The Chandler Unified Governing Board and others at the board’s Nov. 12 meeting saw what has become one of the most anticipated in-meeting celebrations of the year: Indigenous Heritage Month.

Antonette Shirley is CUSD’s Indigenous Engagement Specialist. She was recognized during the celebration for the 2025 Johnson-O’Malley Association National Teacher of the Year.

The district’s Indigenous Education Program was also recently named an “exemplary program -runner-up” by the Johnson O’Malley Program, according to a news release.

Shirley praised the hard work of her predecessors in CUSD Indigenous engagement, including Vicki Narducci and Bethany Allison, both of whom were in the audience.

Shirley later took pictures with the awards and with gifts presented to her, alongside CUSD Superintend

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