Courtney Davis (Arizona)

Courtney Davis is an at-large member of the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board in Arizona. She assumed office on August 22, 2023. Her current term ends on January 1, 2029.

Davis ran for re-election for an at-large seat of the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board in Arizona. She won in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Davis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Courtney Davis was born in Mesa, Arizona. She graduated from Westwood High School. Her career experience includes working as a realtor and bookkeeper.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Mesa Public Schools Governing Board At-large (3 seats)

Sharon Benson, incumbent Courtney Davis, and Lacy Halm Chaffee defeated Josh Chilton and Ed Steele in the general election for Mesa Public Schools Governing Board At-large on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Sharon Benson (Nonpartisan)	21.2	86,393
✔		Courtney Davis (Nonpartisan)	21.1	85,863
✔		Lacy Halm Chaffee (Nonpartisan)	20.2	82,377
		Josh Chilton (Nonpartisan)	19.1	77,783
		Ed Steele (Nonpartisan)	18.1	73,499
		Other/Write-in votes	0.3	1,235

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 407,150
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Danny Zachary (Nonpartisan)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Davis in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Courtney Davis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Davis' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a proud product of Mesa Public Schools and a parent with three children currently enrolled in the district, my commitment to the success of our schools runs deep. For the past 16 years, since my oldest child entered kindergarten, I have been actively involved in our school community, serving in various capacities to support and enhance the educational experience for all students.

From my earliest days as a parent volunteer in classrooms to my ongoing engagement with Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs), School Improvement Advisory Councils (SIACs), Parent Groups, and booster clubs, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strong schools in shaping the future of our community. My journey as both a product of Mesa Public Schools and a dedicated parent has instilled in me a profound understanding of the vital role education plays in building strong, vibrant communities. I have seen how effective collaboration between parents, educators, and community stakeholders can positively impact student success and overall community well-being.

Driven by this belief and my unwavering commitment to ensuring every child receives a quality education, I am stepping forward to run for the Mesa School Board. I am dedicated to leveraging my experience, passion, and firsthand knowledge to advocate for policies and initiatives that will continue to elevate our schools and empower every student to reach their full potential.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Improving Student Achievement: Focus on academic excellence by supporting teachers, investing in quality programs, and addressing student needs comprehensively.
Enhancing Parental Involvement: Strengthen communication and collaboration between schools and families, recognizing the vital role parents play in student success.
Supporting Safe and Supportive Schools: Prioritize safety and a positive environment for all students, ensuring they have the best conditions to learn and grow.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about public policies that address cell phone use & discipline in schools because these are critical for maintaining a productive & respectful learning environment. With technology being a major part of students' lives, it's essential to establish clear policies on cell phone use that minimize distractions during instructional time. Effective discipline policies are crucial for creating a safe & orderly school environment. Consistent and fair enforcement of discipline policies is key to fostering a respectful and supportive school community.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics and principles for an elected official include:

Integrity: Upholding honesty and transparency in all actions and decisions, earning the trust of the community.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for decisions and actions, and being answerable to the public for outcomes.
Commitment to Public Service: Prioritizing the needs and well-being of the community, and working tirelessly to serve the public interest.
Effective Communication: Being open, clear, and responsive in communicating with constituents, ensuring their voices are heard.
Fairness and Impartiality: Making decisions based on what is right and just, without favoritism or bias.
Collaboration: Working well with others, including colleagues, stakeholders, and the community, to achieve common goals.

Vision and Leadership: Having a clear vision for the future and the ability to lead and inspire others toward positive change.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to a school board position include:

Setting Policy: Establishing and reviewing district policies that guide the operations, curriculum, and overall direction of the schools.
Budget Oversight: Approving and monitoring the district’s budget to ensure financial resources are used effectively to support educational goals.
Hiring and Evaluating the Superintendent: Selecting a qualified superintendent and regularly evaluating their performance to ensure they are effectively managing the district.
Advocating for Students and Families: Representing the interests of students, families, and the community, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in decision-making.
Ensuring Accountability: Holding the district accountable for academic performance, financial stewardship, and the well-being of students and staff.

