Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo

Thanks to everyone who took the time to research issues and candidates this election season, your diligence in executing your civic duty is appreciated. With only a 75 vote margin between myself and the 2nd place candidate that is truly a close election! I will be closing down this campaign site but wanted to say one final thanks for all your support and encouragement. I also have one final ask, please keep yourself educated about decisions being made on behalf of our students. They deserve our interest, advocacy and support - a focus on student success!

Thanks to the many, many friends, family and colleagues who supported me throughout this entire campaign! You support was heartwarming and helped me raise awareness about the critical issues our students and families are facing as well as the need to focus on success for ALL students. The election may not have gone our way tonight but our work in the community will certainly continue. Congratulations to Jenny Richardson who will make a great board member and many thanks to Dan Hink for running a respectful campaign!

Early morning voting selfie with my boys! During our time at the polls, we encountered three individuals who were at the wrong location. To find your polling location, visit http://recorder.maricopa.gov/web/elections.aspx.

A focus on student success...that has been my mantra during this entire campaign. Our Mesa students deserve leadership that believes EACH student can be successful in school and move on to continue their education after high school. That will be my focus as your next Mesa Public Schools Governing Board member and why I am asking for your vote. I pledge to bring my 20+ years of community service and connections to the table as we keep Mesa Public Schools moving in a positive direction. Please don't miss this opportunity to be part of the decision making process - vote! http://deanna4mesaschools.com/

A focus on student success...that has been my mantra during this entire campaign. Our Mesa students deserve leadership that believes EACH student can be successful in school and move on to continue their education after high school. That will be my focus as your next Mesa Public Schools Governing Board member and why I am asking for your vote. I pledge to bring my 20+ years of community service and connections to the table as we keep Mesa Public Schools moving in a positive direction. Please don't miss this opportunity to be part of the decision making process - vote!

Just 4 days until elections! Plan ahead...(1) If you have that early ballot still hanging around, drop it off at any polling location on Tuesday; (2) know your polling location - http://recorder.maricopa.gov/web/elections.aspx; (3) take a sample ballot or cheat sheet with you; (4) take a young person with you, start imparting those voting skills and civic duty early!

Wonderful message! I wish more people would take the time to become involved and make a positive difference instead of criticizing public education, our great educators, and staff. Less than a week to the election - please do your homework, vote Deanna for Mesa Public Schools Governing Board and consider giving of your time to be that somebody!

A week from today will be filled with decisions. We will have an new slate of state leadership, we will find out if the MPS override has passed (vote yes!) and we will find out who will be the two new Mesa Public Schools Governing Board members. I am asking for your support and your vote in order to keep a positive focus on student success in our community! Please continue these efforts for just one more week - (1) Encourage your friends and family to vote for Deanna for Mesa Public Schools Governing Board (2) Share this page with those in your circle; (3) Visit me and encourage your friends to visit me at http://deanna4mesaschools.com/

Breakfast meeting with Mayor Giles. We are so fortunate to have dedicated, compassionate leadership in our community. This is especially relevant because of the undeniable link between a community's educational system/attainment levels and a community's economic health. This is someone that gets it!

Great discussion about closing the achievement gap at the 12th Annual Mesa Latino Town Hall. This community event featured a panel with Mesa Public Schools Governing Board candidates as well as a workshop on student achievement led by Dr. Mike Cowan, MPS Superintendent. Great job by all involved!

The number of disconnected youth (not in school and not working) in our community is staggering with a huge economic impact. I had this conversation the other day with a community colleague who couldn't believe the numbers. Certainly points to the importance of helping students focus on their future early on in their education...what is their idea of success and the steps to get there. These are the policy issues I have been involved with as a community member and certainly what I would bring as a Governing Board member.

Chatting with my nieces this morning about the solar eclipse and how to view safely. Here is some great information in today's Arizona Republic - http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2014/10/22/arizona-solar-eclipse-view-safely/17742953/ Have a productive day everyone!

How to view Thursday's partial solar eclipse safely Solar eclipse will cover 44 percent of the sun; next eclipse won't happen until 2017.