Superintendent Dr. Debra Gonzalez says Phoenix preschools boost third-grade test scores

Dr. Debra Gonzalez, superintendent of Phoenix Elementary District (4256), told attendees at Faith North that district data show students who participate in Phoenix Number 1 preschools outperform their peers by third grade. "Students who participate in one of our Phoenix Number 1 preschools outperform their peers by 3rd grade, 18 points higher in mathematics and 30 points higher in English language arts," she said.

Gonzalez said the district’s preschools are staffed by "certified teachers with early childhood expertise" and noted that every preschool in the district is "recognized by First Things First as Quality First Sites," presenting those two points as reasons the district views the program as effective. She invited community members to support the district’s efforts "in making sure that every child can achieve in Phoenix Number 1."

The numbers Gonzalez cited came from "district data" referenced in the remarks; the transcript did not provide additional methodological details (sample size, cohort years, or whether figures are scaled or standardized). The superintendent framed the data as evidence supporting preschool investment and emphasized staffing and external Quality First recognition as program strengths.

No motions, votes or formal board actions were recorded in the provided remarks; the segment was a presentation and call to community engagement rather than an item requiring a board decision.

First Things First was identified in the remarks as the external body recognizing the district’s Quality First status; the district did not provide further documentation or a data brief in the transcript. Gonzalez closed by urging community participation in the district’s early-education work.