Is the Scottsdale Unified board sufficiently independent?

OPINION — Nearly half of school-age children living within SUSD boundaries are enrolled elsewhere. At the same time, recently rebuilt or renovated district facilities provide up to over three times as much space as needed.

Meanwhile, SUSD’s 11th grade academic performance — the highest grade included in Arizona’s statewide testing program — has fallen from first among several nearby comparison districts to fifth; nearby charter elementary/middle schools also substantially outperform SUSD. Yet SUSD’s operating expenditure per pupil exceeds those of districts and charters outcompeting it. 

Another serious concern is SUSD safety. Recent survey data have shown substantial parent and student concern about bullying, violence, theft and related discipline problems. SUSD’s response has been reactive (closing schools, minimizing transparency and goals), instead of proactively raising achievement and parent satisfaction.

Academic and enrollment goals have been trivial, non-competitive and rarely achieved. Yet the district continues to promote itself as Arizona’s top academic performer and says it is “engaging all students in world-class, future-focused learning,” while limiting public exposure to achievement (trends, school level, competitive comparisons) and hiding discipline data.

Why has stronger corrective action been so slow? Since 2020, three of SUSD’s five governing board members have been candidates endorsed by the Scottsdale Education Association. When a majority of the board owes important electoral support to an employee organization, the public is entitled to question whether the board is sufficiently independent and willing to impose demanding goals, transparent performance reviews and meaningful accountability.

Dramatic change is needed at SUSD.

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