Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board

The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board is the five-member elected body that sets policy for SUSD, which serves roughly 20,000 students across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and parts of Phoenix and Tempe. Members serve staggered four-year terms; two seats are on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot. The board hires and oversees the superintendent, adopts the district budget, and sets curriculum, staffing, and facilities policy.

NPAmy Carney· Incumbent

Next Election: November 3, 2026Seats: 2Candidates: 3Scottsdale · Scottsdale Unified School District

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What does this office actually control?

A School District Governing Board is the elected body that sets policy for a local public school district — the level of government closest to what happens in the classroom.

Hires, evaluates, and can dismiss the district superintendent who runs day-to-day operations.
Adopts the district budget and decides how to spend local, state, and bond/override dollars.
Sets district policy — curriculum adoption, library and materials review, student conduct, and calendars.
Approves teacher and staff contracts, pay scales, and hiring policies.
Decides on opening, closing, consolidating, or building schools as enrollment shifts.

What this office does NOT control

Boards set policy but do not run schools day to day — that is the superintendent and principals. Statewide standards, testing, and most funding formulas are set by the Legislature and the state Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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