Scottsdale parents rally for Sen. Carine Werner to quit school board over hot mic remark
Based on reporting by Casey Torres for AZFamily, published September 9, 2025.
Dozens of people gathered on the sidewalk outside Coronado High School before the Scottsdale Unified School District board meeting on Sept. 9 to demand that board member Carine Werner, who is also a state senator, resign, AZFamily reported. Some parents called her a bully.
The protest stems from an Aug. 5 board meeting that Werner attended by video. While a district employee was presenting, an open microphone on Werner's end caught her remarks. AZFamily said the recording is difficult to understand, though parents say they know what she said. According to parent Shea Najaski, Werner called the employee "morbidly obese" and referred to her as "chubs."
Students and parents took their criticism inside during public comment. One student told the board they were ashamed and appalled by Werner's actions. A parent asked why a board member should get away with behavior that would not be allowed from students.
Werner did not attend. One parent pointed out that her name tag was at her seat and said she appeared to have stayed away once she learned critics planned to confront her. The AZFamily story includes no response from Werner.
Board Vice President Mike Sharkey said the board has no legal power to censure Werner. He said he does not condone her conduct based on what he heard at the Aug. 5 meeting, while adding that only the person who said it can know why.
Parents have started a petition seeking Werner's resignation and plan to keep rallying.