2026 October InMaricopa Magazine

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EDUCATION

Meet the people asking to shape MUSD’s future Here’s what 5 candidates say matters most for Maricopa’s schools BY MONICA D. SPENCER Five candidates are competing for two seats on the Maricopa Unified School District governing board this fall. Here’s what they say about their backgrounds, why they’re running and the issues they would prioritize if elected.

the boardroom while allowing me to continue serving our students, educators, families and community. My leadership philosophy is grounded in asking the right questions, at the right time, of the right people, while remaining disciplined in the use of data. Effective governance requires listening to multiple perspectives, examining evidence and understanding the impact of decisions. If elected, I hope to strengthen student achievement, support quality educators, promote fiscal responsibility and transparency, and keep students at the center of board decisions. PRIORITIES Student achievement: Use data to identify achievement gaps, monitor growth, strengthen instruction and determine whether programs and interventions are producing results for students. Educator support and retention: Provide teachers, administrators and support staff with the resources, professional development, leadership support and working conditions they need to succeed. Fiscal accountability and community transparency: Ensure taxpayer resources are used responsibly and aligned with student needs through transparent budgeting, measurable goals and clear communication.

Loraine Conley RANCHO EL DORADO

Patti Coutre GLENNWILDE

I am a lifelong educator with 33 years of experience serving students, families, educators, and communities. I hold a doctor of education from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in educational administration. During my career with MUSD, I served as principal of Santa Cruz Elementary School and as director of data and assessment. These roles gave me extensive experience in school leadership, student achievement, strategic planning and using data to drive continuous improvement. I am running because my commitment to public education continues. I believe my experience can provide a valuable perspective in

I have been a Maricopa resident since 2005, am mother of four and a proud MUSD parent and community leader. For more than 14 years, I have served on the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board and currently serve as board president. All four of my children attended MUSD schools and graduated from Maricopa High School, giving me a deeply personal connection to the students, families, teachers and schools that make our community special. My commitment to public service began with wanting to make a difference for my own children and grew into a passion for advocating

Maricopa’s Original Projected Based Learning School

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October 2026 | InMaricopa.com 520-265-5589

InMaricopa.com | October 2026

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