With Election Day approaching on November 3, 2026, Scottsdale voters have important decisions to make about the future of local education. On this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes podcast, host Alicia Haygood speaks with all three candidates running for the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board: Dr. Jennifer Johnson, incumbent Amy Carney, and Jeannie Beasley.
Each candidate brings a different background and perspective to the conversation, offering insight into the challenges facing Scottsdale schools and what they believe needs to happen next.
From declining enrollment and budget concerns to school closures, educational opportunities, and a proposed $375 million bond, these interviews give listeners an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and better understand the issues shaping the district.
Why the Scottsdale School Board Election Matters
School board elections affect more than students and parents. The decisions made by the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board influence school programs, facilities, district finances, and the future of public education in the community.
During the interviews, Alicia discusses why enrollment has declined, how the district should address its budget challenges, and what it will take to make SUSD a stronger choice for Scottsdale families. The candidates also share their thoughts on responsible spending, community partnerships, school consolidation, and long term planning.
Even residents who do not have children attending district schools have a stake in these decisions. Strong schools help shape the community, prepare future generations for the workforce, and contribute to Scottsdale’s long term success.
Dr. Jennifer Johnson: Educational Leadership and New Opportunities
Dr. Jennifer Johnson is a native Arizonan and career educator whose experience spans the classroom, school administration, district leadership, and higher education. Her background includes serving as a teacher, high school principal, district superintendent, deputy superintendent with the Arizona Department of Education, and assistant vice president at Grand Canyon University. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership and public policy from Arizona State University.
Johnson says her experience working with district budgets, policies, and school operations would help her contribute to the governing board’s oversight responsibilities.
Addressing Declining Enrollment
Johnson identifies three major factors contributing to declining enrollment: lower birth rates, the high cost of living in Scottsdale, and competition from other educational options.
She believes SUSD needs to communicate more effectively about what its schools offer while developing innovative programs that give families compelling reasons to enroll. She points to the district’s academic offerings and extracurricular opportunities as strengths that deserve greater attention.
Johnson also discusses the possibility of repurposing school facilities to expand specialized programs, including an arts magnet school or career and technical education opportunities that would allow more Scottsdale students to access programs closer to home.
Budget Priorities and the Proposed Bond
Johnson supports the proposed $375 million bond, explaining that the district has millions of square feet of school facilities to maintain. She believes investing in school safety, facility improvements, and technology is important to providing students with quality educational opportunities.
She also emphasizes transparency, responsible budgeting, and collaboration with community partners and state lawmakers to help support public education.
For Johnson, the goal is to make SUSD a destination of choice for families while ensuring that all students have access to strong academic programs and future career opportunities.
More information: JenniferForSUSD.com
Amy Carney: Experience as a Board Member and SUSD Parent
Amy Carney is seeking reelection after serving four years on the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board. She is a mother of six, and all six of her children have attended SUSD schools. At the time of the interview, she still had two children in the district.
Carney says her experience as both a board member and a parent has reinforced how important it is to understand community concerns and make careful decisions about district resources.
Enrollment, Spending, and School Closures
Carney points to the loss of approximately 6,000 students over the previous decade as a major concern for the district. She believes SUSD needs to take a closer look at why families are choosing other schools and develop programs that better meet their needs.
On the budget, Carney says district spending should be closely scrutinized, with resources directed toward classrooms and student education. She raises questions about certain employee compensation, stipends, consultants, and education technology software expenses.
Carney also expresses concerns about school closures. She says she voted against closing Pima Elementary and Echo Canyon K to 8, citing concerns about the process and the need to explore other options before closing schools.
She advocates for stronger community engagement, long term planning, partnerships, and a thorough examination of alternatives that could help preserve schools and strengthen enrollment.
Carney’s Perspective on the $375 Million Bond
Carney voted to place the proposed bond on the ballot, saying voters should have the opportunity to decide whether to invest in the district’s capital needs.
At the same time, she acknowledges that some community members are concerned about being asked to approve additional funding while schools are closing. She says maintaining public trust is important and that voters should consider how district leaders manage finances and make decisions.
Looking ahead, Carney wants SUSD to become a top choice for families by listening to the community, exploring innovative educational programs, and improving academic outcomes.
More information: AmyCarney4SUSD.com
Jeannie Beasley: Financial Oversight and Long Term Planning
Jeannie Beasley has lived in Scottsdale for nearly 30 years. Her children attended SUSD schools, and she spent years volunteering in classrooms and supporting school activities.
Beasley later served on the district’s Audit Committee, where she worked with district staff and auditors to review areas such as human resources, transportation, and insurance. She has also attended school board meetings for more than five years and serves on the City of Scottsdale Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. Her professional background includes more than 20 years as a litigation paralegal.
Beasley says her experience as a taxpayer, community member, and audit committee participant motivated her to run for the governing board.
Understanding Enrollment and Budget Challenges
Beasley believes declining enrollment is closely connected to the district’s financial challenges. While acknowledging factors such as demographics and Scottsdale’s cost of living, she argues that SUSD also needs to examine why some families choose charter schools or other educational alternatives.
She encourages district leaders to listen to parent concerns, examine academic performance, and evaluate all potential reasons families are leaving before deciding how to address enrollment.
Beasley believes school closures should be a last resort. She advocates for a long term growth plan, stronger collaboration with other school districts, and research into approaches that have helped other communities maintain enrollment and keep schools open.
Beasley’s View on the Bond and Financial Accountability
Beasley recognizes that school facilities, infrastructure, technology, and transportation require investment. However, she also notes that some community members are concerned about being asked to approve a bond while the district is closing schools.
She believes voters should carefully consider the candidates’ approaches to financial management and accountability. If elected, she wants to prioritize a comprehensive long term plan that addresses declining enrollment and gives families greater confidence in the district’s future.
Her goal is for Scottsdale Unified to become a standout district by listening to residents, addressing the reasons families leave, and building stronger educational opportunities.
More information: BeasleyForSUSD.com
Three Candidates, Different Perspectives on Scottsdale Schools
Although the candidates have different approaches to some of the district’s challenges, all three discuss the importance of addressing enrollment, managing limited resources, and creating a strong future for Scottsdale students.
Their interviews highlight several key questions for voters to consider:
- How can SUSD attract more students and compete with other educational options?
- What spending priorities should guide the district’s budget decisions?
- How should school closures and consolidation be evaluated?
- What investments are needed to maintain safe, effective school facilities?
- How can district leaders improve transparency, communication, and community trust?
The interviews also offer different perspectives on the proposed $375 million bond, including the need to maintain school facilities and the importance of ensuring public confidence in district financial decisions.
Important note: These interviews were recorded around the time of the district’s school closure decisions. Candidates’ comments reflect their perspectives at the time of recording. For the latest district announcements, school information, and official election details, consult the appropriate official sources.
Listen to the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast
Local elections are an opportunity to learn about the people who want to represent your community and the decisions they hope to make. Hearing directly from candidates can help voters understand their experience, priorities, and plans for the future.
Listen to Alicia Haygood’s conversations with Dr. Jennifer Johnson, Amy Carney, and Jeannie Beasley on the Scottsdale Vibes podcast.
Election Day is November 3, 2026. Take the time to learn about the candidates, review the issues, and make your voice heard.
For district information, visit Scottsdale Unified School District.
Scottsdale’s future includes its schools, its students, and the community that supports them. Keep vibing, Scottsdale!