Over the past several weeks, I have been out collecting signatures for my petition to appear on the ballot for the Dysart Governing Board. The experience has been invaluable. More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to speak directly with voters throughout our community and hear their concerns, ideas, and hopes for our schools.
One of the most common topics parents raise is the amount of time students spend using technology in the classroom. Many families believe younger students would benefit from less screen time and more traditional learning methods. Others have expressed concerns about the limited amount of physical education and playground time available to students.
I’ve also heard strong support for teaching phonics (which Dysart does), developing critical thinking skills, and ensuring students graduate with practical life skills. Parents want students to know how to count back change, maintain eye contact during conversations, communicate effectively, and be prepared for the real world after graduation.
Along the way, I’ve also encountered several myths about Dysart Schools.
One myth is that school board members make too much money. In reality, Dysart Governing Board members receive no salary for their service.
Another common statement is that Arizona schools rank near the bottom nationally. While that is often cited statewide, it does not tell the whole story. Within Arizona, Dysart is performing well, ranking 31st out of 132 school districts.
I’ve heard people say Dysart students cannot read. Yet at the 2026 graduation, more than 1,100 students earned Arizona State Seals recognizing excellence and proficiency in various academic areas. That achievement reflects the hard work of our students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
Some residents believe Dysart wastes money. The facts tell a different story. More than 71% of the district’s budget is spent directly in classrooms, and Dysart’s finance department has received numerous awards for financial compliance and stewardship.
Others question whether the district needs new schools or buses. The reality is that our average school bus is approximately 17 years old, and replacement parts for many buses are becoming difficult to obtain. In addition, growth in northern portions of the district has required redistricting, with some students spending up to 45 minutes on a bus due to traffic and overcrowding concerns.
Finally, I believe it is worth recognizing the leadership of Superintendent Dr. John Croteau, who was named Arizona Superintendent of the Year. That honor reflects the many things Dysart is doing right. Awards like that do not happen by accident.
Dysart is an A-rated district with many successes worth celebrating. At the same time, there is always room for improvement. I believe we can strengthen classroom discipline, support parental rights, support our teachers, balance technology with foundational learning skills, and continue preparing students for success.
I am running because I care deeply about our students, teachers, parents, and community. I want to help build on Dysart’s successes while addressing the concerns I hear from voters every day.
I respectfully ask for your vote this November.
