As a Scottsdale mom, I’m deeply concerned about what’s happening to our neighborhood public schools — beginning with the school my children attend and where our family has been highly invested, like many others: Echo Canyon School.
Tucked quietly at the base of Camelback Mountain, Echo Canyon is an “A”-rated, nationally
recognized PK-8 school where teachers know every child by name and success stories are the norm. Families drive from all across the Valley to attend — bringing not only their children, but vital dollars that support Scottsdale Unified School District.
And yet, despite its excellence, the district has announced plans to “repurpose” the school (along with Pima Elementary) next year. What that means — an early childhood center? District offices? — is still unclear. What’s clear is that families, teachers, community members and even board members were blindsided by the news.
This isn’t just about one school. It’s about what kind of community we want to be. When neighborhood schools close, our community loses.
Parents have asked the district for years to help strengthen enrollment through marketing and outreach. Instead, the district seems ready to give up and close campuses. That’s not a solution — that’s surrender.
What happens at Echo Canyon (and also Pima Elementary) will set a precedent for the other Scottsdale schools that are next.
I urge every SUSD parent, grandparent and taxpayer to attend the public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. at Coronado High School, 7501 E. Virginia Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85257.
Let’s stand together for our neighborhood schools — and for the heart of our community. Our children deserve better. Scottsdale deserves better.
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