Vote no on Scottsdale Unified bond request
OPINION — SUSD wasted much of its two prior bonds ($347 million - 2010, 2016) renovating/rebuilding schools it has since closed and anticipates closing. Meanwhile, SUSD continues losing enrollment, has done/is doing little to reverse major losses to competitors, and its facility space is nearly double enrollment requirements.
These closures also lower home values.
SUSD has already been authorized to spend $25.5 million/year in capital funding from 7/1/23 through 6/30/30, and $11 million/year afterwards.
SUSD has almost 5,000 (about 25%) non-resident students – largely Balsz, Native-American students. Will they pay their share of this $375 million request?
Returning to a traditional school year beginning immediately after Labor Day would reduce A/C peak loading/mechanical wear and utility costs.
An April 2025 city auditor report found SUSD only used 47 buses out of 108 on regular school routes during the first half of 2024-25. How was this resolved?
Why, given SUSD's large annual capital outlay funding, are e.g. roofs, HVACs needing replacement? This large a request requires more specificity.
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