Local opinion: Dueling visions for CFSD schools

As election day nears, the top of the ballot is generating considerable excitement. However, for us the most riveting race is happening at the bottom of the page: the election for CFSD Governing Board.

We are running for the two four-year seats on the CFSD Governing Board, to preserve the district’s longstanding tradition of excellence. As involved parents we have worked tirelessly with the district to support CFSD programs and initiatives. We have chosen CFSD schools for our children: Jacquelyn’s child graduated this past May, while Tom has two children in CFSD schools and will be a district parent until 2031. Our slate mate, Eileen Jackson (seeking the two-year seat), has been a Board member for twelve years and has three children who graduated from CFSD schools.

In contrast, our opponents both have school-age children, yet choose to enroll their children elsewhere instead of CFSD, rejecting the very school district they wish to lead as board members.

Our connection to the district is strong: We have years of volunteer experience, attend board meetings regularly, have taken the time to learn about the work of the board and the district, and have conscientiously studied the responsibilities of board membership.

In contrast, our opponents seem to have no genuine interest in the job at hand. They do not engage with the district or its board except to make spurious claims and rehash old grudges. They are rarely spotted at board meetings and demonstrate little understanding of district policies, events, and budgets — all public record for those who wish to seriously engage with CFSD. Their lack of knowledge about CFSD was clearly demonstrated at the two nonpartisan candidate forums all five active candidates attended several weeks ago.

We are proud of our highly successful district with its seven A-rated schools, stellar academics, engaging curriculum, and focus on educating the whole child. We support CFSD’s current non-discrimination policy as a cornerstone for maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. This allows the district to focus on its primary goal of providing an excellent education for all students.

In contrast, our opponents erroneously claim the district is “at risk and in decline” and are preoccupied with policing pronouns, monitoring bathroom usage, and battling non-discrimination laws and policies that support all students. One wonders why they have turned their attention to a district they have rejected for their own children, if not to impose their personal beliefs and values on others.

We are avid supporters of public education and believe public schools, as reflections of the communities they serve, should be welcoming to all students. We firmly believe in the nonpartisan nature of school boards and the need to keep politics out of the classroom. We are proud to be endorsed by Save Our Schools Arizona, a nonpartisan, community-based organization fighting for strong public schools for a strong Arizona.

In contrast, our opponents tout their endorsement from Arizona Women of Action, a group that issues a “Conservative Voter Guide” and states “All of our work remains guided by Judeo-Christian, foundational American values.” They are equally proud of their endorsement from Tom Horne, whose support of school vouchers is eroding funding for public schools across the state.

You, the voters of District 16, get to decide who will sit on the Governing Board next year. The stakes are high and the choice is clear. We are the most qualified candidates for these positions. Our positions are aligned with the strategic direction that has led CFSD to greatness. Our opponents simply want to make noise and fight culture wars in our schools. And while that makes them unserious candidates, it means they are capable of doing serious damage to CFSD.

If you want CFSD to continue delivering a top-notch education to the 5,000-plus students currently enrolled in our schools, cast your vote for Jacquelyn Davoli, Tom Logue, and Eileen Jackson, and put CFSD Students First.

Learn more about us at cfsdstudentsfirst.org.