What Does It Take to Run for the TUSD Board?
I was very gratified to read the Guest Commentary by Jim Christ, "Why TUSD Launched Mexican-American Studies—and Why the Governing Board Should Fight for the Program" (March 22).
After experiencing the "caving in" of the Tucson Unified School District board members, with the exception of a very heroic Adelita Grijalva, to these bullies in our so-called state government, it was nice to hear from a voice of reason. I'm particularly disgusted with Mark Stegeman and Michael Hicks, who have both turned out to be tools/pawns of the enemies of the Mexican-American studies program. I look forward to the day when they are replaced.
Mr. Christ stated: "It is time for the TUSD's leadership to recognize their mistake, throw off the state's yoke, and litigate for local control." He is right.
My question regards the expiring terms of three out of five board members. There are many talented, qualified, educated and trustworthy Tucsonans who could fill these positions and fight for the reversal of this tragic event. Could your publication do an article concerning the qualifications, pay, responsibilities and method of appointment to these positions, so members of the general public can consider if they have what it takes to throw their hat in the ring?
Edwin De Jesus Sr.
Editor's Note: According to Ricky D. Hernández, the chief financial officer for the Office of the Pima County School Superintendent, school board members are unpaid, but eligible for reimbursement for qualifying expenses. Candidates must be at least 18, be a registered voter, and have resided in the school district for at least a year from the date of the election; can't be an employee of the district or the spouse of a school-district employee; and can't be an immediate family member or have had the same household of a current board member and/or current board candidate during the previous four years. Hernández writes: "All governing board members are required to manage the overall government of a school district. The responsibilities are numerous. ... The majority of the responsibilities that are mandated are listed in 15-341 and 15-342 of Arizona Revised Statutes. There are other ... statutory mandates that are scattered throughout."
