Superintendent Menzel's Blog
- Superintendent's Message
Dear SUSD,
As we close the 2025–2026 school year, I am filled with gratitude and pride for all that our students, staff, families, and community accomplished together this year.
First and foremost, congratulations to the Scottsdale Unified School District Class of 2026! This year, nearly 1800 graduates crossed the stage ready to begin their next chapter. Whether pursuing college, career, military service, or other opportunities, our graduates leave SUSD prepared to lead, contribute, and succeed. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you.
This year was defined by excellence, resilience, innovation, and focus.
Even as we navigated important conversations about enrollment, school repurposing, and the future of our facilities, Scottsdale Unified continued to elevate excellence across every area of our district.
The Governing Board approved two multi-year Wildly Important Goals (WIGS), designed to focus our efforts and guide the future of our district. The first WIG centers on increasing math achievement by raising the percentage of 8th-grade students successfully completing Algebra I from 25% to 75% by 2030. Supporting this work requires a strong focus on foundational math skills at the elementary and middle school levels, and the Board adopted a new K–12 math curriculum districtwide to support this effort.
The second WIG focuses on increasing the percentage of in-boundary school-aged students who choose Scottsdale Unified schools by increasing our capture rate by 3% by 2030. While many additional performance indicators guide our work, these two goals provide important direction and focus for the years ahead.
Our students continued to shine at the highest levels academically and beyond:
- A multitude of National Merit Scholars, with additional honorees still being announced through June
- Seven students earned perfect ACT scores
- A Dorrance Scholarship recipient
- A Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient, the highest honor Congress bestows on a civilian youth
- Desert Mountain High School students earned Arizona’s state title in the Presidential AI Challenge
- A Chaparral High School student earned the prestigious Jenkins Youth Leadership Award
- A Arcadia High School senior was named Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year
Our educators and staff also earned well-deserved recognition:
- SUSD was named a National Board District of Distinction by the Arizona K12 Center for having the highest number of National Board Certified Teachers in Arizona
- Richard Fairchild of Arcadia High School was named Arizona Educational Theatre Association Teacher of the Year
- Justin Slover of Coronado High School was recognized as Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the Daughters of the American Revolution
- Tarnisha Tilson of Chaparral High School earned ACTE Arizona New Teacher of the Year honors
Schools across the district received state and national recognition for excellence:
- Anasazi Elementary was named a 2026 NAESP National Distinguished (Gold Star) School, one of only three schools in Arizona to receive the honor
- Kiva, Redfield, and Anasazi Elementary Schools were named A+ Schools of Excellence, joining Cherokee, Desert Canyon, Hohokam, Navajo, and Pueblo Elementary Schools
We also continued expanding opportunities and support systems for students:
- Launched the new Math & Science Academy at Mohave Middle School
- Launched the Fire Science Academy at Coronado High School in partnership with EVIT
- Prepared for the opening of a new Boys & Girls Club at Tonalea Middle School in August 2026
- Expanded career readiness opportunities through SUSD’s first middle school JAG (Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates) program at Tonalea
Our students excelled in the arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities:
- Arcadia High School’s Marching Band earned a Division 4 Arizona State Championship
- Desert Mountain and Chaparral High Schools earned multiple honors for their outstanding musical productions
- 22 students earned placement in Arizona’s All-State Band, Choir, and Orchestra
Athletically, SUSD schools continued a tradition of excellence with multiple state championships:
- Chaparral High School: Girls Volleyball, Pom, Cheer, and Girls Golf State Champions
- Desert Mountain High School: Girls Swim & Dive, Football, Girls Tennis, and an individual Track & Field State Champion
- Arcadia High School: Boys Basketball State Champions
- Saguaro High School: Boys Baseball State Champions
Additionally, many of our schools were recognized through the Blue Zones Project for their commitment to whole-child wellness and healthy school environments, reinforcing our dedication to supporting students both academically and personally.
