School Board Hopeful Declares: 'I’d Prefer a Root Canal Over Joining the Board!'

PEORIA, Ariz. — Janelle Bowles, a candidate for the Peoria Unified School Board, has stirred controversy this election season. During a public comment at a board meeting on September 26, she stated, “I would rather have a root canal than be on the school board,” a remark that raised eyebrows among attendees. Bowles, a former district employee endorsed by the local Republican Party, expressed concern over the treatment of two board members who faced backlash for voting against a federal mental health grant.

Following the meeting, Bowles clarified her intent, citing her worries about the pressures on current board members. The two members in question, who had opposed the grant, generated significant negative response from the community and on social media platforms. Despite the grant offering no cost to the district, Bowles supported the decision to end it.

“First of all, I would rather have a root canal that I don’t even need than be on the school board because they don’t even get paid for the abuse that they take,” she remarked, defending board members Becky Proudfit and Heather Rooks. She believes the district needs to develop a sustainable plan without relying on federal funding.

Bowles’ comments were met with skepticism from opponents. Melissa Girmscheid, another school board candidate, remarked that Bowles’ statement reflected a disregard for public sentiment. Girmscheid noted, “You are always going to have people who agree and disagree. Someone who has been as political as her would know that.”

Bowles also mentioned her desire to support foster children in the district, while expressing concern over discussions surrounding gender identity in schools. This topic has drawn attention in recent years as activists have increasingly engaged in school board meetings, challenging LGBTQ-affirming policies.

Critics argue that focus on cultural issues detracts from addressing the educational needs of students. Girmscheid emphasized the importance of prioritizing student welfare over “culture wars.”

The broader debate surrounding the social worker program reflects ongoing tensions about mental health resources in schools. State Superintendent Tom Horne recently endorsed the move to eliminate the program. “I philosophically agree with that school district,” he stated.

Despite initial opposition, Rooks and Proudfit reversed their stance on the social worker program after facing considerable public outcry, eventually opting to preserve it through the end of the year. Unfortunately, their earlier decision resulted in a loss of approximately $250,000 in federal funding.

Bowles is the sister of state lawmaker Anthony Kern, who gained national attention for his involvement in the January 6th insurrection and has been labeled an “election denier” by watchdog groups.