Reviving Common Sense and Scholarly Spirit in Scottsdale Schools

By Rich Hoffecker |

The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) is grappling with alarming academic performance declines over the past five years. A 24% drop in science scores since 2019 starkly highlights this issue. Currently, fewer than 50% of eighth graders are proficient in math, and in the Coronado Learning Community, this figure plunges to a mere 12%. Despite a graduation rate of 94%, one must question how adequately the district is equipping its students for future success.

With an annual budget nearing half a billion dollars, one might expect SUSD to prioritize the root causes of this academic downturn. However, under Superintendent Scott Menzel, the focus appears misguided. Menzel, who has led a controversial agenda since 2019 centered on “disrupting and dismantling systems,” seems to have allowed academic standards to deteriorate.

The school board, guided by perceived progressive values under former member Jann-Michael Greenburg, selected Menzel to advance a social justice agenda rather than prioritize academic success. As a result, classroom time is increasingly devoted to shaping students’ emotional experiences and political perspectives, often at the expense of essential subjects like reading and math.

Financially, the district’s commitment to student instruction has waned significantly, with spending as a percentage of the budget declining 9.1% from 2004. In numerical terms, for the 2023-2024 budget of $458 million, this shift translates to a staggering $41.7 million reduction in funds directly affecting teachers and curriculum.

While investment in social workers and support staff has surged, teaching positions are being systematically cut. The proposed budget for 2024-2025 evidences a 2.6% increase in support staff expenditures over the past five years, with four and a half new social workers added this year. In contrast, the district has eliminated 20 teaching positions along with seven reading specialists and 4.5 math specialists. It raises the question: how can SUSD claim to provide a “world-class education” under these circumstances?

In response to the declining academic environment, many parents are seeking alternatives to SUSD schools. Over the past four years, enrollment has fallen by more than 2,200 students, resulting in an annual loss of over $17 million in funding from federal, state, and local sources. Currently, SUSD serves less than 54% of school-aged students in Scottsdale. Instead of addressing these issues, the district continues to solicit additional funding through various initiatives, diverting attention from the root causes of its academic struggles.

As the terms of three school board members aligned with Menzel’s approach conclude, this presents an essential opportunity to refocus SUSD on academic excellence. The “Just Be Honest” slate, consisting of Gretchen Jacobs, Jeanne Beasley, and Drew Hassler, aims to shift the district’s priorities back to enhancing educational outcomes.

To avoid establishing another board that merely supports Menzel’s agenda, it is crucial to elect members who are committed to uplifting academic standards, empowering teachers, and valuing parental input. The upcoming election this November could serve as a pivotal moment for SUSD to rejuvenate its educational commitment.

Rich Hoffecker is a parent and Scottsdale resident.