Kyrene candidate wants to serve district that invested in him
Franklin Zyriek: Students must have the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century
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Franklin Zyriek
Submitted photo/ Zyriek campaign
As Election Day Approaches
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OPINION — I’m Franklin Zyriek, a candidate for the Kyrene School District Governing Board. I am honored to be endorsed by the Kyrene Education Association, Kyrene’s professional teachers’ organization, Save Our Schools and others.
Kyrene schools helped shape who I am and provided me with the skills to succeed. I am running for the governing board to give back to the community and district that invested in me. At a time when public schools face serious challenges related to funding and red tape, Kyrene needs leadership that advocates for students and staff. While tough decisions cannot be avoided, I will always ask, “How will this decision affect children in the classroom?” I learned this principle from my grandparents, who worked in public education for decades.
Kyrene has a responsibility to educate every child within its boundaries. Board members must ensure the district uses funds responsibly while giving every student the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. My master’s degree in public policy, along with experience as a Salt River Project analyst and U.S. Senate policy staffer, has equipped me with the analytical and collaborative skills needed to manage budgets, balance diverse viewpoints, and move Kyrene forward.
As technology continues to develop, Kyrene must ensure students have the tools to succeed in the 21st century. I support the responsible use of emerging technologies, including 3-D printers, virtual reality and artificial intelligence, to strengthen critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.
Kyrene has faced significant financial challenges, including the difficult decision to close six schools over two academic years. No one, myself included, wanted those closures. I attended public hearings on consolidation and heard from passionate Kyrene parents, students, educators, and community members.
As the district determines how to use the affected land and buildings, I support Kyrene retaining ownership and control. If elected, I will consider uses that preserve open space, benefit taxpayers and keep these sites available for future educational use if demographics change. Keeping these assets in Kyrene’s hands will protect the community’s long-term investment and preserve the district’s options.
Community members also raised concerns about communication during the consolidation process. Transparency is essential to building trust. I will work with district leaders to ensure the community has opportunities to provide input before important decisions are made and that final decisions are clearly explained.
A strong Kyrene education opens doors of opportunity for every child. If elected, I will build on Kyrene’s strengths in academics, gifted education and the arts while exploring opportunities such as middle school dual enrollment. My goal is to ensure every school offers a high-quality experience that attracts and retains students.
I have the skills to hit the ground running on day one. I hope to earn your vote on Nov. 3. Visit franklinforkyrene.com to learn more.
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