Superintendent Menzel's Blog
As we enter this season of gratitude, I am thrilled to share some exciting news that speaks to the heart of our focus, their future.
We are proud to once again be recognized as an “A”-rated district! SUSD continues to lead the way, earning the highest overall performance in Maricopa County on the Spring 2025 state assessments in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. On the statewide stage, SUSD ranks #1 among all Arizona districts and charters serving more than 10,000 students in both subjects.
These outcomes reflect our ongoing commitment to elevating excellence, and we aren’t done yet! We are focused on increasing math achievement for every student by way of targeted interventions and expanded course offerings, leaning into professional development for our staff and solidifying strong family partnerships.
This year, 22 of SUSD’s 30 schools earned an “A” rating, six earned a “B,” and two received a “C.” This success is a testament to the hard work of our students, teachers, and staff, and to the deep partnership we share with our families and community.
As we celebrate these achievements, we also look ahead. SUSD continues to be a destination district, attracting families from around the valley. In fact, 25% of our current enrollment consists of open-enrolled students who have chosen SUSD for our exceptional academic and extracurricular offerings.
Enrollment for the 2026-27 school year opens Monday, November 3rd. Families interested in discovering all that SUSD has to offer are invited to join us at the SUSD Expo on Tuesday, November 5, from 5–8 p.m. at Saguaro High School. This annual event brings together every SUSD school and program in one place, providing families a chance to explore the opportunities that await their children.
We also recognize that important decisions lie ahead. The Governing Board will hold a public hearing this month regarding the potential closure/repurposing of Echo Canyon and Pima Elementary School. I encourage our community to visit our website to learn more. While the decisions will not be easy ones, our focus is on creating a vibrant and thriving SUSD for the future.
As the weather cools and families gather to count their blessings, we give heartfelt thanks for our students, staff, and community partners who make SUSD a place where everyone belongs. We also take time to honor our veterans this month for their service and sacrifice, and to celebrate the rich cultures that strengthen our district, including our Native American Heritage Month Celebration on November 20 at Saguaro High School.
Finally, we look forward to seeing many of you at the SUSD Foundation Fall Event, also on November 20, as the community comes together to celebrate and support our students and schools.
Wishing you and your families a happy Thanksgiving season filled with gratitude and joy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott A. Menzel
Superintendent
Dear SUSD Community,
I want to take a moment to address some of the questions and rumors circulating regarding the future of our SUSD schools. These conversations are understandably emotional, and I want to ensure that you have accurate information about where we are and what comes next.
Like many school districts across the valley, SUSD is experiencing two challenges at the same time: declining enrollment and rising operating costs. When schools operate with very low enrollment, they do not generate enough funding to cover the cost of staffing and maintaining the facility. Continuing to operate schools under these conditions is financially unsustainable and puts pressure on the entire district budget.
For the past 18 months, we have been scrutinizing enrollment trends, academic data, and facility use across the district. This work was presented to the Governing Board last spring as part of our Wildly Important Goal (WIG) on enrollment, which included a site-by-site review. Most recently, in August, the Governing Board again reviewed academic and enrollment data. These discussions have made clear that we must take action to ensure the long-term financial health of the district and to optimize our resources for all students.
As a result, district leadership has initiated repurposing conversations.
Phase I: Current Considerations for 2026-27 School Year
Schools Impacted (enrollment under 300):
- Echo Canyon (K–8, enrollment 257)
- Pima Elementary (K–5, enrollment 296)
Potential Operational Efficiency
- Desert Canyon Elementary & Middle merge into a K–8 (which could happen as early as 2026-27 or potentially 2027-28)
Phase II: Consideration for Changes in 2027-28
Schools to be Reviewed (enrollment near/below 400):
- Anasazi
- Copper Ridge
- Laguna
- Redfield
- Tonalea
- Yavapai
It is important to emphasize that Phase I is a first step in planning for the 2026-27 school year. The final decisions rest with the Governing Board. On October 7, the Board will vote to set a date for a public hearing, which will take place later this fall. No final action can occur until at least 10 days after a hearing has been held.
