Phoenix Elementary board president resigns amid public outcry after bond controversy

Jessica Bueno, president of the Phoenix Elementary School District governing board, announced her immediate resignation at the close of the board's April 22 meeting, saying she did not want to “cause this distraction from the work and trust this district is accomplishing.”

The resignation followed a sustained round of public comments during the meeting in which parents and community members sharply criticized Bueno for posting bond for a local business owner who speakers said was accused of crimes involving a minor. Multiple speakers called for Bueno to resign or said they were organizing a recall.

“There's more that this district can do, and the community is watching,” said Allison Gullick, who identified herself as a district parent. “When this district chooses to stand behind a board member who posted bail…