TOPOCK — Five candidates are running for a spot on the Topock School Board. We caught up with them to see why they believe voters should choose them.
Betty Boyle
Betty Boyle is seeking one of the four-year seats on the Topock School Board. As a long-time resident, she believes she can help make a difference. She has served her community for a long time and wants to do it again on the school board.
“I am running for school board as there is a need for support for the Topock Elementary School (TES) District and it’s students. This opportunity will allow me to have a chance to help in making our school one of the best in Mohave County.”
“The Board of Education has a responsibility to make sure all students and staff have the best opportunity to learn and grow in our community. I will show up and show transparency on all areas of our school.”
What would she do differently?
“This is a broad question first of all. Support! I will educate myself in all aspects as possible on how a school board is ran and try to follow all the protocols that are in place. To be present as I already am, as a parent with a child in the school actively involved and having been for many years.”
“I plan on being there for our school to help provide the best education for our students in our community, to be a positive influence with our students, with our staff, and with our community. I don’t know if this is a big difference or not, as I have witnessed already with the New administration that is in place and this being their goals as well.”
How would she ensure no more financial shortages in the future as in the past?
“The Arizona Auditor Report from 2025-2026. A letter (of which is public information) dated May 14, 2026.
This letter states to the Arizona Board of Education, that TES District 12, is no longer in a noncompliance with the boards. The district fiscal year of 2025-26 financial reports shows that they are in Compliance. This information shows the diligence of this new administration in their efforts to make sure that our school here in Topock, Arizona is in compliance and is in good rapport with the Arizona Auditors of the Arizona Board of Education. There are another 15 outstanding deficiencies that need to be in compliance. These are being attended to, and I will be helping to support having these completed in a timely matter.”
Why should residents vote for Betty Boyle?
“I have been a resident in Golden Shores, Topock, Arizona since 1975, 51 years. Over the years I have provided many services in our community of Golden Shores. I have been actively involved in our community over the years. I was a volunteer EMT for the Golden Shores Fire Department for 25 years. I’ve spent countless hours providing services and helping our community grow and change over the years. I am not afraid of hard work and have been proud to provide medical services and needs in this community during that time.”
“I am still actively involved in the fire department during the times when we are doing fundraisers that help to provide needed and necessary, medical equipment and personnel for Golden Shores. I have been involved with TES for many years as my children have gone to the school here and as of now, I have a grandson whom we raise in the school at TES. TES has always provided an excellent education for my children. I’ve had children who were special-needs and in saying this, I have been very pleased at how well they have provided not only support and education, but how much they are involved in making sure that there is a whole well rounded education for them in all aspects of their life academically, physically, and an acceptance of them as a person for who they are.”
“I would be proud to represent TES as a board member. If I am elected, I will be present. I will provide support for student learning, school safety, support of our teachers and staff, allow for transparency, and community Involvement. I plan to be Respectful of others, and in that saying that I hope that others will be Respectful of me and of our Topock Elementary School.
Chuck De Shazer
Chuck De Shazer decided to run for the two-year term to replace Topock School Board President Joe Gardener who is retiring. He’s running, he said, because there are a lot of problems like transparency, agendas and taxes that need fixed and he believes he can fix them with the help of other Board members.
“I decided to run for the board when I found that my property taxes for Topock Elementary exceeded all others on my tax bill,” De Shazer said.
“After further investigation I found this to be a major subject of discussion around town. The more I looked into the issue, the more problems I saw. I like to fix problems, so I threw my hat in the ring, as they say.”
De Shazer said he saw several problems that needed fixed in the Topock School District.
“The first is we need greater transparency when it comes to board meetings. The agenda really needs to be posted at least seven days in advance. The agenda needs proper backup so the public understands what is happening. Nothing vague like just invoice number and amount.”
He said they also need direct communication with the residents.
“Not just the answer to every question being ‘you need to email that to our office.'” De Shazer said he sent a list of nine questions to Kailie Lee, Superintendent/Principal/Teacher, August 21st, and still has not had them answered.
When asked about past payroll shortages and audits, De Shazer stated, “We have seen so many problems with past audits by government agencies, that it would be prudent at this point to hire a professional CPA firm for a review of at least the budget and procedures. Upon completion, ask for recommendations to fix the problems or personal replacements if necessary and (create) a written procedure manual for the future. If people need to be trained how to do the job properly, then provide them with that training.”
