Jason & Alicia w/ AZSW Coffee Talk

AZ School Works Coffee Talk

AZSW Endorses Stegeman for Tucson Unified

I have a double major (magna cum laude) in Mathematics and Economics from Pomona College, a Ph.D. in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a tenured faculty appointment in the Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona.

I served on TUSD’s superintendent search committee earlier this year, have served on TUSD’s audit committee since its creation in 2007, and attended dozens of Board meetings. No one currently on the Board has a financial background or experience as an educator, but TUSD is in the business of education and would benefit from both.

TUSD cannot continue down its current path. The district must tighten procurement and financial controls, streamline administration, listen to the suggestions of employees and others in the community, learn from other schools and districts, develop the habit of planning ahead, and install a culture of excellence and professionalism. I will support the new superintendent as she makes these reforms. TUSD must admit its weaknesses and move aggressively to fix them, so that the district can build on its real strengths. Read the rest of this entry »

AZSW Endorses Virgel for Cave Creek Unified

My name is Virgel Cain and I am a candidate for the Cave Creek Unified School District #93 Governing Board. I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board and have been a sitting Board member since August 1st. of this year as well as running for a full four year term at the upcoming November 4th. election. My two daughters are products of CCUSD and my granddaughter currently attends Desert Willow Elementary School. I’ve been a community activist for a number of years, a resident of the district since 1995, and I always lean towards what is best for OUR children and that is why I am running for the CCUSD Governing Board. I have promised myself that my final question before each vote on the Board will be “how does this benefit OUR children’s education.” Read the rest of this entry »

AZSW Endorses Martinez for Osborn Elementary

It would be my privilege to serve on the Osborn Elementary School District Governing School Board. A native Phoenician, I come from a family of educators. My father taught Band for 35 years in the Washington Elementary School District, and my mother entered the classroom with my youngest brother as a kindergarten teacher’s aide; 15 years later, she is still there.

My experience as a successful former urban public school teacher in a school with 100 percent free and/or reduced lunch positions me to be successful when facing similar challenges in the Osborn District. Starting well below grade level, my students made significant academic writing gains because I believed that they could, and together we worked relentlessly towards that goal. In the classroom, I found that the more I expected from my students, the better they performed. I also understand the systemic problems inherent in public education and the need for a holistic approach. My educational philosophy and belief is simply that all students can and must learn at high levels. Read the rest of this entry »

AZSW Endorses Frenkel for Scottsdale Unified

All Children deserve the opportunity to a high quality education and for that very reason I am running for a position on the Scottsdale School Board.

My experience includes nearly a decade as a classroom educator, an educational technology consultant,  Site Council representative, Tempe Parents for the Gifted Executive Board Member and PTO Board Member.   I understand what it takes for teachers to be successful in the classroom.  As a school board member, I will work to provide quality teachers with the resources, working conditions and practical professional development opportunities required to facilitate the optimal level of learning for students.

As an educational consultant, I have worked with school district administrators, teachers, children and parents throughout the country to integrate technology into the classroom.   Technology that supports best practices while promoting student engagement, collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills is critically important for our children.   Providing technology to our children will prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow. Read the rest of this entry »

AZSW Endorses Steve Gallardo for Phoenix Union

I am a life long west valley resident who has had the pleasure representing Phoenix Union High School District for the last 4 years.  My number one priority as a board member has always been to make sure our students have every tool necessary to be successful in and outside our class rooms. Every student should have the opportunity to seek post secondary education. I will continue to work hard to ensure that our certify and classify employees are treated with respect and given the tools they need to do there job. I have worked and fought for better pay for teachers and develope dropout prevention programs. I have also led the efforts for real immigration reform at the state legislature. It is an issue that I take seriously and advocate for real systemic comprehensive immigration reform at both the state and national levels. I fully understand the impact our nation broken immigration system has on our students daily lives. I bring real experience, a dedicated work ethic and leadership to the school board and with the support of the voters in PHUSD will continue the work to move our district forward.