Scottsdale Students Need A School Board Focused On Academics First
By Patricia Pellett |
The Scottsdale Education Association (SEA), known for endorsing school board candidates who want to “throat punch” parents, has once again proven it is out of touch with the community. This year, the SEA is backing the divisive “Protect SUSD” team, who apparently wants to “protect” the district from parents who are involved in their kids’ lives.
First up on team “Protect SUSD” is Mike Sharkey, who announced his candidacy on LinkedIn by proclaiming that parents should take a back seat to the “experts.” Despite Arizona law that gives parents the final say in their children’s education, Mr. Sharkey plans to work against parents and defer to SUSD administration who prioritizes social justice over academics.
Then there’s Matt Pittinsky, who is so impressed with SUSD, where he wants to govern, that he sends his own kids to private school. Pittinsky is also the CEO of a company that SUSD uses for student services, a clear conflict of interest.
And finally, we have Donna Lewis, who believes children can have multiple genders and is a failed superintendent from Creighton Elementary School. According to former colleagues, Lewis created a toxic environment, and under her leadership, only 17% of students were proficient in English Language Arts (ELA). Lewis is also conducting research on “political extremism” in schools.
These are not serious people.
Citizens of Scottsdale cannot afford four more years of a hyper partisan agenda that brings politics and sexualized curriculum to our children. Our kids need a serious school board focused on improving academic achievement.
Thankfully, the “Just Be Honest” team of Gretchen Jacobs, Jeanne Beasley, and Drew Hassler provides a distinct alternative to “Protect SUSD.” These three candidates are focused on bringing common sense back to the district while improving academic outcomes, supporting teachers, prioritizing school safety, and respecting the voice of parents in the education and upbringing of their children. If Scottsdale’s schools are ever going to improve, they’re exactly who we need leading the charge.
Patricia Pellett is a mother of a special needs boy in SUSD. She became active in 2021 in fighting for students after SUSD failed her son’s transportation needs.