Sadie Shaw offers a common sense approach to the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board that has led to positive changes in the district since being elected for her first term in 2020. She is determined to keep fighting for accountability and transparency throughout the district and will always listen to the communities voice and input before making any decisions. Sadie believes that the best way to improve our district is to consider the multiple perspectives of the TUSD community. She will continue to advance a culture in the district where students, staff and community members are heard, respected and involved in the decision-making process.
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During her first term, Sadie was the only board member to vote NO on raising the price of pre-K. She was also the only board member to vote NO on raising the price of breakfast and lunch for all students. Sadie was instrumental in pushing the board to raise the minimum wage of TUSD employees to $15 an hour before the 2025 mandate, making motions on two separate occasions to make the raise effective immediately, but failing due to lack of board support. Once again, Sadie was the sole NO vote on selling the TUSD Administrative Building "1010" and purchasing the UA Annex building for $11.6 million to preserve the historic neighborhood and because there is an abundance of space available at other TUSD properties for administration. And believe it or not, Sadie was also the only board member to vote YES on eliminating the fees associated with student participation in sports, clubs and competitive programs so that students could have free access to the opportunities available in the district without burdening their families with the price to participate.
Sadie wants to raise the expectations of all K-12 students, aiming for a goal of at least a 5% increase per year for student proficiency in ELA and Math. Sadly, this suggestion was shot down by the board as "unrealistic". Sadie also voted NO against modifying the student dress code to remove the phrase "clothes must cover the buttocks and torso" in order to maintain a standard for students that is appropriate for a learning environment. Sadie understands that our district is in a state of emergency, and she believes we must do everything we can to raise the bar to address the low proficiency rates, low wages, low salary and low standards that have become a part of TUSD culture.
Sadie decided to run for TUSD Governing Board because her daughter’s school did not have an art class and she wanted to change that, not only for her daughter, but for all students who were under these same conditions. She accomplished this goal within her first six-months in office, giving every student in every TUSD school access to the arts.
As a parent of a 6th grader in the district, Sadie has a personal stake in the success of TUSD. She has deep roots in Tucson and the district, which fuels her commitment to continue to be the constant advocate for students, parents, staff and the community at large. Her previous activism and first term on the board has amply prepared her to continue to be the knowledgeable, passionate, and effective board member that will get things done, hold people accountable, and improve the district.
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Help Sadie continue the work she started by volunteering, donating, and voting to re-elect Sadie Shaw for TUSD Governing Board!
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