Leanna Deking, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

(did not participate)

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Eloyce Gillespie, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

I am inspired to run for office because I believe continuous and consistent improvement in schools benefits our society as a whole. I have a background in all facets of education, including leadership and finance. I am a former teacher. I attended public school and all of my children continue to be educated in public schools. I want to create a district that is responsive to the educational needs of families seeking a setting that delivers a world class education and prepares students for the future.

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Ryan Heap, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

My wife and I moved to our home in Gilbert in 2007 because it is in CUSD boundaries. We have 4 kids, the oldest just graduated HS. The district’s enrollment has been steadily declining, most markedly during the pandemic. Yes Chandler is land locked and yes median home prices have risen considerably but neighboring charter schools are seeing triple digit percentage growth. I hope to make CUSD parents’ first choice again through:
1) Safety and accountability for ALL
2) Partnering with parents
3) Focusing on academics AND vocations

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Claudia Mendoza, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

My inspiration to run for office is deeply rooted in my passion for education and my commitment to serving my community. Over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in the lives of students. My experience as an educator has shown me the importance of strong leadership, supportive environments, and equitable opportunities for all students. I have been inspired by the resilience and potential of our students, the dedication of our teachers, and the vital role that families and communities play in the educational journey. Seeing the challenges and opportunities within our school district, I felt a calling to step up and contribute more directly to shaping policies and making decisions that impact our schools. I am driven by a desire to ensure that every student receives the high-quality education they deserve, that teachers are supported with the resources they need, and that diverse perspectives are embraced to create a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. Running for office is my way of advocating for positive change and making a lasting impact on our community's future.

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Barb Mozdzen (Incumbent), Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

All three of my children attended Chandler schools from Kindergarten through High School graduation. The outstanding education they received inspired me to run for the CUSD Governing Board to ensure that all students receive outstanding educational opportunities in Chandler schools. High-quality education prepares students for careers, entrepreneurship, and employment, which in turn provides long-term benefits for our families, community, businesses, and society as a whole. I care deeply about the students in our district, and I want to continue to enhance and uplift educational opportunities for all.

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Zeyna Pruzhanovsky, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

I was inspired to run to make a positive impact on all of our Chandler Unified School District communities. As a CUSD mom and a public-school educator for 10 years, my classroom experience would bring a teacher’s perspective into the board’s decision making, allowing our educators to thrive and elevating education for our students. My data-informed approach to problem solving would benefit the district in promoting successful achievement for all students. Vital to maintaining a strong, diverse workforce, the education provided by Chandler Unified School District benefits the City of Chandler as well as surrounding communities. With a bachelor's degree in Business, I understand the importance of education in the economic capacity of a community; I hope to maintain CUSD as Arizona’s number one school district, Preserving the legacy of the district, which is the second largest employer in Chandler, is vital for our economy and continued centralized growth.

Leanna Deking, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

(did not participate)

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Eloyce Gillespie, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

The role of government is to manage the municipality by providing opportunities for businesses to grow and providing a safe and secure area for community members. As a School Board Member, it would be my duty to ensure that Chandler Unified provides an educational setting that matches the expectations of the community.

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Ryan Heap, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

Government plays a large role in our lives both bad and good. In the context of the CUSD governing board, the board approves the annual budget, can select the superintendent, can create policies that all drive the experience of the administrators, teachers, students and parents. My top priority is to align the district’s budget and policies that will pave a brighter future for CUSD. I aim to reverse the enrollment decline. I aim to reassert CUSD as the premiere education choice of Chandler/Gilbert parents. I aim to maximize every CUSD student's opportunities of a successful and productive life post HS.

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Claudia Mendoza, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

I perceive the role of government as a vital entity in ensuring the well-being and development of its citizens through the creation and enforcement of policies that promote equality, justice, and opportunity. The government should act as a facilitator, providing the necessary resources and support to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and public safety while fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive. It should be accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs and concerns of the people it serves. My top priority, if elected, is to enhance the quality of education in our community. This includes advocating for student-centered leadership, expanding teacher resources, and embracing diverse perspectives to create an inclusive and supportive educational environment. By focusing on these areas, I aim to ensure that every student has access to a high-quality education, teachers are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed, and our schools reflect the rich diversity of our community, preparing students for a bright and equitable future.

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Barb Mozdzen (Incumbent), Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

Government’s role is to support communities through the development and maintenance of infrastructure, education of children, protection of property and citizens, and to encourage an environment where citizens can thrive. As part of a government entity tasked with the education of students within the Chandler school district, my top priority is to ensure that our students are provided with a high-quality education so every child can reach their full potential. This not only requires students to be ready to learn when they arrive at school, but also requires keeping our students safe, providing an environment where our students can thrive, and providing the infrastructure necessary for educating students, including facilities that enhance 21st-century learning and outstanding teachers and staff. Students must not only learn rigorous academics but also critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills, adaptability, empathy, and citizenship to become productive members of our workforce and society.

