Write-In Candidate for Roosevelt School District Governing Board
Patricia Valenzuela began her career as a third and fourth grade teacher at Sacaton Elementary School, where she learned the importance of building strong relationships with students and families. Her experience looping with her students deepened these connections and highlighted the value of consistency and trust in education.
After teaching, Patricia served as Assistant Director of Education and later Head Start Director for the Gila River Indian Community. In these roles, she managed programs supporting children and families across early childhood to higher education, overseeing a budget of approximately $15 million. She is particularly proud of advocating for the renovation of schools and securing funding for essential educational services.
As Head Start Director, she managed five sites serving around 350 children and families, successfully obtaining an Early Head Start–Child Care Partnership grant to improve access to quality early learning.
Patricia later expanded her impact as the Quality First Redesign Project Manager, collaborating with early childhood professionals to enhance Arizona’s Quality Rating and Improvement System.
Today, she works with the National Center for Tribal Child Care Capacity Building Center, supporting Tribal Child Care and Development Fund programs nationwide. Now, Patricia is dedicated to strengthening the Roosevelt School District, believing that every child deserves a quality education, every educator deserves support, and every family deserves a voice in their schools.
Check out her website here!