Candidate forum for TUSD Governing Board

by Carolyn Classen, blogger

Incumbent Jennifer Eckstrom not participating due to work conflict. Other incumbent is Val Romero. This is 5 race for 2 non partisan seats. Pilar Ruiz ran for this seat in Nov. 2024. She came in 4th in 5 way race for 3 seats.

“The League of Women Voters of Southern Arizona (LWVSAZ) is partnering with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 449 (AFSCME) and the Communications Workers of American, Local 7000 (CWA) to hold a candidate forum for Tucson Unified School District Governing Board Positions.

The forum will be held on September 29, 2026 from 5:30-7:00p, at CWA Local 7000 Union Hall (7820 E Broadway, Suite 203).

The following candidates are confirmed to attend:
Skye Fernandez, Tre’Davon Rhodes, Val Romero, and Pilar Acosta Ruiz

The format of the forums will be:
• A Moderator will introduce all the candidates.
• Opening statements: each candidate will have 90 seconds to speak about his/her positions on major issues of interest to the community and his/her personal background.
• Questions from the audience: written questions will be collected and asked of the candidates by the Moderator. All candidates will have 90 seconds to answer.
• Closing statements: each candidate will have 60 seconds for closing statements.

Please note, video recording is not permitted during the forum.

All forums are open to the public. Please note that anyone attending the forum will not be allowed to wear campaign t-shirts, buttons or carry signs in support of any one candidate. No posters or yard signs are allowed in the forum room. The purpose of these forums is to provide attendees an opportunity to listen and learn about candidate’s positions before they vote. Guns, weapons, or other items designed or intended to harm people are not allowed at this event.”