Carney: New school year, new opportunity to get involved in SUSD

Amy Carney

Quality public schools are the foundation of a thriving community. As our students and staff return to their various Scottsdale Unified School District campuses, I want to encourage your involvement this upcoming school year.

It’s been seven months since I began my service as a school board member to represent our students, staff, and all those living in our Scottsdale public school communities. My husband and I are proud SUSD parents graduating four of our children from Chaparral High School, and our youngest two have just begun sixth and 10th grades.

I am invested in strengthening our community and hope you will come alongside me to ensure that our public schools are a strong pillar and top educational choice for all students in our neighborhoods.

If you have a student in Scottsdale Unified this school year, it’s essential to make an effort to build relationships and rapport with your child’s teachers and school site staff. Join your local Parent Teacher Organization or School Site Council and learn how to volunteer or support your community this school year.

Parents, be sure to take an interest in what your child is learning and how they spend their time during and after school, whether they are just starting in Pre-K or entering 12th grade. Learn what programs and curriculum are installed and assigned on your child’s school device and how to navigate it. Also, don’t hesitate to ask staff members any questions to help you.

Whether you have children in our local public schools or not, I hope you will join us in our desire to provide excellent educational opportunities and learning environments for our students. On Nov. 7, you, the taxpayer, will be asked to vote on SUSD’s Maintenance & Operations Override that will enable our district to continue to support our students, educators, and schools.

Scottsdale Unified School District is holding a series of M&O Override Town Hall meetings at each of our five high schools to answer community questions.

Take the time to show up and educate yourself to vote with confidence in November. Town Halls will be held at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31 at Saguaro; Sept. 6 at Desert Mountain; Sept. 7 at Coronado; Sept. 26 at Chaparral; and Sept. 27 at Arcadia.

Community members are also welcome and encouraged to attend our regular and special board meetings in person or online this upcoming school year. You can access our 2023-24 board meeting schedule at www.susd.org/Page/5612.

Five of SUSD’s public board meetings have been replaced with community town hall meetings this school year. The first is scheduled at Arcadia High School on Sept. 20, at 6 p.m.

As one of five governing board members, I am committed to ensuring transparency and accountability this school year. I am thankful for the ongoing support and partnerships in our community and look forward to teaming with you to strengthen our students and schools this year and beyond. Contact me at amycarney@susd.org or all board members at govbrd@susd.org with any questions or concerns.