How would he would be more transparent if he was elected?
“All meetings to be filmed and available on YouTube so the public can see how things are done in this school.”
He said he would also change the format slightly so the public could participate in each item being voted on like other public meetings.
“Other public meetings have a comment period before a motion is voted on,” De Shazer said, “because there are things that board members may not have thought of for discussion.”
Why should residents vote for him?
“I believe if I am elected, with the proper support of my colleagues on the board, we will have a great chance of turning things around for the taxpayers and the students,” De Shazer stated. “Students are entitled to an education but not at a price that exceeds a lot of people’s annual salary or twice the amount of surrounding schools. Throwing money at the problem will not make anyone smarter.”
“We had a budget excess almost equal to the entire rate increase of over 1/3 of a million dollars. This tells me the rate increase was not necessary. If elected, I will do everything in my power to bring taxes down to pre rate increase levels or lower so as to give the taxpayer their overpayment of taxes back.”
Ma’Kala Cormier
Ma’Kala Cormier is seeking a two-year term on the Topock School Board. She’s running, she said, not because she knows everything but because she’s willing to learn, listen and ask questions. She’s also running because she cares about children and Topock Elementary.
“I am running for the Topock Elementary School Board because I truly care about our school, our kids, and our community,” Ma’Kala Cormier said. “I am a stepmom of children who attend Topock, so I get to see how important this little school is to our families.”
“This is my first time running for school board, and I definitely do not claim to know everything. I am willing to learn, listen, ask questions, and put in the time to understand the decisions that come before the board. I have a big heart for kids, and more than anything, I want to see Topock Elementary succeed and continue to be a school our community can be proud of.”
If elected, what would she do differently?
“I am not running because I think everything needs to be changed. I think there are a lot of good things happening at Topock that we should continue building on,” Cormier said. “I would like to see even more communication between the board, parents, staff, administration, and community. I am someone who likes to listen to everyone before forming an opinion. I am not a confrontational person, and I do not believe fighting or arguing solves problems. I would rather sit down, talk things through, ask questions, and try to find a solution that is best for our students and school.”
“I also think it is important to bring a positive attitude to the board. We may not always agree, but we can still be kind and respectful to one another.”
The Arizona Auditor has reported past payroll shortages, computer and internal financial controls which increase the risk of errors and fraud. How would she would ensure that doesn’t happen in the future?
“Being new to the school board, I would first want to educate myself about the audit findings, what happened, what has already been corrected, and what still needs to be addressed. I believe it is important for the board to make sure the district follows the recommendations of the auditors and has good procedures in place to protect the school and taxpayers.”
“I would ask questions and request updates so I could understand what progress is being made. I would also support training and procedures that help employees do their jobs correctly. I do not think pointing fingers at people fixes problems. If mistakes or weaknesses are found, I would rather focus on correcting them, learning from them, and making sure we have stronger systems moving forward.”
How would Ma’Kala be more transparent in open board meetings?
“I think parents and community members should feel welcome at school board meetings and should be able to understand what is happening. I would like to see clear communication and open discussions whenever possible. I would also ask questions during meetings when I do not understand something because chances are someone sitting in the audience may have the same question.”
“I want people to feel comfortable approaching me and sharing their concerns. I may not always have the answer they want to hear, and I may not always agree with them, but I will listen and treat them with kindness and respect. I believe we can disagree without being disrespectful.”
Why should residents vote for Ma’Kala Cormier?
“I hope residents will vote for me because I genuinely care,” Cormier said. “I am not running because I have all the answers. I am running because I am willing to listen, learn, ask questions, and work hard for our kids and our community.”
“I am a positive person, I have a big heart, and I would much rather bring people together than create conflict. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I will do my best to make thoughtful decisions, treat people with kindness, and always remember that at the end of the day, this is about our kids and helping Topock Elementary succeed.”
Dianna Francis
Dianna Francis is running to save money for the school and the community, to lower taxes, for financial accountability, and total transparency. “I’m running for the Topock School Board because too much money has been wasted for too long,” Francis said.
