Governing Board - Audit Committee
BOARD INFO
Judy Burns
Board Member, to January 2001-October 2011
Donations in memory of Ms. Burns may be made to TUSD for the Judy Burns Scholarship Fund, Account 5305001102, and sent to the Governing Board Office, Tucson Unified School District, 1010 E. Tenth Street, Tucson, Arizona, 85719.
Letter from Dr. Pedicone, Nov. 7, 2011
Tributes to Judy Burns from Parents, Students, TUSD Employees, and Community Members
Judy was the consummate board member, relentless in her support of children and
families and not afraid to fight for what she believed was best for them. She had
principles that never wavered and her values were forged by a lifetime of service and a dedication to others. I will greatly miss her.
-- John Pedicone, TUSD superintendent
I only met Judy once. But, I remember how pleasant she was. Judy took the time to speak to me as if I was really important to her.
-- Bradley Fletcher, TUSD employee
Judy was an advocate for students and a voice of support for teachers. I am sorry to hear of her passing--she will be missed.
-- a TUSD employee
Judy was a fascinating, colorful character! From time to time, we would hold differing positions on an issue, but I never doubted her integrity, dedication,
honesty, and forthrightness. She truly desired to make our district better and stronger in all that she did. I will miss working with her, and our community will miss the contributions Judy made until the day she left us.
-- Andrew Kent, TUSD employee and community member
The one thing I will always remember about Judy is her commitment to the students
of TUSD. I've been to and listened to a number of board meetings when her concern for the students, and what was in their best interest, was evident. She gave much of herself in her tenure as a board member. The students (and teachers) of TUSD lost a dedicated individual who will be missed.
-- Alice Vaughn, parent and TUSD employee
I have known Judy since the 90s when her daughter was a student at Sewell Elementary where I was working as a Computer tech in the Sewell computer lab. She would visit me daily and talk about aspirations of becoming part of the TUSD Governing Board and how she felt about the education of the students. I continually encouraged her to pursue her dreams and one day it will become a reality. I was so pleased when I learned that she had finally realized her dream to be a part of the decision process. Judy was a very special person to me and even after over 20 years and some time away from Sewell, she always remembered me. I am deeply saddened to learn the news of her passing and fondly remember our talks while she waited for school to be out so she could pick up her daughter. She truly was a loving and caring individual for the betterment of education and life in general. My heart and love go with you Judy!!!
--Trudie Heinrichs, parent and TUSD employee
Judy always had time to hear whatever concerns you had. She was a wonderful, kind
and loving person. Judy will certainly be missed.
-- Kathleen F. Gutierrez, TUSD employee
I really admired her courage to do what was right for the students in TUSD even when
many disagreed with her. She had a vision and unfortunately she was unable to complete that vision.
-- a TUSD employee
I always appreciated Judy's honesty. She was the person who brought balance to our School Board, she will be greatly missed.
-- Linda Simmons
Judy was dedicated to TUSD students and their families. Whether one agreed with her
on some of the big issues or not, I feel her intentions were always good.
-- a TUSD employee
I felt like she was the only one who really listened to the teachers and understood our concerns. She had a huge heart and will be missed very much.
-- a TUSD employee
I really appreciated the way Judy conducted herself at board meetings. She said things, how she saw them. She also celebrated those who spoke, or demonstrated
their minds, regardless of if she agreed with their side of an issue. I will truly miss her honesty in the light of politics.
-- a TUSD employee
I am relatively new to Tucson and to TUSD, but in the short time I have been here I heard from many and experienced for myself: Judy Burns is a woman who listened well.
-- a TUSD employee
Judy was never afraid to speak up when she thought that it was right for the kids. I didn't always agree with her, but definitely respect her and all that she accomplished. She will be missed!
--a TUSD employee
As an employee, I watched her through the years fight for what she believed in. We need more people like her. Within our district she will be missed!
--Bernadette Tanner, TUSD employee
Judy was a person who truly cared about the kids in TUSD. She will be greatly missed. We need more people like Judy in our schools.
-- parent, community member, TUSD employee
I didn't know Mrs. Burns personally, but I have always held her in a very high regard for the leadership she brought to TUSD. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, and the TUSD family in this time of loss.
