By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Candidates for the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board answered voter questions at a forum on the east side on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
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Community members asked questions covering school closures, AI, the budget, test scores, and school safety.
Questions around school closures come as the district said recently that it may close up to 10 schools.
The event was organized by the League of Women Voters and two local unions.
Attendees discuss forum’s purpose
Paul Karlowicz, a retired district teacher, said it is important for voters to listen to candidates rather than vote based on name recognition.
“It’s usually based upon who has the biggest signs, and oftentimes that gets the community into trouble,” Karlowicz said.
Karlowicz saw that happen during his tenure as president of the Tucson Education Association.
“Those that aren’t particularly knowledgeable about the issues and run on name recognition, often get co-opted by central administration,” Karlowicz said.
Zane Campbell, a field representative for AFSCME 449, said the union wanted community members involved in the process.
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“We thought it was really important for union members, community, family, and even students to come out to get this chance to ask questions,” Campbell said.
Campbell said the district faces several issues, including school closures and building safety. AFSCME represents around 600 TUSD employees.
“When we negotiate contracts, at the end of the day – that goes to the board,” Campbell said.
Five candidates running for two seats
Five candidates are running for two seats on the board — including two incumbent candidates who currently hold those seats.
Four of the candidates attended the forum on Tuesday. Candidate Jennifer Eckstrom did not make it and sent the following statement:
“I am unable to attend tonight’s forum because I have a previously scheduled work commitment. In my previous experience with the League of Women Voters, they provided much more advanced notice. I was not able to rearrange my schedule with two weeks’ notice.”
Around 25 people attended the forum.
Isabela Lisco is aReport for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and theArizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.
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