Growth, teacher retention top concerns for Queen Creek school board candidates

By Janet Perez
Mail | X: @AzNewsmedia

A growing town, retaining teachers and providing a strong and varied curriculum for students are some of the main issues the candidates for the Queen Creek Unified School District Governing Board are focused on.

Four candidates are running for two seats on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 ballot.

Samantha Davis, who currently serves as president of the board, is running for reelection. She has been on the governing board since 2018.

Current board member Kelli Anderson will be running for her first full term after being appointed in 2025.

They are being challenged by Michael Romero and Sarah Purcell.

The Queen Creek Independent sent out a questionnaire to all four candidates to learn about their thoughts on the issues facing QCUSD.

Kelli Anderson

Kelli Anderson

Submitted

Age: 44

Employment: Turning Point Action

Community involvement: Precinct committeeman, community organizer, voter aide

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges QCUSD is facing? Queen Creek is still growing, so our district continues to see increasing enrollment numbers. This is not going to be the case for much longer, so we must start planning for the near future when we, too, will be fighting to earn those enrollments by making our district the best possible choice. We need to be proactive in our governance, always striving to improve our schools and make our district the most appealing choice to the families in our community. We do that by improving our educational outcomes, providing our teachers with the best curriculum free from ideological biases, and earning the trust of our community. As we see steadily declining public education enrollment numbers, we must be innovative in our approach and start looking ahead at how to meet the needs of our future students, including those who have chosen to leave our district for different educational opportunities. In short, although I am an absolute school choice advocate, I believe that QCUSD is capable of thriving in this environment as long as the district continues to improve outcomes and earn back the trust of those who have stepped away.

In what ways is QCUSD making an impact on students? The goal of education is to prepare the next generation to take over our infrastructure, medical care, education system, government and the trades. QCUSD is always looking for ways to improve the available options to reach this goal. QCUSD has identified shortfalls in the educational outcomes and has cultivated a plan to address these issues through hiring additional highly qualified teachers, providing better curriculum and adjusting their approach when necessary. Education should always be student-centered, and QCUSD does a good job of adjusting their approach to achieve this goal.

Why did you decide to run? After each of my children was underserved in this district causing our family to choose to educate at home, I wanted to make a change for other families who may have experienced the same issues. Although my family does not personally benefit from my work in the district, the kids who are experiencing the changes are going to be my children’s professional peers. I want to see the most educated kids cross the stage every May, ready to apply their critical thinking skills and prepare to take control of our nation. As a community, we will all benefit from the achievements — or suffer from the failures — of our education system. I hope to help improve that outcome for the families our district serves, and for the taxpayers who fund it. 

Why should residents vote for you? Education is my passion, because it is the bedrock of our nation. Our nation will succeed or fail depending on the quality of education our next generation receives. Families trust our schools with their children’s young, malleable minds, and we should not take that lightly. My goal is to make our district known for enriched learning and outcomes, not awards and gold stars. We have some of the most passionate and talented teachers in our district who just need the right tools and environment to help every student thrive in their own way. I will continue to require fiscal transparency, seek enriching curriculum and help cultivate a safe learning environment for children to grow in. My goal is to make our district known for producing the most innovative, driven and intellectually adept graduates in our state. 

 I believe deeply in working to restore the trust that families once had in public education, and in my opinion, that means removing politics and restoring education in the classroom. I am working hard to make sure that what is put before each child has educational value but is free from ideological sway. It means involving parents in decisions on what their children should and should not be exposed to and showing respect for their roles in their own children's lives.  

I want to see our teachers happy and thriving in our district. This means that we always need to ensure that we have the best leaders in place at each school. Leaders who create an environment where teachers can show up each day and apply their passion for education in their classrooms. I want teachers in our district to feel safe and secure expressing what they love in our district, but also, what needs improvement. No teacher should be made to feel as though they will be a "problem" if they speak up. I never want to see a great teacher feel compelled to leave our district for a better opportunity, because I want our schools to be the best opportunity for them.  

