Meet the Candidates
Kellie Zimmerman
Kellie Zimmerman, a dedicated mom of four and a long-time advocate for public education, has always been surrounded by teachers. Her grandfather was a school principal and her mother taught special education for 30 years. After graduating from Northern Arizona University, Kellie herself taught junior high for six years, seeing teaching as a way to make a real difference in students’ lives.
Her active involvement in the Liberty Elementary School District (LESD) began when her oldest child started kindergarten. She quickly became a familiar face in the classroom and took on leadership roles like PTO Vice President and President, and Volunteer Coordinator. She has also worked hard for special education, helping to organize forums and push for better support for all types of learners.
Kellie played a key role in the 2019 bond campaign that led to the building of Blue Horizons Elementary and the update and expansion of Liberty Elementary. She also led the successful 2022 override campaign ensuring lower class sizes and specials (art, music and PE) for all Liberty students. By regularly attending board meetings for the last 6 years, she’s learned a lot about how schools are run, from budgeting to setting up curriculums, and how these decisions affect everyone in the school community.
As a parent Kellie knows how important it is for parents to an active participant in their child’s education. She will work to ensure parents are involved and active members in the school communities, but also elevate parental voices when policies and decisions are made that affect their child’s education
Running for the Governing Board, Kellie is ready to use her experience and knowledge to fight for what’s best for students, teachers and families. She believes that strong public schools are crucial for the future of our community.
Sarah Schmidt
Sarah Schmidt’s journey in education and public service is marked by a deep commitment to improving educational outcomes and supporting teachers. Originally from Wisconsin, Sarah attended public schools from preschool through 12th grade before venturing into higher education and a career in research. After college, her passion for science led her to work in research, but the call to teach was strong, leading her back to the classroom where she earned her teaching certification in biology for grades 6-12.
Sarah’s teaching experience in Wisconsin’s public high schools gave her firsthand insights into the challenges and rewards of educating young minds. Transitioning from teaching, Sarah now applies her expertise as a Clinical Genomic Scientist in the private sector, focusing on genetic testing, yet her commitment to education remains unwavering
A resident of Goodyear for nearly a decade, Sarah is not only a devoted mother to her 10 year old son but has also been an active member of the community. She served as the PTO president for five years at her son’s school and has been a consistent volunteer, contributing her time and skills to enhance the school environment.
Sarah’s platform as a candidate focuses on the crucial issues of teacher retention and prioritizing the needs of teachers and students over administrative or board interests. She believes that high turnover among teachers undermines student success, diminishes the quality of education and impacts staff morale negatively. Her advocacy is for a school board that supports the real needs of schools, ensuring teachers have the resources they need and students receive a quality education they deserve without distraction from self-promoting board activities.
With a background that bridges science and education, Sarah Schmidt brings a unique perspective to the board, advocating for policies that ensure stability and support for educators and deliver the best outcomes for students.