A perspective from every side of the classroom.

I'm honored to be a candidate for the Governing Board of the Tanque Verde Unified School District.

I've been a teacher for more than fifteen years — and recently, for two of those years, right here in TVUSD as an art teacher at Agua Caliente Elementary and Emily Gray Jr. High. I'm also a parent in this district: my son and daughter have been in TVUSD schools since our wonderful Community Preschool, and they'll start this year as a fifth-grader and a third-grader. For seven years this has been our home — drawn here, like so many families, by the quiet community, the space and wildlife, and the highly rated schools.

Being both an educator and a parent gives me a perspective I believe is essential: a view from every side of the classroom, brought to the table before any vote is taken.

Why I'm running

In the fall of 2023, I sat in an auditorium with my fellow teachers for a welcome-back address at the start of a new school year. We left that morning feeling unseen — as though our dedication was in question before the year had even begun. I know how hard the educators in this district work. I've watched them pour everything they have into their students, day after day.

That was the moment something shifted for me. Our district deserves a board that starts from respect for the people who built it — the teachers, staff, and families who made Tanque Verde an "A"-rated district. When colleagues encouraged me to run, I knew I had to step up.

"I want for the kids in this district what I want for my own kids — a board that engages with, listens to, and really hears the people they serve."

What I bring to the board

I bring something this board is missing: recent, first-hand experience inside TVUSD classrooms. I know what makes a classroom succeed and what holds it back — not from a report or a budget line, but from having stood at the front of the room, in this district, not long ago. Teachers and students deserve a board member who understands their reality when decisions are made on their behalf.

Rooted in this community

Service has always been part of who I am. Beyond the classroom, I chair the Junior League of Tucson's Cinderella's Closet, which provides formal dresses and accessories to women and girls in our community at no cost. It's the same belief that drives this campaign: every young person deserves to feel valued, supported, and ready for what's next.

An "A" rating is a foundation, not a finish line

It would be a privilege to serve a district that holds an "A" rating — a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, staff, and families. But being an "A" district doesn't mean our work is done. It means we have the foundation to reach even higher.

Academic excellence must go hand-in-hand with well-being, opportunity for every child, and meaningful engagement between schools and families. I'm running to ensure that all of our students and educators — no matter their background — feel supported, challenged, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.

My commitment

Challenges change over time. What won't change is my commitment to talking with teachers, students, and parents — and to listen, really listen, to what they have to say. I believe in this district, and I believe we can keep growing with transparency, compassion, and accountability. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.

— Piper Jordan