“I want the community to have a say so on how the money is spent; just saying ‘this is what we’re doing now’ just does not work. Raising taxes and being told by the Superintendent ‘If you can’t afford the taxes, sell and move’ is not the right answer,” she said.
In the past, the Arizona Auditor has reported payroll shortages, computer and internal financial controls which increase the risk of errors and fraud. How would she would ensure that doesn’t happen in the future.
“There has to be accountability, which I don’t currently see,” Francis stated. I’m still calling for the State to demand the missing financial computers and books. The ladies running the school state that they were missing when they took over. John Warren stated to me that he left everything there when he turned the keys over to the ladies.”
“So, if in fact, these financial books and computers were missing when they took over, was a Sheriff’s report taken? If not, why not? You can just see how this will play out! More hiding of facts.”
Francis said she would post information as soon as it was available and make “no backroom deals.” She said she would allow input from the community two weeks prior to board meetings to provide an opportunity for their concerns to be on the agenda.
Why should residents in Topock vote for Dianna Francis?
“If possible, I would like the taxes rolled back to where they were previously,” Francis said. “Secondly, I will not be voting for tax increases for this school. Not me. Not ever!”
Dianna said the school had a lifetime metal roof, but it was replaced by one that will need to be replaced a lot sooner. She said the school does not have a fee schedule for use of the building, as required.
“That needs to be corrected, immediately!” Francis said.
She stated her desire is to help the entire Topock community, not just the school. “Anyone who wants to donate to this school, or any school, can donate their tax liability,” Francis said. “It’s a win, win. The people who are struggling won’t pay to the point of losing their home.”
Jean Kuhn
Jean Kuhn is running for the District 12 Topock School Board to restore transparency, provide open communication, ensure financial accountability, and to put students first.
“I’m running because I believe our community deserves transparency and open communication from our school,” Kuhn said. “As taxpayers, parents and residents, we have a right to understand how our tax dollars are being spent and what decisions are being made that affect our children and our community.”
She said her goal was not to create conflict, but to ask questions, encourage accountability and to ensure the community is informed and heard.
“I want to be a voice for the community and a bridge between the school administration and the people it serves,” Kuhn stated. “After living in this community for 26 years, I care deeply about Golden Shores/Topock and it’s school. I’m running because I believe transparency, accountability and communication matters.”
What would she do differently if elected?
“I would ask for a more thorough breakdown of expenditures and make sure we are asking the right questions before approving spending,” Kuhn stated. “I believe every dollar should be spent responsibly and with a clear purpose.”
“I would ask for regular reviews of payroll, financial records and internal controls to make sure proper procedures are being followed and errors are caught early.”
She stated she also wanted separation of financial duties, giving no one person control over handling and approving the funds.
“I would make sure the board receives accurate, understandable financial reports and that questions or discrepancies are addressed promptly. If an issue is identified, I would expect it to be corrected and followed up on, not simply overlooked.
Kuhn said her goal is to provide proper oversight to “protect taxpayer dollars, reduce the risk of errors or fraud and ensure the school’s finances are handled responsibly and transparently.”
She said she would listen carefully to everyone during the Call to the Public portion of the school board meetings and take their concerns seriously.
“If a question requires a detailed or official response, I would work to have that item placed on a future board agenda so it can be properly discussed and addressed in an open meeting.”
“I believe taxpayers, parents, staff and community members deserve to know that their concerns are being heard, not ignored.”
“My goal would be to encourage open communication, follow up on legitimate questions and make sure the community has access to clear and understandable information.”
“Resident’s should vote for me because I care deeply about the Golden Shores/Topock community and I want to make sure our voices are heard,” Kuhn stated.
“As a taxpayer, I believe we have a responsibility to oversee how our tax dollars are being spent and to ask whether these dollars are being used efficiently and responsibly. I want to be a bridge between the residents and the school administration – someone who listens to the concerns of parents, taxpayers, staff and community members and make sure those concerns are brought to the table,” Kuhn said. “Topock Elementary School needs to look honestly at where we are today and where we need to go in the future.”
“With approximately 60 students, we need to ask an important question: Is continuing to operate the school the way we currently do the most efficient and responsible use of our tax dollars, or should other options be considered?” Jean Kuhn said. “I’m running to ask those difficult questions, seek transparency and work toward solutions that put students first while also respecting the taxpayers who fund our school.”
