MESA, Ariz. — It would be difficult to find a ticket in any local race across Arizona that is made up of a Republican, a Democrat and an Independent.
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But that is the case in Mesa where the state’s largest school district has three open seats on its board.
Republican Courtney Davis, Democrat Josh Chilton, and Independent Lacy Chaffee are running together on an agenda of civility and respect.
“We’re not going to always agree. But we can get things done for our students and do it in a respectful and kind way,” said Davis, the incumbent.
Battling “culture wars” and “false narratives”
The candidates represent different neighborhoods and different backgrounds. They met after entering the race and decided to join forces with a “pro-public school” platform. That would seem like a given for any school board candidate. But these days it can be hard to tell.
A movement within Arizona’s Republican Party promotes private school vouchers, opposes some local bonds, and seeks to eliminate campus social workers. A host of nonprofits have also emerged since the pandemic that are largely funded by social conservatives. They focus on parental rights and allege schools have strayed from core responsibilities, even to the point of “indoctrinating” students.
Some parents and educators worry those culture wars threaten to marginalize students.
“We want our kids to go to school, feel comfortable, feel safe and know they’re all welcome,” said Davis, the incumbent.
Earlier this year a Valley superintendent of another large district decried what he called “false narratives” that originate on conservative cable news programs and seep into board meetings and onto social media chatrooms.
“My kids will watch a board meeting and say, what are they talking about? I ask them, is that happening in your classroom? And they say no!” Davis said.
“This is not what most parents in Mesa feel”
While Davis, Chilton, and Chafee acknowledge the district has challenges, they believe a hysteria has taken over the district.
“When we have school board members who promote conspiracy theories and lies about our district, then people believe it’s happening on our campuses,” Chafee said. The mother of five graduated from Mesa Public Schools.
“I think sometimes we have mistaken the influence of teachers for the indoctrination by teachers,” she said.
Chilton, a coordinator at the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Office, said he decided to run for the board when he witnessed a tense board meeting in February. People provided public comment about critical race theory and LGBTQ policies. Speakers condemned leaders and board members, often using religious language.
“We even had a pastor here from out of state, getting clicks on YouTube,” Chilton said. “People were cheering, and I said this is not what most parents in Mesa feel. This does not represent the parents I know who have kids in schools.”
Steele and Benson are also vying for seats
The other two candidates running are Republicans Ed Steele and Sharon Benson, who both received the endorsement of the local Republican precinct. Benson is a teacher in the district’s gifted and talented program. Steele is a retired engineer whose children attended school in the district. 12News did not receive a response from them for comment about this story.
Both candidates tout on their campaign websites the endorsement of sitting board member Rachel Walden. Walden – who has promoted conspiracies on a range of issues - sued the district over its “Guidelines for Support of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students”. A judge ruled the lawsuit had no standing.
Walden has also reposted tweets by state legislator Justin Heap suggesting Arizona schools are flush with cash. In fact, Arizona schools are near the bottom nationally in per-pupil spending, class sizes and student to counselor ratios. Districts are waiting on a judge’s decision after suing the legislature for alleged lack of facilities funds.
Steele says if elected, he will advocate for parental rights and “listen compassionately and act responsively.”
Benson says, “I am passionate about education as I know it is the foundation needed for every child to reach their individual potential.”
The next board will face crucial decisions, including the replacement of its superintendent who just announced she will retire.