Parents Demand Accountability After District Uses Students for Electioneering Again

In a heated moment during the Higley Unified School District (HUSD) Governing Board Meeting on August 12, 2025, a concerned taxpayer voiced strong objections to the district's recent actions regarding electioneering on school grounds. The atmosphere was charged as the speaker recounted witnessing students being instructed to distribute flyers promoting a budget override during a curriculum night, a practice that has raised significant legal and ethical questions.

The speaker expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the students were not fully aware of the messages they were conveying. "Did we not learn anything from the Friars incident last year?" they questioned, highlighting a previous controversy that had similarly involved the use of students in political messaging. The speaker pointed out that the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 15-511 prohibits influencing election outcomes in a manner that is not impartial, suggesting that the district's actions were in direct violation of this law.

Citing the attorney general's opinion, the speaker argued that public resources must be used lawfully and without bias, warning that the flyers distributed were misleading and lacked necessary context. The use of students as "political couriers," even if voluntary, was described as deeply inappropriate, raising concerns about coercion and the potential erosion of trust between the district and the community.

As the meeting progressed, the speaker called for accountability and a firm commitment from the district to comply with legal standards, urging immediate action to prevent such occurrences in the future. The emotional plea resonated with many parents present, who echoed the need for transparency and adherence to the law in school operations.

This incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of schools in political matters and the importance of maintaining a neutral environment for students and families. As the district navigates these challenges, the community remains vigilant, seeking assurance that their voices will be heard and respected in the governance of their schools.