Tempe Union board elects Armando Montero president; Steele remains vice president

Armando Montero was elected president of the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board in a 3-2 vote at the board's August meeting; the board also re-elected Vice President Steele to continue as vice president by a 5-0 vote.

The reorganization item began after outgoing Board President Peraza described personal reasons for stepping down from the role midterm, saying he has pursued other opportunities and is “way extended on my time.” Peraza framed the reorganization as a midyear leadership adjustment and asked the board to proceed with nominations.

Amber Gutierrez Miller nominated Armando Montero for president; a second was placed on the record and the board moved to a roll-call vote. Board member Burdetta Hodge explained she had solicited input from principals and teachers and said she preferred an experienced leader midyear; Hodge indicated an aye for Montero. The final tally on the president's election was 3 in favor, 2 opposed, and Montero was declared board president.

Later in the meeting the board considered the vice president role. A nomination to retain Vice President Steele for another term drew broad support; the motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

The reorganization discussion included several personal remarks of gratitude and support for continuity amid ongoing district work. Peraza—who had opened the item by saying he has taken “a statement of interest to run for US Congress in District 1 about 3 months ago”—thanked staff and fellow board members. Members emphasized continuity of governance and the expectation that the new leadership would maintain district operations and communication with the superintendent’s office.

Votes at a glance - Election of governing board president: Armando Montero elected, outcome approved 3-2. (Nomination by Amber Gutierrez Miller; second noted in the meeting.) - Election of vice president: Vice President Steele re-elected, outcome approved 5-0.

Speakers [{"name":"Armando Montero","role_title":"Governing Board Member / President (elect)","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"},{"name":"Vice President Steele","role_title":"Vice President / Governing Board Member","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"},{"name":"Burdetta Hodge","role_title":"Governing Board Member","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"},{"name":"Amber Gutierrez Miller","role_title":"Governing Board Member","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"},{"name":"President Peraza","role_title":"Outgoing Governing Board President","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"},{"name":"Member Barraza","role_title":"Governing Board Member","affiliation_type":"government","affiliation_name":"Tempe Union High School District"}]