Arizona State Representative Matt Gress has asked the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) board to delay its vote on closing Pima and Echo Canyon schools until a full review is completed. In a letter sent Monday, Gress outlined concerns about the speed of the process, gaps in fiscal analysis, and unresolved questions regarding how closures would affect students and families.
“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 said. “Based on what I have seen so far, that work is incomplete.”
The district has cited declining enrollment and a projected budget deficit as reasons for considering quick action. However, Gress argued that SUSD has financial options available to keep operations running while a more thorough public review is conducted.
“Families deserve clarity before a final decision is made,” he said. “The district still has time to finish its analysis, make the findings public, and answer the questions parents have raised.”
Gress also pointed out that school districts face restrictions with unused property. He announced plans to introduce emergency legislation with Senator Werner in the next session to allow districts to sell unused or underused sites and use proceeds to strengthen academic programs aimed at retaining students.
“Districts need practical tools to respond to enrollment shifts,” Gress said. “Allowing them to sell unused property and reinvest the proceeds in programs students want is a better option than closing schools without exploring all alternatives.”
He urged the board: “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. This decision can wait. Taking the time to do this right will help the board make a more informed and beneficial choice.”
Carbone was elected as a Republican representative for Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023, succeeding Michelle Udall.
