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Opinion

Nordlund: My support for Julie Cieniawski for Scottsdale school board

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Julie Cieniawski gets my vote for the Scottsdale governing board.

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Julie as a young mom researching the kind of education that she wanted for her kids. She was a mom that got involved in her children’s activities and took a leadership role in their schools and parent groups.

I then knew her as a teacher, a mentor, a coach, a friend to her students who especially needed someone to give them the confidence to realize their dreams.

In my work at the Arizona Department of Education, I had the opportunity to work with many excellent teachers from all parts of the state and Julie, like them, became leaders and advocates for the best for Arizona students and teachers. Julie moved even further in her education role through her leadership in the Scottsdale and Arizona Education Association all the while maintaining her dedication to serving the best interests of students.

COVID-19 has invaded all our ideas of normal and education decisions are tough. At a time like this Julie’s experience and leadership give me confidence.

Julie seeks consensus, decides creatively, advocates with determination, builds teams and community to work together. Her strongest characteristic is listening deeply to all invested in doing what is best for the science and art of teaching our children.

Julie deals with challenges in a positive way and in her retirement has set a pattern to continue to make a difference for our students no matter where they live in the district.

Julie has the ability to turn promises in to reality and I look forward to see her ideas in action as a member of the governing board.

Editor’s Note: Barbara Nordlund is retired director test development at Arizona Department of Education.