Key Facts
Background
Eric Thompson graduated from Iowa State University with a Masters in accounting and from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor’s of journalism. Thompson has worked as a broadcast journalist. He is currently the chief financial officer for Tempe Elementary School District and has previously audited several school districts. He is a member of Arizona Association of School Business Officials, the Government Finance Officers Association and the Arizona Society of CPAs. He is on the board of the Osborn School District Educational Foundation and is the treasure of treasurer of Yes for Osborn Schools [1].
Thompson is the parent of a child at Encanto Elementary in the Osborn District.
Key Issues
Teachers
Thompson wants to support teachers and their professional development [1]. He plans to increase teacher pay [2].
Curriculum
Thompson wants to provide students and staff with resources for social and emotional learning. He also supports Osborn’s Dual-language programs [1].
Preschool
Thompson wants to offer more preschool opportunities for low income families [1].
Budget
Thompson wants to increase public school funding from the Legislature, school overrides, or bonds [1]. He opposes expanding school vouchers. Thompson wants to use his experience as a CFO in school districts to better allocate the money the district currently has [2].
Safety
Thompson wants to trust heath experts to manage COVID-19 and public health issues [2].
Endorsements
Osborn Education Association, Arizona Latino School Board Association, Save Our Schools Arizona