To be clear, these conversations are not a reflection on the quality of the educational programs offered at Echo Canyon and Pima. They are driven by demographic and economic realities. Any discussion about repurposing a school impacts students, families, and staff and we recognize that can be demoralizing and frustrating. These are not easy conversations. We know that families and staff are deeply invested in their schools. That’s why we are committed to transparency, to engaging with you throughout this process, and to making decisions that reflect our commitment to providing every student with the best possible education.
We ask for your help keeping our focus on their future! What is most important is that we continue to deliver the unique programs you want for your students – the world-class, future-focused learning opportunities that they deserve!
If you have questions, I encourage you to use Let’s Talk which will allow us to hear your input directly and ensure you receive a response. We will continue to share updates as they become available, including details about the Governing Board’s upcoming hearing(s). Additional information on school repurposing can be found here.
Thank you for your partnership, your understanding, and for the trust you place in SUSD. By working together as one community, I believe we can make the difficult but necessary decisions that will strengthen our district for years to come.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott A. Menzel
Superintendent
A Strong Start to the School Year
We’ve made it through our first month of the 2025–26 school year, and I am proud of the strong start we’ve had. This is a direct result of the dedication and collaboration of our frontline staff including teachers, support staff, site leaders, district leaders, and the Governing Board, all working together to rally students, families, and staff around this year’s Wildly Important Goals: strengthening math achievement and growing enrollment.
We know that achieving these goals takes all of our educators, families and community. I am deeply grateful for the many partners who give their time, talent, and resources to support Scottsdale students.
One such partnership comes to life later this month. On Saturday, September 20, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, Scottsdale Public Library and Scottsdale Career Services, in partnership with Scottsdale Unified School District, will host the College & Career Fair. Students in grades 5 - 12 and their families will have an opportunity to meet college recruiters, explore trade programs, and discover a wide variety of career pathways all in one convenient location. Whether you are preparing for college, considering a trade, or just beginning to explore your options, this event has something for everyone. You can read more in this month’s CTE blog post.
Fittingly, September is also Library Card Sign-Up Month, a perfect reminder of the resources and inspiration available through both our school and city libraries. I encourage you to visit, explore, and enjoy all they have to offer.
This month also brings other important observances:
- Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15), honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
- National Arts in Education Week (September 7-13), celebrating the role of the arts in shaping well-rounded, creative learners.
- National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a vital reminder of the importance of caring for the mental health and well-being of our students and one another.
I invite you to learn more about the resources available to families in this month’s Support Services blog post and to join us at the 2nd Annual Back-to-School Mental Health Resource Fair on Wednesday, September 10.
As we look forward to fall (and hopefully cooler temperatures) I want to thank you for your continued partnership in making Scottsdale Unified a place where every student can thrive.
Here’s to the great work ahead.
Dr. Scott A. Menzel
Dear SUSD Families,
It’s hard to believe, but the first day of school, Monday, August 4, is nearly upon us! Each August brings with it a fresh start and renewed energy, along with the chance to recommit to making it a successful year for students, staff, and parents.
This year, our theme is both simple and powerful: "Our Focus, Their Future." It speaks to a shared belief that when educators, families, and community members align our efforts around what matters most, there is no limit to what our students can achieve.
Over the summer, hundreds of SUSD educators invested their time and talents in professional learning through our annual PD Institute and other opportunities. Their commitment to growth reminds us that when our teachers grow, so do our students.
Earlier this week we welcomed staff back and ALL gathered at our annual Back-to-School Rally to celebrate our shared purpose. We are guided by our core values excellence, integrity, empathy, trust, inclusion, and unity which shape every interaction, every classroom, and every leadership decision. These values are foundational for ensuring all students feel seen, heard, and supportedon the path toward world-class, future-focused learning.
As we begin this year, we remain focused on our Wildly Important Goals (WIGs), pending Governing Board approval:
- Academic achievement (with a specific focus on mathematics)
- Enrollment
We are excited to introduce new offerings in 2025–2026 that reflect our district’s commitment to innovation and excellence:
- Copper Ridge School is now an all-honors middle school for 6th and 7th grades, with plans to expand each year.
- Mohave Middle School is launching the Math and Science Academy, directly feeding into the renowned program at Saguaro High School which creates pathways to careers in engineering, science, and technology.
