Meet Dr. Scott Menzel | Superintendent, Scottsdale Unified School District

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Scott Menzel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Scott, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Public education is the cornerstone of democracy and essential to the preservation of a free and flourishing society. Scottsdale Unified School District has been serving this community for 130 years. During that time, we’ve seen significant transformations in our community, including periods of rapid growth necessitating construction of new schools and periods of decline where schools were taken offline and repurposed. Through it all, the commitment to ensuring we are preparing the next generation for success has remained a constant. Our graduates have gone on to careers of distinction, including two who are currently serving in the United States Congress, many who have been or are state legislators, others who have competed at the professional level in athletics, started their own businesses (e.g. Axon) and so many more successes. The ripple effect of a quality education can be felt for generations, and Scottsdale Unified School District is proud to be an essential part of what makes this such a great place to live, work, learn, and play.

What should our readers know about your business?
Scottsdale Unified School District has been serving the community for 130 years and I’ve had the privilege of serving as the superintendent since 2020. Our vision is to engage all students in world-class, future-focused learning. In a competitive marketplace, Scottsdale Unified is deeply committed to serving ALL students and providing them with the opportunity to reach their full potential. We believe in creating inclusive learning environments where every child is valued for who they are, supported on their learning journey, and feels a sense of belonging. Foundational to this work is our partnership with parents and the community. Our values of excellence, empathy, integrity, inclusion, trust, and unity are at the core of who we are and how we serve.

Each year more than 1800 students graduate, and the vast majority continue their education and training at post-secondary institutions in Arizona and across the nation. A study in 2022 completed by ASU revealed that for every tax dollar invested in SUSD, there is a $5 return on that investment. The value proposition is clear. Strong and vibrant communities require effective public schools. Scottsdale Unified School District has been providing the educational foundation that has prepared generations of students to succeed in the pursuit of their passions. While the educational landscape has changed and parents have more choices, we serve more than 20,000 students and their families with a diverse array of education options including dual language immersion programs (Spanish and Mandarin), an International Baccalaureate continuum from elementary through the IB diploma programme, Math and Science Academy opportunities at the middle school and high school level, and Cheyenne Traditional school, among others. We have support for gifted learners, students with special needs, English Language Learners, as well as robust Career and Technical Education opportunities. Our students compete at the highest level in athletics, and we celebrate state championships each year in many different sports. We provide high quality performing arts that have been recognized as best in the state as well. Our students graduate with a well-rounded education, prepared to succeed at the next level and positively impact the world. We invite parents to take a tour at one of our schools and see for themselves the possibilities for their children.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much to see and do in Scottsdale. Over the course of the week I would be sure to hit many of the hiking trails in the McDowell Sonoran Preserves. One of my favorites is the Sunrise Trail at the Lost Dogwash Trailhead, but I would also do the Gateway loop, Granite Mountain trailhead, and Tom’s Thumb. Desert hiking is magical and therapeutic. Depending on the timing of the visit, taking in a spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium (preferably watching from the Charro Lodge where great conversations happen with movers and shakers in Scottsdale) would be on the itinerary as well. No visit to Scottsdale is complete without spending time in Old Town–visiting local merchants, walking through the Little Red Schoolhouse historical museum, and enjoying diverse dining options. While I am not a golfer, Scottsdale has many great courses and some of the most beautiful landscape to enjoy–being outside and enjoying the abundant sunshine is truly a part of what makes this such a special place. One of my favorite places to enjoy a meal and a drink, along with conversation, is the Living Room, located in North Scottsdale in the DC Ranch community.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While there are so many people to recognize along the journey, this shoutout is dedicated to my wife and two daughters. My career path has required many family sacrifices and they have been there for me every step of the way.

Website: https://susd.org