Community and staff call for appointed Phoenix Union board member to resign after reports of attendance at political event

Dozens of public commenters told the Phoenix Union High School District governing board on Tuesday that an appointed board member should resign after news reporting and social‑media posts showed the official at a political event that commenters said involved people and organizations with ties to white supremacist or neo‑Nazi ideology.

During the meeting’s public‑comment period, Pastor W. R. A. Crews, a Phoenix Union resident, said the attendance was “fact and has been widely reported” and urged the official to step down, saying the presence of that official at the event “should resign immediately.” Several teachers and parents echoed the demand: “He must resign,” said Amy Hollister, a 17‑year district educator.

Why it matters: Speakers framed the matter as one of school culture and student safety, saying board conduct and associations affect trust in school leadership and can harm students who have historically been targeted by extremist movements. Several commenters also asked for clearer district processes for public‑comment follow‑up and for the board to prioritize student well‑being in response.

What commenters asked for: Community speakers sought (1) the board member’s resignation, (2) a formal censure or other accountability steps at a future meeting, (3) stronger protections for students and families, and (4) transparency about hiring and personnel processes. At least one commenter specifically named Jeremiah Kota and asked the board to hold him accountable.

District response and follow‑up: President Pastor Rivera and Clerk Meyer summarized follow‑up actions after public comment, including guidance to play a “Know Your Rights” video during advisory periods and to distribute know‑your‑rights cards. Rivera told the audience the board would follow up on several public‑comment items, including micro‑school data and alleged academic penalties tied to student walkouts.

What the meeting record shows: Public commenters ranged from students to teachers to community leaders. The board did not take formal disciplinary action during the meeting; several members later requested a future agenda item for a formal censure to be considered at the next regular meeting on March 5, 2026.

Quotes: “This is fact and has been widely reported,” said Pastor W. R. A. Crews. “For the good of the district and its students, the person who attended the white supremacist linked event should resign,” said Christina Tirado, a teacher and district graduate.

Next steps: Board members asked administration for follow‑up on public‑comment items and scheduled a possible formal censure item for a future meeting. The board did not vote on the resignation or censure at this session.

Attribution: All quotes and attributions come from speakers during the public‑comment portion of the Phoenix Union High School District governing board meeting (public comment period documented in the official meeting transcript).