Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
Sad news on Thursday; long-time child advocate and TUSD school board member Judy Burns passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. TUSD board member Judy Burns dies:
Longtime TUSD Governing Board member and child advocate Judy Burns died Thursday after suffering a massive heart attack.
Burns, 63, served on the board for 11 years, though her time as a TUSD volunteer spans more than two decades.
Before being elected to the board, Burns – the mother of two TUSD graduates – volunteered as a teacher's aide, served as a PTA president and worked on various advisory committees.
One of the more outspoken members of the board, Burns didn't shy away from taking a minority position and often was critical of district inefficiency and spending on matters she thought took money away from the classroom.
"Judy fought for kids, and whether you agreed or disagreed with her, you knew that in her heart that's where she was coming from," said board member Adelita Grijalva, who served with Burns for nine years.
Added former TUSD board member Bruce Burke: "Judy was a fierce and tireless advocate for public education. Her heart was always looking out for students and the employees who did their daily work."
One cause championed by Burns was the district's Mexican American Studies program, which has been under fire by state and local critics for years.
"Judy's perspective was very, very clear," said TUSD Superintendent John Pedicone. "It was about what it did for kids, and if it did good things for kids nothing else was as important as that result."
The Arizona Daily Star has a nice editorial opinion honoring Judy Burns. Every child needs someone just like Judy Burns:
Burns, who died unexpectedly from a massive heart attack Thursday, was a complicated person.
She was an unwavering advocate for children and education. She could be incredibly kind, but equally cutting, in her position on the TUSD Governing Board.
With Burns, there was no wondering where you stood. She didn't gussy things up.
She was funny, she was insightful and she was methodical. She didn't accept information as fact because someone with a title said it was true.
Burns wasn't afraid to give or receive criticism, and once she made up her mind about something or someone, it was made up. Everyone got a chance with Burns, but her continued support had to be earned.
She was generous with her time and attention but could also alienate people. And that's just how it was.
Every school district needs a Judy Burns – a person who isn't afraid to make others mad. A person who digs and nitpicks and knows her own mind.
A person who is tireless and devoted. A person who will see things through.
* * *
Burns showed up. First at her own children's schools, and eventually as an elected Governing Board member. She saw a problem and she did something about it.
She would do research, talk with people and pepper TUSD employees about why they were doing this, why they weren't doing that, what about this option or that possibility, why isn't this working, why can't we do what is working at one school at every school.
Burns dug into district technology problems over the years, and she got into the weeds on issues that didn't make headlines but made a difference in schools.
Most recently, Burns was energized by her advocacy for TUSD's ethnic studies classes. She defended the program, its teachers and students against critics in Tucson and in state government.
She was zealous and outspoken and took a lot of criticism for her actions.
* * *
The best way to pay tribute to Burns is to follow her example. Get involved in your kids' education. If yours are grown or you don't have children, support education because it's the right thing to do.
Ask questions, demand answers – real answers, not just a response. Keep kids at the center of what you do. Show up. Work hard even when it's difficult and no one is watching.
Be unafraid to make waves.
Because every child needs a Judy Burns.
Burns is survived by her husband, Ben, and her two children.
U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva and Pima County Schools Superintendent Linda Arzoumanian expressed their condolences Thursday to Burns' family and the TUSD community.
"We will all miss Judy's unwavering commitment to public education and to the future of our children," Arzoumanian said.
I will update with funeral/memorial service information when it becomes available.