-- Perry Sullivan, Jr., TUSD employee
I believe that TUSD parents, students and staff were better off due to Judy Burns'
involvement with the governing board. She is missed and will continue to be so.
-- Sandy Payton, parent and TUSD employee
Judy was outspoken and didn't hold back her passion and opinion as to what is best for TUSD's children, all of TUSD's children. Some of the best memories of Judy were sitting in the TUSD Board room and hearing her speak her mind and stand up for what she believed...even if that meant walking out. She gave the community hope in that it felt that she was with us, a voice that supported us. She will be missed...
-- a community member
We were all so very fortunate to have had Judy Burns in our lives. We will always
admire her for her kindness, strength and the ability of truly knowing who she was.
Remembering the wonderful life she lived, honoring the beautiful memories she left.
-- a TUSD employee
I am friends with Judy's daughter. I just always remember how loving she was and how great of a person she was. I know she will be greatly missed by her family and all the many people who had the pleasure of knowing her.
-- Paulie Daniel, student
Strong advocates are greatly needed in these current difficult times in education,and Judy Burns was just that! She advocated for what was right for teachers, kids, and the community.She will be missed.
-- parent, TUSD employee, community member
Judy was always an advocate for the students and families of this district. She held firm to her values and beliefs and was not afraid to face those with other views and
philosophies. She gave countless hours to her mission. Her leadership, voice and advocacy will be missed.
-- Vicki Dawson, TUSD employee
I felt very sad and I was in awe to know that one of our own had passed away. I did not know her personally but when I saw her in the news it was not just another person I see and hear about but someone who I know was always fighting for our students even in hard times. When issues and politics got ugly she always had good strong words to argument about what she thought was good for the students. I'm sure she will be missed very much as a member in our district, as a member on the school board and as a person who is like everyone else in this district that leaves a husband, children,
sisters, brothers, close family, and friends and they are the ones who will miss
her most of all....
-- a TUSD employee
I would like to pay tribute to Judy for her hard work and dedication to the children of our district. Her strong will and determination was admirable.
-- a TUSD employee
My daughter and Judy's daughter attended Sewell Elementary together many years ago. They were good friends and even then, Judy was very involved in PTA and the quest for excellence in our schools. My daughter and I both happily remember a neighborhood peacock that we met at their house. Judy's passing is a huge loss to our community and district. She will be missed.
-- Jackie Sinn, parent and TUSD employee
Over the years I have contacted Judy for advice and to let her know when I felt she needed information from the front lines about various issues. She always got back to me and thanked me for my contributions. Judy was consistent in her love of students and her unrelenting passion for their rights to the very best education possible. I
admired her compassion and
dedication to TUSD and the
entire community. She will
be remembered fondly and
missed greatly by me.
-- Joyce Martin, parent, TUSD employee, community member
I never had the opportunity to
meet Judy Burns, yet I always
had the impression that she
was a tireless advocate for
our district's students and
employees. Many people
forget that serving as a
member of the governing
board is an unpaid position.
The level of commitment of
these individuals is
remarkable when one
considers the pressures and,
at times, open hostility they
face. Ms. Burns met these
challenges square on, and
she served until her final
days with great
professionalism and dignity.
She will be missed.
-- Stephen Bauer, TUSD employee
I appreciated Judy's support
for our kids and, leading from
that, her support for Ethnic
Studies. I didn't support ALL
of her votes, but never
doubted that she put in many
many hours in familiarizing
herself with the issues--to a
level that none of the other
board members did (during
the 6 years that I have been
"board watching"). She will be
so sorely missed--I agree with
the editorial that stated
"every child needs a Judy
Burns".
-- Bettsy Putnam-Hidalgo, parent, community member
Judy was always ready to sit
and talk about problems that
we might be facing. She
listened and that was what
made her different from
others.
-- a TUSD employee
Judy was my friend for over a
decade. During all that time,
she was always helpful and
determined to do her best for
the district. When I was TEA
president, Judy gave me
sound advice and
encouragement in every
instance when I needed
that. We also became good
friends, talking at length
about family, friends, pets,
etc. I miss her. I will always
miss her. I am very sad for
this loss, but what a privilege
to have such memories.