Finally, education should always be student focused. Although the accolades that our district has are wonderful, I am more interested in improving literacy rates and ensuring that each child who walks across one of our stages at the end of the year has been prepared, to the best of our ability, for the next step in their lives. It means preparing students to be college ready if their chosen profession requires a degree. That means honoring our partnership with EVIT and helping to provide incredible opportunities for (career and technical education) students. It means partnering with local businesses to provide opportunities for internships, workshops and educational opportunities outside the classroom. It means having the best coaches for our sports, leaders for our clubs and parents on our PTO. We must always be seeking more opportunities for the fine arts and sports and make sure that we cultivate quality programs for the families that we serve. 

We must always focus on what is best for each student and provide the absolute best support systems to help each student achieve their highest potential outcome. When we focus on the students, we focus on what's important. 

Samantha Davis

Samantha Davis

Submitted

Community involvement: QCUSD Governing Board member for eight years; Queen Creek Schools Education Foundation member for nine years; active involvement in our local schools and community, and service with the youth group in my church.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges QCUSD is facing? I feel that one of the biggest challenges QCUSD has faced over the past eight years and continues to face is managing the growth in our community. We have to constantly keep pace with new housing developments and make sure our schools are adequately staffed, our facilities are ready — and when we build a new school that it opens on time and on budget.

We also operate in a very competitive educational environment with more than 20 charter schools within our district boundaries. I am not opposed to charter schools. In fact, I believe competition can lead to better outcomes for students. But as a governing board, we have to continually earn the trust of families by providing excellent schools, strong academics and opportunities that make families want to choose QCUSD. I welcome that challenge because, ultimately, competition pushes all of us to keep improving and doing what is best for students.

In what ways is QCUSD making an impact on students? QCUSD is making a tremendous impact by providing students with opportunities to succeed both academically and beyond the classroom. Our schools offer strong academics, career and technical education, fine arts, athletics, clubs and leadership opportunities that help students discover their strengths and prepare for life after high school. I’m especially proud of the commitment our teachers and staff make every day to know their students, support them and help them reach their potential.

Why did you decide to run? I decided to run for reelection because I believe strongly in our schools and in the future of our community. I have had the privilege of serving on the QCUSD Governing Board for eight years, and I have seen firsthand the incredible work being done by our teachers, staff and families. As a parent of two QCUSD students, these decisions are personal to me. I want to continue bringing a parent’s perspective, fiscal responsibility and a student-first approach to the governing board.

Why should residents vote for you? Residents should vote for me because I have a proven record of service and experience, and I understand the responsibility that comes with serving on a school board. For eight years, I have worked to put students first, support our teachers and staff, maintain fiscal responsibility and make decisions based on what is best for the long-term success of our district. I’m running because I love this community, believe in our schools and want to continue working to make QCUSD even stronger for the next generation of students.

Sarah Purcell

Sarah Purcell

Submitted

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges QCUSD is facing? Our biggest challenge right now comes down to fast growth, tight budgets and keeping up the quality our kids deserve. Queen Creek is booming, and our schools have to keep up with more students filling the classrooms, all while acknowledging that many families from neighboring towns are interested in sending their children to our district. On top of that, rising costs and changing state funding make it tough to pay our teachers what they deserve and keep our facilities in top shape. Another big area we need to work on is communication. When parents are left in the dark about how decisions or budget choices are made, it erodes trust. We need open conversations, clear budgeting and genuine community involvement, so families feel confident that every choice we make puts our kids first.

