Jennifer Johnson
Candidate for Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board
Scottsdale · Scottsdale Unified School District
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Statement
I've served at every level of Arizona public education — as a teacher, a principal, a superintendent, and now in higher education. I'm running on a platform of Strong Schools, Strong Community, and Strong Future, focused on keeping our neighborhood schools healthy, academically competitive, and connected to the community.
Biography
Dr. Jennifer Johnson is a lifelong Arizonan and career public educator running as a challenger for the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board in 2026. Over more than 35 years she rose from high school teacher to principal and ultimately superintendent of the Glendale Union High School District, and later served as a deputy superintendent at the Arizona Department of Education. She currently leads Academic Alliances at Grand Canyon University, where she mentors Arizona superintendents and principals, and volunteers as board chair of the school-community nonprofit School Connect. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Public Policy from Arizona State University.
Positions
Issue Stances
Academic Achievement & Curriculum
SupportsJohnson wants to sustain SUSD's academic reputation and use data to drive continuous improvement, and has made career exploration and readiness a signature priority — guiding students from elementary through graduation so they can make informed choices about college, career training, or the workforce.
"SUSD is already recognized as a leader in academic achievement, and I am committed to ensuring that success continues for all students."
Library Books & Instructional Materials
No official stance on record.
Parental Rights & Involvement
No official stance on record.
Budget & Fiscal Oversight
No official stance on record.
Teacher Pay & Retention
No official stance on record.
Student Safety & Wellbeing
No official stance on record.
Declining Enrollment & Consolidation
NeutralJohnson centers her campaign on keeping neighborhood schools healthy and academically competitive, and points to community partnerships as a way to expand opportunities amid resource limits. She has not taken an explicit position for or against closing specific schools.
"By aligning local business, nonprofits, faith communities and civic organizations with the specific needs of individual schools, SUSD can expand opportunities for students."
Board Governance & Transparency
NeutralDrawing on her experience as a superintendent, Johnson emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and data-informed decision-making, but has not staked out a specific position on meeting frequency, public comment, or superintendent oversight.
"proven record of collaboration and accountability"
DEI & Social-Emotional Learning
No official stance on record.
Legislature
Legislative Voting Record
No voting record on file.
Voting records are only available for candidates who have held legislative office.
Ballot
Ballot Measure Stances
No ballot measure stances on file yet.
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