KEA for PV Students

As a parent in the Paradise Valley Unified School District, I want to make sure our schools are well-supported environments where students can learn and grow. All students should have opportunities to explore new things and receive a rigorous education that will prepare them for the future. As a volunteer in PV for the past 14 years, I have learned so much about the district and the unique sites and wonderful programs that are available to students. I plan to use my knowledge of our district to be an advocate for students as a Governing Board member and work to support educational experiences that support all learners and contribute to the stability of our district.

Meet Kea Carota

Parent

I am a parent of three children: including one Horizon graduate who is now studying at NAU and two current students. My husband and I chose PVSchools specifically for the Spanish Immersion program at Sandpiper Elementary when we moved to the district from the East Valley. Our children have received a well-rounded education and have had many professional, caring educators along the way.

Parent Group Leader

Over the years, I have been actively involved in supporting our schools through volunteer leadership and district service. I served as Sandpiper PTO President during the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 school years and later as Desert Shadows Middle School PTO President in 2020–2021. In 2018, I became involved with the Paradise Valey United Parent Council through the creation of their Immersion committee which connected district administrators and parents from the dual language immersion programs to work together to improve and support the programs and educators. I later served as UPC President for two terms from 2021 to 2023.

District Volunteer and Public Education Advocate

In addition to these parent volunteer roles, I have had the privilege to participate on several district committees including Strategic Planning, the Immersion Committee, Bond and Override Committees, the School Closure Committee, and various hiring committees. I have also contributed to a number of UPC initiatives, including the Outreach Committee, Parent Group Leader Trainings, Teacher and Staff Appreciation, and the creation of the Hygiene Closet at North Canyon High School.

I have also volunteered to support YES for PV Students campaigns.

Educator

After graduating from Manhattan University, I became a teacher in New York City through the New York City Teaching Fellows program. I taught English Language Learners at a K-8th grade school in the Bronx. I completed my Master of Science in TESOL at the City College of New York. I returned to the classroom in Scottsdale where I taught preschool for three years while my youngest was in preschool. During the 2023-2024 school year, I taught English Language Learners at Sandpiper Elementary in PVUSD.