Scottsdale Seeks School Board Advocates for Parental Rights and Academic Excellence

By Mike Bengert |

In Scottsdale, local parents, grandparents, and community members are critically assessing their choices for the school board election. With each vote, they indirectly define the values and policies integral to the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD).

A trio of candidates—Michael Sharkey, Donna Lewis, and Matt Pittinsky—are backed by the Scottsdale Education Association (SEA), closely affiliated with both the Arizona Education Association (AEA) and the National Education Association (NEA). Their campaign underscores a mission to “protect SUSD,” suggesting a commitment to existing policies and support for Superintendent Dr. Menzel’s agenda, which focuses on restructuring the district in favor of social justice and equity initiatives.

Despite Dr. Menzel’s emphasis on social emotional learning (SEL), diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and gender identity, SUSD has seen a decline in academic performance. Teacher and principal turnover rates are alarmingly high, and Dr. Menzel’s performance reviews reveal a failure to meet academic achievement targets. For instance, only 60% of third graders are proficient in English Language Arts (ELA), 46% in mathematics for eighth graders, and just 34% of ninth graders excel in science.

Sharkey, one of the candidates endorsed by SEA, has pledged to “Represent With Integrity,” aiming for transparency and respect. However, his public remarks suggest a dismissive attitude toward parental involvement, raising eyebrows about his dedication to academic standards. He noted, “There’s been an uptick in the ‘parent’s rights’ movement. … I reject the premise that parents know better than experienced/trained professionals.” After receiving backlash, Sharkey altered his initial statement.

Dr. Donna Lewis, another SEA-endorsed candidate, touts her recognition as the 2020-2021 Arizona National Superintendent of the Year during her tenure with the Creighton School District. Nevertheless, academic performance under her leadership paints a different picture, with only 13% of students proficient in ELA and just 8% in math that year. Even after innovative approaches were implemented, proficiency remained low, indicating a lack of effectiveness. In 2023, only 17% of students were proficient in ELA and 12% in math.

The lack of a strong affiliation with SUSD and the questionable academic legacy raises concerns about her candidacy. Similarly, Matt Pittinsky’s support for neighborhood schools contrasts with his decision to send one child to Brophy, hinting at a potential disconnect with SUSD priorities.

SEA-affiliated candidates promote a narrative of transparency but frequently undermine parental involvement. This dissonance has led to challenges for those voicing their concerns regarding district policies. Recently, an SUSD board meeting revealed an employee’s fear of repercussions for dissenting against administrative decisions, questioning the district’s commitment to inclusivity and respect.

Community advocates argue against electing SEA-endorsed progressive candidates, urging support for a Governing Board that prioritizes academic excellence, parental rights, fiscal responsibility, and student safety. Candidates Gretchen Jacobs, Jeanne Beasley, and Drew Hassler, known as the Just Be Honest team, oppose the status quo and emphasize a shift in focus towards academics.

The Just Be Honest team aims to maintain transparency with parents, uphold their right to be active stakeholders in their children’s education, and ensure responsible use of taxpayer funds while fostering a safe environment for all students. They are poised to transform SUSD into a district that truly prioritizes educational integrity over activism.

Community members who seek substantial change are encouraged to look towards Jacobs, Beasley, and Hassler for a stronger SUSD.

Mike Bengert is a long-time Scottsdale resident advocating for quality education in SUSD for over three decades.