Wright, JR

Meet the Candidate

Running For:
School Board
District:
Mesa Unified School District
Phone:
(480) 694-8509
Age:
49
Occupation:
Advertising
Education:
Bachelors of Arts in Communication and MBA from Arizona State University
Biographical Info:

I was born and raised in Mesa my entire life and I am a personal byproduct of Mesa Public Schools. I graduated from Westwood in 1990. 4 of my children have graduated from MPS and I still have 3 enrolled here. I love what MPS has done for me and my family. We’ve all richly benefited from so many quality teachers, coaches, administrators, and experiences that come from Mesa Public Schools.

Statement:

While I don’t have a personal agenda, I do have a big vision for Mesa Public Schools. I believe in Mesa Public Schools and what they provide for children and families. I believe in teachers, I believe in the administration, and I believe that as a board member I can work effectively with the board.
I’m running because I want to see and be apart of the great tradition of excellence at our district. I also bring the experience of running my own advertising business which makes me uniquely qualified to make great financial decisions, be a team player, as well as promote all the great things happening at the district and the individual schools.
I’m also running because one of our biggest challenges is to raise our students to the level of the technology and ever-changing job market that our economy will demand now and in the future. I’m confident MPS can provide that environment and get our children ready.
Finally, I want to make sure the board is focused on the needs to parents and children. Even though the School Board makes decisions for the schools, Parents and families are who our customers are. We have to give them choices and options. We are facing some increased social pressures. We can’t let outside influences or forces infiltrate our public schools and what we teach.

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 S
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'm happy with options. I don't think it should be mandatory
7. Mandating sex education classes for 5th-12th grade students O
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
9. Implementing policies to allow students and faculty to use the restroom, locker room, and shower room that aligns with their gender identity O
10. Teaching what is known as diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI); social, emotional learning (SEL); or critical race theory (CRT) in public schools. O
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