SUSD leaders urged to address soaring health care costs and funding shortages

During the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board meeting on April 1, 2025, pressing concerns regarding rising health care costs and inadequate education funding took center stage, highlighting the financial strain on educators and their families.

TJ Buckley, president of the Scottsdale Education Association (SCA), addressed the board, emphasizing the unsustainable burden of soaring health care premiums. He revealed that some members are facing annual premiums as high as $28,986, which constitutes 41 percent of the average certified salary. Buckley urged SUSD leadership to prioritize discussions on employee health care costs and to advocate for increased funding for public education. He called for collaborative efforts to lower health insurance costs and ensure that educators receive adequate cost-of-living adjustments.

Kurt Robinson, a veteran teacher with 27 years of service, shared his personal struggles with health care expenses, detailing how he and his wife have spent over $25,000 out of pocket for their daughter’s medical needs. Robinson's plea for more funding resonated with the audience, as he highlighted the broader issue of insufficient state support for education.

Patricia Pellet, a parent of a child with special needs, also voiced her concerns, praising SUSD for its support of special needs students while questioning the declining enrollment at Anasazi Elementary School. She cited various issues, including curriculum choices and teacher conduct, that she believes have contributed to parents' dissatisfaction.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a critical moment for SUSD as it grapples with the dual challenges of rising health care costs and the need for increased educational funding. The board's response to these issues will be pivotal in shaping the future of the district and the well-being of its educators and students. As the community awaits further action, the call for advocacy and support for public education remains urgent.