Interim Co-Superintendents
	Facility Utilization Scottsdale Superintendents Letters

Katy Cavanagh	Dr. David Peterson
Interim Co-Superintendents
Education Center 3811 N. 44th St. Phoenix, AZ 85018 480-484-6120
Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane joins Katy Cavanagh, interim co-superintendent; and Jack Blaze, a student from Pueblo Elementary School, at the Fit City Kick Off Event.
Jennifer Setterberg (left) and Katy Cavanagh (right) present books to 4th graders at Yavapai Elementary as part of the Governor's Annual Book Program

Dear Scottsdale Unified School District Community,

As many of you have heard on the news, the state budget situation is not good, especially when it comes to funding K-12 education. We remain steadfast in our belief that the Scottsdale Unified School District will continue to be a national leader in urban education, meeting the needs of each student while preparing them well for life beyond high school.

Over the past few weeks we have met with legislators and have been monitoring events there. We have also met with the leaders for our employee groups and are sharing information and starting to plan for the difficult task ahead. As a result of our conversations, we are collectively sending this letter so that you know we are working together to do what is in the best interests of our employees, students and community during this incredibly challenging time.

The good news is that we began this year by factoring in some possible cuts which minimize the impact for fiscal year 2009. We have also continued to increase open enrollment numbers, which has also lessened the impact. To further help, we plan to ask the SUSD Governing Board to place a K-3 Override on the ballot this fall. It is also important that you know the leadership of SEA, SSPA and SAA are organizing lobbying efforts to address the proposed state budgetary cuts that will impact our District.

Unfortunately, it is painfully clear to the leadership of this District (including the Governing Board, District Staff, SEA, SSPA and SAA) that the state’s budget situation has created circumstances in which, together, we are going to have to plan for significant cuts. As we prepare for this significant bump in the road on our long-term journey, the state legislature has not yet provided us with final numbers for next year’s budget. We have to begin working on the 2010 budget now in order to let employees know about their contracts by April 15th, which means that we must work with the current figures to come up with next year’s budget. Sadly, this means that we must cut $24 million from our budget. To do this, we have to cut staff and programs.

While we understand there is much work to do, we believe that we can minimize the impact and weather these tough times by working together. We are committed to maintaining the quality education and positive reputation of SUSD while making the necessary changes that are beyond our control.

In the coming days you will receive additional information about steps the District will be taking to prepare for possible 2010 cuts. No decisions regarding reductions have been made yet, and we hope to minimize the impact as much as possible.

We believe our District has a bright future. As we approach the possibility of significant reductions to our budget, we must keep our students at the center of our conversations and keep our eye on our long-term goals. Together, we are committed to leading you through this difficult process. We appreciate your ideas, information and input.

Please view the State of the Budget video.

Sincerely,

Katy Cavanagh & Dr. David Peterson		Jeff Thomas		Eric Kurland		Dan Granger		Mary Lou Muccino & Anne-Marie Woolsey
Interim Co-Superintendents		Executive Director for Human Capital		SEA President		SSPA President		SAA Co-Presidents