Board approves new chief communications and information officer role, 3-2; communications manager description also approved

The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board voted 3-2 to approve a new chief communications and information officer (CCIO) job description and a revised communications‑manager job description at the May 13 meeting. Trustees said the change is part of a central‑office reorganization intended to reduce administrative FTEs and create administrative cost savings by combining certain communications and information responsibilities.

What the board approved The CCIO job description merges leadership for communications and information functions at the cabinet level. The board also approved a revised communications manager description tied to the new structure. Trustees and cabinet said the reconfiguration followed review of vacancies and an interest‑based negotiation framework; district leaders said the central goal was to reduce district administration costs while retaining capacity to support IT operations and district communications.

Support, concern and the vote Supporters of the reorganization said the approach produces cost savings and reflects a modern division of labor: many technical tasks are handled by IT staff and specialists, while a cabinet‑level leader supervises strategy, procurement, budgeting and cross‑department coordination. Opponents said the new CCIO role as written omits detailed technical requirements (LAN/WAN, systems‑development knowledge) that formerly appeared in the chief systems officer job description. Some trustees and staff warned the change risks losing subject‑matter expertise at the cabinet level. After debate, the motion to approve the new CCIO job description passed 3-2.

Related items and context On the consent calendar the board also approved a revised communications manager description; trustees discussed but later approved it after the CCIO vote. Trustee comments referenced the district’s interest‑based negotiation processes and noted the reorganization was proposed after an announced CSO departure. District staff said the new CCIO will rely on an experienced IT leadership team that remains in place to manage technical operations.

Implementation and next steps The district said it will refine reporting lines, complete contracts and offer the position consistent with board direction. The board discussion indicated trustees expect the superintendent and cabinet to monitor IT service levels, contract performance and communications operations to ensure no degradation in technical or operational service.

Ending: The reorganization passed 3-2; trustees and staff said they will monitor technical and communications capacity as the new role is staffed and responsibilities shift.