Superintendent Menzel's Blog
- 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
Dear SUSD Families,
As we move into February, I want to take a moment to acknowledge both the important work ahead of us and the many moments of pride that continue to define SUSD.
Across our district, we remain engaged in thoughtful and difficult conversations related to enrollment trends, school repurposing, and long-term fiscal sustainability. These discussions are not easy, but they are necessary to ensure we are making responsible decisions that protect the quality of education our students deserve both today and into the future. I am grateful for the engagement, questions, and respectful dialogue we continue to see in communities across the district.
In the weeks ahead, several key milestones will help shape our path forward. A reboundary hearing for Pima Elementary School is scheduled for February 2, 2026, providing an opportunity for families and community members to share input and learn more about potential next steps. Additionally, the Governing Board will be considering significant budget decisions at its February 10 meeting as part of our ongoing efforts to respond to financial realities while prioritizing student learning and staff support.
Even amid these challenging conversations, we see regular reminders of the strength, pride, and spirit of our Scottsdale Unified community. The 72nd Annual Parada del Sol was a powerful example of that pride on full display. Our marching bands, student clubs, and school groups represented the district with honor and excellence, joined by parents, partners, and community members who consistently support the success of our students and staff. Seeing our schools celebrated so visibly was inspiring.
During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month and Career and Technical Education Month. Each day our students are engaged in deepening their understanding of core concepts in reading, writing, math, science and social studies while they also explore areas of interest in elective classes and Career and Technical Education programming. Part of the value proposition of an SUSD education is the breadth and depth of programs we offer.
February is also a time to recognize and celebrate the people and programs that support students every day. During National School Counselors Week (February 2–6), we celebrate the role our school counselors play in supporting students’ academic success and future planning. We are grateful for their dedication helping students thrive.
As always, thank you for your continued partnership, engagement, and care. While we are navigating complex challenges, we remain committed to transparency, collaboration, and keeping students at the center of every decision we make.
Happy New Year!!!!
We hope everyone had a restful joyous break and is back ready to tackle the second semester and make it a successful 2026.
First off, January is School Board Recognition Month. We are most grateful to our five SUSD Governing Board members, who volunteer to invest their time and energy to add to our district’s outstanding legacy through their partnership, guidance and wisdom.
Many events take place during the month of January. They include:
- Scottsdale Parent Council, Jan. 14, 9 a.m.
- Annual MLK Youth Voices, Jan. 15, Saguaro High School, 9 a.m.
- Spanish Spelling Bee, Jan. 21, Saguaro High School, 9 a.m.
- SUSD Spelling Bee, Jan. 23, Saguaro High School, 9 a.m.
- District Middle School Orchestra Festival, Jan. 27, Saguaro High School, 6 p.m.
- Parada del Sol, Jan. 31
As we head into the second semester, we plan to build on the momentum from last fall (see highlights below). Our Focus is Their Future, and we will be relentless in pursuing excellence in achievement for all of our SUSD students.
Fall 2025 Highlights!
Excellence in Education
- SUSD an “A” rated district
- Highest overall performance in Maricopa County among public school districts on the Spring 2025 state assessments in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics ranking #1 among all Arizona districts and charters serving more than 10,000 students in both subjects.
- National Merit Semifinalists: 29 incredible seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program
- School Blue Zones-Approved: Recognized for contributing to a healthier Scottsdale, Cochise, Hopi, Navajo, Redfield, Tavan, and Yavapai Elementary Schools, along with Mountainside Middle School and Coronado High School joined five other SUSD schools in achieving Blue Zones-Approved™ School status. We look forward to all our schools and district earning this important designation.
We are especially focused on increasing math achievement for every student and have launched a Strategic Action Team to ensure success. We look forward to sharing all the ways Math Powers Possibility in SUSD.
Championship Arts & Athletics
- Arcadia Titans Marching Band won the Division 4 state championship.
- Chaparral girls' golf team won the Division 2 state championship
- Chaparral girls' volleyball team won the 5A state championship
- Chaparral Pom won the D1-D2 Dance Small Division
- Chaparral Cheer won the D1-D2 Cheer Small Division
- Desert Mountain Football won the 5A state championship
- Desert Mountain girls won the Division 2 state championship in swim and dive (fourth time in five years)!
Innovative Programs
SUSD continues to expand opportunities for our students to grow and thrive:
- Fire Science Academy: Coronado High School, in partnership with the EVIT Fire Science program and the Scottsdale Fire Department, launched a Fire Science Academy to inspire the next generation of first responders.
- Expansion of the Scottsdale Math and Science Academy (SMSA): The highly regarded SMSA program expanded to Mohave Middle School in the fall, providing a premier STEM education to even more SUSD students preparing future engineers, scientists, and innovators while providing a direct pipeline to the prestigious Math and Science Academy at Saguaro.
- Copper Ridge School introduces an all-honors middle school model for 6th and 7th grades, empowering students to dive deeply into rigorous coursework.
We are excited to continue building on our successes in 2026!
Thank you for your continued partnership and willingness to engage in thoughtful, often difficult conversations around our budget and school repurposing. Look for updates on our website susd.org/repurposing