Shapiro: Select the best candidates for Scottsdale school board this November

As a Scottsdale Realtor for nearly 50 years, I know a strong public school system adds value to our homes and businesses. “Location, location, location” is axiomatic.

For nearly 50 of the 124-year history of our public school system in Scottsdale, my energies, focus and attention as a community advocate and champion have been directed to our Scottsdale Unified School District.

I’ve been a guest lecturer in our classrooms, a co-founder of their Foundation, a leader in bond and override elections, an organizer for their 100th year anniversary, a graduation speaker, a member of the Superintendent’s Blue-Ribbon Advisory Committee, a leader in the Coronado Initiative and more.

I’ve been in the trenches and worked with countless and tireless other community advocates, teachers and staff members to build and enhance our schools for the benefit of our children and our community.

The path has not been easy. There have been challenges. There have been disruptors along the way who have stifled progress and set us back.

Fortunately, we have a broad array of talented individuals in our community dedicated to our schools. Hopefully, their efforts will continue to prevail.

We find ourselves at another crossroad with the upcoming election to our school district’s governing board.

There are candidates who support SUSD and there are candidates who want to destroy and dismantle SUSD and our public schools.

Fundamentally, see if you agree with me.

If a person hates cats and dogs, do you think they’d be a good addition to the board of directors of an organization that loved pets?

If a person loves their local parochial school, don’t you think it would be a better idea for them to devote their energies to organizations designed to enhance those schools?

Frankly, I’m suspect when people offer their services when their agenda is not in the best interests of that organization. Think about how much more we could accomplish if everyone was rowing versus rocking the boat.

There are three seats open for our school board. Two of the six candidates do not pass my sniff test.

Before you cast your vote, I encourage you to research all of the candidates, talk to neighbors and friends and cast a thoughtful ballot.

I’m not here to tell you how to vote. I’m also not here to share my ideas about policies and procedures. I’m wise enough to know that no candidate has a 100% platform that supports all of my personal positions.

Instead, I’m looking for leaders who share common goals and visions. I’m looking for leaders who have the moral compass and skill sets necessary to make tough decisions and provide the best future for our community.

The four candidates who pass my sniff test are Rose Smith, Julie Cieniawski. Zach Lindsay and Libby Hart-Wells.

Let’s elect the best possible leaders for our Scottsdale school board.

Editor’s Note: Gary Shapiro is a long time Scottsdale Realtor and community champion. He is the co-founder of Scottsdale Leadership and an advocate for the Scottsdale Unified School District.