The Tempe Union High School District governing board convened an organizational meeting that began at 6 p.m., administered oaths to three newly elected or re-elected members and elected officers for the 2025 calendar year.

Bernetta Hodge, Nicole Gutierrez Miller and Armando Montero each took the oath of office to begin new terms as governing board members. Deila Miller, a Tempe Union student and daughter of board member Nicole Gutierrez Miller, administered the oath to her mother. Arizona State Senator Denise Mitzi Epstein administered the oath to Armando Montero. City of Tempe Vice Mayor Doreen Garland administered the oath to Bernetta Hodge. Doctor Stacia Wilson presided over the ceremonial swearing-in.

The board unanimously adopted the meeting agenda before proceeding to elections. A roll-call vote to adopt the agenda was recorded as 5–0 in favor.

For the board presidency, Member Baraza was nominated and accepted the nomination. The roll-call vote for governing board president resulted in a 4–1 outcome, with Member Gutierrez Miller recorded as voting no and the measure passing. Member Baraza then gave remarks reflecting on personal experiences and priorities for the board. In remarks to those in attendance, Member Baraza described a path that included time in the Arizona Department of Corrections, later pursuing education, and service work; they said, “Dignity … is one of the most important things we can do as humans for each other,” and said they would try to lead with dignity.

Board members then nominated Amanda Steele for vice president. The nomination passed by roll call, 5–0, making Amanda Steele the vice president for the 2025 calendar year.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that passed 5–0. The board noted that the first regular meeting for the 2025 calendar year will be held “next Wednesday, January,” at 6 p.m. (date not specified in the record).

Votes at a glance: adoption of the agenda — passed, 5–0; election of governing board president (Member Baraza) — passed, 4–1 with Member Gutierrez Miller recorded as voting no; election of vice president (Amanda Steele) — passed, 5–0; motion to adjourn — passed, 5–0.