[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6677132,"mediaKeyId","2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9","parentId",2264681,"title","Public commenters press SUSD on transgender policy, e-bike safety and student proficiency concerns","audioSeconds",212,"startMs",3618000,"endMs",3830000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9&start=3618&end=3830","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9/thumbnail_3618000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6677132/Arizona/Public-commenters-press-SUSD-on-transgender-policy-e-bike-safety-and-student-proficiency-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677132-1b3aafb49cf48678baa3033bc966449d/orig.mp4?Expires=1776700208&Signature=ehr4alasxaX~28XunM2iRlBRV8lW6hMCp9eMo0I~XRZn6qotHdI2Oo2sExAASi~BHe0-2daJaaR3ArXplfVKpuxa1wpD8J9hQ72ttTSd6ZOAn7cPdCa75ciIk4G5bzeapsT1HZ~-HX~ubHl~uUAr0pYAHHcCjcJe9sLbXBcHGrwf2GaaQqVa7gnr~Qd7MCBUXYtJ8x3BvJYFS-V4Gm0EhizOOZkMLHl6h5P7ctldaTg72iMl1RRKmQOY2A5PF4PIc-y-PssL485qfnpqvLThFXNo0aJkqPio6YO8kqVX8k5GGkcnHQx8bu7lJKtV9cMTnQtJXQAS7tUhUO6NUkTyzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Scottsdale Unified District (4240)","date","2025-02-12T04:57:08.063Z","article","Several members of the public used the Feb. 11 Scottsdale Unified governing board meeting to raise community concerns about personnel decisions, student achievement and student transportation safety.

Transgender student naming dispute and substitute staffing: Jeffrey Rattay (public commenter) described a multi-year dispute at Arcadia High School in which, he said, a substitute repeatedly used students’ birth names rather than preferred names and that he was blocked from subbing and coaching afterward. Rattay referenced a recent federal court ruling he said limits school directives on mandatory use of preferred names and pronouns; he asked the board to reconsider district restrictions on his ability to substitute or coach. The board did not act on the speaker’s request that evening; trustees later discussed procedural limits on taking action on matters first raised during public comment and the necessity of following legal and personnel processes.

E-bike safety: Luke Howland, owner of a local bicycling program and co‑founder of “eBike U,” urged the district to replace campus e‑bike bans with structured education. He said e‑bikes are increasing student accidents because many young riders lack formal training, and he offered free or low-cost curriculum, on-site instruction and community partnerships to improve safety rather than relying solely on bans.

Student proficiency and honors programming: Mike Bengert and other parents questioned the district’s planning for honors-track expansions and asked how the district will serve thousands of students who are not proficient in reading, math or science. One commenter cited district proficiency figures and asked why AVID and other interventions were listed only as electives in a planning guide. Speakers requested clearer remedial plans for students below grade level and urged the board to prioritize supports for the large number of students not meeting proficiency benchmarks.

Site-level staffing and preschool cuts: A parent of Anasazi Elementary students urged the board to reconsider reductions that would cut assistant-principal time to halftime and eliminate preschool at the site. Board members said decisions about halftime assignments are budget-year decisions for next year and not midyear actions; trustees asked staff to provide site plan and enrollment data in follow-up.

Why it matters: Public comments raised core community concerns that intersect with board budget deliberations (personnel allocations, student supports and safety). Trustees acknowledged many of the issues are personnel or policy matters that require follow-up, potential investigation or addition to future agendas.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","SUSD Governing Board Regular Meeting 2/11/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters at the Scottsdale Unified board meeting on Feb. 11 urged the district to revisit staff discipline and access, expand e‑bike safety education, and explain how it will remediate widespread student proficiency shortfalls.","taxTitle","Scottsdale Unified District (4240), School Districts, Arizona","taxId",13623,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6677145,"Scottsdale Unified projects $2.8–$4.2 million shortfall for 2025–26; board weighs moving capital funds to operations",1370,4000000,5370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9&start=4000&end=5370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9/thumbnail_4000000.jpg","/articles/6677145/Arizona/Scottsdale-Unified-projects-2842-million-shortfall-for-202526-board-weighs-moving-capital-funds-to-operations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677145-3f17071baad1627b31e89124adf2d5e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1776700208&Signature=g3to2-HC2xO9A2urnPqntAxM~9XBBHmD9MVVd22ledXqj7lHHNl0Ib7wrtVp5lAN-tkLFNFGljQj2uYmPxavObfJFa5ek0Aofrk7GdmH1Uyakz4wfyzvSKPxFG4rzJUlvE-iymXyKAzJikw95d2nRyDrCfugYydAfk0b9maDGcZrtPv3CMmqWUPsfO1orsz2CtFhm6Ey05dbD3nPpVANu6mz0SiyqHGjIZhu7Gmpeb3o7Bh5v-zR~hHiVy1bwa1nw0qiWJpY02-eY1TyJdtYfjljooBzNIJr1FcXYjepkjHbSlTmrZ1YVOSJbpr9TBqzkv9yo~VEIlian-g13k1gGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Scottsdale Unified School District leaders told the governing board on Feb. 11 that a decline in weighted student counts and unresolved state funding could produce a $2.8 million to $4.2 million shortfall for fiscal year 2025–26.

