Between Aug. 2023 and Aug. 2024, nearly 500 students left Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD). Since 2021, the district has lost over 2,200 students, translating to an approximate annual loss of $17 million in funding. Despite this, the district continues to request bonds and overrides from taxpayers.
Some community members attribute these losses to demographic shifts. However, the waitlists at charter and private schools suggest that parents simply choose alternatives they believe better suit their children’s needs.
For Scottsdale to have strong public schools, the district must offer what parents want. With science proficiency at just 34% and a significant number of students leaving, it’s evident that parents are dissatisfied with an education system that prioritizes social justice over academic achievement.
The current SUSD board, dominated by three outgoing, social justice-focused members, has allocated $35,000 for a gender identity curriculum for kindergartners and rejected a policy that will ensure parental involvement if a child displays gender dysphoria at school.
If the Scottsdale community desires positive change, we must elect school board members who prioritize academics.
The family-friendly “Just Be Honest” team of Jacobs, Beasley and Hassler will refocus the district on academics free from social justice and activism - an essential first step in restoring trust.
In contrast, the slate of Sharkey, Lewis and Pittinsky are campaigning to “protect SUSD” from parents who want change. Donna Lewis openly supports the concept of “various gender identities.” She left her previous district with overall academic achievement scores below 20%. Candidate Mike Sharkey says that “experts,” not parents, should have the final say in children’s lives. While this team touts their “impressive” educational backgrounds, credentials alone will not bring parents back to SUSD.
Building trust with parents will take time. Let’s take one step in the right direction by electing Gretchen Jacobs, Jeanne Beasley and Drew Hassler on Nov. 5.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
