have increased office revenue. We have seen that government entities are most productive when approached like a business. This is what I bring to the table.
I have some core beliefs regarding education in our schools.
1. As adults, we have a responsibility to the next generation to prepare and educate our children for their lives in the future. I hope their parents/guardians can do much of what they need but school can be a great support for them. That is why I feel a Back to Basics approach is needed. Let's focus on Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. These foundations are imperative for future success. (There have been articles about the detrimental effects of on line learning due to Covid). These basic principles are the building blocks for continued education. If the foundation is weak, there will be inherent struggles in the future.
2. I would like to develop a simple social media tool to get parents/guardians involved and keep them informed about the curriculum, books etc. Also, a space to reach out to the community for volunteers that are needed.
3. Monitor classes to see how things are working in the real world. We can see in actual time how the students are responding to policy decisions.
4. Network with other districts to get perspectives outside our community bubble.
5. Teach the value of our Democratic Republic again; and contrast our government with Socialism and Communism.
6. Promote the importance of self-reliance and personal accountability. Let's stop blaming others for things that are, to some extent, in our control.
7. Encourage character and leadership qualities. Example: letter writing to servicemen or first responders, food drives for the poor and homeless and helping elderly neighbors in their neighborhood.
8.Take time in the classroom to honor our country and our flag again.
I believe all the candidates want the best for the students in our community, but there are many ways to get there. The quickest way is to have good policies that learn from the mistakes in the past and give the students a sense of accomplishment and pride in themselves.
Thank you for your time.
Gail Ross
Chelsea Connolly
My name is Chelsea Connolly, and I am currently running for my second term on the Apache Junction Unified School District's Governing Board. I have been on the board for almost four years and am currently serving as Board President. During my tenure, I have gained a large amount of knowledge regarding government policies relating to schools, funding allocations, and resources that are instrumental and beneficial to our schools. I have also had significant growth in my understanding of a board member's role within the structure of the district.
I believe a school district cannot stand on its own and its success is tied to a variety of outside partners, the most important being the community. Communicating and collaborating with the community brings together parents, businesses, organizations, and all community resources to assist in creating and obtaining programs to help our schools and students expand and succeed. I am an involved community member, a business owner, and the only candidate that has children in our district. My experiences in all those areas have and will continue to contribute an invaluable perspective to the AJUSD Governing Board.
Over the next few years, our district needs to continue working hard to increase enrollment, retain staff and students, raise the graduation rate, and gain more community support. AJUSD has a dedicated staff that give so much to our students and having the support of the community could make a significant difference for everyone. Our students and staff deserve to have nothing short of the entire community standing behind them.
I have a love and appreciation for Apache Junction and always knew this is where I wanted to live and raise my family. I have lived here my entire life and I attended kindergarten through high school graduation in Apache Junction. My son is a student at Desert Vista Elementary School, and my daughter will soon be there too. I began my career with Academy Mortgage Corporation 11 years ago and worked hard for the opportunity to open my own office here in Apache Junction. My husband Ben also works in the city as a firefighter for Superstition Fire and Medical District. I feel very grateful that I have been able to participate both in work and in school here in my hometown.
I am hoping for the opportunity to serve on the AJUSD Governing Board for another term. I believe I have the knowledge, the desire, and the foresight to continue to work hard for the students, the staff, and the community of Apache Junction. Thank you.
CASA GRANDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT #4
Blanca Varela
My name is Blanca Varela. I was appointed to serve on the Casa Grande Elementary School District Board in mid 2021. I am currently President Pro Tem and I am running to continue serving the Casa Grande Elementary School District with passion, dedication and courage of conviction.
For the past 25 years, I have been a board member of the St. Anthony of Padua School Foundation Board where I have gained first hand knowledge about issues that recognize the importance of providing our students the tools and knowledge to be successful. Also, I have been a member of the Pinal Cesar Chavez Memorial Scholarship Committee for the past 16 years. During that tenure, the committee has awarded $684,000 in scholarships to 673 high school seniors in Pinal County. Finally, in mid 2020, I became a board member of Amistades Inc. Board of Directors, whose mission is to work with youth and provide education and prevention services to prevent substance abuse.
I have been married for 41 years, have lived in Casa Grande for 40 years and raised two wonderful daughters. My commitment to family and the continued support of the Casa Grande Elementary School District students, parents, teachers and staff are my driving forces.
The primary issues of my platform include academic performance, school safety and teacher recruitment and retention.
