Newly reappointed conservative Liberty Elementary governing board member Michael Todd has been reelected as the Buckeye-area district’s board president amid political, legal and budgetary uncertainty.
Todd will lead the conservative majority board in a contentious battleground school district, facing budget shortfalls, a concluding civil lawsuit and a governing board recall effort.
The board voted three to two to elect Todd, who was previously reappointed by the Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs to the board to bring leadership to the budget process, according to a county press release. Todd resigned in protest previously, allegedly as a reponse to the district's handling of a potential threat at a Liberty school.
Board member Kellie Zimmerman voted no to Todd's appointment and, in explaining her vote, accused Todd of staff overreach, ineffective budget management and creating divisiveness previously.
“If at any time, Mr. Todd makes an inappropriate comment that makes you feel uncomfortable or is involved in the day-to-day operations of the district. I encourage you to send me an email,” she said. “I will bring your concerns to the public. I expect Dr. Monroe to protect the employees of this district, and it's his responsibility to create a safe working environment.”
Todd objected during her explanation, but Zimmerman continued.
InBuckeye posted an inquiry in 4 Liberty Kids, a Facebook group leading a recall effort against conservative board member Kristopher Kenyon, for documented evidence or tips of any wrongdoing with board members, but no responses or emails were found. InBuckeye’s subsequent inquiries and comments were put on moderator-approval only mode.
Kenyon, who is facing the aforementioned recall, was later appointed to vice president during the meeting.
Todd told InBuckeye previously that there are many things to consider in school budgets, which makes experience on the board necessary.
“It's a very hard, a moving target, and that's the challenge,” he said. “It’s bad if you overshoot. It's also really bad if you undershoot, because then classrooms are overcrowded and that becomes a problem. So, you're tough spot. It's a tough is environment.”
In an April 2 press release, Boggs stated that Todd understands the budget situation in Buckeye due to his experience.
“Mr. Todd brings a strong financial and business background, coupled with a deep community involvement and an existing knowledge of the district,” said Boggs. “With a budget vote quickly approaching, Liberty needs someone who already understands the district’s financial structure, and that can lead from day one. This is not a political issue – it’s a budget issue. We don’t have time to bring someone up to speed.”
Liberty civil lawsuit
Kayleigh Kozak, a former Liberty Elementary School District student, is suing the district for allegedly ignoring complaints about sexual abuse in the early 2000s.
She was sexually abused by Joshua Jacobsen, her soccer coach at Liberty Elementary, when she was 12 years old, according to court records and reports. Kozack is seeking monetary compensation from the district. Phoenix New Times estimates it could be up to $10 million, according to a notice of claim filed by Kozak.
The suit also condemns Rachel Mitchell, a Republican and a nonparty to the suit, for giving Jacobsen a sweetheart plea deal. Mitchell, at the time, was the county sex crimes division chief but is now the Maricopa County Attorney.
InBuckeye recently reported former Buckeye teacher’s aide Diana Pirvu was spared prison in a similar child molestation plea deal arranged by a deputy county attorney under Mitchell. This is after being Mirandized and admitting to having sex with the 13-year-old victim, according to Pirvu’s probable cause statement.
In that court sentencing hearing, the deputy county attorney claimed police made “mistakes," which afforded the plea deal.
When InBuckeye reached out for comment on what that error was in lieu of a records request, the Maricopa County Attorney’s office deflected.
“Every case has its own set of facts that are considered in their totality when determining an appropriate outcome. You are welcome to submit a public records request or read the court records,” said Vanessa Ceja-Cervantes, Maricopa County Attorney’s office public information officer.
InBuckeye has submitted a request for records or communications illustrating those errors.
Michael McDaniel can be reached at [email protected]. We invite our readers to submit their civil comments or opinions on this or any issue. Email [email protected].
One Response
Thank you for reporting on these events. As citizens we should be aware how our elected officials are representing us. Apparently in some cases not very well.
In this supercharged negative political environment I appreciate your courage.