Superintendent, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. Education is always a hot-button subject in our state and so it’s an honor to get to hear from the person at the very top of our educational system. You’ve had a long career in Arizona public service; what first motivated you … Read More
A New Critic of SUSD Comes Out of the Woodwork: Legitimate or Political?
The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been under a microscope lately, with examinations and criticisms coming with varying degrees of merit. Regular readers will remember that SUSD curriculum came under fire recently for what some people have considered “woke” (you can get up to date here). The criticisms have recently hit an all new echelon however, as a new … Read More
Arizona Schools Potentially Up for a Shakeup: State Treasurer Yee will Challenge Superintendent Tom Horne
Typically, the choice to challenge an incumbent from your own party for an elected seat is born out of severe missteps. A scandal of epic proportions, serious malfeasance on the job, something that would imply that the incumbent is now a liability and would be likely to lose in the general election to a candidate from the other party. But … Read More
Social Justice in SUSD: Reason for Concern?
By Ronald Sampson We probably don’t need to tell you that social justice was one of the biggest hot-button issues of the last few elections on the national level. Its need motivated much of the political left, and its excesses motivated much of the political right. However it has generally been the domain of national politics and not as much … Read More
Scottsdale Unified Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has had a long string of relatively comfortable times with few major issues, but those days may be coming to an end. Recently officials have been acknowledging the possibility of future school closures due to financial pressures and declining student enrollment. While no immediate closures are planned, the district is proactively assessing its long-term sustainability, … Read More
Scottsdale Cultivating Their Own Base of Talent: This is the Way
Scottsdale has a lot of incredible young talent, and it’s cultivated by a school system that is amongst the best in the state. But for so many kids who grow up in our city, they go away to college and carve their own path elsewhere afterward, taking their talents to new cities and states instead of reinserting their talents back … Read More
Peoria and Its Leadership Again Creating Great Headlines
Peoria doesn’t typically get much coverage in this blog, although recently it’s been making more appearances as it rises up as the jewel of the west valley (you can read our coverage here). Last time we took notice it was some great new developments and more entertainment options going up there (combined with leadership’s spirit of saying Yes and being … Read More
Covid Crisis in Scottsdale Unified
In a brutal setback to teachers, students, and parents alike, Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Scott Menzel is sounding alarm bells about the current state of Covid in Scottsdale schools. As of August 4th, there had been 78 confirmed cases on-campus, 150 symptomatic students sent home, and well over 600 that were in quarantine at that moment. The full letter, … Read More