Truelick: Voting for school board members who advocate for student performance

I read the opinion pieces of Rich Hoffecker and Melinda Gulick in the Scottsdale Independent. I do not know either person, but I assume they are good people. Most are.

I have to agree with Mr. Hoffecker's opinion on the upcoming election. It was interesting that he referred in his opinion to the educational results of SUSD students since 2019, the time Superintendent Menzel was in office. Ms. Gulick made no mention of that.

My son's father-in-law held a senior education position at ASU for many years. He sent me an exam which was given to students around 1850, during a time one teacher taught K-1 through K12 in a one room schoolhouse. He told me he could not pass the exam and asked me to take it. I could not pass it.  

What has happened to what we expect of our children in the 180 years since that test was thought to be necessary as a measurement of scholastic performance? I do not have the answer except that I know money is not required to educate a student. Attention is. Tough love is.

Students do not need fancy schools and programs. They need basic education and the support of parents, teachers and tutors to help them achieve. They also need to learn that they are responsible for their own education. They need to know that they will not be automatically promoted from one grade level to another until they master the subjects in their current grade level.  

Every student has a right to a quality education where they have mastered math, science, history and have developed communication skills. But they also have to know that in addition to their right to learn, they have an obligation to learn.

I am going to support Jacobs, Beasley and Hassler for the SUSD School Board as I believe they will be advocates for student performance above all else.  

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.