Shannon, a district finance staff member, said the district is estimating an average daily membership (ADM) decline consistent with recent trends (about a 2% annual decline) and a net loss in weighted student count that translates to roughly $2.9 million in revenue. She said higher weights for free-and-reduced meals and gifted students were larger than projected, but overall the district’s estimated weighted count would fall, producing the revenue gap.

The shortfall scenarios depend on whether a one-time state funding source (referred to in the meeting as “Prop 123/1 2 3”) continues. Without that funding the district would face approximately a $4.2 million gap; if that funding is restored the gap narrows to about $2.8 million.

To address the gap, staff presented several options for reductions and reallocation of funds. Key proposals discussed included:

- Reducing 12 district-level full-time equivalent (FTE) positions (staff reported nine district-level FTE were reduced the prior year).

- Implementing selected program and staffing changes that would reduce M&O (maintenance & operations) costs by roughly $400,000 and an additional $1.2 million in other savings identified through benefits and special education program adjustments.

- Adjusting special education private placements (transferring some costs back into M&O because IDEA federal grant capacity is constrained).

- Reducing assistant-principal staffing at six sites (equating to a net reduction of three assistant-principal FTE for approximately $300,000 in savings) by moving those assignments to halftime rather than eliminating posts midyear.

- Proposing to move up to $4.2 million from District Additional Assistance (DAA, capital funds) into the M&O budget to cover recurring salary and medical contributions in the short term. Staff emphasized that moving capital funds into ongoing operations would be a continuing expense if adopted, though the money could be moved back in a later revision should revenues improve.

Superintendent Dr. Menzel and board members repeatedly signaled a priority to protect classroom-level spending while acknowledging most district expenditures (about 85% of staff) are campus-based and that large savings inevitably affect schools.

Board discussion focused on trade-offs and timing: several trustees urged preserving assistant-principal roles and site-level staff where possible; others pressed for exploring further district-level savings and insurance/purchasing options before cutting school-based positions. Board members asked for more detail on the breakdown of past staffing changes (the annual comprehensive financial report shows prior-year shifts in positions) and requested the district provide comparative data by June.

On benefits, staff said the district is self-insured and participating in a larger pool and that pharmacy and other procurements recently yielded about $800,000 in savings; the district’s self-insurance trust will contribute additional funds next year but premiums for employees remain a concern. Staff said a 1% district-wide raise would cost about $1.5 million and outlined options for distributing raises or stipends.

Shannon and administration said they expect to continue refining department requests, meet again Feb. 25 with interest-based bargaining (IBN) groups to review salary/benefit proposals, and return to the board with recommended salary schedules in March. The proposed budget will come to the board for first reading in June with adoption later that month.

Votes and formal actions related to the budget discussion were procedural: the board directed staff to continue work on reductions and revenue scenarios and to present options at subsequent meetings; no final cuts were adopted that evening.

Why it matters: The district’s plan will affect classroom staffing, salary negotiations and employee medical contributions, and could require shifting capital dollars to ongoing operations to meet near-term pay and benefits commitments. The board emphasized it wants to protect student-facing services but acknowledged difficult choices ahead.","Scottsdale Unified School District leaders told the governing board on Feb. 11 that a decline in weighted student counts and uncertain state funding could produce a $2.8 million–$4.2 million shortfall for fiscal 2025–26.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6677137,"Student Advisory Board outlines goals on AI guidance, vaping reduction and teen town halls",311,2771000,3082000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9&start=2771&end=3082","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9/thumbnail_2771000.jpg","/articles/6677137/Arizona/Student-Advisory-Board-outlines-goals-on-AI-guidance-vaping-reduction-and-teen-town-halls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677137-931abcbcd7a4632327c8ed84f2a40d7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776700208&Signature=RHoc5mkY2GgBYdzNfyT~KXWC6qWVREbHOB4dws6UKUFkK19szovPsnN5Jfj5B2XSZzocZ85F2TbHkhDDLe6XG9FE0BQKmlP8aApkzByHXY2LflWIDnBU~nqPABx3~cyyH8n-n0FgtezCQlMmVHTEGFVhqD8IW-UKbMXZyyemLvio2hVgDki~un4tXKOExFNlNJAGQ4Xa~M5JrRlEMb~GDwMgJTsAKJl7LRchIZt8B91IO02eRJ3iFVBOpSSDVfDDFJjKJ4OzqCJ9X63tUqR8ki5tb0G8vvV3TSDhhs5F7ysFFlZ~wy-rv2Q6ANlqQzl~WDNeBNbJlSYALKALzQfwJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Student leaders from Scottsdale Unified’s Student Advisory Board presented a multi-part update to the governing board on Feb. 11 covering student leadership, widely important goals (WIGs) and upcoming teen town halls.

Fiona Riley (SAB president-elect) and student senators summarized subcommittee goals for the 2024–25 year:

- Academic excellence: Produce multimedia “day in the life” promotional content to showcase coursework and programs; students are meeting with principals and a cinematographer to plan videos.

