State of Arizona's Public Schools & Superintendents
Opinion.
This past year, I’ve taken a deep dive into school districts across Maricopa County, and over the past month, the reality has come into sharper focus. Some districts are facing immense challenges, and their struggles are making headlines.
In the Cartwright School District, a Special Governing Board Meeting led to the approval of a temporary contract for former Maricopa County Superintendent Steve Watson to serve as Acting Superintendent.
Isaac School District is grappling with financial devastation, millions of dollars in debt, and now under state receivership.
The Tolleson Union High School District finds itself mired in internal conflict, creating a “Claims Committee” while sidelining a governing board member. Tonight, they’ll meet in Executive Session to discuss settlement negotiations tied to an EEOC charge.
Meanwhile, in the Liberty Elementary School District, whispers of “sick-outs” and tensions between staff and administration cast a shadow over board meetings, leaving the community searching for stability.
But not all stories are the same. One district has quietly risen above the fray, showing what’s possible when focus and collaboration take the lead.
Avondale Elementary School District, an A-rated district, is demonstrating what it means to engage with its community. As they narrow down their superintendent candidates to three, the district stands at a crossroads. It’s a rare opportunity to shape the future in a way that builds on their success.
In a recent article, I shared how Avondale Elementary School District invited the community and staff to be involved in the process and meet the finalists for their new superintendent—a critical moment in shaping the future of the district. And yes, I used the word apathy in the headline. Not out of criticism, but out of concern. Meeting minutes show that throughout the search process, only one community member stepped forward to share their voice.
This isn’t just about hiring a superintendent—it’s about the direction of local schools, the well-being of students, and the leadership that will guide them. Moments like these deserve more than silence. They deserve engagement, conversation, and a community that shows up.
What: Meet and Greet with the finalists for the AESD Superintendent position
When: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Time: 4:00–5:00 p.m.Where: Avondale Elementary School District Office Governing Board Room
Address: 295 W. Western Avenue, Avondale, Arizona
This is your opportunity to meet the candidates, share your input, and help shape the future of the district.
JEN’S TWO CENTS
Your local school board has more influence on your daily life than you might realize. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise of national politics, but the decisions made at the school board level shape our communities in real, tangible ways—impacting home values, the strength of our neighborhoods, and the quality of the future workforce.
Now is the time to pay attention. Start attending meetings, have conversations with your board members, and if you’re passionate about the future of your schools, consider running for office. In Maricopa County this year, roughly 90 school board races were canceled simply because there weren’t enough candidates. That should be a wake-up call. The future of our schools, and ultimately our communities, depends on people who care enough to step up. Be that change.
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