Over the last few weeks, our campaign has put up 450+ signs, knocked on hundreds of doors, and connected with thousands of community members. We’ve engaged with Deer Valley Unified School District parents and community members, listened to their concerns, provided answers to their questions, and presented our student-centered platform. The support, care, and passion for our community’s public education have been awe-inspiring. This is why Stephanie Simacek and I are running for Deer Valley Unified School District governing board. These connections and conversations are why we are committed to winning and fighting for the best outcomes for all students. Ready to help us win? Donate or get involved!
The campaign hasn’t been without its struggles. Special interest groups and politicians have turned this race into a political circus. We’ve experienced a lot of vandalism and theft of our signs – from the right-of-way in front of our campuses to signs being removed from my yard and neighbors. Campaign volunteers have been harassed, doxxed, and made to feel threatened. Blatant misinformation and political rhetoric have infiltrated community groups, and sitting board members have been attacked politically for supporting the best candidates in a nonpartisan election.
We’re not politicians, we’re parents. Our campaign teams are parents, teachers, and community volunteers, not paid political entities. We haven’t received in-kind or monetary donations from political groups like some of our opponents. We haven’t received training from special interest groups trying to push a political agenda like some of our opponents. Our platforms aren’t fearmongering, political rhetoric without any evidence.
This is 100% grassroots support from our community, networks, and family. We get endorsements from teachers and parents, not politicians. We attend meetings, forums, town halls, and meet and greets that we’re invited to, regardless of their political leanings. We connect, listen, and provide clear direction with our platforms. We support our students. We support our parents. We support our community. We have a path forward.
This isn’t political, this is our children’s future. Kids don’t have an R or D next to their name, which is why this race is nonpartisan. Education has the single greatest impact on a community of any public program. Public education is responsible for educating our community’s children, can affect the growth of a community, affects our home values, provides competent workers for our businesses, and affects the outcomes for hundreds of thousands of families. We must make decisions that benefit ALL 32k+ students of different backgrounds, religions, and characteristics. This isn’t the place for partisan politics or personal agendas. It’s not a stepping stone for a higher office. The governing school board is student-centered and community-focused. It’s clear that we’re be targeted because of our support for our students, parents, teachers, and public education.
Not only are these actions illegal, they’re disgraceful. This is a slap in the face to the community, volunteers, donors, and the candidates who work hard to spread their message – there is no integrity in these actions, and this type of vandalism and theft will not be tolerated in our district.
We’re not deterred by the attacks or the politics. It’s only strengthened my resolve to do what’s best for our students and community. Do your research. Talk to your candidates. This race matters because of its impact – not politically, but because it touches so much of our community. Help us make a positive impact. Donate or sign up to help! Together, our students win.