Scottsdale schools are some of the best in the state. This morning, as I sat in a meeting with the Assistant Superintendent of Operations, David Peterson, and Lois Healey, Director of Special Education, along with other board members of the Special Education Parents Advisory Council, I realized just how fortunate we are to be in this school district.
Our SEPAC board consists of professional and parents, teachers and advocates. We created this group to improve the school environment that our children, who happen to have special needs, live and learn in. Some school districts might view us as an adversary, but in Scottsdale, we’ve been welcomed and have created an extremely collaborative environment. We meet with school administrators on a regular basis and ask relevant questions.
Today, we met with David, so he could explain the challenges the school district has with federal mandates (which do serve our children), but are not fully funded at the federal or state level. David took some significant time this morning to educate us, so we could educate other parents that we serve. Our take away was that as parents, we just have to get more involved in the legislative process so our schools are funded adequately, for all students.
This is just an example of the type of educational environment that I’ve experienced over the past twelve years my son has been a student in the district. There are other parent organizations, such as the Scottsdale Parents Council, which focus on other issues. PTO’s and PTA’s are also active at each of the schools.
Dr. Baracy, the current SUSD superintendent is retiring at the end of this month. David and Katy Cavanaugh (Assistant Superindent, Teaching and Learning) will become Interim Co-superintendents while the search for a permanent replacement is completed. Dr. Baracy will be missed, but my sense in meeting with David today, and with Katy last month, is that we have two individuals who are committed to a smooth transition with a continued focus on quality education for our children.
For more information on Scottsdale schools:
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New blog post: Scottsdale School are some of the best in Arizona – http://is.gd/4dZn
Another dreary take on a subject where you had few facts to offer. While Scottsdale Schools may be adequate, they are by no means more than that. Let us understand, Ms. Bloomfield, if you had the interests of your kid(s) paramount in your lexicon you would send them to a good private prep school. The only thing SUSD excells in is wasting taxpayer resources and producing mediocre results. (I think this may be different if we import some Indian or Asian students…who understand the value of an education). As for John Baracy, we will not miss the subterfuge and posturing he brought to Scottsdale.
Twitter: drubloomfield
10.20.08 at 5:44 am
Steve, My son has autism and so your suggestion would not be a possibility work for him.
Do you have any children? Do you have any other first hand information to back up your opinions?
Your suggestion about private schools is one that might work for some parents with the financial resources to pay for. A very small part of the population.
I find that your comment(s) are quick to judge, but have found no evidence that you are willing to pick up the ball be a part of the solution. It’s easy to be harsh in this world, and much more challenging to see the problems and be willing to help make the world a better place.
Really? First allow me to say that I have studied the SUSD Budget and ‘Plan’. Having had a meeting with John Baracy, and several of his subordinates, I can advise that Scottsdale has been badly taken and ill served by this charlatan, and his minions.
I am not impressed by power mad losers with little conscience who have been proven liars.
Second, after a successful business career, unfortunately ending with the demise of my business in New York on September 11, I received Certification to teach in Arizona. Having interviewed teachers and administrators in a number of Maricopa County Districts I discovered that the system did not value education. It was run by administrators, like Baracy, parents who either did not care, or like you, ran helter skelter all around with desire for a good learning experience, but no idea how to do this.
Third, Ms. Bloomfield, I am really not concerned with your children. It is up to you to make sure you handle your progeny. While it has been said that the ‘world is a village’, situations have to be handled within that sphere. Frankly, if parents cannot cope financially or otherwise perhaps they should have rethought having children. Many people, shocking as it may seem to a simple soccer mom (hockey mom?) like you, many do weigh having children, and more than you would imagine, decide not to, or wish they hadn’t.
Finally, I have ‘picked up the ball’ to bring Scottsdale Schools on track. I will press the new administrators to cut waste, improve communications and stop gulling taxpayers. Now that Baracy is out this should be easier.
Twitter: drubloomfield
10.20.08 at 2:39 pm
Wow – Steve. I guess I understand your frustrations a bit more. Sorry to hear about your loss.
As for hockey mom, as a parent of a child with special needs, that’s one part of life I missed out on.
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