- Coronado High School launches new Fire Science Program in partnership with the Scottsdale Fire Department, EVIT, and the Scottsdale Charros. This program prepares students for careers in emergency services.
Across SUSD, families will continue to find a wide array of opportunities, from early learning and Dual Language Immersion to International Baccalaureate (IB), Gifted Education, STEM, CTE, and dual enrollment. Our students also thrive in the arts and athletics, gaining the well-rounded skills that prepare them for life beyond graduation. If you know of parents or students that are looking for exceptional learning opportunities, please refer them to our enrollment website - we are still accepting open enrollment applications.
The start of the school year is accompanied by a range of emotions for our students and staff. There is an excitement related to reconnecting with friends and teachers, but there can also be apprehension and concern, especially for those who are new to our district or moving to a different school within SUSD. Part of what makes Scottsdale Unified School District special is our commitment to ensuring that each and every student knows they are valued. We are committed to ensuring they feel a sense of belonging. We look forward to welcoming them and getting off to a great start! Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Our Focus, Their Future!
Scott
Dear SUSD Families,
With the 2024-25 school year now completed, I want to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey we’ve taken together since last August.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Elevate Excellence: Reaching New Heights Together,” we were deliberate, aligning our entire district around three Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) to ensure that we were not just moving forward, but moving forward together.
- Mathematics: By May 2025, SUSD students across each cohort (grades 4-8) will demonstrate growth across achievement bands with an increase of 3% as measured by proficiency in AASA mathematics. With collaborative professional development, targeted intervention, and a renewed emphasis on data-informed instruction, we’ve seen early indicators of growth and engagement districtwide.
- Attendance: We committed to increasing our average daily attendance from 92.69% to 93.0%. Through strong outreach and the support of families, schools made real progress in helping students understand that being present matters.
- Enrollment: From May 23, 2024, to the 100th day of the 2024-2025 fiscal year (Jan. 21, 2025), enrollment in grades 1-12 will increase a minimum of 1% (not including early graduates). Thanks to our dedicated staff and school communities, families are choosing SUSD for our strong academics, innovative programs, and inclusive culture.
But numbers only tell part of the story. Our students, staff, and schools achieved greatness in academics, arts, and athletics, reinforcing what makes SUSD special.
Celebrating Our Schools
This year, three of our elementary schools, Navajo, Hohokam and Pueblo, earned the Arizona Educational Foundation’s A+ School of Excellence distinction. We also celebrated new Scottsdale Blue Zones Project school certifications for Anasazi, Pima, and Sequoya Elementary schools, as well as Cocopah Middle School, a testament to our commitment to student well-being and healthy habits. Echo Canyon School earned the 2025 Scottsdale Sustainability Award for its outstanding composting and food waste-reduction program, showing how even our youngest learners can lead the way.
Arts, Innovation, and Academics in Action
From the Coronado High School Marching Band claiming the ABODA Division IV State Championship to Saguaro High School’s robotics team competing on the global stage at the FIRST World Championships in Houston, our students have soared again this school year. Yavapai Elementary created a monarch butterfly waystation, with support from the Sprouts Foundation, an inspiring reminder of how STEM and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Champions in the Classroom and on the Field
We saw remarkable success in athletics this year, including these accomplishments:
- Chaparral High School Girls soccer captured the 5A state title
- Desert Mountain Boys Swim & Dive took the Div. I State Championship
- Desert Mountain Softball captured its third consecutive 5A State Championship
- Chaparral’s Cheer and Pom teams landed AIA Div. II state titles
- Desert Mountain’s Div. I Girls Tennis team added more trophies to its case
Community Recognition
SUSD was honored with the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Sterling Award for Big Business, underscoring our impact and leadership in the broader community.
As we look ahead to summer and begin preparing for 2025-26, we remain rooted in our mission and inspired by our students. We are a district that values Excellence, Integrity, Empathy, Trust, Inclusion, and Unity, believing strongly in the potential of every learner. \
Thank you to our teachers, support staff, principals, parents, and community partners for another exceptional year. Together, we’ve reached new heights and we’re just getting started, Because Kids!
We look forward to seeing your students again on August 4th, the first day of the 2025-2026 school year. Until then, have a great summer!
Scott