MUSD board member balances kids, career, community

AnnaMarie Knorr’s busy schedule got even busier in 2013 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy Maricopa Unified School District governing board. Knorr ran for the open two-year seat this year and, not having an opponent, was named victor by Pinal County Board of Supervisors without an election.

Why did you apply to be appointed to the school board when it had an opening?

As a proud mom of three young children growing up in this wonderful community, I chose to apply for the open position last year because I want to help MUSD continue to improve for our students, parents, teachers and community. I am excited that I have the opportunity to continue to serve on the board to ensure we are putting more money into the classroom and focusing on educating our students first and foremost.

What have you enjoyed most about serving on the school board?

I have truly enjoyed meeting all of the amazing staff, teachers and parents within the district. It has also been a pleasure getting to know my fellow board members. I have spent the last year learning about the district, our finances, policies and procedures. With this information I believe that I am better equipped to help solve the issues we face. I enjoy serving on the board as an advocate for the children and community to ensure that we are doing everything we can and using our funds in the most effective and efficient ways possible.

What has been the biggest surprise?

The biggest surprise is definitely the amount of rules and regulations that public schools must comply with. What is even more shocking is the funding differences. MUSD is currently operating at a competitive disadvantage when compared to other public districts and the local charter schools. Seventy-five percent of public school districts in Arizona have an override in place. In addition, charter schools receive an additional $1,000 per student above what MUSD receives. MUSD doesn’t currently have an override and we do not get the extra money allotted for charter schools, yet we have been able to bring the district grade up to a B in the past two years.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced?

It is always challenging when you are in a position where you have to make decisions on behalf of children. We all want what is best for the kids in Maricopa. Sometimes that requires choosing one program over another or cutting a program to put more teachers in the classroom. The answers are never easy and I think it’s imperative for parents and community members to pay attention to the issues being considered at the school board meetings and provide input to us.

If you could change anything about Maricopa, what would it be?

If had to change something about Maricopa, I would make it easier to get to our city. Having limited roads in and out can make traveling a challenge. But we are fortunate to have such an amazing community with great amenities.

What is a day in the life of AnnaMarie Knorr?

Being married to a farmer makes life very unpredictable. The work starts early and the days can be long. Robert and Jake have to be at school by 8:30 a.m. Averie has dance and tiny-tot sports activities, and hopefully I make it to the gym at some point in between. Working as the government affairs manager for Western Growers Association, I then have several conference calls, emails and sometimes meetings anywhere from Phoenix to Yuma. After school, the kids have soccer practice, piano and homework. Fortunately, my husband helps by coaching the boys’ soccer teams. Just like all of the other families in Maricopa with children, the days can get very busy, but it’s worth it.

Career woman, volunteer, mom … how do you do it all?

It take a village to raise a child, and I am fortunate to have a lot of great friends and family in Maricopa to help out whenever necessary.

What is MUSD’s best-kept secret?

MUSD has served as a gathering point for the community in a variety of ways. Our facilities serve the city’s recreation programs and we rent our facilities to various churches and civic groups for community activities. It’s hard to imagine where these groups would gather if not for our facilities. MUSD doesn’t just serve our students, we serve the community.