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Opinion

Bezon: Full-throated, unequivocal support for Julie Cieniawski’s school board campaign

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My name is Bonnie Bezon. I am a National Board Certified Teacher with 18 years of experience. I taught in the Scottsdale public school district for 15 years, and served for three years alongside of Julie Cieniawski in the Scottsdale Education Association.

SUSD needs people on its Governing Board that have impeccable character, a tough backbone, a passion for social justice and a heart for Scottsdale’s students, educators and community. I think that someone is Julie Cieniawski and here’s why:

Julie knows the ins and outs of the policies and bureaucracy of SUSD.

Knowing policy and bureaucracy is not always fun, but it is necessary to make things happen. As SEA president she served on a multitude of district committee’s and was the voice of the SEA in high level district meetings where she was a staunch advocate for what was right for students and teachers.

She has unique knowledge that will make her integral to the process of continuing to rebuild SUSD’s infrastructure and reputation after its recent rocky history.

Julie is a solution-centered diplomat.

She leads with logic and authenticity. She can prioritize goals and listen to logical arguments. She understands the art of negotiation and compromise that keeps the needs of her constituents at the center of the argument.

She is a true believer in the power of education to change communities for the better.

She is not running for her ego, or for power. She is running because our community deserves a competent advocate and she knows we live in a democracy that gives us the power to right the wrongs of history.

Most importantly, Julie has built relationships with the stakeholders in Scottsdale.

She understands what it means to be a parent of a child in public school because both her children graduated from schools in SUSD. She understands the students of SUSD because she has spent her career educating them.

Julie understands the community because she advocated with them, organized with them, fought with them, and marched with them during some of the most embattled years in SUSD history.

Julie understands the educators because she not only stood side by side with us during her tenure as SEA president, in many cases she stood in front of us drawing the fire and the ire of those who wished to do us harm.

Julie understands our community, because she is part of our community.

Relationships matter. Trust matters. Authenticity, honesty and truth matter.

Adding Julie to our Governing Board matters. I hope you join me in my full-throated and unequivocal support. Vote for Julie Cieniawski, future SUSD Governing Board member.

Editor’s Note: Bonnie Bezon, M.Ed., is a National Board Certified Teacher and Scottsdale Unified School District teacher.