PHX Reporter

Moms for Liberty has endorsed Karen Konetzni in her race for a seat on the Washington Elementary School District (WESD) Governing Board. Early voting is currently underway for the November 5 general election.

Konetzni lists her top three priorities as raising students' math and reading levels, hiring and retaining quality teachers, and increasing transparency and promoting parental involvement.

In a post on her personal Facebook page, Konetzni explained her motivations for running for the Board: 

"Being a mother is at the heart of my mission to improve our schools," Konetzni said in a Facebook post. "Every day, I understand the hopes, dreams, and concerns that parents have for their children's future because I share them too. Let's work together to create a school district where every student has the support they need to succeed and every parent feels empowered to make a difference."

Konetzni has volunteered at Shadow Rock Preschool, with the Lookout Mountain PTO, and as a booster at her children's school. She also volunteers at her church. She and her husband have three daughters.

Konetzni grew up in the WESD, and she earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a focus on ESL, reading, and early childhood development from Arizona State University in 2001, as well as a master's degree from Northern Arizona University in 2004. In 2007, she earned a National Board Certificate. 

She previously taught as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Shaw Butte, and was a program coach there until 2010, when she left to raise her children. From 2014 to 2018, she taught Reading Interventions at Washington Elementary School, and she did coaching and consulting for several area schools. Currently, she substitute teaches in the Paradise Valley School District.

Per the WESD Governing Board manual, the Board comprises five members. Terms are four years and staggered so that two or three members are elected in alternate election years. 

Moms for Liberty is a parental-rights-in-education advocacy group founded by Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich, two former school board members. According to their website, "Moms for Liberty is dedicated to fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government."