Scottsdale Unified board election matters more than you think

OPINION — You don’t need to have a child currently in a Scottsdale Unified classroom to care about who sits on our school board. As taxpayers, we certainly need to pay attention.

Our public schools are community assets built and maintained with taxpayer dollars. They are where generations of children have learned, families have gathered, teachers have invested their careers, and neighborhoods have grown.

When looking for a home in Arizona, I wanted to find one in the best school district for my children. My research had concluded that Scottsdale Unified was the right choice, and I knew that a home in that district would be a good investment. I have never regretted that decision.

The five members of the SUSD Governing Board are entrusted with decisions that can shape our schools and community for years. Their decisions affect students and parents, but also teachers, staff, taxpayers, property owners, and neighborhoods.

That is why the school board race deserves our attention. It may appear near the bottom of the ballot, but the decisions made there can hit remarkably close to home.

This November, I’m supporting Amy Carney and Jeanne Beasley for the SUSD Governing Board. Carney currently serves on the board, giving voters a public record they can easily examine. Beasley is highly involved and serves on SUSD’s Audit Committee, bringing experience in district financial oversight.

Both Carney and Beasley are moms whose nine children between them have been educated in the district. Importantly, both have said SUSD should seek solutions before closing neighborhood schools and have emphasized academic achievement, responsible spending, parent involvement, and supporting teachers.

Before voting, look beyond yard signs, mailers, and campaign slogans. Examine candidates’ character, records, and community involvement. Learn where they stand on school closures, declining enrollment, academic achievement, spending.

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