2022 elections: Candidate questionnaire: Jennifer Eckstrom for TUSD Governing Board

Basic biographical information:

• Name: Jennifer Eckstrom
• Office they are seeking: TUSD Governing Board
• Age: 45
• City of residence: Tucson
• Occupation: Program Coordinator, Pima County Community and Workforce Development
• Education: Associates Degree in Liberal Arts
• Previous elected office: Councilmember and Mayor, City of South Tucson
• Other relevant qualifications: Throughout my public and community service career, I have dedicated myself to promote quality education and meaningful community equality within marginalized and underrepresented communities. In 2009, these attributes were best demonstrated in my organizing and leading of a community rally, which brought together more than 900 parents, teachers and community stakeholders to prevent the closure of Ochoa Elementary and Mission View Elementary Schools. Our efforts were successful and these longtime inner-city schools in South Tucson have remained open. For more than 17 years, I served as the Chief of Staff in the office of Pima County Chairman/Supervisor Ramon Valadez. Prior to joining Pima County, I served for two years as a Special Projects Coordinator at COPE Community Services, a local nonprofit organization engaged in wide range of behavioral health services, as well as the construction of affordable housing projects for seniors and families. 

1. What do you see as the most important issue to address and how would you address it?

TUSD’s budget is the most important issue we are facing. Enrollment determines how much funding we receive. We need to hone in on how to keep and attract students to the district. We are experiencing teacher and staff retention issues and if we want to give meaningful pay raises and a better benefits package, we need to prioritize this in the budget. We need to figure out a way to bridge the inequity gaps that exist from school to school and that requires funding changes. If the State of Arizona does not fully fund public schools, we will continue to face budget cuts and we need to make tough decisions as a board. I believe that every issue must be brought to the table and discussed. I will prioritize teachers, staff, and students in the budget.  

2. Why should voters choose you, rather than other candidates?

I am a native Tucsonan, mom of a TUSD student, and a community builder. I have governmental budgetary financial experience. I understand the importance of collaboration and how to prepare for meetings. I will be ready to work on day one because of my previous experience as elected official and the work I do every day. I understand that meaningful change takes time. I am willing to put in the hard work it will take to make TUSD a wonderful district for families, students, teachers, and staff.

3. Could you please provide a list of the people and organizations that have endorsed you?

Pima Area Labor Federation

Arizona List

Tucson Education Association

Save Our Schools Candidate

Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate

Planned Parenthood

Congressman Raul Grijalva

Former Congressman Ron Barber

Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation Ned Norris

County Supervisor and TUSD Governing Board Member Adelita Grijalva

TUSD Governing Board Member Natalie Rose Luna

TUSD Governing Board Member Dr. Ravi Shah

State Senator Victoria Steele

Back to homepage

Subscriber Login

Keep reading with a digital access subscription.

Subscribe now

State Senator Rosanna Gabaldon

State Representative Andres Cano

County Supervisor Sharon Bronson

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero

Tucson Council Member Richard Fimbres

Sunnyside School Board Member Eva Carrillo Dong

Constable Bennett Bernal

County Supervisor/South Tucson Mayor Dan Eckstrom

County Supervisor/Senator/Representative Ramon Valadez

County Supervisor Betty Villegas

State Senator/Representative/South Tucson Mayor Victor Soltero

Tucson Council Member Karin Uhlich

South Tucson Council Member Mary Soltero

South Tucson Council Member Dr. Roman Soltero

South Tucson Council Member Akanni Oyegbola

South Tucson Mayor Shirley Villegas

Vikki Marshall, PCC Governing Board District 1

Brian Flagg Councilmember Elect

Roxana Valenzuela Councilmember Elect