-- Steve Courter, TUSD employee
I grew up with Judy in
Michigan and all my
childhood memories are with
her.....we had many
wonderful times together and
although we did not see each
other much anymore, we did
talk not too long ago about all
the good times we had... I will
miss her.
-- Marilyn Moats
I have known Judy for over
25 years. She and I met
through our interest in
shared decision making and
working towards the goal of
having true site based
decision making in TUSD.
Judy was instrumental in
making shared decision
making a reality in TUSD.
Her unwavering support and
diligence through several
TUSD superintendents tenure
brought us to the point where
the schools sites make the
decisions on their budgets
and all that affects children's
learning at the school site.
She believed that parents
and teachers must have the
right to be involved in the
decisions as true partners,
beyond fund raising and "bake sales." It is one of her
greatest accomplishments
and one that will continue to
serve the TUSD children and
parents in meaningful ways.
Judy was our champion. Her
passion and commitment to
make TUSD a place for
children to grow, dream and
reach their potential guided
her decisions and served us
well. Judy was able to do this
because of her family's
unwavering support and love. Thank
you for being willing to share
her with us. I will miss her
greatly, but forever
remember her with love and
admiration.
--Rosalva Meza, parent, TUSD employee
We were very fortunate to
have Judy Burns work as an
advocate for our children.
She will be missed
immensely.
-- parent, TUSD employee, community member
Judy Burns took the time out of her busy schedule to come to my plays at Soleng Tom. She was passionate about children and education. She wrote me positive notes and was an influential person in my life.
-- Kim Smith, TUSD employee
I was deeply saddened by the
untimely passing of Ms.
Burns. I did not have the
privilege of knowing her, but I
read a story commemorating
her life in the TW and her
dedication to TUSD. She was
truly an amazing person in
our community. My hope is
that her memory and legacy
live on and never be
forgotten. My prayers are
with her children, her
husband and her family.
Respectfully, Christina
Ledesma-Lopez, mother of
Natalia Lopez, a 1st grader in
Mrs. Korman's class at Sam
Hughes Elementary School.
-- Christina Ledesma-Lopez, parent
When I was the Education
Director for the Pascua Yaqui
Nation, Judy participated in a
candidate debate that the
Nation hosted. She was
passionate about children,
about learning, and about
TUSD. She never shied away
from tough situations or
controversial issues. During
the debate, she spoke from
her heart. This is indeed a
tragic loss to our community.
My thoughts and prayers are
extended to her family and
our TUSD family.
-- Victoria Callison, TUSD employee
As a family member of TUSD
and a neighbor of Wheeler
Elementary, Judy will be
missed...
-- Lori Akers, TUSD employee
Thank you for the lifelong
dedication you've brought to
our community. God Speed
Judy and Bless your family.
-- Joe and Jan Grossi, TUSD employees
Judy always had a kind or
supportive word. I will miss
her.
-- Andrew Lettes, TUSD employee
She has always dedicated
her life to helping children. I
met her 25 years ago and
she always cared about
helping students and the
community.
She will be missed by myself
and so many others.
Hopefully her legacy will
continue on.
-- Jodi Stachowiak, TUSD employee
Judy was a passionate board
member about making this
district work more effectively
for the education of the
children. She really cared,
and put her whole life into
trying to make it better. She
visited every school, and
always was available to
discuss community, parent,
employee and student
concerns. She really cared!
--Georgia Brousseau, community member
Judy Burns was an advocate
for and exemplar of active
parent involvement. It would
be challenging to find anyone
else who volunteered so
much of her life to our
schools and district. I knew
her best in her role as a
mother and I have no doubt
that role was her greatest
accomplishment and source
of deepest joy and pride.
TUSD has benefited greatly
from Judy's service and
dedication to our students,
parents, and staff.
-- Cathy Comstock, TUSD employee
To the Burns Family sorry for
your loss, She will be greatly
missed.She advocated for
Carson Middle school to stay
open, we will miss her.
-- Marisa, Cordi-Guinyou, community member