Community Engagement: Communicating with and involving the community in the decision-making process, ensuring transparency and building trust.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of positive, transformative impact on our school district by enhancing the quality of education for all students, ensuring that policies and programs lead to improved academic outcomes and provide every student with the opportunity to succeed. I hope to foster a supportive environment where students, staff, and families feel valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. By promoting transparency and accountability, I aim to establish a culture of openness and responsible stewardship that builds trust and ensures resources are used effectively. Additionally, I want to be remembered for strengthening community engagement, building strong connections between the district and the community, so that educational policies reflect the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders. Finally, I hope to encourage innovation and growth, supporting initiatives that drive new ideas and personal development, ensuring that our students and staff are prepared for future success.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Dairy Queen 2 years

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to set the vision and policies that guide the district in providing a high-quality education for all students. This includes making decisions on budgeting, curriculum, and school operations that align with the district’s goals. Additionally, a school board member must represent the community’s interests, ensure accountability, and work collaboratively with the superintendent and other stakeholders to support the success and well-being of students and staff.

Who are your constituents?

As a school board candidate, my constituents are the students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members within the district.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Mesa Chamber of Commerce, The Mesa Education Association, Save Our Schools Arizona

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

My ideal learning environment for students is one that is welcoming, student-centered, and engaging, where every child feels valued, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. In this environment, classrooms are designed to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, have the tools and resources they need to succeed.

A key component of this ideal environment is a collaborative and hands-on approach to learning. Students should be encouraged to actively participate in discussions, problem-solving, and project-based activities that make learning relevant and meaningful.

The ideal environment also fosters a positive, supportive atmosphere, where students feel safe to take risks, ask questions, and express themselves. Teachers and staff would be well-equipped with the skills and training to create this nurturing environment, encouraging students to build strong relationships and feel connected to their school community.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

I would focus on open communication, transparency, and meaningful involvement opportunities. I would ensure that parents are kept informed through consistent updates about school events, policies, and important decisions via newsletters, social media, and parent meetings. I would also advocate for regular forums or town halls, where parents can voice their concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback directly. Additionally, I would encourage the creation of parent advisory groups to ensure that their perspectives are considered in decision-making processes. By offering flexible volunteering and engagement opportunities, parents can get involved in ways that fit their schedules, whether through school events, classroom activities, or virtual participation. It’s also important to build trust through transparency, so I would work to ensure that the district is clear about how decisions are made, particularly around issues that impact students' learning and well-being.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

My preferred strategies for recruiting faculty, staff, and administration focus on attracting high-quality candidates and fostering professional growth. To attract top talent, the district must offer competitive compensation and benefits that demonstrate a commitment to investing in educators and staff. This includes comprehensive health benefits, retirement plans, and leadership development opportunities. I would also promote the district as a place for professional growth by offering ongoing professional development and clear pathways for career advancement, such as mentorship programs and specialized training. Additionally, I would support targeted recruitment campaigns that showcase the district’s strengths and leverage job fairs, university partnerships, and digital platforms to reach potential candidates. Also, creating a positive school culture where educators and staff feel valued and supported is key to attracting and retaining talented individuals.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to maintaining public trust and ensuring the responsible use of resources.

Financial Transparency: It's crucial for public institutions to provide clear, accessible, and accurate information about how funds are allocated and spent. This transparency allows the community to see that resources are being used effectively to support students and educational goals.

Government Accountability: Elected officials and public institutions must be accountable for their actions and decisions. This means being responsive to the community, following through on commitments, and being open to scrutiny. Accountability ensures that officials act in the best interest of the public and uphold the principles of fairness, integrity, and responsibility.

Together, financial transparency and accountability build trust between the community and the school district, fostering an environment where everyone works collaboratively toward the common goal of student success.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

External links

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Candidate

Mesa Public Schools Governing Board At-large

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 2, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 2, 2024

[1]

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Courtney Davis (Arizona)

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Mesa Public Schools Governing Board At-large (3 seats)

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

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