Here's who is running to lead Arizona schools, school boards and community colleges in 2022
Races on the ballot in Arizona in 2022 include a battle between incumbent Democrat Kathy Hoffman and Republican challenger Tom Horne for Arizona superintendent of public instruction.
Also on the ballot are seats on local school boards, where members take on unpaid, nonpartisan, elected positions, and the Maricopa County Community College District governing board.
Here's information on the candidates that could help as you make your voting choices.
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What to expect: The Arizona Republic's coverage of the general election
School superintendent
In a Sept. 14 debate, the two candidates competing to lead Arizona’s Department of Education put forward vastly different visions of what schools need.
Kathy Hoffman, incumbent superintendent of public instruction, said students struggling with mental health need more counselors. She said she will champion broader kindergarten access and programs that further integrate special education students.
Tom Horne, former attorney general and two-time Arizona schools chief, called for a police officer in every school. He also railed against lessons that teach students they are oppressed because of their race or ethnicity.
What can they deliver? Arizona superintendent candidates have promised a lot
Hoffman, Horne on the issues: 5 takeaways from Arizona schools chief debate
'He is not involved': State superintendent candidate Tom Horne distances self from former Rep. Stringer
The Republican primary: Horne cruises to victory after outraising opponents
Who is Kathy Hoffman? Arizona superintendent of public instruction candidate is ready for another run
Who is Tom Horne? Arizona superintendent of public instruction candidate aims for 3rd term
School boards
What do Arizona school board members do?
Maricopa County voters will have to pick from among 142 school board candidates this year. The Republic breaks down what the position entails.
Podcast: What to know about the races and what board members do
Arizona Republic education reporters tealk about school board elections, including the candidates, the responsibilities of school board members and why their role is so important to Arizona’s education system.
Meet candidates in Phoenix school districts
Candidates running for office in Alhambra, Cartwright, Creighton, Deer Valley, Fowler, Laveen, Madison, Murphy, Osborn, Phoenix Union and Roosevelt districts, share ideas on K-12 key issues.
Meet candidates in East Valley, Scottsdale school districts
Candidates running for office in Cave Creek, Chandler, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Tempe districts introduce themselves to voters.
Meet candidates in west Phoenix and West Valley school districts
Candidates running for office in Buckeye, Deer Valley, Dysart, Glendale Elementary, Glendale Union, Liberty, Litchfield, Littleton, Peoria, Saddle Mountain, Tolleson Elementary, Tolleson Union and Washington districts share thoughts on diversity, education funding and more.
Maricopa County Community Colleges
The governing board for Arizona’s largest community college district will look different come January after two new members join the body.
Donna Davis, a newcomer who works for an education nonprofit, and incumbent board president Marie Sullivan will take seats without appearing on the ballot in November. Their elections were canceled since they didn’t have competitors.
Rep. Kelli Butler, a state legislator, and Randy Kaufman, a former longtime corrections employee, were vying for a district-wide seat on the Maricopa County Community College District’s governing board. Kaufman suspended his campaign Oct. 18 after news broke that was arrested and accused of public sexual indecency in one of the district’s parking lots earlier this month. The Republic's Alison Steinbach introduces readers to the candidates.
Education ballot initiative
There's one voter initiative related to education on the ballot this election. Proposition 308 would make Arizona students who attended any public or private school, or home school equivalent, for two years, eligible for financial aid at state universities and in-state tuition rates, regardless of immigration status. The Republic's Ryan Randazzo outlines Proposition 308 and the rest of the initiatives on the 2022 mid-term ballot.
District bonds and overrides
This year, 24 school districts in Maricopa County are asking voters to approve funding measures. School funding ballot requests come in the form of bonds or overrides, both drawing on property taxes. Find out what each district is asking for and how it will impact property taxes.
Want to learn more about bonds and overrides? The Republic's Renata Cló explains these funding measures.
Join the conversation
We invite you to join The Republic's education community on Facebook, moderated by Republic reporters Yana Kunichoff and Renata Cló.
The Republic's education journalists are eager to hear your story ideas and thoughts on K-12 education in Arizona. Reach Yana at ykunichoff@arizonarepublic.com and Renata at rclo@arizonarepublic.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona school elections 2022: Superintendent, county colleges, boards
