MIKE BENGERT: Dismissing the Superintendent is Key to Reviving SUSD’s Finances

By Mike Bengert |

The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board convened on April 1, focusing primarily on the FY2025-2026 budget. Chief Financial Officer Shannon Crosier presented extensive financial data, attempting to frame the situation positively while sidestepping crucial inquiries from board members Pittinsky and Sharkey. Their probing questions seemed to imply a predetermined narrative that the board was expected to accept.

Central to the discussion was the impact of Superintendent Dr. Menzel’s leadership, which has resulted in cuts to teachers and instructional staff amidst declining enrollment. Critics attribute this decline to his management style and controversial initiatives such as social-emotional learning (SEL), which they argue detracts from academic instruction and diminishes teacher morale.

Supporters of SEL, including Dr. Menzel, suggest that addressing students’ psychological challenges may lead to improved academic outcomes. However, independent studies often contradict this claim. Academic performance indicators, particularly historical data from the Arizona Auditor General’s reports, reflect a troubling trend in SUSD.

For instance, SUSD allocated 54.4% of its budget to instructional services in FY24, falling short of its peer group average of 55.2%. Over the past five years, instructional spending has decreased by 1.7%, coinciding with an 8.4% decline in enrollment. Meanwhile, spending on student support has risen by 2.6%. During the FY24 review, SUSD reduced 59 instructional positions but also added 71 support roles. This shift raises concerns about the prioritization of administrative costs over classroom instruction, particularly as evidence mounts suggesting a negative correlation between SEL spending and academic achievement.

Notably, only 55% of students achieved passing scores on the state math assessment, and the metrics for English Language Arts and science showed similar declines—averaging a 12% drop since 2019. This data raises questions about the efficacy of increased financial investment in student support services.

Despite these findings, Dr. Menzel persists with his strategy of scaling back instructional roles while increasing funding for social-emotional support services. This approach continues even as academic performance remains stagnant or declines.

At the Governing Board meeting, Dr. Menzel dismissed proposals from Board Members Carney and Werner aimed at cost-reduction. When Pittinsky inquired about potential future funding, Dr. Menzel remarked on finding a “path” to address the board’s priorities, highlighting a disconnect with the immediate financial responsibilities that the board oversees.

Crosier acknowledged that the district had eliminated 13 positions but clarified that only one was filled. When pressed regarding cuts to discretionary spending, she had no clear answers. Carney raised concerns over maintaining full-time assistant principal positions—requests supported by the community and educators—but was met with silence. This lack of transparency around staff changes and the prioritization of administrative roles invites scrutiny.

In a striking revelation, SUSD’s per-student administrative expenses are reportedly 15% above average when compared to peer institutions. Teachers voiced significant concerns about their financial situations during public comments, reflecting on the realities of rising healthcare costs and inadequate salary adjustments. Next year, teachers are slated to receive only a 1% raise, with a larger portion of healthcare costs shifting to them.

With decreasing enrollment, SUSD faces mounting financial strain. The situation is magnified by a marked decline in teacher salaries compared to state averages, further exacerbating the loss of experienced educators. Many within the teaching community are opting to leave, creating an imbalance with a younger, potentially less experienced workforce—a demographic likely more aligned with the superintendent’s policies.

While many meeting participants called for increased state funding, the real culprits behind SUSD’s financial woes appear to be systemic mismanagement and prioritization issues from Dr. Menzel and the Governing Board. Historical spending patterns indicate that despite an overall increase in school funding statewide, SUSD allocated a smaller percentage to instructional services than in years prior.

As declining enrollment persists alongside a focus on SEL and the expansion of administrative roles, SUSD’s financial future remains precarious. Should these patterns continue, the Governing Board will face critical challenges ahead, necessitating drastic changes to safeguard the district’s long-term viability.

In light of these ongoing issues, calls for the removal of Dr. Menzel from his position could represent a significant step towards restructuring the district for the betterment of students and educators alike.

Regrettably, the situation at SUSD resembles a controlled crash rather than a balanced approach to educational finance and student welfare.

Mike Bengert is a Scottsdale resident with over 30 years of advocacy for quality education in SUSD.