Zimmerman takes Liberty schools leadership amid Parks resignation

By Mary Goldmeer
Mail

Kellie Zimmerman has assumed the role of vice president of the Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board following the resignation of former board president Bryan Parks.

In a special meeting on Feb. 20, the governing board met to determine who would take leadership roles after Parks stepped down. Kellie Zimmerman was nominated for Park's former role but the motion failed. She was then approved for the role of vice president in a 3-1 vote with Kristopher Kenyon voting against Zimmerman taking his leadership position. The move follows months of public pressure and calls for leadership changes within the district.

The liberty elementary school board will continue to act without a current school board president until the role can be agreed on by standing members.  

Zimmerman was only recently sworn into the board in November 2024 but has been active in the district community for years through the Parent-Teacher Organization and the district’s political action committee.

“I look forward to representing our community and ensuring that our district prioritizes students in every decision,” said Zimmerman. “Our students and teachers are the heartbeat of Liberty, and I am dedicated to reflecting their voices and perspectives.”

At the district’s February board meeting, community members filled the Jerry Rovey District Facility, voicing concerns about district governance. Of the 20 registered speakers during the public comment section, 17 called for the resignation of Superintendent Court Monroe, Board President Bryan Parks and Vice President Kris Kenyon.

“I have never seen a boardroom like this. It is incredible that you care enough about your child’s education and the direction of this district to teach your children about civic responsibility and their right to protest,” said Zimmerman.

Concerns raised by educators and parents included staff cuts in the district’s education services department, financial mismanagement, increasing class sizes and allegations of intimidation tactics by district leadership.

Amid continued community efforts, recall campaigns have gained traction. Former board member Paul Jensen, part of a growing team of 100 volunteers, announced a campaign to collect the required 2,126 signatures to recall Parks, who has since resigned, and 2,950 signatures to recall Kenyon. The deadline for signature collection is June 3.

“I am not aware of a successful governing board recall election in the state of Arizona getting the required signatures to make it happen is a lot of hard work, however we will knock on the required thousands of doors to spread the word of the mismanagement,” Jensen said.

With Parks’ departure, the Liberty Elementary School District now has a vacant board seat. Applications are open until Feb. 25 at 4 p.m. The district has outlined a selection process, including a community forum on Feb. 26, after which the Maricopa County school superintendent will make an official appointment.

Notable figures, including former board member Paul Bixler and electoral candidate Doni Bond, are expected to apply for the vacancy. The final appointment will be announced following candidate vetting and interviews conducted by Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs and county staff.

The Liberty Elementary School District Governing Board is scheduled to meet again on Feb. 26, where leadership vacancies and ongoing community concerns will be leading the discussion. 

For more information and to view board meeting recordings, visit liberty25.org.