- College and career readiness (CCR/ECAP): Increase ECAP (Education and Career Action Plan) components available during the school day across high schools (resume writing, internships, alumni chats). Students proposed a two-period block or use of early-release days to allow in-school career programming; they plan to coordinate with administrators to secure periods for ECAP activities.

- Technology and communications/AI: Create student-facing resources on appropriate classroom uses of artificial intelligence and how to avoid academic-integrity issues; materials will be distributed via Google Classroom.

- Safety and security/vaping: The safety subcommittee is focusing on strategies to reduce vaping on campus, reviewing incident data by location and grade, and connecting students to support services (social workers, psychologists). Students described a partnered “Escape the Vape” community event with health providers, Blue Zones, the Scottsdale mayor’s youth council and the Scottsdale youth substance abuse coalition; speakers included an HonorHealth physician and an American Cancer Society representative.

- Facilities: The facilities subcommittee plans to survey high school students about improvements for a potential future bond and to explore art-in-bathrooms strategies intended to reduce vandalism.

Students listed teen town hall dates at each high school (Arcadia, Chaparral, Coronado, Desert Mountain and Saguaro) and invited the board to attend. Trustees asked clarifying questions about AI guidance (how students learn when AI is permitted versus when it is an academic-integrity risk) and whether ECAP activities can be scheduled during class time; students said they were coordinating with administrators to secure in-day time for career development.

Why it matters: Student-driven WIGs show direct student engagement in district priorities (technology use, mental health and preventive programs) and provide administrators and the board a roadmap for student-focused supports.","SUSD’s Student Advisory Board reported widely important goals including classroom AI guidance, vaping-reduction strategies, expanded ECAP activities during the school day, facilities surveys for future bonds and a schedule of teen town halls across high schools.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6677142,"Board approves $1.23 million conversion of former Tonalea campus into sports and community site",540,5220000,5760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9&start=5220&end=5760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2264681-0b97f8f110263095f096bf7cd24d6bc9/thumbnail_5220000.jpg","/articles/6677142/Arizona/Board-approves-123-million-conversion-of-former-Tonalea-campus-into-sports-and-community-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6677142-cb5c9f317c6279666bb458e22859b4c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776700208&Signature=IiIUm59V0NMefGK6CXEx6DJwRk2dI7srvs8F-YAWpZYtancAVtO5uGbDnCLhpuDaqQ-sbTlfMT-Ukd6A0LjkNMaFH~sPj8tWNGsS~LDmME0fM5gWnXct9yYc89QvgeP54HXm15xORHZgnz4WozCqN8Hh3O0EVhQwsXUCiLcoshjMljrzPLAnZ8dnKxm9HQ~kP2-WKhrUx5jHVk46ybtVJlWTepTCwnM~N1bRZZBgaTqDcm5qr17rhKUwqo6gsTV7YfHFnJyuqm-jaDorxT6B0O7Q3Ge2wY1Xr86NLLdStJS5NEy~UhxXMIYy53t8rTV~OcbdlWBHpAfLYzAz-ibiuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board on Feb. 11 approved an estimated $1.231 million contract with Willmar (Wilman) Construction to convert the former Tonalea Elementary site at 60 E. 8th Street into a sports- and community-focused facility.

Facilities director Dennis (presenting) said the plan — developed with community input dating to 2020 — will install eight sand volleyball courts, turf playing fields suitable for soccer and flag football, an exercise/green area for neighborhood access, and a reduced concrete footprint where existing basketball courts now sit. The administration recommended a $50,000 owner contingency for unforeseen conditions, bringing the total anticipated expenditure to $1,231,247.07.

District staff said the property is flood-irrigated, which imposes some limitations on continuous field use, and the design limits parking to 66 spaces to reduce neighborhood impacts. Staff said the district expects to rent courts and fields to club teams and community groups to generate revenue to offset estimated annual operating costs (staff estimated $50,000–$75,000 per year in additional maintenance and operations costs) and to reach near zero net cost where possible.

Board members asked about community feedback, security and maintenance. Facilities staff said the district held outreach meetings, incorporated neighbor requests (more trees, limited parking and a park-like buffer), and will lock playground-style equipment while leaving a landscaped exercise/green strip available for public use. Administration said building systems (HVAC/light) for the existing building are not part of this contract and would require separate funding or community partnerships.

The motion to authorize the expenditure and owner contingency passed 5–0.

Why it matters: The project repurposes underused district land into athletics and community space with an explicit revenue model; the board authorized the expenditure using restricted plant/capital funds rather than general operating dollars.","The board authorized roughly $1.23 million for construction at 60 E. 8th St. (former Tonalea Elementary) to install sand volleyball courts, turf fields and limited parking; the project will be funded from restricted plant/capital funds and expected to generate rental revenue to offset operating costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters press SUSD on transgender policy, e-bike safety and student proficiency concerns

Scottsdale Unified projects $2.8–$4.2 million shortfall for 2025–26; board weighs moving capital funds to operations

Student Advisory Board outlines goals on AI guidance, vaping reduction and teen town halls

Board approves $1.23 million conversion of former Tonalea campus into sports and community site