News Summary
Parents in the Scottsdale Unified School District are demanding the resignation of board member Carine Werner after she made inappropriate comments during a virtual meeting. The incident, captured on livestream, included derogatory remarks towards a district employee, sparking outrage among parents and students. Protests outside Coronado High School and public comments during subsequent meetings highlighted the unacceptable nature of Werner’s behavior, calling into question the standards expected of elected officials. A petition is underway to call for her resignation, reflecting the community’s demand for accountability and professional conduct in educational leadership.
Scottsdale – Parents in the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) are voicing their outrage following inappropriate comments made by board member and State Senator Carine Werner during a virtual board meeting on August 5. The remarks, which were streamed live, were overheard when Werner’s microphone was left on, leading to public outcry and demands for her resignation.
Witnesses report that while a district employee was speaking, Werner made dismissive comments, including questioning if this was what she had to “listen to.” She also referred to the employee as “morbidly obese” and “chubs.” This incident sparked immediate backlash from parents and students alike, who deemed such language and conduct completely unacceptable for an elected official.
Following the incident, dozens of parents rallied outside Coronado High School, demanding the resignation of Werner before the next board meeting. Notably, during the subsequent meeting, several attendees, including students, used the public comment section to express their outrage over Werner’s remarks. Many students articulated feelings of shame and disgust, indicating that such comments were not only inappropriate but also demeaning, especially coming from someone in a position of authority.
As the protests continued, parents highlighted the glaring discrepancy between the expected behavior of adults and the standards held for students. They questioned why actions like those of Werner could be tolerated when similar behavior would not be acceptable from students in the district. The absence of Werner from the board meeting further fueled frustrations, as many felt she was avoiding direct accountability for her comments.
Governing Board Vice President Mike Sharkey spoke on behalf of the board, clarifying that, while they may not have the legal authority to censure Werner, they do not support her comments. Sharkey stressed that her behavior does not reflect the ethical standards expected of board members and urged a reconsideration of expectations for conduct among elected officials in education.
In light of these events, a petition has been launched by concerned parents, aiming to secure the resignation of Carine Werner from her position. The parents have pledged to continue their protests until action is taken regarding her conduct. This incident marks a significant moment in the district, prompting a broader conversation about appropriate behavior among elected officials and the standards they should uphold when representing their communities.
Despite the uproar, School District officials have yet to provide a comprehensive statement addressing the incident beyond Sharkey’s remarks. The conversations among parents, students, and school officials reflect an increasing demand for accountability and professional conduct from those in leadership roles within the educational system.
This ongoing controversy not only affects the immediate parties involved but also has implications for the community’s trust in local governance. As parents and students advocate for change, it remains to be seen how the Scottsdale Unified School District will respond to their demands for accountability and transparent leadership.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coronado School District Faces Budget Crisis Amid Enrollment Drop
Additional Resources
- Arizona Family: Scottsdale Parents Demand Resignation
- Wikipedia: Scottsdale, Arizona
- AZCentral: Axon Apartments Controversy
- Google Search: Scottsdale Unified School District
- Julie Roys: Mark Driscoll’s Actions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education Accountability
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
