The Scottsdale Unified School District’s decision to close two schools has sparked significant outcry from the community. In a tense meeting held on Tuesday night, members of the public voiced their frustration over the board’s decision to repurpose Pima Elementary School and Echo Canyon School. This change, driven by declining student numbers and a looming budget deficit of between $7.8 million and $9 million, will impact about 600 students.
Prior to the vote, 24 individuals participated in the public comment segment, largely advocating for alternatives to school closures. Kat Ingelido, a parent from Pima, criticized the process, stating, “The district is pursuing a massive decision, the closure of several schools without even forming a community budget committee. How can we expect the community to trust this process when we haven’t even allowed all stakeholders to look at all ways to cut our current administrative costs?”
In an effort to incorporate community feedback, board member Amy Carney had suggested forming an advisory committee to guide decisions on critical district issues. However, this proposal coincided with the school closure agenda. Board member Carine Werner supported these concerns, emphasizing the need for greater community involvement.
Werner remarked, “Clearly, our community and families and staff have been blindsided and this process has not been effective. We need to have an advisory committee so we can get the right people around the table to look at the right information and bring forward to the board the right decisions for Scottsdale Unified.”
Werner also highlighted that the decision-making process appeared to be heavily influenced by the superintendent and cabinet. On the other hand, board member Matthew Pittinsky defended the actions of district leadership, explaining that it’s common for them to plan budgets and recommend structural changes.
Pittinsky stated, “I think that’s what we hire them to do and I want to be careful we’re not shooting the messenger.” He also pointed out, “SUSD is nearly 25% smaller than we were 15 years ago. That is the equivalent of 10 elementary schools smaller, yet we have closed only one program in that time frame. That is not sustainable.” He ultimately supported the decision, considering it necessary despite its challenges.
The vote concluded with Werner and Carney opposing, while the other three board members approved the closures. The district plans to provide support services to assist families with transportation and adjustment to the new arrangements.
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