PAM KIRBY: Reclaiming Our Schools from Those Who Took Them!

By Pam Kirby |

A growing crisis has surfaced in Arizona’s school districts, where board meetings have shifted from discussions on academics and fiscal responsibility to contentious political disputes. Parents often find themselves sidelined, facing a lack of transparency and accountability in educational governance.

Over recent years, troubling actions have emerged across various districts, highlighting a significant breach of trust:

• In Scottsdale Unified, board president’s father created a controversial secret dossier on vocal parents, raising serious privacy concerns.
• Washington Elementary severed its collaboration with Arizona Christian University based on student teachers’ religious beliefs, only to revert later due to legal pressure.
• Isaac School District fell under state receivership after revealing a staggering $15 million financial crisis, prompting multiple investigations.

These incidents underscore a deeper erosion of trust and respect within the system. Parents previously lacked an organized platform to voice their concerns and advocate for change.

A Movement Takes Root

However, a shift is occurring. Conservative school board leaders are emerging, prioritizing students, families, and local values over political ideologies.

Established in 2021, the Arizona Coalition of School Board Members is a non-partisan nonprofit dedicated to restoring integrity and excellence within public education. This grassroots initiative seeks to empower Arizonans, fostering accountability and local control in response to recent challenges. Rather than enforcing top-down mandates, the Coalition emphasizes governance inspired by Arizona’s core values, including academic rigor and parental involvement.

With a presence in over 50 districts across ten counties, the Coalition is cultivating a network of leaders focused on tangible change rather than mere rhetoric.

Real Wins Across Arizona

Coalition-supported board members are not just advocating for reform; they are achieving it. Significant victories include:

• Apache Junction Unified: Implemented a cell phone use policy to minimize distractions and enhance classroom discipline.
• Higley Unified: Banned COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates for staff, affirming individual rights and medical privacy.
• Peoria Unified: Established a student privacy policy respecting biological sex in restrooms and accommodations, while providing private alternatives when necessary.

Empowering Voters, Building Leaders

Engagement from the public is essential for lasting change. The Friends of the Coalition, a separate non-profit, is spearheading statewide voter education efforts related to school board elections, transparency, and parental rights. Over 500 participants have joined the free School Board Bootcamp, which clarifies the role of board members. Many have gone on to win elections in both 2022 and 2024.

This initiative transcends education; it is about cultivating a new generation of conservative leaders. Graduates of this movement have assumed roles in school districts, the Arizona State Senate, and beyond.

This Is the Moment

Arizona’s education system stands at a crucial juncture. The question remains whether it will succumb to bureaucratic control or reclaim a focus on excellence and family values.

As the Federal Department of Education shifts power back to states, local school boards are bearing increased responsibility, presenting both challenges and opportunities for reform. Leadership at the local level is paramount.

Through the concerted efforts of the Arizona Coalition of School Board Members and the Friends of the Coalition, a comprehensive strategy is taking shape—educating voters, equipping leaders, and empowering school board members who prioritize impactful change.

This commitment goes beyond mere discussions; it translates into real results.

Involvement in this movement ranges from participating in Bootcamps to supporting aligned candidates or making donations to sustain ongoing initiatives. The future of education in Arizona hinges on active participation and engagement from the community.

Pam Kirby is the Founder of the Arizona Coalition of School Board Members and Friends of the Coalition. Her experience on the Scottsdale School Board from 2010 to 2018 fuels her ongoing advocacy for excellence and transparency in education.