Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona Endorses Butts, Castro-Corral, and Gonzalez for Roosevelt School Board; Shaw for Tucson School Board
Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 23, 2024) — Today Our, Voice Our Vote Arizona (OVOV AZ) endorsed three school board candidates for Roosevelt Elementary School District in Phoenix: Michael Butts, Victoria Castro-Corral, and James Anthony Gonzalez. The power-building nonprofit organization also endorsed a fourth candidate, Sadie Shaw, for the Governing Board of the Tucson Unified School District.
“We have to stop the MAGA takeover of Phoenix public schools,” said Sena Mohammed, executive director of Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona. “Far-right Republicans are trying to seize power in our school districts so they can carry out an extreme agenda that the majority of Arizonans don’t support. As an alumni of the Roosevelt Elementary School District, I know what it feels like to be in a school that is underfunded and underserved — and that’s why I personally care about this race. We can do better for the kids in our communities than book bans, toxic in-fighting, whitewashing American history, and fearmongering about LGBTQ students. Unlike their MAGA opponents, Michael Butts, Victoria Castro-Corral, James Anthony Gonzalez, and Sadie Shaw will put aside political ideology to do what’s best for kids, families, and communities. Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona proudly endorses their candidacy, and we urge voters to support them this November.”
Michael Butts is an educator advocating for increasing school funding to boost teacher salaries and invest in physical and mental health programs. Learn more about his campaign at www.electmdb.com.
Victoria Castro-Corral is a college advisor and Phoenix native passionate about fighting for equal opportunity for students at all levels. As a board member, Victoria plans to champion community engagement and a student-focused agenda. Learn more about Victoria at www.victoria4roosevelt.com.
James Anthony Gonzalez is a Roosevelt school graduate who plans to prioritize excellent education, great pay and benefits for teachers, and ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. Learn more about James at gonzalez4roosevelt.com.
Sadie Shaw is an artist, activist, and current TUSD board member running for reelection. Her priorities include enhanced access to arts education, transparency and accountability regarding district resources, and re-investment in essential programs to close the achievement gap. Learn more about Sadie's campaign at https://www.shaw4tusd.com.
“As our public schools continue to be under attack in Arizona we must have leaders on our school board who are pro-public education and believe in every student's right to a safe, equitable, and quality learning experience,” said Shelley Jackson, President of the Roosevelt Elementary School District Governing Board. “The MAGA extremist slate which is backed by Trump's group Moms for Liberty is a danger to the progress made in Roosevelt School District and doesn't represent the values of the south side. Our community deserves better and can find that in candidates Victoria Castro-Corral, Michael D. Butts, and James Gonzalez. In a state that currently underfunds and deprioritizes public education, elected school board members are filling in the gaps every day and serve as the first line of defense to ensure students and staff have what they need to succeed.”
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Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona is a member-led organization, committed to advocating for sustainable progressive public policies that address the most pressing issues in our communities. We build power by mobilizing voters, training the next generation of leaders, electing champions into office, and holding elected officials accountable. We work to empower our communities by putting people first to ensure all voices are heard. Learn more about Our Voice, Our Vote at www.ourvoiceourvote.us and follow on social media at @OVOV_AZ.
