Ross, Gail

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
School Board
District:
Apache Junction Unified School District
Phone:
(480) 540-4772
Age:
64
Occupation:
Optician
Education:
Associates degree
Biographical Info:

S

Statement:

I have seen many changes in our schools that I find troubling. I believe the main role of schools should be the education of important life skills. Ie. critical thinking, math, reading and writing. Students should not be pushed forward if minimum standards have not been met.
It is only to the detriment of themselves and society.
The school board is an extension of the parents or guardians of these children. The board is being entrusted with the minds of other people’s children. Parents or guardians should have a strong voice in the decisions being made for them.
There are many challenges today that are more difficult than in the past. Adults are obligated to help students navigate these challenges and give them the best life skills available through a superior education.
Public is defined as “related to, or being in the service of a community”. I believe schools should remember they serve their community not the other way around.
I hope others feel as strongly as I do.
Gail Ross

Survey

Response Legend

  • SSupports
  • OOpposes
  • *Comment
  • Declined to respond
  • Declined to respond, Position based on citation

Question Response Comments/Notes
1. Requiring school officials, including teachers, to inform parents about their child’s social, mental, emotional, or physical health S
2. Allowing parents to opt their children out of activities or lessons they find offensive to their personal, moral, or religious beliefs S
3. Increasing state and local taxes to provide more funding for schools and school facility projects O* Let’s make sure the funds we have are being used judiciously before we take more money from the taxpayers.
4. Requiring signed permission from a parent before a student may participate in any sexuality related instruction, activities, or clubs. S
5. Allowing all parents to use tax credits, vouchers, or education savings accounts to enable children to attend any public, charter, private, homeschool, or online academy S
6. Requiring full-day kindergarten for all students S* I am open to hearing opposing thoughts that could change my opinion.
7. Mandating sex education classes for 5th-12th grade students O* I believe it should be started in 7th or 8th grade.
8. Allocating teacher pay raises based upon merit rather than providing uniform salary schedule increases based upon years of teaching or additional credentialing (e.g. masters degrees) S* Just like in any other job.
9. Implementing policies to allow students and faculty to use the restroom, locker room, and shower room that aligns with their gender identity O* All the above should be determined by your anatomy
10. Teaching what is known as diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI); social, emotional learning (SEL); or critical race theory (CRT) in public schools. O* Teach critical thinking and the students can decide these things for themselves
11. Increasing academic (curriculum) transparency by requiring each public school to post online for parents and the public a list of all instructional materials being used in the classroom. S