Professionally managed and respected schools start with the Governing Board.
As a Scottsdale taxpayer, parent and business owner who employs SUSD graduates, I know the quality and reputation of our neighborhood schools is a critical concern for our community; and, it starts at the top with our Governing Board. I am proud to support Mike Sharkey, Donna Lewis and Matthew Pittinsky in this year’s election.
I can’t imagine a more challenging and complicated time for our schools. From a sudden reversal of tax revenues, to increased competition, to transformative technologies like AI, now, more than ever, we need a Governing Board comprised of parents, representing our non-partisan values. We need experienced professionals, with the requisite skillset to meet today’s challenges. We need members who embrace the principle that service on school boards is non-partisan and solution oriented.
As an employer and parent I can say, the “SLP for SUSD” slate of candidates is a dream team of experience. Mike Sharkey built a successful business AND volunteers his time with the Robotics club at Chaparral. Donna Lewis is an Arizona Superintendent of the Year AND expert in high quality teaching. Matt Pittinsky served on his kids’ elementary and middle school site councils AND built two iconic, global education technology companies. We could not be in better hands.
Now is not the time to sow partisan distrust in our schools. We need solutions, not just critiques. With 20,000 students, 30 schools, and 3,000 employees, our families deserve an SUSD Governing Board that has the experience to set policy, hold district leadership accountable, and provide support and expertise to make our schools the best they can be.
I encourage business leaders, parents and stakeholders to vote experience over distrust, and support Sharkey, Lewis, and Pittinsky this November.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
