Werner Bets on School Board Promises to Launch Her State Senate Bid

By Staff Reporter |

In a push for greater representation in the Arizona State Senate, Carine Werner, a Scottsdale-area mom and small business owner, is vying for the seat in Legislative District 4. An immigrant with a commitment to her community, Werner’s platform emphasizes addressing key local issues and enhancing the quality of education.

Currently a member of the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board, Werner cites her experience and passion for public service as pivotal reasons for her candidacy. In a prior interview, she expressed her frustrations regarding educational challenges faced by families in Scottsdale, stating, “I bring common-sense leadership, an enduring passion for securing our children’s future, respect for parents and teachers, and a skill for building consensus without compromising values.”

To gain voter support, she outlined six principles aimed at transforming the local school district’s approach. First on her list: addressing increasing parental dissatisfaction with school administration. She emphasized the need to include parents in decision-making processes, reflecting their concerns over declining academic performance and questionable curriculum content.

Werner’s second initiative focuses on reversing enrollment declines and securing funding by prioritizing academic excellence. She asserts that simply marketing the district will not solve its challenges; instead, it requires a systemic improvement to restore trust in the schools.

In her commitment to teachers, Werner promises to prioritize funding for educators’ salaries over administrative overhead. With Arizona legislators approving significant increases in education funding, she aims to redirect those resources towards classroom needs, enhancing overall student outcomes.

The candidate also pledges to implement strategies to improve student performance, citing troubling statistics showing that less than 37% of 10th graders are proficient in math and English Language Arts. She insists that academic improvement must be a focal point, advocating a shift back to basic educational standards.

Safety is another cornerstone of Werner’s campaign. She plans to bolster school security by partnering with local law enforcement and reviewing safety protocols regularly, leveraging recently allocated state funds specifically aimed at enhancing school safety measures.

Lastly, she is determined to reduce political influence in classrooms, advocating for a curriculum that emphasizes academic development over ideological indoctrination. Her stance has ignited controversy, as seen in her recent support for state officials addressing potential curriculum violations, which drew criticism from others on the school board.

Supporters like retired teacher Susan Winder have publicly defended Werner’s approach, criticizing opponents for attempts to silence dissenting voices on educational policy. Their advocacy highlights the tension surrounding educational governance in Scottsdale and underscores the importance of parent and community input.

Werner’s campaign has resonated with local women, many of whom have stepped forward to endorse her candidacy based on her commitment to their families. In their remarks, they expressed solidarity with her mission to focus on community and safety, stressing their desire for effective representation in local politics.

Looking ahead, Werner has outlined additional promises should she secure a seat in the state Senate, including efforts to increase teacher pay, empower parents, enhance law enforcement support, secure the border, and address homelessness compassionately. Her comprehensive approach aims to create a thriving environment for families in Arizona.

The race for Legislative District 4 is notably competitive. According to election data, it’s one of the tightest districts in the state, with a slim voting margin observed in recent elections. Werner faces incumbent Democrat Christine Marsh, making this a key contest in Arizona’s political landscape.