The Scottsdale district reported having to grapple with a budget gap of up to $9 million in the next fiscal year.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Scottsdale Unified School District is reviewing whether to cut a number of services in an effort to address a budget shortfall in the near future.
Superintendent Scott Menzel told the governing board this week that “difficult decisions” will need to be made as the district tries to build a stable financial future after losing an estimated 6,000 students since 2010.
SUSD already announced it is considering closing or repurposing two campuses due to the shrinking student enrollment. Budget numbers presented to the board this week show the district having to grapple with a budget gap of up to $9 million in the next fiscal year.
The board was presented with a list of possible cost-cutting measures that include cutting Scottsdale’s science academy and dual-language immersion program. The list additionally proposes reducing security resources.
The superintendent emphasized the board will need to figure out what needs to be prioritized in the coming months.
“If nothing can get cut from the list, that puts is in a different kind of position because something has to get cut to balance the budget,” Menzel told the board on Oct. 28.
Other cost-savings considerations mentioned to the board include a retirement incentive, adopting a centralized enrollment process or reducing the number of printers.
The school board is expected to make a decision whether to move forward with repurposing campuses on Dec. 9.
“It makes me angry, it makes me very frustrated where we are where we are,” board member Matthew Pittinsky said during Tuesday’s meeting.
*Editor’s Note: The above video is from an earlier broadcast.*
RELATED: Scottsdale district considers closing 2 schools, citing declining enrollment & rising costs
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