Scottsdale Unified is the latest in a long list of districts considering school closures in light of declining enrollment and rising operating costs.
At a governing board meeting Tuesday, parents spoke out against closing Echo Canyon and Pima elementary schools. Several people, including Ellie McKnight, asked the board to consider marketing strategies first.
“I’ve lived in our house for over 15 years. I never once got one mailer about Pima," McKnight said. "So do some marketing, show how Pima is great. Help us out. We need your help.”
The board has scheduled a public hearing on the issue for Nov. 13. District officials say the buildings will continue to serve the community, even if they are repurposed.
In a written statement on his blog, Superintendent Scott Menzel said:
"When schools operate with very low enrollment, they do not generate enough funding to cover the cost of staffing and maintaining the facility. Continuing to operate schools under these conditions is financially unsustainable and puts pressure on the entire district budget."
