The Kyrene School District Governing Board held a changing of the guard at its first meeting of the 2025 calendar year on Jan. 14, swearing in three new board members. 

At the board meeting, State Sen.Mitzi Epstein swore in new members Amy Satre and Bunny “Ruth” Davis, and Tempe City Councilmember Berdetta Hodge swore in new member Cedric Collins, according to a district release. Collins, Davis and Satre join current board members Triné Nelson and Kevin Walsh.

Board members also elected their 2025 leadership team. Current Board President Walsh accepted a nomination by Collins to continue serving as president. Collins also nominated member Nelson to serve as vice president. The board unanimously approved both nominations, the release stated. 

The changes coincide with National School Board Recognition Month, and Superintendent Laura Toenjes took the opportunity to recognize board members for their service to students and schools.

“This is a time to honor the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their time and vision to shaping the future of education in our community,” Toenjes said at the meeting. “We are fortunate to have such dedicated advocates for education, and I look forward to seeing how this team will make a lasting impact on our district for years to come.”

The Kyrene Governing Board presides over 25 Kyrene schools, serving Ahwatukee, Chandler, Tempe, Guadalupe and the Gila River Indian Reservation. 

The board is authorized under Arizona law to adopt policies for the organization and is responsible for the evaluation of the Superintendent and the governance of the district.

To learn more about the Kyrene governing board, visit www.kyrene.org/governingboard.