A Decade of Decline: The Crucial Role of Your School Board

By Sharon Benson and Ed Steele |

The decline of Mesa Public Schools (MPS) reflects a troubling trend in Arizona’s education landscape. Once the pride of the East Valley, MPS enjoyed a stellar reputation, highlighted by excellent academic performance and a diverse array of extracurricular programs. Yet, since 2015, achievement rates have stagnated below 50%, undermining the values that once defined the institution.

Several factors contributed to this decline. The shift from AIMS to AZMerit assessments, combined with the full implementation of Common Core, altered the educational landscape. Concurrently, MPS lost nearly 9,000 students by the 2021/22 school year, a stark contrast to the 54,339 students counted for 2024/25, representing a total decline of over 20,000 since 2011.

The core conservative values that guided MPS—emphasizing solid academics, individual responsibility, and perseverance—have diminished significantly. This erosion has often been linked to a lack of strong leadership from the governing board. Critical educational frameworks, such as the Portrait of a Graduate, have shifted focus from academic mastery to culturally relevant pedagogy and social-emotional learning, potentially jeopardizing foundational skills.

Curriculum choices further exemplify the challenges facing MPS. Many currently adopted materials reflect ideologies that deviate from conservative American principles. Instead of promoting timeless literature, some resources delve into themes like racism and sexuality that may confuse students. This shift has coincided with rising mental health issues among students, leading to widespread concern among parents and educators.

Policy development remains another pivotal area where school board members exert influence. Clear, legally compliant policies are essential for effective district governance. MPS has faced significant scrutiny over its guidelines regarding transgender issues, which lack formal policy backing yet have been in place since 2015. Critics argue these guidelines sow confusion about gender identity among young students.

Furthermore, the role of the school board in hiring a superintendent cannot be overstated. This individual must faithfully execute the board’s directives, ensuring that the elected representatives’ vision is realized. The integrity and values of the superintendent must align with community standards, as board decisions are ultimately only as effective as the team tasked with their execution.

Your involvement in the upcoming school board elections may prove crucial. As these positions are non-partisan, it is imperative to research candidates thoroughly. The future of public education—and consequently the future of Arizona’s children—hinges on informed voting that reflects community values.

Sharon Benson and Ed Steele are candidates for Mesa Public School Board.