The keys to our prosperity lay at the intersection of education and the economy. Attracting top businesses and quality jobs to Mesa requires a highly educated workforce and that education begins before our children reach kindergarten.
Mesa has always been a community committed to education. When families with young children moved to the Valley, they were often pointed towards Mesa due to our strong Mesa Public School District.
Over the last few years, the City has focused on post-secondary education by bringing in new colleges and participating in Mesa Counts on College, an initiative designed to foster a college completion culture.
"After discussions with many professionals in education I have learned that there are more and more kids showing up to kindergarten unprepared to learn," Mayor John Giles said. "We have a great k-12 system and robust post-secondary options here in Mesa. I want to know how we can help our youngest students get their education off to a great start."
To explore ways to ensure Mesa's children arrive at kindergarten ready and able to learn, Mayor John Giles announced the formation of an Early Childhood Education Task Force.
"There are many opportunities for children to get an early childhood education here in Mesa," Councilmember David Luna said. "The task force is charged with organizing resources, identifying needs and developing recommendations for providing all of the children of Mesa the opportunity to start kindergarten ready to learn."
Mayor John Giles appointed the 12 member Early Childhood Education Task Force to a six-month term during the Council Study Session on Thursday, Nov. 19.
Task Force members include: Dr. David Luna (chair), Rhonda Anderson, Jake Brown, Mike Hutchinson, Paul Luna, Dr. Anjum Majeed, Cynthia Melde, Linda McKeever, Allison Mullady, Nancy Salmon, Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo and Dr. James Zaharis.
For more information contact City of Mesa Chief of Staff, Ian Linssen at ian.linssen@mesaaz.gov or (480) 644-3002.
Mayor's Office
Contact: Melissa Randazzo
Tel. 480-644-2069
melissa.randazzo@mesaaz.gov