Superintendent Menzel's Blog
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
Dear SUSD Families,
It is hard to believe we are nearly halfway through the school year and just three weeks away from winter break!
What an action-packed year it has been as we navigate the potential for change and continued student and staff celebrations!
- The Desert Mountain girls won the Division 2 state championship in swim and dive (fourth time in five years)!
- The Chaparral girls' golf team won the Division 2 state championship
- The Chaparral girls' volleyball team won the 5A state championship
- The Chaparral Pom won the D1-D2 Dance Small Division
- The Chaparral Cheer won the D1-D2 Cheer Small Division
Both Arcadia and Desert Mountain High Schools play in their respective football state championship games on Friday, December 5th. Arcadia will face Mica Mountain in the 4A final, while Desert Mountain will play against Canyon View in the 5A final.
As the Titans battle for a championship on the field, the Division 4 state champion Arcadia Marching Band will be right there fueling the momentum with every beat.
I am so proud of our musicians and athletes, their families and our staff who continue to represent the best of SUSD both in and out of the classroom!
Please make sure to check out the Source Academics, Athletics and Arts blogs, where you can learn more about these accolades and more.
Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, is a global generosity movement of people who make a choice to help others and impact their communities positively. This Giving Tuesday, we hope you might consider making a tax credit donation to support the school or program of your choosing. We are grateful for all those in our community who support SUSD students and their educational and extracurricular opportunities. Read about the SUSD tax credit program here.
K-12 Enrollment for 2025-26 is Open!
Early Learning Enrollment Opens in January!
Families #ChooseSUSD for a variety of reasons, including our strong academics, robust arts and athletic programs, along with our commitment to community engagement and parent involvement.
With engaging learning opportunities for all children starting as young as two-years-old, we encourage all families to tour our schools and reach out with any questions.
Finals and Winter Break
As the semester wraps up, we encourage our students and staff to stay healthy, focused, and finish strong. The last day of the semester is Friday, December 19th.
Finally, I want to wish all of you a joyous winter break and a happy New Year. Thank you for being part of our SUSD family and for your continued support of this amazing district.
Scott
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