Scottsdale Teacher Union’s Handpicked Picks Aim to Shield District from Parental Influence

By Mike Bengert |

The upcoming election for the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board has drawn scrutiny, particularly concerning the candidates endorsed by the Scottsdale Education Association (SEA) teachers’ union. Critics argue that this year’s slate features a group of unqualified, activist individuals lacking a plan for necessary change within the district.

Candidates on SEA’s list claim to be running to “protect” the district, but the question remains: protect it from whom? Concerns arise amid declining student enrollment and proficiency scores, while parental dissatisfaction grows among those who remain in the system. SUSD has witnessed a staggering loss of over 2,200 students, nearly 10% of its total enrollment, since August 2021. Moreover, in 2023, the district reported over 8,000 students not proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) and similar issues in math and science.

Adding to the controversy, SUSD Superintendent Dr. Menzel failed to meet a single academic performance goal last year, yet his salary was increased. This raises the question of why any candidate would want to uphold the current status quo, especially when faced with such troubling statistics.

Among the candidates, Mike Sharkey has drawn criticism for suggesting that parental rights in education should be diminished. In a recent announcement, he implied that decisions about children’s education and healthcare should be left to professionals rather than parents, a stance that many find troubling given the fundamental role of parents in these matters. Although he later retracted his statement following backlash on social media, initial comments often reveal core beliefs.

Donna Lewis, another SEA-endorsed candidate, has a questionable track record. During her tenure as superintendent in a significantly smaller district, her leadership yielded poor academic outcomes, and she has been described as having a bullying reputation.

Additionally, Matt Pittinsky, the final candidate, is the CEO of Parchment, a company that provides transcript services to SUSD. Critics question the potential ethical implications of his candidacy due to his connection with a company that also offers educational software and training to schools. Transparency regarding these affiliations is crucial for voters concerned about conflicts of interest.

The community deserves a governing board focused on academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, parental rights, and student safety. As election day approaches in November, the emphasis should be on selecting candidates committed to these ideals, rather than those who simply aim to protect a failing status quo.

Mike Bengert is a husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated Scottsdale resident advocating for quality education in SUSD for over 30 years.