MIKE BENGERT: SUSD Assistant Superintendent Compares Academic Success to Mastering Basketball Skills

By Mike Bengert |

At the February meeting of the Scottsdale Parent Council (SPC), Dr. Cindy Bochna, Director of Assessments and Accountability, and Ms. Lea Mitchell, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, presented findings related to the K-12 Statewide Assessments in the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD). The recorded meeting is accessible on the SPC website.

Key takeaways from the presentation raised both interest and concern. Notably, SUSD schools received an “A” rating from the Arizona Department of Education, which operates on a grading scale from A to F based on various academic metrics outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-241. These metrics evaluate student growth, proficiency in English language arts, math, and science, along with readiness indicators for high school and post-secondary success.

Parents can learn about their child’s school’s performance by visiting the AZ Report Cards and searching for specific institutions. It’s crucial for parents to grasp the grading criteria that the Arizona Department of Education uses, even though SUSD does not determine these standards.

During the meeting, I raised a query regarding Chaparral High School’s A rating despite only 53% proficiency across core subjects. Dr. Bochna and Ms. Mitchell’s responses, which likened this performance to NBA players making 45% of their shots, left me questioning the seriousness of the district’s academic standards—if only 53% proficiency warrants an A, what does that say about academic achievement?

Further discussion touched on Arizona’s national standing in ACT scores. Contrary to claims from SUSD officials that Arizona ranks around 30th, Dr. Bochna later confirmed in an email that the state actually lies in the 47th to 49th range, alongside Mississippi and Hawaii. This underperformance, coupled with SUSD’s average ACT score of 21.5, paints a troubling picture. The average score required for admission to top universities like ASU is notably higher, reflecting a significant gap in student preparedness.

The challenges facing SUSD, particularly under Dr. Menzel’s leadership, are becoming increasingly evident. Despite over 92% of students graduating, many are not meeting proficiency standards in essential academic areas. Enrollment has steadily declined, intensifying financial issues the Governing Board must now address. Dr. Menzel’s strategy to cope involves cutting teaching staff and increasing hires for social support roles, a move that may perpetuate the district’s struggles without addressing the root causes of decline.

Recently, Governing Board Member Pittinsky emphasized the necessity for an in-depth analysis of declining enrollment. He expressed a desire to review insights from parents who withdraw their children from SUSD, an effort that all stakeholders within the district would welcome.

Addressing the core issues is imperative, but meaningful change often requires significant time—a luxury that many students currently cannot afford.

Mike Bengert is a devoted advocate for quality education in Scottsdale Unified School District, with over 30 years of involvement as a husband, father, grandfather, and resident.