Slater, Godlewski Lead Amphi Board Race

Early votes show Elizabeth Slater and Nina Godlewski ahead for two open four-year seats on the Amphitheater Public Schools governing board.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Administration

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Elizabeth Slater took 36.5% and Nina Godlewski took 34.6% of the early vote in the Amphitheater Public Schools four-year seat race, ahead of John Fife at 28.9%. Michael Gemma led the two-year seat race with 52.7% over Kimberly Outlaw Ryan's 47.3%.

Why it matters

The early returns indicate which candidates have the strongest initial support for two open four-year seats on the Amphitheater governing board in Tucson. The two-year race result, based on unofficial early vote tallies, will shape board composition for the coming term.

The figures are unofficial early vote shares tallied Tuesday night, with the four-year race showing a three-way split and the two-year race a closer contest between two candidates. Final certified results have not been released.

The players

Amphitheater Public Schools

The Tucson-area school district whose governing board seats are being contested in this election.

Elizabeth Slater

CEO of the dropout prevention nonprofit Youth On Their Own, who says she is running because she believes in the power of public education.

Nina Godlewski

A recently retired Amphi teacher of 19 years who says she is running because she is not done contributing to her community.

Michael Gemma

A former Canyon del Oro High School principal who was appointed to the Amphitheater governing board last year.

The details

Elizabeth Slater, CEO of the dropout prevention nonprofit Youth On Their Own, and Nina Godlewski, a recently retired Amphi teacher of 19 years, led the four-year race. Michael Gemma, a former Canyon del Oro High School principal appointed to the board last year, led the two-year seat contest.

Last year: Michael Gemma was appointed to the governing board.
August: Elizabeth Slater announced she was running for the board.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Early votes were tallied Tuesday night.

Season Trajectory

Local school board elections in Arizona determine which candidates set district priorities for the coming term. The early returns in Amphitheater show a split field in the four-year race and a close two-year contest.

Voters in the Amphitheater district will see which candidates lead these seats once official results are certified. The board decisions that follow can affect class sizes, budgets, and district programs families rely on.

The takeaway

Early results are unofficial and can shift as remaining ballots are counted. Residents who want to follow the final outcome should check for certified results from the district and the county elections office.