Burns to lead TUSD board for second year
TUSD Governing Board President Judy Burns will lead the board for a second straight year.
She was voted in 3-2 Tuesday, with the dissenting voices coming from members Bruce Burke and Adelita Grijalva.
Burke made a move to get Grijalva into the president's seat but was defeated in the vote by Burns, Miguel Cuevas and Mark Stegeman.
Grijalva served as president of the board in 2006, which is what prompted Burke to nominate her, he said.
"I thought it was appropriate that we rotate the leadership role of president, but the board majority apparently disagreed," he said. "We are going into a difficult budget year and time in general, and I thought her leadership would have served us well."
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Burke said the nomination wasn't intended to slight Burns, who he said has done a good job.
Stegeman felt he made the right decision in supporting Burns.
"Ms. Burns has the longest experience on the board and as president has been thorough and fair to all board members," he said.
The last time a president served for two consecutive years was when Joel Ireland held the title in 2003 and 2004.
When the position of clerk was up for discussion, Stegeman, who currently holds that office, moved to elect Cuevas.
However, Burke intervened and made a motion to elect Grijalva, forcing the board to vote on his motion before Stegeman's. Cuevas abstained from the vote, leading to a 2-2 decision that killed Burke's motion.
Cuevas was then voted in with the approval of Burns, Stegeman and himself.
Event to celebrate S. Arizona teachers
Tucson Values Teachers will host a "tweet-up" Thursday evening to celebrate Southern Arizona's teachers in person.
Also known as a "Twitter meet-up," the tweet-up will bring Tucson Values Teachers fans and followers together for happy hour at Sir Veza's Taco Garage, 4699 E. Speedway.
The organization also will unveil a new project that will provide direct benefits for all K-12 teachers throughout the region.
The tweet-up will begin at 4:30 p.m. on the large patio. Discounts on food and beverages will be available.
The public can make reservations for the tweet-up through Facebook at www.facebook. com/event.php?eid=238283551 937&index=1 or on Twitter at twtvite.com/88za9b.
Sports equipment for students sought
Tucson-based GymFusion is kicking off Fit Kids, a campaign to collect new sports equipment for two local elementary schools.
The campaign, benefiting Duffy and Senita Valley elementary schools, will run through Jan. 31.
The goal is to help children get active and healthy by providing them with the equipment.
Anyone who donates a piece of sports equipment at one of the official drop-off locations will receive a discount membership to GymFusion's network of independently owned local gyms. Sign-up fees will be waived, too.
Official drop-off locations are:
• FitCenter, 5555 E. Fifth St.
• Power & Physique Systems, 4400 E. Broadway, Suite 010.
• Body Parts Health & Fitness, 6211 E. 22nd St.
• Marcel's Total Fitness, 8474 E. Speedway.
• Performance Executive Fitness, 2951 N. Swan Road.
• Pro Fitness & Health, 1290 W. Prince Road.
• Shut It Gate Hardware, 2094 N. Dragoon St.
• Canyon Fence Co., 850 E. 36th St.
• Duffy Elementary School, 5145 E. Fifth St.
• Senita Valley Elementary School, 10750 E. Bilby Road.
