Deer Valley Unified candidate Q&A: Special Education

October 1, 2026 - 02:45

Four candidates are competing for two open positions on the Deer Valley Unified School District Governing Board in the upcoming November 3 general election. David Alvarado, Paul Carver, Kristi Cooper and Julie Stockwell are each seeking four-year terms on the five-member board.

The candidates recently addressed questions about how the district serves students with disabilities and whether current programs meet their needs. Special education has become a central issue in the race as families and educators push for better resources, smaller caseloads for teachers and more consistent communication between schools and parents.

Each candidate offered different approaches. Some emphasized the need for increased funding and staffing for special education classrooms. Others pointed to the importance of early intervention and training for general education teachers who work with students who have individual education plans. A few called for stronger oversight of how federal and state money designated for special education is spent at the local level.

The board oversees policy for one of the largest districts in the state. The winners will help shape budgets, hire administrators and set priorities for the next four years. Voting takes place on November 3.