School Board Member Challenges Superintendent’s Role at the Dais Artwork

Jen and Friends - A Podcast

A casual podcast showcasing what's hot in the west Valley... Goodyear, Buckeye and Litchfield Park in Arizona. Long-time resident, parent, volunteer, and former council member Jen Barber combines her passion for community with her background in broadcasting. Kick back, relax and hear from the positive leaders, neighbors, and parents in the community - the movers and shakers shaping our future.

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Jen and Friends - A Podcast

School Board Member Challenges Superintendent’s Role at the Dais

July 30, 2025 • Jen Barber - West Valley Families • Season 3 • Episode 11

Not Just a Seat—A Statement: School Board Member Challenges Superintendent’s Role at the Dais

Does seating the superintendent at the dais blur the separation of roles — and make it harder for the public to catch side comments, facial expressions, & subtle cues revealing how decisions are made?

Read the Report here.

At the July 8th Higley Unified School District governing board meeting, tensions rose when Board Member Anna Van Hoek publicly objected to the superintendent sitting alongside board members on the dais. Van Hoek called it inappropriate for an employee who reports to the board to present as an equal—and says she wasn’t consulted on the change. According to her, the decision came from the superintendent and was approved solely by the board president, without input from the full board. Grab your earbuds for our latest Jen & Friends Podcast featuring a conversation with parental rights advocate Anna Van Hoek.

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