Empowering the future of TUSD Education!
Help us campaign today for a better tomorrow!
Vota Por Pilar Acosta Ruiz!
Empowering the future of TUSD Education!
Help us campaign today for a better tomorrow!
Vota Por Pilar Acosta Ruiz!
My Platform
A. ACCOUNTABILITY
C. COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP
B. BUILDING THE FUTURE
I'll work for you -students, staff, and the community I serve. I will be responsive to your opinions and concerns where the community can be heard. I have been an active participant in TUSD Governing Board meetings since 2011.
1. SAFETY:
Ensure the budget reflects the safety personnel and safeguards needed at all schools to cultivate a climate of respect for a healthy learning environment.
B. BUILDING THE FUTURE
C. COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP
B. BUILDING THE FUTURE
Provide a safe learning environment for students and teachers, with a focus on reading, writing, and math, ensuring a quality education from K-12 to provide students with college and career readiness.
2. FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP:
My budget priorities are classroom instruction, teacher and support staff retention, and school safety all while building trust with our community.
C. COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP
C. COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP
C. COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP
As a Teamster, with many years of active service in community organizations, I bring unique historical knowledge to the board. As a skilled collaborator, I will move the district forward with common sense solutions.
3. RESTORE RESPECT IN OUR SCHOOLS:
Classrooms should be a safe place, free from distractions so that both students and tea
As a Teamster, with many years of active service in community organizations, I bring unique historical knowledge to the board. As a skilled collaborator, I will move the district forward with common sense solutions.
3. RESTORE RESPECT IN OUR SCHOOLS:
Classrooms should be a safe place, free from distractions so that both students and teachers can focus on education. Teachers and support staff deserve a workplace free from retaliation and fear.
Who is Pilar?
Why Am I Running?
I am a long time resident of Tucson, graduate of Catalina High School and parent of a recent TUSD graduate. I have lived through many changes in our public schools, which have not always been positive.
Coming from a civic and community service-oriented family I have spent many years actively working to make the lives of youth better. I have been attending board meetings for more than a decade and have historical knowledge that current members do not have, I have real experience advocating for students and staff. I have witnessed mismanaged budgets, school closings, the revolving door of superintendents, focus on personal political ambition instead of education, lack of respect for staff and a lack of student safety as a priority.
Community Experience:
Member, Teamsters Local 104
C.A.R.E (Coalition for Accountability, Respect, and Excellence for TUSD students) founding member
Tucson High Magnet School site council
THMS choir booster Club
Registrar for Presbytery De Cristo Youth Triennium
Mission Trip Chaperone
Member, South Tucson Lion Club
Advisor for South Tucson Police Explorer Post 317
Girl Scout Leader 13 years
Full charge bookkeeper.
Endorsements
Teamsters Local 104
Mark Stegeman, former TUSD school board member
Teamsters Local 104
On behalf of Teamsters Local 104 Executive Board, staff and members, we are proud to endorse you in your 2024 campaign.
Jesse Lugo
Mark Stegeman, former TUSD school board member
Teamsters Local 104
I have known Pilar and her family for many years, as her father was Dr, Ruben Acosta a prominent surgeon here in Tucson, AZ.
Pilar is the future as a board member candidate for the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) as I ask that you cast your one Vote for Pilar in the coming election.
Join the Lugo family as I ask that you contact your family and friends with a phone call and social media contacts to also Vote for Pilar for the TUSD board.
Mark Stegeman, former TUSD school board member
Mark Stegeman, former TUSD school board member
Arizona International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Pilar has been frequently attending board meetings for longer than anyone currently on the Board. During my time on the board, she frequently advocated on issues affecting her daughter, who always attended TUSD schools and has recently graduated from the University of Arizona, and her daughter’s peers. She spoke countless times on the need for financial accountability and responsibility, and the importance of maintaining a school environment that is safe for staff and students and promotes learning. Pilar is beholden to no group or individual. .
Arizona International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Arizona International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Arizona International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Barbara Kozlowski, Retired TUSD Teacher
Arizona International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Barbara Kozlowski, Retired TUSD Teacher
Testimonials
Dale Keyes, Former Catalina Foothills School District Governing Board Member
" I have known and worked with Pilar on educational issues for several years. She is thoughtful
and persistent when seeking information and answers. She attends Board meetings, reads
agendas carefully, and probes background materials. The fact that she continues with her interest
in and concern for TUSD even after her daughter graduated speaks volumes.
As a member of the Governing Board of the Catalina Foothills District several years ago, I
understand what it takes to make a difference in education. Pilar has what it takes. I fully support
her candidacy for the TUSD School Board.
Chris King, Vail School District Governing Board Member
" Pilar has been advocating for the students of TUSD for years. She would bring a parent’s eyes, heart, and passion to the board while leaving political agendas outside the boardroom. She will be a champion for education and seek to raise the academic successes of all TUSD students while seeking to improve professional development for teachers, staff, and fellow board members. I look forward to working with Pilar when she is elected to the TUSD governing board.
.
Cindy Coleman , TUSD, Retiree
"Pilar Ruiz began her commitment to improving TUSD as an engaged parent. Her community activism has elevated the voices of the underrepresented or underdog. Her focus and philosophy continue to be solutions based."
.
Dolores de Vera, full-time TUSD substitute teacher
" Through CARE (Coalition for Accountability, Respect and Excellence in TUSD) , Pilar organized and moderated discussions and public forums about issues facing TUSD. I appreciated her willingness to listen to me about issues facing substitute teachers, and I think she'll value input of employees at all levels, as well as input from parents and community members."
.
Photo Gallery
Help Our Cause
Your support will enable us to fund our campaign by clicking on the "DONATE" button. Checks can also be mailed to the address below. Please include occupation and employer name.