Five years later: Still waiting for resolution in Chandler Unified matter

Rod Wielkie

Submitted photo/Rod Wielkie

OPINION — Five years is a long time for any public matter to remain unresolved. In that time, students have graduated, employees have retired or moved on and memories have faded.

Yet a serious Chandler Unified School District matter involving administrative accountability is still waiting for resolution.

The events at the center of the matter occurred years ago and raised serious questions about administrative responsibility and the handling of student-related issues. The case entered Arizona’s educator-discipline process and remained active through an appeal last year.

Still, no final decision has been made.

Due process matters. Evidence must be examined, and those facing allegations must have a fair opportunity to respond. But due process cannot become an endless process.

The delay itself now matters. Some people involved have moved on, while others remain in roles that affect students, staff and families. What has happened since may also matter when evaluating judgment, leadership and accountability.

This week, Arizona’s Professional Practices Advisory Committee convenes again.

Its members have a difficult responsibility: follow the evidence, respect due process and make a decision based on the record, not public pressure.

But this matter has waited long enough. If the evidence supports discipline, act. If not, say so and close the matter.

 Over half a decade is long enough. The public deserves a decision.

Rod Wielkie is a U.S. Navy veteran, retired federal law enforcement officer and former Arizona public school teacher. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.