Kristi Cooper
DVUSD Board Member Candidate
Kristi Cooper has a strong commitment to the Deer Valley students and community. She wants to continue her service to this community, so every student gets the education they deserve!
•    Daughter of DVUSD Administrator (Ken Neumann) and Teacher (Neva Neumann)
•    Proud DVUSD Alumni
•    32 years of service as DVUSD Teacher
•    Parent of 2 DVUSD AlumniKristi Cooper wants to make Deer Valley schools parents’ choice. She understands the impact of declining enrollment and wants to collaborate with other board members, district administration, and parents to address these concerns. The issues that drive parents to choose charter and private schools must become budget priorities.
•    Student Safety
•    Overcrowded Classrooms
•    Disruptive StudentsKristi Cooper believes in investing in DVUSD students instead of new construction that will lead to more empty buildings. Students and employees pay the price as the district continues to increase excess capacity. This year the district discussed cutting/ phasing out programs and increasing class sizes. School fees were also increased and employees received furlough days. Poor financial decisions cannot continue because the students pick up the tab.
•    DVUSD currently has 13 schools below 50% capacity
•    The Auditor General estimates operating schools well below intended capacity costs districts $3.6 million annually
•    DVUSD’s enrollment projection in 10 years (after the growth explosion) is expected to be less students than in 2011Kristi Copper recognizes the importance of hearing from all groups when making important decisions. She will provide a voice for parents, students, and employees. Kristi supports changes to ensure every voice is heard.
•    Moving public comments to the beginning of the board meeting
•    Study Sessions with community input on any decision that will impact many students
•    An open committee selection process conducted at board meetings
Paid for by KristiCooper4DVUSD Committee
Meet Kristi Cooper
Kristi Cooper is deeply invested in the Deer Valley Unified School District and its community. She is the daughter of Ken Neumann, retired Sunrise principal, and Neva Neumann, retired Mirage and Bellair teacher. Kristi attended Village Meadows, Bellair, Desert Sky, and Deer Valley High School. After graduating from college, Kristi returned to the DVUSD and taught for more than 32 years at Village Meadows, Desert Winds, Norterra Canyon, and Sonoran Foothills. She is also the proud parent of two Barry Goldwater Alumni. Love for this school district is a family affair! One of her sisters is currently a special education preschool teacher at Park Meadows and the other is a paraprofessional at Mountain Shadows. You will not find a candidate with a stronger commitment to this district, its community, students, and employees.
Kristi Cooper supports making Deer Valley schools parents’ choice. A majority of parents cite safety concerns, disruptive students, and class sizes as their reason for choosing to go to charter and private schools. Kristi will advocate for a budget that addresses these issues as top priorities.
Kristi Cooper is an avid proponent of investing in students instead of new buildings. Currently, 13 DVUSD schools are operating below 50% capacity. The Auditor General pointed out that districts could have saved at least $3.6 million annually by operating efficiently, yet DVUSD is discussing building new schools. Since 2011, the enrollment has declined over 4,000 students and four schools have been built. As a result, the district is operating less efficiently, and the students and employees are paying the price. Prioritizing buildings over students has resulted in larger class sizes, discussions of programs being cut, increased athletic fees, and unpaid furlough days. Deer Valley needs a board member who will challenge the notion that new buildings are more important than our students.
Kristi believes board members are elected to represent parents, students, employees and stakeholders. It is the board’s responsibility to listen to these groups, hear their input, research issues, and provide direction to the superintendent. As a board member, she will welcome and encourage collaboration among all groups.
If you’re a resident of DVUSD, we are asking for your support in 2026. Let’s work together to keep our schools thriving and provide a foundation of excellence for every student.
– Kristi Cooper
You can learn more about the Deer Valley Unified School Board on the official DVUSD website.
Help Our Campaign!
Real change for DVUSD starts with people like you. Our campaign is powered by neighbors dedicated to supporting our students and employees. Whether you enjoy talking to voters door-to-door, gathering signatures, helping out at events, or donating to our campaign, there’s a place for you on our team. We simply can’t do this without your help!
Deer Valley Unified School District Map
To see if you live within the Deer Valley Unified School District boundaries use this interactive map:
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Kristi Cooper
DVUSD Board Member Candidate
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