Janik: My support for Scottsdale school board candidate
Posted
By Betty Janik, Scottsdale City Councilwoman | Guest Commentary
I am writing to share my enthusiastic support for Andrea Keck for SUSD School Board.
We are fortunate to have a candidate with strong commitment to all students, including those most in need. As an award winner for her distinguished educational service that has spanned over 25 years, she has proven her ability to focus on programs that prepare students for future success.
Additionally, she had a very rewarding business career as a brand manager for Kraft Foods managing businesses of $100 million to $300 million. She is capable of skillfully reviewing budgets with a keen focus on spending.
What sets her apart from other candidates is her focus on the most important goal of our schools, the education of our students. Somehow, over the past years, we have lost this focus. We owe our students a solid education in the basic skills of reading and mathematics.
Andrea was the first candidate to recommend academic accountability from the current board for the superintendent. The SUSD standardized test scores are a disappointment leaving much room for improvement. Andrea advocates for setting measurable academic goals. She believes every student is capable of learning and it is the job of our schools to provide the environment where our students can thrive.
Andrea is also committed to school safety and parental rights, which is in alignment with our SUSD parents and administration.
I have known Andrea Keck for years and admire her tenacity and commitment to excellence in all she undertakes. She was a founding member of the committee to Protect Our Preserve. She was the first person to call attention to the development plans for our Preserve and organize open discussion. She opened the door to Prop 420 passage.
There are many issues that SUSD school board must consider and vote on. Andrea has the background and ability to understand and analyze all that comes her way. She is a good listener and fully considers options before making a decision. She will follow through on academic goals and achievement for our public-school children. It is time for us to challenge the status quo. It is time for us to strive for better student outcomes.
Andrea can light the path forward. I urge you to vote yes for Andrea Keck for SUSD.