In what ways is QCUSD making an impact on students? QCUSD really shines when it comes to great academic options, dedicated teachers and giving kids room to find their passions. Our career and technical education programs are fantastic because they give students real, hands-on experience for future careers. Combined with strong programs in the arts, sports and clubs, kids get a truly well-rounded experience. Having spent years as a music teacher in the district, I saw firsthand how these activities build a child's confidence and self-belief. I watched my children benefit from many different programs during their years in QCUSD schools. We also do a great job offering extra support in core subjects like reading and math for students who need a little extra help. Across the district, our campuses are working hard to build welcoming spaces where student voices and creativity are celebrated.

Why did you decide to run? I decided to run because I spent over 15 years in this district as both a teacher and a parent, and I have watched it transform over time. I want to use that real-world experience to help guide us into the future. Watching our rapid growth and financial hurdles create uncertainty made me realize we need leadership that plans responsibly and communicates clearly. Our community deserves leaders who listen, ask tough questions and make decisions based on what is best for students rather than politics. I am running to restore trust, support our hard-working teachers and make sure every dollar directly benefits our kids. Queen Creek is growing fast, and I want to help build a district where parents feel heard, teachers feel valued and every student gets the chance to succeed.

Why should residents vote for you? I bring a practical, student-first mindset paired with a strong commitment to responsible spending. I will work to ensure our tax dollars are used wisely, that we plan carefully for future growth and that our classrooms have everything they need. Having spent years teaching in the district, raising my own kids through Queen Creek schools and working in business and technical fields, I bring a unique, well-rounded perspective to the table. I understand what happens on the ground in our classrooms, as well as how to solve complex operational problems. Above all, I will be an advocate for our families and teachers. I believe in open doors and policies that reflect our community values. Every choice I make will come down to one simple question: Does this help our students thrive? If you want a board member who listens, leads with integrity and puts kids first every single day, I would be honored to have your vote.

Michael Romero

Michael Romero

Submitted

Employment: Clinical manager for Stryker

Community involvement: QCUSD Financial Advisory Committee

 In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges QCUSD is facing? One of the primary challenges facing QCUSD is student retention amidst growing competition from charter, private, schools out of our district and home school options. Every student who leaves takes critical state per-pupil funding with them, directly impacting district resources and class sizes in our rapidly growing community.

Equally critical is ensuring classroom safety and effective behavior management. Over the past six months of knocking on doors across the Queen Creek school district, a consistent concern I hear from parents is school safety and classroom discipline. Some families have even left the district after struggling with unaddressed bullying. When behavior issues go unresolved, it undermines trust in our schools. Creating safe, disciplined environments where students feel secure and teachers are supported with clear, enforced behavior standards is essential to retaining our local families and restoring confidence in QCUSD.

In what ways is QCUSD making an impact on students? QCUSD is making an impact by consistently outperforming state averages in math and reading proficiency, establishing a strong foundation for student success. The district offers CTE and STEM pathways that equip students with real-world skills and industry certifications for immediate high-demand careers. At the same time, rigorous advanced coursework prepares students pursuing university and professional degrees. Beyond the classroom, QCUSD’s extracurricular programs raise academic focus, leadership and personal growth, ensuring our graduates are well-rounded and prepared for the future.

 Why did you decide to run? I’m running because I believe deeply in the promise of public education; it has shaped my life and career. As a former educator who transitioned to the private sector to better support my family, I understand both the daily challenges teachers face in the classroom and the operational accountability needed in leadership. With my children having gone through Queen Creek schools, I now have the time, perspective and commitment to give back to the district that served my family. I want the same opportunity for all the families in our Queen Creek school district community.

Why should residents vote for you? Residents should vote for me because governing a school district requires both classroom insight and strong operational leadership. Having served as a teacher and department chair, as well as working in the financial and medical private sectors, I bridge the gap between educational needs and operational and fiscal accountability. I bring a proven track record of successful team collaboration, a tireless work ethic and a commitment to representing all families as we work together to strengthen our Queen Creek school district public schools.

Janet Perez
News Editor | Queen Creek & San Tan Valley

jperez@iniusa.org

Meet Janet
Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State  University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.

Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.

Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science. 

Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.  

Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.