I will be honored to continue serving the Casa Grande Elementary School District as a member of the Governing Board.
Thank you for supporting our schools to give every child in the Casa Grande School District access to quality and competitive education.
For questions, concerns of comments please message me on Facebook or e-mail me at varela4CGBOARD@gmail.com
Lorenza "Dindy" Martinez
My name is Lorenza “Dindy” Martinez, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Governing Board Member with the Casa Grande Elementary School District #4 (CGESD). For the past 32 years, the Casa Grande community has been my home. My children attended school in the Casa Grande Elementary
School District, and my grandchildren are currently attending CGESD schools as well. My husband and I are proud small business owners who are vested in this community and take pride in our city.
Raising five children, and now actively involved in my grandchildren’s lives, I understand the importance and value of a quality education. Realizing this need, I
attended college and received my Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree in 2009. Through my education, it has allowed me to grow personally and professionally. For this reason, I am an avid proponent for a strong public school system in our community. My commitment to the people of Casa Grande as your next prospective Governing Board Member, I will work diligently to protect parent and community voice, enhance fiscal responsibility and transparency, and implement policy that puts our students first.
I look forward to putting my experience as a parent of CGESD graduates, a small business owner, and leader to work for the people of Casa Grande. I will serve our community with patriotism, integrity, and passion to lead and direct the Casa Grande Elementary School District to a bright and prosperous future.
Aris Correa
My name is Aris Correa, and I am running to serve as a Governing Board Member for the Casa Grande Elementary School District #4. I have been a resident of Casa Grande for the past 25 years, I grew up here, and went to the schools here. I care about this community.
I believe in education. I see family members and friends who currently work in the Casa Grande Elementary School District, and I see the hard work, the late nights, and care they put into the profession and the children they are teaching.
I believe in the parents here. Every parent within our school district wants their children to succeed. Every parent wants to see their children lead happy and successful lives. We need to remember that and respect that. That is what I hear when I talk to my neighbors and talk to community members. They expect excellence from our school district, excellence from our educators, and high standards for students.
I believe in personal responsibility and hard work. I believe in high standards and expectations for our schools' administration and for the governing board. The community must know their school board is putting children first.
I believe in listening to you, and I will listen. I don't know everything, and I don't have all the answers. As a Governing Board Member, I will work with parents and teachers to ensure I understand the concerns and needs of the community and our children.
With all that said, if elected, I will serve as a Governing Board Member for the Casa Grande Elementary School District with honor, humbleness, integrity, and with the belief that our community, our state, and this beautiful country can and will have the best schools and provide the best education for our
students.
Daniel Brown
No response submitted.
Ronald Gilbert
No response submitted.
COOLIDGE SCHOOL DISTRICT #21
George Arredondo
Greetings!
I am committed to the success of our youth. It takes the involvement of our schools, community, and families to ensure their success. I will work tirelessly to improve our school system, engage our community, and encourage family involvement.
Low school ratings should not be an acceptable standard, nor should it become the norm. If we are not working collectively to improve, we all will fail. Collectively we need to make changes!
We need to improve on the fundamentals of education at all levels. Provide our students the foundation to build and improve their critical thinking, throughout their education experiences. I am confidant they are more receptive to changes to the world they will be contributing to and living in.
My goals are to see all our schools, professionals, and their students’ progress upward:
- Through changing the perception that we are babysitters and not an education system (Professionals, Students, and Families need to change mindsets…education is important!)
- Reduce student teacher ratios to 22:1 or lower (Continue to hire quality teachers, respect the profession, and improve work environment)
- Improve the report card of our schools (Active/engaged School system, Professionals, Students, Community, and Families…all need to become part of the solution)
ABOUT ME
Coolidge born and raised (K-12). I was in Cub and Boy Scouts, Football, 4-H, and the Future Farmers of America. I taught secondary Science and Computer Technology in Coolidge Schools (2007-2009).
In 1985, I worked for the Farm Service Agency for 18-years, serving in Senior leadership positions at the County, State, and National levels (Washington DC). My federal civilian service continued with the U.S Navy and U.S. Army working in the IT and communications community with over 30-years of federal service.
At the age of 34, I joined the Navy Reserves reaching the top enlisted rank of Master Chief Petty Officer, retiring in 2021, having served three combat tours (Iraq & Afghanistan x2).
Military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal with “C” (combat) device; Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation (3), and various unit, campaign, and service awards, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization medal (2).