While we celebrated many successes this year, we also faced difficult but necessary decisions. In December, the Governing Board voted to close two schools due to continued enrollment decline and the structural budget challenges facing public education. These decisions were not made lightly but were necessary to ensure the long-term viability and success of our district.
Throughout the second semester, we also launched Phase II planning committees focused on future school repurposing considerations, strengthening enrollment, and ensuring thriving learning communities across SUSD. This work will continue throughout the summer with recommendations anticipated this fall.
As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, Scottsdale Unified will celebrate an incredible milestone — 130 years of serving this community. This anniversary coincides with the City of Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary and our nation’s 250th birthday, providing an opportunity to reflect on our history while recommitting ourselves to building an even stronger future.
Next year, our community will also have the opportunity to consider a proposed $375 million bond initiative, the first bond request in a decade, focused on maintaining safe, modern learning environments for students and staff.
This year’s success did not happen by accident.
It happened because of dedicated educators and staff who show up every day with passion and purpose. It happened because of families who partner with us and support student success at home and at school. It happened because of students who continue to work hard, persevere, and strive for excellence. And it happened because of a Governing Board committed to strong stewardship and a clear vision for the future of SUSD.
Thank you for your continued support of Scottsdale Unified School District. Together, our focus remains on what matters most… the students. Our focus is their future.
Wishing you and your family a safe, restful, and wonderful summer.
Thanks,
Dr. Scott Menzel, Superintendent
- Superintendent's Message
Dear Class of 2026,
Congratulations!
This week, we celebrate more than a graduation. We celebrate your journey and your incredible future.
For many of you, Scottsdale Unified School District has been your home for years… from your earliest days of learning to this milestone moment walking across the stage as graduates. Along the way, you have grown not only as students, but as leaders, teammates, artists, innovators, collaborators, creators, problem-solvers, and compassionate members of your community.
The Class of 2026 leaves behind a legacy of excellence, determination, and involvement.
You helped lead our district into a new era of learning and innovation. You were the first to truly embrace the possibilities of artificial intelligence as part of your educational journey… learning not only how to use the emerging technology, but how to use it responsibly, and creatively. You helped the district establish guidelines that will support teachers and learners for years to come. Your enthusiasm is what sets SUSD apart as a leader in world-class, future-focused learning.
This class also won multiple state championships during your four years—including several this year!
- Chaparral High School
- Girls Volleyball - AIA 5A State Champions
- Pom - AIA D2 State Champions
- Cheer - AIA D2 State Champions
- Girls Golf - AIA D2 State Champions
- Desert Mountain High School
- Swim & Dive - State Champions (4th consecutive year)
- Football - AIA 5A State Champions
- Arcadia High School
- Boys Basketball - AIA 4A State Champions
- Saguaro High School
- Boys Baseball - AIA 4A State Champions
There was also excellence in the arts all year long!
- Arcadia High School - Marching Band - Division 4 Arizona State Champions
- Desert Mountain High School - Gammage Outstanding Musical - Multiple Categories
- Chaparral High School - Gammage Outstanding Musical - Multiple Categories
You challenged yourselves through advanced coursework, dual enrollment opportunities, International Baccalaureate programs, Career and Technical Education pathways, fine arts, athletics, clubs, service organizations, and leadership experiences. Many of you earned industry certifications, college credit, academic honors, scholarships, and recognitions that reflect your hard work and commitment to your future.
More importantly, you made an impact on others.
You volunteered in your community, supported your peers, represented your schools with pride, and demonstrated what it means to be a part of something larger than yourself. Through acts of kindness, both big and small, you helped make SUSD and the community a better place.
As you prepare for your next chapter, whether that includes college, military service, career training, the workforce, or another pathway, know this: you are prepared. You have learned how to think critically, collaborate with others, adapt to change, and persevere. These skills will serve you well wherever life takes you.
The future ahead of you is bright because of the focus, effort, and heart you have already shown and all of those who supported you along the way!
