SE Valley Times

Moms for Liberty has endorsed Russ Rowlands in his race for a seat on the Kyrene School District Governing Board. Early voting began on October 9 and extends through November 1 for the November 5 general election.

In a September guest piece for the Ahwatukee Foothills News, Rowlands wrote that he wants to serve on the Governing Board "to serve as a check and balance against undisciplined spending by focusing on fiscal responsibility and academics. KSD has millions of dollars through state and federal funding. We have to be more diligent and intentional in our spending decisions on how we use taxpayer dollars."

Rowlands' four primary goals for improving Kyrene School District are ensuring that reading and math proficiency are above 50 percent at every school, increasing student retention, increasing staff retention, and developing self-sufficient and socially and economically capable students by promoting curricula focused on reading, writing, math, and history.

"My financial experience will assist the board in continuing stability in our budgets and help determine the best placement of funds to increase the student proficiency levels," Rowlands said on his qualifications. "My 40 years of experience of bringing individuals together to accomplish a common goal is a value that will help our team to succeed in providing to our teachers and students the very best experience and growth in their lives."  

Rowlands holds a BSBA degree from Northern Arizona University. He is retired, and he currently serves as a habilitations coordinator for special-needs children. He and his wife have three children, including one stepson.

Per the Kyrene School District Governing Board's website, the Board comprises five members. Terms are four years and staggered so that two or three members are elected every two years.

Moms for Liberty is a parental-rights-in-education advocacy group founded by Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich, two former school board members. According to their website, "Moms for Liberty is dedicated to fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government."