Representative Matt Gress (R-AZ) has sent a letter to the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board requesting a full review of Pima Elementary and Echo Canyon K-8 schools and asking that a vote be delayed until February 1.
The letter raised concerns about financial analysis and potential impacts on students and families. Gress is asking the Board to conduct a thorough review and consider alternative solutions before proceeding.
"Closing schools has lasting consequences. Before the board takes any action, the public should see a full explanation of the fiscal impact, the alternatives that were considered, and how the district plans to support the students who would be uprooted," Gress stated.
"Based on what I have seen so far, that work is incomplete."
The Scottsdale district has cited declining enrollment and projected budget challenges as reasons for the timeline of the vote. Gress maintains that the district has sufficient financial resources to delay action until a comprehensive review is completed.
Along with Senator Carine Werner (R-AZ), Gress plans to introduce emergency legislation next session that would address school district flexibility regarding enrollment and unused property.
Gress stated that districts need appropriate tools to address enrollment fluctuations. The proposed emergency legislation would allow districts to sell unused properties, which Gress believes could provide financial stability and enable districts to explore alternatives to school closures.
Gress indicated that the requested delay would allow for more thorough analysis and provide greater transparency for parents regarding the decision.
"I urge the board to pause this process and use the next several weeks to finish the due diligence that remains and to allow the Legislature to act on the proposed policies," said Gress, who chairs the House Education Committee and co-chairs the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.
"This decision can wait. Taking the time to do this right will help the board make a more informed and beneficial choice."
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