Congratulations, Class of 2026. Your future starts now.
Dr. Scott Menzel, Superintendent
- Superintendent's Message
Dear SUSD Families,
As we enter the final weeks of the 2025–2026 school year, I am filled with gratitude. Our students, staff, and families have worked together to create meaningful momentum in the classroom and the community, embracing new AI Guidelines and helping shape our district landscape for years to come.
This is a special time of year as we prepare to celebrate the Class of 2026. Graduation on May 21 marks a milestone not only for our seniors, but for the educators and families who have supported them every step of the way. To our graduates, congratulations! We are proud of who you are and who you are becoming.
I also want to recognize all students who will be promoting to the next level. Your hard work, resilience, and growth matter. And to our parents and staff, thank you for being there through both the triumphs and the trying times. Your partnership is what makes SUSD strong.
On April 28th, we presented to the Governing Board the potential for a future bond to support safe and modern learning environments across our district. As our schools age, essential systems like roofs, air conditioning, plumbing, and infrastructure, require thoughtful investment. While these may not always be the most visible improvements, they are critical to ensuring our students and staff have safe, comfortable, and effective learning spaces. The Governing Board will consider next steps later this month. You can learn more by viewing the presentation and Board meeting here.
I also want to extend my appreciation to the many community members, staff, and families who are engaging in the important and at times difficult conversations around Phase II planning. This work is focused on ensuring we have full and thriving schools across SUSD. Thank you for your thoughtful participation and commitment to our students and their future.
As a reminder, Graduation Day is May 21, and the last day of school is May 22. We wish all our students and staff a strong finish and a safe, fun, and well-deserved summer break.
Finally, May is also a time to recognize and celebrate the many individuals who contribute to the strength of our schools and community:
- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May 1–31)
- National Physical Fitness and Sports Month (May 1–31)
- National Physical Education and Sport Week (May 1–7)
- National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (May 1–31)
- School Lunch Hero Day (May 1)
- National Music Week (May 3–10)
- Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4–8) & National Teacher Day (May 5)
- National Bike & Roll to School Day (May 6)
- National School Nurse Day (May 6)
- School Communicators Day (May 8)
- Mother’s Day (May 10)
- Memorial Day (May 25)
Each of these moments is an opportunity to say thank you to those who make a difference in the lives of our students every day.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we remain focused on what matters most… the students. Our focus is their future!
Thanks,
Scott
Dear SUSD Families,
As we move into April, we enter one of the most important stretches of the school year. Classrooms across the district are focused, energized, and preparing to demonstrate the learning and growth that has taken place all year long.
State testing officially began last week and will continue to ramp up across our elementary, middle, and high schools in the weeks ahead. In addition to AASA assessments, many of our students are also preparing for high-stakes exams such as ACT, SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) tests. These moments matter not just for accountability, but to mark milestones that reflect the hard work of our students and staff.
We ask for your continued partnership during this time--ensuring students are present, well-rested, and arrive with a fully charged district-issued device ready to do their best.
Partnering for a Strong Finish
This is also an important time for connection. With parent-teacher conferences taking place during early release days, we encourage families to take advantage of these opportunities to engage directly with teachers.
While you are always welcome to reach out, this time of year is intentionally set aside for meaningful conversations about progress, support, and finishing the fourth quarter strong. Parents and guardians are our greatest partners in student success, and together, we can ensure every student is on track to meet their goals.
Planning for a Stronger Future
This week, our Phase II committee will meet for the second time as we continue important conversations about how to thoughtfully reduce the district’s physical footprint by two to three buildings.
Our goal remains clear: to support full and thriving schools while increasing our impact programmatically across the district. These are not easy conversations, but they are necessary as we work to ensure a vibrant and sustainable future for SUSD.
We remain committed to keeping our community informed as this work progresses.