Graduate of the U.S. War College, Senior Enlisted Academy, in Rhode Island. I hold two Master’s Degrees, one in Government Information Leadership-Cyber from the National Defense University and a Master’s Degree in Education, from Northern Arizona University. Also have a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree from the University of Phoenix.
Keith Seaman
No response submitted.
Michael "Mikey" Flores II
No response submitted.
CASA GRANDE UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT #82
Steven DiMuzio
Our family moved to Casa Grande in 1997 from New York State, where I served in public education for more than 24 years as a teacher, principal and school superintendent. As many others, we were looking for new opportunities, and I accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Casa Grande Union High School District. It was a time of growth in our city: we opened the new Union campus; negotiated the land deal for Vista Grande; opened an evening alternative high school and a charter high school. The teacher and staff salary schedules were improved allowing us to keep and attract quality teachers. We made progress in improving student achievement, reducing the failure and dropout rate and provided a safe and secure learning atmosphere.
After retirement my family remained in the community that we grew to love. My children and grandchildren live in Casa Grande. I remained active in the education profession and was a consultant with the state education department assigned to assist schools identified as failing. I was an adjunct professor at Argosy University Phoenix, teaching candidates for the doctorate in education and future school administrators. In 1997 I joined and remain a member of the Rotary Club of Casa Grande, serving as President twice and active in community service projects. In 2012 I was ordained a Deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Tucson and currently serve at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Casa Grande. I also serve as a Chaplain at Banner Casa Grande Hospital and Oasis Pavilion Rehabilitation Center and earned my certificates in Clinical Pastoral Care at Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa.
Our high school district faces new challenges as the Casa Grande region grows in population and economic opportunity. The schools need to be prepared to meet these challenges and provide our students with the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to succeed in the new economy. I believe that student achievement and success occur when competent leadership, highly qualified teachers and a supportive community all work together for our children.
I seek the position of Governing Board member at CGUHSD with no hidden agendas or preconceived opinions. I am an independent thinker, with expertise and experience in public education and public finance. This is a critical time for our district and I offer my skills, knowledge and dedication to this community and school district to serve our mutual goals. I ask for your support.
Steven R DiMuzio,
Casa Grande Union School District Candidate for Governing Board
Stephen Hunt
I have been married for 39 years and have one son, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
I have attended one year of college and have owned several businesses throughout the last 38 years. I am an active member of Pinal County Cowboy Church. I have conservative values. I believe the way to bring back our nation’s values, which we were founded on, is through our children. We should teach these values in our schools. I believe parents and not the government should choose what their children are being taught. I believe in school choice. We should be teaching our children the basics to prepare them for their future. There is no room in our schools for CRT and the 1619 Project. True American history should be taught in our schools. Protecting our children is a priority. It would be a privilege to serve my community.
Steven Hayes
My name is Steve Hayes and I am a candidate for Governing Board Member with the Casa Grande Union High School District #82 (CGUHSD). I have lived in Arizona for six years, with the last three years being in Casa Grande. I have two children who both currently attend school within the Casa Grande Elementary School district, with the oldest soon to be in high school.
My wife and I both have been involved in education with our own children and the children of others in a variety of capacities, inside and outside of the classroom for a number of years now. Quality in education has always been important to me not just for my children, but for all children who attend school in whatever form their parents see fit to provide it in.
If elected, it will be my goal to serve the students and the parents of the CGUHSD to the best of my ability and with integrity. My desire will be to see to it that policies that put the student first would be implemented, the voice of the parent heard and protected, promote fiscal responsibility and transparency and seeing to it that our schools are places where students and staff feel safe in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching. If given the opportunity by the community, I look forward to serving the community in leading the Casa Grande Union High School District to becoming a district noted for excellence in all aspects of the high school experience for our students.
Jack Henness
My name is Jack Henness and I would appreciate your vote for the Governing Board of the Casa Grande Union HS #82. My wife Doris and. I have been married for 40 year's. She is a recently retired Elementary School teacher of 35+ years. Together we farm our family farm here in the Casa Grande Valley. Both of our children attended local public schools here in Casa Grande and graduated from CGUHS before pursuing college. We have always been involved in our community through church, school, coaching sports, community and civic involvement.
Taking an active interest in Education has always been a priority for our family. Being involved at all levels with the kid's of the Casa Grande community is a blessing. Be it with my wife in the classroom, myself serving has a church deacon and on Agricultural and community boards. Being involved and active in our community has always been a great experience .
