Jackson: Vote to maintain our excelling public schools

George Jackson

Submitted photo

This November I will vote for Matt Pittinsky, Donna Lewis and Mike Sharkey for the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board.

As the Treasurer for the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce and a former Scottsdale School Board member myself, I see how important strong and healthy public schools are to our community. Scottsdale Unified School District has long been an excelling school district and one of the best performing public school districts in Arizona and nationwide. I have been hearing for years from Scottsdale residents that the reason they moved to Scottsdale was for the excellent public schools. SUSD has long been a source of pride for Scottsdale and a significant factor when businesses and families choose to relocate to Scottsdale.

Maintaining our excelling public schools with strong academic outcomes is important for our kids, our families, and our community.  Strong public schools result in safe neighborhoods and strong property values. We need smart and experienced Governing Board members who listen to our parents and our community to set the direction for our schools and to support, yet still hold accountable, the school administration. We need Governing Board members with experience and determination to provide good governance and keep Scottsdale Unified School District one of the best performing school districts in Arizona and nationally. Matt Pittinsky, Donna Lewis and Mike Sharkey are extremely well qualified to serve on our School Board and I hope you will join me in voting for these candidates in November.

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