FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
School Superintendent Boggs Appoints Teresa Tapia to Cartwright School District Governing
Board PHOENIX, AZ — Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs has appointed Teresa Tapia to the Cartwright School District Governing Board to fill the current vacancy.
Ms. Tapia is a lifelong Maryvale resident with more than 20 years of experience in patient care, small business ownership, and community service. She began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and went on to serve a decade as a Licensed Vocational Nurse before launching and managing her own business.
Ms. Tapia first sought a seat on the Cartwright Governing Board in 2024 and has stayed engaged since — attending board meetings, pursuing professional development, and taking part in district events. Her stated priorities include student academic achievement, stronger communication with families, support for teachers and staff, and transparent, accountable leadership.
Superintendent Boggs takes her responsibility to appoint members to fill vacancies on school boards very seriously. To make the best selection she attends a meeting in person to speak directly with the community and to observe board member interactions. Unfortunately, the Cartwright School District meetings have been canceled due to the actions of two of its members. The resulting shutdown of district business has left staff stipends unpaid and students receiving sack lunches in place of hot meals, with 58 agenda items now frozen and awaiting action.
"It is unconscionable to prioritize playing politics ahead of feeding children and paying teachers," said Superintendent Shelli Boggs. "When a board cannot hold a meeting, every day of delay is paid for by children. Their irresponsibility created an extreme need to expedite the process to seat a member that would show up and put kids first.”
“I believe Teresa Tapia is the person who will immediately restore this board's ability to complete the business of the district so that the district can get back to the business of educating children," Boggs added.
For more information about the Cartwright School District Governing Board, visit www.cartwrightschools.org.
### CONTACT: ANNABELLA F. GOMEZ Communications Officer Annabella.Gomez@maricopa.gov
Maricopa County School Superintendent 4041 N. Central Ave., Suite 1100 Phoenix, Arizona 85012 P: 602.506.3866 E: superintendent@maricopa.gov schoolsup.org