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American Association of School Administrators

Scottsdale’s Urgent Appeal: No Room for Another Superintendent Failure

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MENZEL

By Mike Bengert |

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) claims to be the leading voice for public education and school leaders in the United States. However, their alignment with certain educational philosophies raises questions regarding their representation of parents and students in public schools.

Critics argue that the AASA’s focus on social-emotional learning and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives overshadows the pressing need for academic excellence. Historical trends suggest that this approach may contribute to the continued decline of educational outcomes. For instance, the recognition of Dr. Donna Lewis as superintendent of the year highlights this concern; her tenure saw math and English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency rates plummet below 15% in her district. Similar issues arise with the selection of Dr. Menzel as the 2024-2025 national superintendent of the year.

These awards appear disconnected from actual student performance. Under Menzel’s leadership at the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), academic challenges have persisted, with significant declines in both math and ELA achievements. In 2023, more than 8,000 students were deemed non-proficient in ELA and over 9,000 in math. Alarmingly, only 65% of third-graders met ELA proficiency standards—an essential milestone for future academic success.

Despite these academic shortcomings, the SUSD continues to promote a substantial number of students, raising further concerns about educational integrity. Additionally, SUSD has experienced a concerning 10% drop in enrollment during Menzel’s administration, highlighting a lack of confidence from families. Record staff turnover, attributed to the tumultuous environment he has created, only exacerbates these challenges.

As community advocates call for change, candidates such as Gretchen Jacobs, Jeanne Beasley, and Drew Hassler are emerging for positions on the SUSD Board. The community’s demand for accountability underscores a collective desire for a solid educational foundation, one that prioritizes academic achievement rather than empty accolades.

Mike Bengert is a husband, father, grandfather, and Scottsdale resident advocating for quality education in SUSD for over 30 years.