Densmore, Dawn

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
School Board
District:
Dysart Unified School District
Phone:
(602) 319-1292
Biographical Info:

I am a proud parent of three Dysart graduates, with my youngest still attending Dysart Schools. For the last (nearly) four years, I have proudly served as a Dysart Governing Board Member. I have represented the communities of El Mirage, Surprise, Luke Air Force Base and Waddell.

As a daughter of a Marine, I experienced a wide variety of public schools as a child. I understand what it is like to move from state to state and navigate a diverse cultural shift. I have also felt the difference between poorly funded schools vs. well funded schools.

Statement:

I am seeking re-election to the Dysart Governing Board to continue my advocacy for our communities. My priorities continue to be Academic Achievement, School Safety, and affirming parental rights in education.

Endorsements:

Arizona Free Enterprise Club

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* The Arizona Constitution provides - Parents' bill of rights to make health care decisions for their minor child and the right to access and review all medical records. These rights are firstly provided by God.
2. Allowing parents to opt their children out of activities or lessons they find offensive to their personal, moral, or religious beliefs S* Yes, I support opting students out of any conflicting lessons. Alternative assignments are available for our Educators to choose from.
3. Increasing state and local taxes to provide more funding for schools and school facility projects O
4. Requiring signed permission from a parent before a student may participate in any sexuality related instruction, activities, or clubs. S* I am firmly opposed to any sexually related content in any forum without explicit signed permission. Outside of our district's biology based OPT IN sex education, there is no need for other school instruction.
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* I am a strong advocate for school choice. Competition in education is makes us work smarter to meet the ever-changing student needs.
6. Requiring full-day kindergarten for all students O* Full time kindergarten is a great choice for many families but this is not a one-sized fits all. Parents know when their child is ready for a full day in school.
7. Mandating sex education classes for 5th-12th grade students O* I oppose mandating any sex education lesson, for any grade level.
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* While additional credentialing is commendable, this does not always mean they will produce the best results.
9. Implementing policies to allow students and faculty to use the restroom, locker room, and shower room that aligns with their gender identity O* To support this would discriminate against the majority of students who identify with their biological sex. I also do not support litter boxes for students identifying as a calico cat.
10. Teaching what is known as diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI); social, emotional learning (SEL); or critical race theory (CRT) in public schools. O* I'm a big fan of teaching children reading, writing, math, science and truthful history.
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* I absolutely support this but also understand the enormous work in completing this task. Our district is very transparent with curriculum and is making huge strides in creating trust with our community.