Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board President Robert Downey will step down from his position tomorrow, leaving a vacancy the district says will not disrupt its operations as it works with county officials to appoint a replacement.

Downey, who has served on the board since 2017 and as president for the past three years, said he is leaving to pursue additional education and to allow time for travel with his wife.

“Leaving the board was not an easy decision to make,” he told InMaricopa. “I enjoyed every moment that I was on the [governing board]. The desire to continue learning and have new experiences… will not allow me to serve adequately on the GB.”

Downey said he is proud of the district’s work implementing its long-term strategic plan and pointed to several initiatives completed during his tenure, including the opening of Desert Sunrise High School, increased teacher salaries, annual curriculum adoptions and an expansion of Career and Technical Education programs. He also highlighted the district’s shift toward a K-8 model at elementary and middle school campuses.

“I believe that I brought a more business awareness and approach to MUSD,” he said. “Throughout my time on the GB, I adhered to the mantra of: What I said was what I believed, and it is what I did.”

The district praised his leadership in a statement, saying Downey “brought a clear vision and exceptionally high standards to the district.”

Downey’s focus on accountability and long-term student success “helped elevate expectations and strengthen the Board’s collective work,” read the statement.

The board will now begin the process of filling the vacancy.

No successor has been selected, and the district said it will work with the Pinal County Superintendent Jill Broussard’s Office to ensure “the most qualified candidate is appointed.” MUSD officials said the vacancy will not impact day-to-day operations or ongoing initiatives.

Vice President Patti Coutré, who sought the board presidency earlier this year, said the board will follow its normal process of selecting officers at its first meeting in January.

“I am happy to serve in whatever capacity is needed to support the work of the district,” she told InMaricopa, adding she is willing to serve as president “should the rest of the board feel that is the right fit moving forward.”

Coutré also thanked Downey for his service.

“I am grateful for Mr. Downey’s service to the board and wish him all the best in his next chapter,” she said.

In January, Coutré challenged Downey for the presidency but was defeated 3–2 after Downey cited his desire to continue ongoing projects for one more year. Coutré retained her role as vice president.

Downey offered advice for whoever is appointed to fill his seat.

“Have the courage to ask questions and state your view, and at the same time give extra weight to the views and opinions of those that have tenure on the GB,” he said. He encouraged the board to continue innovating and to support district leadership in taking “calculated risks” to improve student outcomes.

“I see MUSD as a place where people run into work, students run into school, and no one wants to run out of school,” he said.

A timeline for appointing a new board member has not yet been announced, but the district said it will work with the county to fill the seat “as soon as possible.”