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Published May 16, 2023

Apache Junction Unified School District (AJUSD) community members are attempting to recall board members after the district superintendent was allegedly forced out of her position.

The vote to prematurely terminate Superintendent Heather Wallace’s contract took place during the school board meeting on April 11, 2023. One day prior, a letter signed by Board President Dena Kimble was released to the public that indicates a mutual separation. The letter can be viewed below:

On April 16, 12News reported, “Teachers and parents in [AJUSD] blame partisan politics for…Wallace’s ouster. Now residents are organizing a recall effort…[Kimble] and Board Members Gil Cancio and Gail Ross voted 3-2 to sever ties with Wallace…who had served less than two years.”

Board Member Bobby Bauders told 12News, “‘[Wallace] was pushed and bullied and gaslit until she couldn’t take it anymore. They’re going to say this was mutual. It was not.’” He was quoted by ABC 15 Arizona saying, “‘There has been a concerted effort by [Kimble] and a majority of the board to bully and harass [Wallace]…”

Bauders, an outspoken recall supporter, is listed on the “Political Research Committee” of For Our AJUSD Kids—the grassroots organization that appears to be leading the charge against Kimble and Cancio. Bauders also promotes the radical leftist organization Black Lives Matter.

Bauders offered no evidence to corroborate his harassment claims against AJUSD board members. Even 12News said, “It is unknown what motivated the three board members to approve the severance package. [They] did not comment during their votes.”

Kimble and Cancio are eligible to be recalled. Ross, who was elected in November 2022, is not eligible until she has served a minimum of six months in her board position. The recall needs 1500 signatures to qualify on a future ballot.

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Apache Junction Unified School District has 2,899 students enrolled in Pre-k through 12 across five schools.