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School Repurposing & Enrollment Review

Introduction / Overview

A Message from the Superintendent

Conversations about the future of our schools are never easy. I know how deeply students, families, and staff care about their schools, and I want to acknowledge the emotions that come with these discussions.

Scottsdale Unified School District, like many districts across the valley, continues to face challenges from rising costs, declining enrollment, increased competition and increased cost of living in Scottsdale. These realities make it increasingly difficult to sustain all of our schools in their current form while continuing to provide the world-class, future-focused education our community expects and deserves.

As we work through this process, it is important to remember that while district leadership may bring forward recommendations, the Governing Board makes the final decisions. We are committed to keeping you informed, listening to your input, and ensuring transparency every step of the way.

Dr. Scott A. Menzel
Superintendent

If you have any questions or concerns, click here to reach out via Let’s Talk 

 

Resources

How We Got Here

History of Enrollment Trends
Previous Study Sessions
Budget Realities
  • Budget overview, projected shortfall and potential savings (coming soon)
  • Cost to operate small schools under 300 students (coming soon) 
  • Site-by site enrollment data (coming soon)
  • Facility utilization reports (coming soon)

Phase I: Current Considerations

Schools Impacted (Enrollment under 300)
  • DCES & DCMS potential K–8 structure—operational efficiency
  • Echo Canyon (K–8, enrollment 257): Enrollment-driven consideration
  • Pima Elementary (K–5, enrollment 296): Enrollment-driven consideration
Recommendation: Repurpose facilities beginning in the 2026–27 school year.
Proposed Timeline for Phase I
  • October 7, 2025: Governing Board considers setting public hearing date(s)
  • November 13, 2025, 6 p.m. — Coronado High School (7501 E. Virginia Ave.): Public hearing
  • December 9, 2025, 6 p.m. — Coronado High School (7501 E. Virginia Ave.): District intends to schedule a vote at this Governing Board meeting
Implications
  • Potential boundary changes (Pima Elementary)
  • Impact on staff, students, and neighboring schools

Phase II: Next Steps

Schools to be Reviewed (schools near or below 400 students for elementary)
  • Anasazi
  • Copper Ridge
  • Laguna
  • Redfield
  • Tonalea
  • Yavapai
Explorations Underway

Impact on Redfield Gifted Program (feeds into DCMS) depending on decision related to DCES/DCMS

Goals
  • Optimize facility use
  • Ensure financial viability
  • Maintain academic excellence

Community Engagement

  • Let’s Talk
  • Upcoming Governing Board hearings (coming soon)
  • Commitment to transparency and open communication

Timeline At-A-Glance

  • Spring 2024: WIG presentation (enrollment, facilities)
  • August 2024: Study session (academic + enrollment data)
  • October 7, 2025: Governing Board to set public hearing date(s)
  • Late October/Early November 2025: Public hearing(s)
  • Nov/Dec 2025: Governing Board decision
  • 2026–27 school year: Implementation of Phase I repurposing decisions
  • Beyond 2026: Phase II conversations and actions

Public Hearings

Relevant Resources