Running for Flagstaff Unified School Board.
Kathryn (Kate) Kozak is excited to run for a position on the Flagstaff Unified School District’s (FUSD) Governing Board. Her interest in serving stems from a deep commitment to public education, shaped by her own experiences. Kathryn was educated in public schools, starting in Pittsburgh, PA, and later in Cleveland, OH. After high school, she moved to Flagstaff to pursue a degree at Northern Arizona University (NAU), where she earned a BS in Mathematics and Physics. Following her bachelor’s degree, she stayed in Flagstaff, where she and her husband, Rich, have made their home. She completed an MS in Mathematics and has been teaching at Coconino Community College (CCC) full-time for 30 years, where she is currently the lead faculty in mathematics and accounting.
Throughout her time at CCC, Kathryn has taught many graduates from FUSD. Her leadership experience is extensive; she has served as the president of the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges and has previously been a member and president of the FUSD Governing Board. She believes these leadership skills will benefit her work on the board.
Public education holds great significance for Kathryn and her family. Her husband, a public school graduate from Phoenix, also attended NAU, and their son attended Flagstaff public schools, choosing Sechrist Elementary School, Mont Elden Middle School, and Flagstaff High School. Kathryn is running to give back to the school district that has provided so much to her family.
If elected, she promises to bring her leadership experience and commitment to listening to the concerns of parents, teachers, FUSD employees, and community members. While she supports parent involvement in education, she believes that no single parent should dictate what all students are taught. She advocates for a diverse and broad curriculum that allows students to explore multiple perspectives.
Kathryn’s role as a community college teacher gives her a unique insight into dual enrollment classes, which offer students the opportunity to earn college credits while still in high school. She is the only candidate running for the FUSD board with this direct connection to community college education, a path many students take from high school to their careers.
In her free time, Kathryn enjoys spending time with her family, cycling around town and the surrounding forests, skiing, walking, and attending plays and concerts. She also loves reading mystery and mathematical books. Kathryn welcomes your support and invites you to learn more about her campaign on her website: Kathryn Kozak for FUSD.