Celebrating Our People and Programs
April is also a month filled with opportunities to recognize the incredible people and programs that make SUSD special. You will see many of these celebrations highlighted across our schools and social media:
- School Library Month – Celebrating the spaces and professionals who inspire a love of reading and learning
- World Autism Month – Raising awareness and supporting the 1 in 36 children on the autism spectrum
- Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day (April 1) – Honoring the dedicated individuals who support students every day
- National Assistant Principals Week (April 6–10) – Recognizing the leaders who help schools thrive
- Administrative Professionals Week (April 19–25) – Celebrating the essential work of our support staff
- National Library Week (April 19–25) – Highlighting the importance of libraries and library professionals
- National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) – Thanking the thousands of volunteers who support SUSD
- Earth Day (April 22) – Encouraging stewardship of our environment
- National Student Leadership Week (April 24–30) – Celebrating student voice and leadership
- Arbor Day (April 24) – Promoting care for our environment and community
- International Dance Day (April 29) – Showcasing the talent and creativity of our students
Our focus during the final quarter is truly on their future. We have teams working on strategies to leverage AI, consider new educational programming like an Arts Magnet Schools and/or a Gifted and Accelerated Academics Academy, and supporting the roll out of the newly approved math curriculum energized by our Math Powers Possibility team. There is genuine excitement about the possibilities ahead while we also navigate the difficult financial terrain. Working together, we will enhance opportunities for our students to strengthen our district and community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and your commitment to SUSD.
Thanks,
Scott
As we enter the spring season, March brings both meaningful conversations about our future and important celebrations of the work happening across our schools each day.
Repurposing Conversations Continue
This month we continue our discussions regarding the potential repurposing of Echo Canyon School. These conversations are part of our broader responsibility to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability while positioning SUSD to deliver exceptional opportunities for students.
I invite our community to attend a public meeting at Echo Canyon School on March 3 at 5:30 p.m., where three potential partners will present their proposals and answer questions. Your voice matters. Thoughtful feedback from families, neighbors, and staff help guide responsible decisions for our district’s future.
We are committed to transparency and community engagement, while thoughtfully considering what comes next.
Celebrating Student Talent: Scottsdale Family ArtsFest
On March 6–7, 2026, our students will once again showcase their incredible talents at the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at the Scottsdale Civic Center.
This free, two-day festival of creativity features student performances and art exhibitions alongside interactive arts experiences and community partnerships. It is a powerful reminder that arts education is alive and thriving in SUSD.
We hope to see many of you there supporting our students.
Learn more: https://scottsdalearts.org/scottsdale-family-artsfest/
Spring Break & State Assessments
Spring Break is March 16–20. We hope our students and staff enjoy a well-deserved opportunity to rest and recharge.
When we return, students will participate in state assessments. Our teachers and students have been working diligently all year. These assessments provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their growth and mastery.
We encourage families to help students:
- Get adequate rest
- Eat a nutritious breakfast
- Ensure devices are fully charged
- Arrive ready and confident
We believe in our students and look forward to seeing their hard work reflected in their performance.
March Recognitions
March is rich with opportunities to celebrate the people and programs that support student success:
- Music in Our Schools Month
- National Nutrition Month
- Social Work Month
- Women’s History Month
- Youth Art Month
- National Foreign Language Week (March 1–7)
- National School Social Work Week (March 1–7)
- National School Breakfast Week (March 2–6)
- Read Across America Day (March 2)
These recognitions highlight the extraordinary individuals who nourish our students academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. From music teachers and art educators to social workers and nutrition professionals, each plays an essential role in ensuring students feel supported and inspired.
Women’s History Month also gives us the opportunity to reflect on the countless contributions women have made and continue to make within our community.
Looking Ahead
Spring is a season of momentum. Across SUSD, students are performing, competing, creating, and preparing for their next steps. Meanwhile, we continue important strategic and financial planning work to ensure that our district remains strong, sustainable, and positioned to serve future generations.
Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and your commitment to SUSD.
Together, we elevate excellence.
Dr. Scott Menzel