All kid's of Casa Grande deserve the safest and best education that provides them an opportunity to be successful in whatever path they choose. Be it work, a career program, Junior college or a 4 year University. It is important they are surrounded with high quality teachers and support staff. Equally important is a community that actively supports these the children, teachers and staff. This community has always placed education has one of it's most important priorities in all aspects.
Being a board member is a serious responsibility. You are but 1 of 5 tasked with the finances, and the well being and safety of students and staff, insuring that the district provides a quality education with opportunities for our student's future. It is absolutely important that the only agenda you bring to the Board is one that respects and supports students, parents, teacher's and support staff.
Thanks for your support.
Jack K Henness
FLORENCE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #1
Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson was elected to the Florence Unified School District Governing Board in November 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN. He has also completed post graduate coursework in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Arizona State University. Since taking office, board member Johnson has been a part of the consolidation of schools from Coolidge School District saving the district taxpayers millions of dollars. While on the board, Johnson has helped lead the district with growth of over 3000 students bringing current enrollment to 9000 students. He understands school board governance and Open Meeting Law. Johnson has been elected to 3 terms as the Pinal County Director which serves on the Arizona School Board Association. He also represents the 4A conference on the legislative council for the Arizona Interscholastic Association.
His true passion for giving back to his community is what led him to board service. He was instrumental in creating the Florence Friends of Kids First Foundation which awards scholarships to graduating seniors. Johnson has previously volunteered for the former Copper Basin YMCA and the local chambers of commerce. He has also served as a judge for the Future Business Leaders of America. Steve has been officiating sports for over 20 years. Steve believes in the mission and vision of the Florence Unified School District and wants to continue the work. He believes it is important to have board members that are Kids First and will support all the kids in the school district. With one board member retiring, Johnson knew that Megan Weagant from Florence checks every box for a running mate. Johnson is asking that if the community is going to vote for Steve Johnson please also vote for Megan Weagant. We both will continue to provide Experience and Leadership.
Steve has been married to Sherri for 22 years and they have hosted 5 exchange students. He owns a State Farm Agency in San Tan Valley and has lived in the FUSD district serving the community since 2003. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and camping with his wife and friends.
Steve would be honored to have your vote in the upcoming election.
Megan Weagant
Megan Weagant is running for a seat on the Florence Unified School District Governing Board in November 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO and a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming. An attorney licensed in Arizona since 2009, Megan has focused most of her work in areas that affect children throughout Pinal County, including advocating for children in child custody and DCS cases, as well as representing kids and teens accused of delinquent acts. She has also advocated for the best interests of children in guardianships and various other matters. Through this work, she has gained a particular insight into the importance of access to educational opportunities and the school experience for all the children she has met.
Megan has been married to Cody for nearly 13 years and has resided just outside Florence for 8 years. They have three children who have always been FUSD students. She and her family have enjoyed their experiences with FUSD thus far, and her children have been able to participate in sports, student council, Future Gopher cheer, band, and other enrichment activities on top of their academics, and her youngest child is disabled and receives special accommodations and services including an Individualized Education Plan.
Megan and her family are active in the agricultural community in Pinal County and Florence in particular, participating in rodeo, Jr. Parada, and 4H, to name a few. She and Cody both practice law in Pinal County and when they are not working, keep very busy with their kids’ activities and family ranches. In any spare time, Megan enjoys camping and traveling with friends, cooking, listening to music and podcasts, and reading.
Megan has been able to see the value of the governing board in giving back to the community and keeping kids’ needs at the forefront, and this has led her to seek the open seat on the governing board. Megan believes it is important to have board members that are “Kids First” and will support all the kids in the school district. Megan believes that incumbent Steve Johnson will continue to serve with that priority at the forefront. Megan is asking that if the community is going to vote for Megan Weagant, to please also vote for Steve Johnson. They both will continue to provide Experience and Leadership.
Megan would be honored to have your vote in the upcoming election.
ORACLE SCHOOL DISTRICT #2
Gary Terrell
Gary Terrell currently serves as the President of the Governing Board of the Oracle School District and has been a member of the Board since April 2017. His term expires December, 31, 2022, and he is running for a new 4-year term in the General Election in November. He feels the present Governing Board works well together for the betterment of Mountain Vista School and the students. He wants to continue to be a part of the team. His philosophy when working with the board is to listen to other viewpoints, show respect for others, and attempt to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Gary and his wife Anne moved to Saddlebrooke Ranch 8 1/2 years ago and enjoy being part of the community. They have two daughters, one son, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
In 2003 Gary retired from a 32-year career in law enforcement. He is a Vietnam Veteran and a member of the United States Submarine Veterans Tucson Base. He is a member of the Saddlebrooke Rotary and is the past President of the Saddlebrook Rotary Foundation.
