Little: Scottsdale teachers’ voice is of great value

As we celebrate “Teacher Appreciation Week,” I thought it would be the perfect time to not only thank our public school teachers for the job they do, but to put their important role in our community into perspective.

Scottsdale is frequently recognized as one of the best places in the entire country to live, work and raise a family. What’s often missing in this calculus is that our city is a great place to learn as well.

Experience tells us there are no examples of high-performing communities that have low performing public schools. Successful economic development strategies are predicated on being able to tout strong school systems.

The strongest ones encourage the engagement of students and parents and collaboration between teachers and school district administrators.

As a long-time supporter of SUSD override and bond proposals, I believe teachers’ voices are vital in virtually every aspect of the school district’s decisions. That ensures both best education practices are maintained and efficiencies are met.

When our families or businesses need to make important decisions, it’s critical that everyone impacted should have more than merely a “seat at the table.”

We must make sure that all voices are actually heard and not just given lip service.

When I was city manager of the City of Scottsdale, I helped guide the city through the economic trauma of the Great Recession. I was a principal member of a team that included the input of frontline employees before making critical decisions that impacted the entire city.

So I know firsthand that the best decisions are made when all voices are allowed and taken into account.

The same applies to our school district.

For many years, teachers and SUSD employees were invited to be at the table.

Their voices were respected. But during the past few years the voices of teachers have been minimized. If the school district wants to sustain its status as one of the best in the state, especially during these exceptionally challenging times, it would be wise to make a greater effort to include its teachers in crucial decisions.

I want to express my appreciation for our SUSD teachers. I do not take your commitment to our community that helps make our city so wonderful for granted.

Editor’s Note: John Little is a longtime resident of Scottsdale and is running for the City Council.