As a taxpayer and the mother of an SUSD graduate, I was deeply troubled by the recent board vote to close two district schools. These closures will have lasting consequences for students, families, educators and neighborhoods. Such decisions demand leadership that is fully committed to public education and willing to be accountable to the community that funds and relies on it.
That commitment is called into question when Board Member Matt Pittinsky — who sends one of his children to private school and serves on that school’s board of regents — casts a deciding vote to close public schools. Families may choose what is best for their children, but elected officials must expect scrutiny when their personal affiliations appear misaligned with the institutions they govern. When public schools are closed while private schools potentially benefit from leadership overlap, the appearance of conflict alone undermines public confidence.
Concerns about judgment and accountability were further amplified by Mr. Pittinsky’s response to a widely discussed incident involving a party hosted at his home. According to reports, the event resulted in underage drinking and a minor transported by ambulance for potential alcohol poisoning. When community members raised concerns, Mr. Pittinsky responded with a generic statement portraying himself as a victim, rather than acknowledging the seriousness of the incident or the responsibility that comes with being both a parent and an elected official…