Liberty board member resigns during meeting

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

Paul Bixler resigned halfway through her final meeting as a member of the Liberty Elementary School District governing board on Monday, Dec. 16, marking the end of her four-year term.

Bixler, who joined the board in 2020, brought more than three decades of experience in public education. Born in Akron, Ohio, she moved to Phoenix in 1955 and later pursued a career that included service in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. After graduating from Arizona State University’s School of Education in 1976, she worked as a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and administrator.

She described her educational philosophy as emphasizing and providing a free and appropriate education.

“I’m proud to say that I’m a professional public-school educator. I will always be unabashedly proud to declare that I am one of you,” Bixler said.

In her farewell remarks, Bixler reflected on the board’s progress during her term and addressed the personal challenges she faced.

“My simple presence on the governing board is evidence of encouragement and empowerment for the children that are otherwise disenfranchised,” Bixler said.

She also noted the challenges of being a transgender woman in public office.

“It is clear that my consistent advocacy, positivity, experience, and professionalism were far less of a consideration than my being a transgender woman,” Bixler said. “What I say, do, and vote meant far less than what I wear.”

Bixler, who received 15.92% of the vote in the most recent election, spoke directly to the voters and community, who supported her. “To my sisters and brothers who truly share the belief in the sanctity of equal privacy, safety, and access to free public education for all children, I am sorry that my value—my very best—was not good enough,” Bixler said. 

After her farewell speech, Bixler walked out of the board meeting and resigned.

Peers of Bixler, former school board president Mark Aguirre and former board member Paul Jensen, spoke during public comment.

“The lady who walked out of here, Ms. Bixler, that’s what leadership looks like,” Aguirre said. He also criticized board members who he claimed pressured Bixler to step down because of her gender expression.

“I don’t think there’s a board member in Arizona that has taken more harsh criticism than Paul Bixler. She joined the board, knowing that many people would misunderstand her for who she was, but also knew that she could bring a wealth of knowledge, passion for education and desire to help every student through public education,” Jensen said. “Ms. Bixler has demonstrated her commitment by taking unfounded criticism for who she is, not what she believes and is doing for public education.” 

Bixler’s farewell was met with a standing ovation from the audience with no further comments by her current peers on the board.

Bixler’s seat was filled by Sarah Schmidt on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

Visit liberty25.org for more information or attend the next board meeting on Monday, Jan. 13.