With the clock running out for three of the most ardent allies of Scottsdale Unified School District’s controversial superintendent, Scott Menzel, the race is on to secure his future employment. For the third time in as many years, the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board is expected to be asked to renew Menzel’s employment contract during its April 30, 2024, meeting.
Governing Board members Zach Lindsay, Libby Hart-Wells, and Julie Cienawski have opted not to run again and will vacate their seats on December 31, 2024.
Cieniawski is running for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ District 2 spot.
Normally, outgoing boards are reluctant to extend employment contracts for administrative positions during an election cycle, choosing instead to defer those tasks to a newly seated board chosen by a majority of the voters in a district.
However, a renewal of Menzel’s contract is unlikely with any future board due to the district’s sagging academic performance under his leadership, and his propensity to make headlines of an embarrassing nature.
In February 2023, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne called for Menzel’s removal after unacceptable “racist” comments made by Menzel were unearthed.
Horne was not alone as Arizona state legislators and parents also called for his removal.
In March 2020, the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board unanimously approved a three-year contract with Menzel. The Board unanimously approved a $205,000-plus contract, to run through June 30, 2023.
Then, after the District made national headlines when then Board Member Jann-Michael Greenburg and his father were caught “compiling creepy dossiers on parents” and “filing bogus lawsuits” against those same parents in November 2021, the Board took action again to protect Menzel’s employment.
In May 2022, the Board renewed Menzel’s contract to run through 2025 with his base annual salary increased to $216,000.
The District, located in one of the country’s wealthiest communities, scoring the fifth-highest median annual income, has become a laughingstock and fodder for FOX News under Menzel’s leadership.
From August 2021 to April 2024, under Menzel’s leadership, Scottsdale Unified enrollment has plummeted by more than 1,500 students as parents move their children out of Scottsdale’s failing district school. Science scores have dropped 24%. Libraries and classrooms have become infested with gender identity propaganda. Social workers are allowed to hide medical information from parents. Valedictorian and class rank honors were ended in the name of “equity.” Staff turnover skyrocketed, with 40 position changes among principals. Boys are allowed to use girls’ restrooms. Abuse of a special needs child was ignored. Less than 50% of 8th grade students are proficient in math. Yet, 94% of SUSD students graduate.
“Scottsdale Unified needs a true leader who is focused on academic achievement for all students; a leader who will drive positive changes in the district. Instead, Superintendent Menzel has focused on equity, inclusion, and social justice. Responsible board members will not reward Menzel’s controversial, destructive agenda with a windfall of tax dollars,” said Jill Dunican, Scottsdale Unified parent and member of Scottdale Unites for Educational Integrity.
Dunican suggests members of the public email the Board in opposition to the extension at govbrd@susd.org.
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