*Eric Thompson

Eric Thompson is a parent of two students in the Osborn School District, a feeder district for Phoenix Union. He is the Chief Financial Officer for Tempe Elementary School District and cares deeply about public school districts. Mr. Thompson is committed to doing what he can to help public education.

-Appointed by At-Large

*James Williams

James Williams, a parent of a PXU graduate, is a former PXU teacher and content specialist who currently serves the community as an Academy Principal at The Academies at South Mountain. With a career in education since 2008 and involvement with PXU since 2018, Mr. James will begin his role as Principal at Phoenix Coding Academy in the 2025-2026 school year.

-Appointed by At-Large

*Praphul Niduram

Praphul Niduram currently serves as the district Lead Psychologist. His journey with Phoenix Union began in 2007, when he started his career as an ESS teacher at Trevor Browne High School, working with students with emotional disabilities. While teaching, he pursued his second master’s degree in School Psychology, which led him to transition into the role of a School Psychologist in the district. After immigrating from India to pursue higher education, Phoenix Union became his home away from home. It has been a blessing, and he is deeply grateful for this community daily. His wife, Vandana, is also a school psychologist within the district, and together, they are proud parents to two beautiful and confident ten-year-old twin daughters. As an Indian immigrant who has witnessed a different educational system evolve, he deeply understands and appreciates the importance of strong, well-functioning public schools. He is proud to be part of a district like PXU, where they continuously strive to grow and improve despite their differences and the many challenges they face, often from forces beyond their control. Being a part of this work and this community is an honor and a responsibility he holds close to his heart.

Appointed by Ward 1

*Dr. Elana Payton

Dr.Elana Payton is a Licensed Professional Counselor and AZ Certified Guidance Counselor with over 20 years of experience in counseling. A native Phoenician, Dr. Payton currently resides in the Coronado District of Phoenix. After graduating as an IB student from North High School in 1992, she began working with PXU as a resource counselor in the late 90s through the South Mountain High School Care Coalition. Later, she was hired as a Behavior Intervention Specialist at Alhambra, Carl Hayden, and Camelback. Transitioning from BIS to an ESS counselor at Carl Hayden, Dr. Payton later transferred to Fairfax, serving as an ESS counselor, IB Coordinator, and IB Counselor for two years. For the past 15 years, she has been the IB Coordinator at Fairfax. Currently, Dr. Payton serves as the Certified Teaching Association Treasurer and represents CTA as a member of the IBN. Dr. Payton has two children, both Fairfax IB graduates of PXU. An active community member, she is involved with Kawambe Omowale African Drum and Dance, serves as a board member of The Desert Pearls Foundation, and is a board member of the AAIO Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc..

- Appointed by Ward 2

*Charles "Chad" Renning

Charles "Chad" Renning has been in the education field for 17 years, with 9 of those years spent in the district. He teaches CTE Software & App Design and Yearbook at Metro Tech High School. Born and raised in Phoenix, AZ, Mr. Renning holds a BA in Secondary Education and Journalism from the University of Arizona and an MA in Career and Technical Education from Northern Arizona University. He serves as the CTA Unit Chair and lives in the PXU community. Mr. Renning has two daughters who attend the Osborn School District, where his wife is also a dedicated employee.

-Appointed by Ward 3

Jaxinta Shaffer

Jaxinta Shaffer, LCSW, is a first-generation high school and college graduate with a background as a medical social worker and a family clinician. As a certified school social worker, she is dedicated to advocating for students, securing resources, and supporting their overall well-being and success.

- Appointed by Ward 4

*Jessica Galaz

Jessica Galaz graduated from North HS in 2013 and taught there from January 2017 through 2024. During her time at North HS, her priority was building community, so she sponsored MECHA, GSA, and coached the robotics team, the Cyborg Mustangs. Ms. Galaz also worked to develop curriculum and potential development for the Cultural Relevant Program and the International Baccalaureate Program.

-Appointed by Ward 5

John Doherty

John Doherty is a native Phoenician and a proud ASU Sun Devil. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Arizona State University and began his career in the commercial insurance industry as a premium auditor. He later transitioned into education and earned master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership from ASU. His 24 years of experience in education includes classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator. He serves on the board of the Phoenix Union Foundation for Education and is the President of the PXU Administrators’ Association. His combined background in finance, commercial insurance, and education informs his work in supporting responsible and equitable budget decisions for the district. Mr. Doherty is committed to working together to ensure resources are allocated strategically, equitably, and in the best interest of students, families, and staff across the district.

 -Ex-Officio Member Appointed by Superintendent

Anastasia Jimenez

-Ex-Officio Member Appointed by Superintendent

Larry Larson

Larry Larson has worked in School District Procurement for almost 25 years and has been with Phoenix Union for the last 10 years. Mr. Larson's grandmother retired from Maryvale in the 1980s, and he feels honored to continue serving the future leaders attending PXU by providing compliant guidance in spending public monies on their important educational journey.

-Ex-Officio Member Appointed by Superintendent

Adalberto "AJ" Nido

Adalberto "AJ" Nido has been a proud member of the PXU community for many years. As an alumnus who graduated from South Mountain High School in 2009, Mr. Nido has lived in the area for most of their life. Joining PXU as an employee in 2016, he has held roles in both the Talent Division and the Professional Development Department. They are deeply invested in the mission of PXU and have a passion for strong union advocacy, ensuring that staff, students, and the community are afforded the best opportunities the District can provide.

-Ex-Officio Member Appointed by Superintendent

Naomi Rivera

Naomi Rivera is a proud first-generation immigrant and the first in her family to attend university—an experience that shaped her passion for education and public service. She moved to Phoenix, AZ, in 2011 and has since made the Maryvale community her home. That same year, she began her career with Phoenix Union High School District, where she has had the privilege of serving in various roles, including ELD Instructional Assistant, Student Liaison, Senior Office Assistant, Assistant to the Principal, Administrative Specialist, and most recently, Safety Communication Specialist. Through each role, she has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within public education. Ms. Rivera is passionate about supporting students and families, especially those who come from underrepresented backgrounds, and she is proud to contribute to a system that empowers young people to succeed.

-Ex-Officio Member Appointed by Superintendent