Gary has a Bachelor's Degree from Chapman College and experience in personnel administration and budgeting. He served 8 years as the State Treasurer for the Police Officers Association of California and was the first Deputy Chief of Investigations for the San Diego District Attorney's Office.
He would be honored to receive your vote in the General Election.
Donna Pedota
I believe in public education. Every child deserves a great education to help them pursue their goals, whether that involves college, trade, school, or entering the workforce as an employee or business owner. A solid educational foundation is important as it provides a strong base upon which they can build a bright a secure future.
My goal is to ensure we provide our students the best education possible, while also being fiscally responsible. This means ensuring the school district operates wisely within the budget; that our students have every opportunity to succeed by providing the most educational "bang for the buck" and that taxpayer dollars are well spent.
I am a product of public education. I hold a BS in Business and a MA in Organizational Management. I currently work in healthcare and have extensive experience in strategic planning and obtaining funding in Fortune 100 companies. I know how to operate within a budget and collaborate with others to achieve important objectives. I will keep the needs of our students at the forefront and ensure I view all decisions about resource applications through the lens of improving academic achievement.
Please vote for Donna Pedota for the Oracle School District Governing Board.
Wendy Odell
I am running for the Oracle School District Governing Board because I am committed to public education and I believe all children deserve the best educational opportunities possible. I am a product of K-12 public education and have earned a BS degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, a BS degree in Elementary Education and a MS degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I also hold a Principal license and a Superintendent license from Minnesota and Arizona.
I have spent the past 35 years as a public school elementary teacher, elementary principal and school district administrator. Throughout my career, I have been successful raising student learning and achievement all while being accountable and carefully spending taxpayer dollars.
As a Governing Board Member, my priority will be the students of Oracle School District and raising their achievement and educational opportunities. I will use my experience of fiscal responsibility to ensure expenditures are aligned to district priorities, are student focused and decisions are transparent to the public. I will also advocate for community engagement in the district and welcome community/parent involvement and feedback.
Please vote for Wendy Odell for the Oracle School District Governing Board.
Jeri Taylor
I am Jeri Taylor and I live in Saddlebrooke. Prior to moving to Arizona in 2008, I resided in Tacoma, Washington for 35 years. I was in the US Army for 26 years including a Desert Storm Deployment. My nursing education was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I practiced in Pediatric, Geriatric, Home Care, and Nurse Education. I have 15 years of teaching experience including being a Program Director and Instructor for Allied Health / Nursing Assistants at the community college level. I also have an early childhood A.A. degree.
I have been attending school board meetings since 2011, and have been a board member since 2014. I felt it was important to understand the responsibilities of the board prior to being elected.
Children’s Education is important to our future. Every parent must choose the best education situation for their child – be it the local public school, home school, or a private institution. I support school choice – It encourages all schools to be the best they can be so that parents and children WANT to go to that school. Oracle’s motto is “I Choose Mountain Vista”
The responsibility of the school board is to determine policies and balance what the school needs versus what would be nice to have if extra funding is available. I feel it is important that the community’s children have a strong education base in their early years, providing them with the ability to build a solid adult life and career path. Being on the school board for the past 7 years has been an important commitment of teamwork to help guide the future of the Oracle School District.
I would be appreciative of your support and vote in November 2022.
TOLTEC SCHOOL DISTRICT #22
Anthony Levatino
Anthony Levatino
Toltec School Board Candidate
The key to success in life, especially in the economic arena, is a good education. Every child, regardless of his or her family background, can succeed well if given the basic toolkit of solid elementary math and reading skills supported by a foundation of discipline and a strong work ethic. I speak from experience. All of my grandparents immigrated to this country. Neither of my parents went beyond high school. Nonetheless, education was a priority in our home and if took me far.
I am a medical doctor specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology and I also hold a law degree. My teaching experience consists of over fifteen years in graduate medical education. I am currently a clinical professor at the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, NM. Though retired from active medical practice for four years, I continue to teach part time because I have always loved the interaction with students.
Children are the literal future of our country. My desire is to do whatever I can to help them succeed in life and, in that way, help us all to succeed.
Anthony Levatino, MD, JD