By Gary Shapiro | Point of View
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, will be a significant day in the proud history of the Scottsdale Unified School District.
It will be the last open school board meeting during the long and distinguished record of service of school board member Patty Beckman.
I normally don’t attend school board meetings. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes type of guy. But I’m going to attend that meeting to show my appreciation and gratitude.
For the past 51 years, my passion has been to promote SUSD and champion our community. I was a co-founder of the school district’s foundation, co-founder of Scottsdale Leadership, I’ve chaired bonds and overrides, served on Blue Ribbon and visioning committees, the Charro Foundation, and the Charro Education Committee.
I’ve seen it all and watched countless numbers of school board members, administration and teachers and staff. It’s been a fascinating and interesting ride.
I want to share four observations for the record.
To Patty Beckman: Thank you for your awesome service to our kids and our community. If we were an athletic organization, we’d retire your jersey and honor it with timeless distinction.
To Superintendent Scott Menzel: Thank you for your leadership and dedication. We’re lucky to have you at the helm. At your tender age of 54, you have lots of runway. I hope we don’t screw it up. Our future is bright with you.
Welcome to our new school board members. I’m grateful for your willingness to serve. You’re the new stewards and fiduciaries of an outstanding public school system now in its 126 year that is the envy of many others in Arizona and across America.
To my friends and neighbors within our attendance area, you can be proud of your public schools. Part of the reason our homes are so valuable is because of our public schools.
Don’t believe the naysayers and pessimists who may criticize our schools. Instead, appreciate our teachers, staff and administrators.
Get involved and help us meet future needs and challenges.
Editor’s note: Mr. Shapiro is a Scottsdale Charro, Realtor and co-founder of Scottsdale Leadership.
