Governing Board - Propelling the Vision
Board President
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Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Kristen Acton
Background: I am an Arizona and West Valley native. I am a Registered Nurse at a valley hospital as well as a small business owner. I was appointed to the Maricopa Board of Public Health in 2019. I am married with 3 children.
Goals for Agua Fria Union High School District: To continue to move forward in providing the most effective educational services and opportunities possible for our students. We must be prepared to adapt to the growing valley, rising to not merely meet the expected needs but excel as a district for the benefit of all students.
Vice President
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Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Vickie Landis
Philosophy of Education: I believe all students deserve opportunities and promising futures that education provides. As our workforce continues to evolve, it is our responsibility to ensure that our students are prepared to achieve their goals and reach their potential.
Background: I have 25 years of experience in education as a practitioner. I have been a teacher, coach, mentor, assistant principal, and director of curriculum and instruction, with the first fifteen years of my career in the classroom. I have worked in the Agua Fria Union High District, and my children attend school in the district. With my experiences in education as a professional, parent, and community member, I look forward to making informed decisions with students and community in mind.
Goals for Agua Fria Union High School District: As a community, we have high expectations for our schools, and I am excited to support the district’s strategic plan in order to provide the best education and opportunities for all students. As we continue to improve, I look forward to Agua Fria Union High Schools being recognized for distinction at the state and national level.
Board Term: January 2023 – December 2026
Board Member
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Degrees and Certifications:
Mr. Eric Cultum
Philosophy of Education: As our students prepare for college, careers, occupations, trade school, apprenticeships and more, they are being led by an exceptional group of teachers, staff and administrators. As a parent of students in the district, I have seen their dedication firsthand. Each student has all of the potential in the world and with hard work they can accomplish anything.
Background: During the past 28 years, I have dedicated my life to the service of students in K-12 public education. My experience includes being a Teacher, Varsity Athletic Coach, Instructional Coach, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Principal, and District Administrator. Before moving to the area, I also served as a Planning & Zoning Commissioner in Surprise. Our family resides in Litchfield Park and enjoys life in the Valley. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, we moved to Arizona to be with family and experience the great quality of life the area offers.
Goals for Agua Fria Union High School District: I am interested in seeing the continued successful operation of the district but to also guide important initiatives that will help our students even more. My focus will be on student learning, strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, eliminating the overcrowding of our schools and creating the very best environment for student success.
Board Term: January 2023 – December 2026
Board Member
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Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Sarah Silk
Philosophy of Education: Education plays such a crucial role in shaping a successful and thriving future. Our learning standards should not only meet but surpass the requirements necessary for students to succeed in specialized and higher education. We need to remain focused on practicing literacy, math, technical skills and critical thinking in real world situations. I support curriculum, engagement strategies and programs that are specifically developed to increase achievement and provide students with a strong foundation for their chosen future.
Background: I was born and raised in Arizona, most of it in the West Valley. In addition to working in an elementary school district for more than 20 years as a teacher, coach, and principal, I have also spent time in human resources recruiting educational staff and facilitated master’s-level classes for a local university. My two daughters proudly graduated from the Agua Fria School District. As a parent of the district, I spent many hours volunteering at events and getting to know our community. I currently serve as the Assistant to the Buckeye City Council and the Liaison to the Buckeye Youth Council, two roles that provide me with the unique opportunity to continue to serve and engage with the community.
Goal for Agua Fria Union High School District: I am passionate about inspiring students to discover their talents and interests, fostering a love for learning. As the Academies continue to grow, I am excited about the potential to ignite this enthusiasm by cultivating innovative partnerships with community colleges, technical schools, and local businesses. These collaborations can provide students with advanced coursework and valuable career pathways. My goal is to support these dynamic learning opportunities while ensuring our fiscal resources are used wisely and efficiently, maximizing their impact on student success.
Board Term: January 2025 - December 2029
Board Member
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Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Corby Naylor
Philosophy of Education: I believe that every decision should be based around “what is best for kids” and that education should be tailored to meet individual student goals and needs. I believe that a strong partnership with schools, families, and the community is essential. I believe that our schools should strive for excellence in all areas- academics, athletics, arts, and extracurriculars.
Background: I am an educator with 23 years of experience as a teacher, curriculum coach, school principal, and educational consultant. As the spouse of an F-16 pilot at Luke Air Force Base, I’ve movedaround the world, gaining exposure to a variety of educational systems from the perspective of teacher, parent, and leader. Through my work as a current educational consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to schools and districts around the country, supporting the work of educators. This year alone, I’ve worked within the varying systems and educational styles of more than 100 schools. First and foremost, however, I am a mother. This will guide every decision I make, knowing that the students and families we serve should have the same advocacy that I would want for my own children. This includes feeling heard and represented. I have a vested interest in producing exceptional schools and the background and experience to support doing the work.
Goals for Agua Fria Union High School District: To continue the work leveraging community resources and establishing multiple pathways to student success. Students wanting to graduate with rigorous coursework worthy of Ivy League acceptance should find that in AF schools. Students wanting technical and vocational work experience leading directly to a paid career upon graduation should find that in AF schools. Students who want a future in sports or the arts should find that in AF schools. Students who are multilingual learners and or have special needs wanting access to the same curriculum and expectations with appropriate scaffolds and supports should find that in AF schools.
Board Term: January 2025 - December 2029