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Zeyna Pruzhanovsky, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

The role of government is to provide a safe community, where services are provided for the economic growth and prosperity of its community members. Government should prioritize strong partnerships with businesses and constant collaboration with the business community to ensure economic prosperity and overall heightened well-being of the community. As a school board member, the educational needs of the CUSD community must be priority, which include expansive curriculum, data-driven educational decisions, and workforce development programs that directly benefit the business community in Chandler. Guiding the governing board with the CUSD community at the forefront is my top priority, which would in turn benefit the community of Chandler as a whole.

Leanna Deking, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

(did not participate)

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Eloyce Gillespie, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

The Chandler Chamber is the future for Chandler Unified students. By partnering with the Chamber in various capacities, students from preschool to high school can experience and have a vision of why school is important.

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Ryan Heap, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

With TSMC building their fabs in AZ, there is a tremendous opportunity to raise up the next generation of talent in the technical space to meet the labor demand. I would love to see more offerings in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) arena that allow students training in clean room techniques, to have digital design engineering classes, and to create more HS internships for students with these tech companies.

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Claudia Mendoza, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

If elected, I would embody the values of the Chandler Chamber by actively promoting and supporting the principles of community engagement, economic development, and educational excellence. I believe in the power of community and the importance of building strong relationships between schools, families, businesses, and local organizations. I would foster open communication and collaboration among all stakeholders, ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and considered in decision-making processes. By engaging with various community groups and attending local events, I would work to strengthen the bond between our schools and the broader Chandler community.

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Barb Mozdzen (Incumbent), Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

The Chandler Chamber provides leadership to the business community and offers leadership development programs. In my 15-year tenure as a Governing Board Member, I have been President for 7 years. My experience and leadership skills will be vitally important to the district due to my Board colleagues each having less than 2 years of experience governing the district. Helping my colleagues through mentoring, detail-oriented leadership, and collaboration will assist them in their journey as school board members. The Chamber also is known for collaboration and integrity. I will continue to collaborate with business leaders, the community, and parents to ensure our students have the skills needed to enroll in higher education, enlist, become employed, or become entrepreneurs after graduation. Embracing workforce development opportunities collaboratively with community partners is important to help our students become invested in our community. My emphasis on fiscal responsibility and transparency also embodies the values of the Chandler Chamber.

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Zeyna Pruzhanovsky, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

I participated last year in all the Chandler Chamber’s “How We Stand Round Table” sessions. This year, I attended the “Education”, “Growth and Land Use”, and “Energy, Water, Utilities & Environment” sessions. For the past two years I have sought to understand the perspective of our Chandler Chamber and how business development and education can work in a partnership. Through listening in the various Round Table sessions, I have a picture of how the Chamber wants the City of Chandler to succeed and who the stakeholders are. I am a strong supporter of business development. Listening to the business needs through the Chamber will enable our students to be prepared to enter high quality careers. Growing a diverse community is important for continued economic vitality, which includes providing success for all students. The Chandler Chamber values the diverse, quality education that attracts people from all over the world to the number one district in the state, CUSD.

Leanna Deking, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

(did not participate)

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Eloyce Gillespie, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

The Chamber endorsement will help me win the race because I view the membership as partners. The Chamber members have a voice and a following. It is my hope they would take my message of creating the best school district for over 40,000 students and around 5,000 staff and help me earn their trust to know that I will absolutely do what is best for kids.

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Ryan, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

I see the Chandler Chamber’s endorsement as a massive networking opportunity. To grow CUSD’s CTE in the technical space will require partnering with private companies, with community colleges, educators and policy makers at various levels.

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Claudia Nendoza, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

The Chandler Chamber is a respected organization committed to promoting economic growth and community development. Their endorsement testifies to my qualifications, vision, and ability to positively impact our school district. This approval assures voters that my platform aligns with the values and priorities of an organization deeply understanding local issues and needs. Overall, the Chandler Chamber’s endorsement is a valuable asset that will strengthen my campaign by enhancing my credibility, providing essential support, and increasing my visibility, all of which are crucial for winning the race and effectively serving our community.

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Barb Mozdzen (Incumbent), Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

The Chandler Chamber is well known for its ability to vet their endorsements thoroughly and completely, looking for candidates who can perform the responsibilities of the elected position competently and with integrity. This endorsement will provide additional visibility for me as a candidate, along with Chamber recognition that I am a candidate that has met their high standards for endorsement. My promotional materials would include the Chandler Chamber endorsement. Our community values and respects the endorsement of the Chandler Chamber, and it helps community members decide who to vote for. I would be incredibly honored to earn the endorsement from the Chandler Chamber.

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Zeyna Pruzhanovsky, Candidate for CUSD Governing Board

The Chamber’s endorsement would signify to the community that I am cognizant of the relationship a quality education can provide to the business workforce and enhance my goal to continue the educational attainment of our community for all our students. It would be an honor to receive the Chandler Chamber’s endorsement for the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board.