Nik Martin wants to bring Equity to Students as a Member of the Phoenix Elementary School Board

Nik Martin has wanted to be a teacher and help students since he was a child.

Inspired by his parent’s example (his mother is a teacher,) he has always believed that every child deserves a quality education, regardless of the zip code they live in.

From his early experiences with students when he was an undergraduate student at American Christian University to his teaching elementary school students in the Deer Valley District to his marching for teacher higher pay in the Red for Ed Movement, Mr. Martin has strived to make the school environment better for students, teachers, and all other education stakeholders.

He is running to bring an educator’s voice to the Phoenix Elementary School Board.

If elected this November, he would focus on:

• Working to decrease the digital divide and other inequities among students.
• Helping to improve the working conditions of teachers and other staff.
• Fostering greater communication between the school board and the community.

Mr. Martin graciously took the time to discuss his qualifications and candidacy for the Phoenix Elementary School Board.

The questions and his responses are below.

• What are your qualifications to serve on the board?

• “Going into my fifth year as a teacher”
• “ I have a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and I am pursuing another in Special Ed.”
• “ I have fought for bonds and overrides in Deer Valley.”
• “ I served as a PAC chairperson for Deer Valley Education Association and served on executive board.”
• “ I worked with Garfield and Edison community in getting 1600 meals to children and their families due to COVID 19.”

• Please tell us three reasons you are running for the school board?

• “I have experienced all the educational inequities (large class sizes, and lack of supplies including technology) and can bring that to the table.”
• “As a union member, the more board members that support teachers and their efforts the better for the district.”
• “I value the partnership with the communities and stakeholders in the district.” 

• How would you rate the current school board you are running to become part of and please explain why?

“There are those who have worked closely with the union and stay close to the classroom. Everyone wants what is best for kids.”

• In your opinion, what are the three most important education issues schools and all stakeholders in the district face?

• “Technology inequity.”
• “Balance the budget.”
• “Declining enrollment.”

• What are your views on the implementation of the district reopening in the fall?

 “We have to talk about COVID 19 trauma before anything else. How can we reopen and keep everyone safe.”

• To what extent should your school district ensure all students have access to high broadband and a laptop/tablet for virtual learning should the fall opening be delayed?

 “To a large extent. It is the number one priority and the board should reexamine the budget to ensure it is addressed.”

• In your opinion, please advise at least one way your school district should make up for any of the lost learning time of this last academic quarter?

“I know the teachers may have to reteach some of the standards the students lost over the extended time away and there should be an initial focus on any social trauma the children may have encountered.” 

• Is there anything not covered in the first seven questions that you would like the reader to know?

“The stakeholders in the Phoenix Elementary are essential to pulling through this difficult time and I am looking forward to working with them, as I have in other community activities, as a member of the board.”

For more information on Nik Martin and his candidacy for the Phoenix Elementary School Board, please click on his website here, his interview with Maricopa County School Superintendent Candidate Jeanne Casteen here, and his Facebook Page here.

Please remember:

• Primary Election Day is on August 4, 2020, and General Election Day is on November 3. 2020. Please see the below graphic for all-important voting dates. 
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