FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: District Union Political Action Committee (PAC) Agenda
As a candidate for the Paradise Valley School Board, I recently received an email from a district union Political Action Committee (PAC) congratulating me for qualifying for the November 2024 ballot (which is interesting, because no Arizona school board candidates have had the opportunity to submit their candidate petitions to qualify for the ballot yet) and inviting me to participate in their questionnaire to be considered for their endorsement. The name of this PAC is "Paradise Valley Fund for Children PAC", but is their focus really children?
This PAC funded candidates in 2022 that recently voted to close Desert Springs Prep Elementary, Sunset Canyon Elementary and Vista Verde Middle School. The recommendation to close these schools arose out of the School Closure and Boundary Review Committee that violated Open Meeting Law and the public’s trust by holding secret, closed door meetings throughout 2023 and waited to reveal their recommendation until December, after the record $340 million dollar district bond was narrowly approved by voters. The committee members included several district union representatives that participated in the secret meetings.
I refuse to seek the endorsement or campaign funds from district unions or contractors because I seek to represent all stakeholders, including all teachers, not just those in the union. I will vote to give staff members that opted to not be in the union a seat at the table for contract negotiations and district committees.
The PAC's questionnaire focuses on questions about their power and influence in the district, as well as district funding, like the questions below. There were no questions about declining enrollment, school closures or raising academic achievement - key issues plaguing the district.
I am running to change the culture at Paradise Valley Unified School District. I will restore Transparency, Accountability and Trust in PV Schools. To join my campaign, please sign my petition to get me on the November ballot and consider donating to my campaign. To sign my petition, please email me at Eddy@EddyJackson.com. I accept donations through Venmo (@EddyJackson) and Zelle (Eddy@EddyJackson.com).
Eddy Jackson, Candidate for Paradise Valley School Board
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