Some time ago, Scottsdale School Superintendent Dr. John Baracy announced that he would be retiring this coming October. Last night, the SUSD school board voted to appoint Katy Cavanagh and David Peterson as joint interim co-superintendents.
I support this decision as I think it will take some time to find the right candidate to fill this position. Our school system has been very lucky to have Dr. Baracy refocus the energies of the school district and provide a collaborative environment. The Scottsdale school district consists of 33 schools and is ranked among the highest in Arizona. Student test scores are high, parents are involved, and there’s an expectation for improvement to continue, even as budgets are being tested by increasing costs and reduced funding.
Having worked with both Katy and David, on technology initiatives, school bond budgets, and special education improvements, I agree with that they will be very complementary to each other.
Headlines that highlight happenings in Scottsdale this past week.
Big Plans for Scottsdale – Museum of the West
The first time I saw the artist’s rendering of the museum, I was under the impression that the museum had already been constructed. It’s an extremely unique structure, and I just didn’t see out I could have missed it. Now, I see that it’s a proposal that’s under consideration and making its way through the approval and funding processes.
Scottsdale details schools chief hiring plans
I’m happy to hear about this plan. I am involved with committees and parent groups in the school district, and feel that an interim administrator with knowledge of the district is a good choice.
ASU Update Today includes Scottsdale Real Estate Specifics
“In North Scottsdale, the median price for a foreclosed property was $475,000, while the traditional market was $575,000. In South Scottsdale the splits were $253,515 and $260,000, respectively.”
The video for my newest listing just arrived, and it’s definitely worth viewing.
As you can see this home have been well taken care of, is very nicely updated. Living just down the street from Roadrunner Park, with swimming pool, fishing lake, and tennis courts, being a few short blocks from Hwy 51, does have its advantages. Besides having four bedrooms, the house has an abundant amount of space for anyone who likes to build or putter, complete with a separate and air conditioned workshop, and another potting shed that’s perfect for the avid gardener. There’s even more storage off the two car covered carport.
My brother used to live across the street from this home, and so I’ve spent more time that usual in the neighborhood. My son grew up fishing in the lake at the park, and there’s a farmer’s market most Saturday mornings.
The house is on Bloomfield Road (for real), and you can visit www.3627Bloomfield.com to get more info about the house, the schools, and other resources in the area.
Earlier this year, Jonathon Dalton, a Realtor who grew up in the East Valley and now lives in the West Valley, wrote a post “Eight Reasons Why Scottsdale is Overrated” and I knew I needed to respond. Thankfully, Steve Belt, another Scottsdale Realtor, responded to the post shortly after, countering with the “The benefits of living in Scottsdale are underrated“. I wrote most of a post, then and there, and just ran out of steam.
Today, I figured out why. I was trying to put into words what I love about living in this town I now call home. And when I think of Scottsdale, I think in pictures.
My family moved to east Phoenix in 1969. I finished high school and left as fast as I could (on my 18th birthday). Spending 20 years split between southern Oregon and the Colorado Front Ranch, I enjoyed living in beautiful surroundings with friendly people. When my husband and I moved back to the Phoenix area in 1993, we settled on the outskirts of Paradise Valley, and moved to North Scottsdale, and then settled in McCormick Ranch about five years ago.
Scottsdale has many faces. South Scottsdale is very similar to the East Phoenix neighborhood, I grew up in. Lot of ranch home in well established neighborhoods. North Scottsdale has larger, much more expensive homes, often with acreage and incredible views. Central Scottsdale is green, and as Calie has reminded me “10 minutes from everything.”
So today, I give you my top ten reasons for living in Scottsdale.
Schools – Consistently top rated. Expanding gifted and special education programs. A new bond to cover seven years of technology improvements. Recently upgraded high schools.
Recreation – Parks, paths, and more parks. They are everywhere.
Art - Downtown galleries. City sponsored art. Remarkable bus stops. Unique manhole covers.
People – Scottsdale is a small city in a large metropolis. I live in a neighborhood where people know my name, stop to chat, and call me if there’s a problem. I can pretty much count on running into someone I know at the grocery store or the gym.
Food – Restaurants, everywhere. Whether you want gourmet or home cooked, it’s here somewhere.
Shopping – Fashion Square is still THE destination for many shoppers from all over the valley. And then there’s Kierland, that’s so popular that finding parking can be a challenge. Plus, the downtown shops are fun to explore on foot.
Cleanliness – One of my past clients is a Scottsdale city planner. She had a colleague visit from the East Coast who marvelled at how clean the city was. I think we all take it a bit for granted that the City of Scottsdale provides excellent services.
Flowers – I guess with a last name of Bloomfield, you might expect this one. I’m not much of a green thumb, but I am surrounded by flowers everywhere I turn, season after season.
Architecture – Western home of Frank Lloyd Wright. His influence and that of many others surround and influence us.
Real Estate Values – Yes, it costs more to live in Scottsdale, than many, or most other cities in metropolitan Phoenix. But in my mind, the question to ask is one of value…. and life style…. and appreciation.
So, yes, Jonathan, I am biased, but I guess it’s just because Scottsdale is really home to me.
John Baracy, Superintendent of the Scottsdale Unified School District for the for past 4 years, announced his retirement this week. He brought a vibrancy and collaborative environment to this highly performing school district and will be greatly missed.
My interactions with Dr. “B” were primarily in the area of special education, where he showed his support for the 10% of the Scottsdale students that receive special services. As a parent of an adult child with special needs, Dr. Baracy knew both sides of the story. As a parent, he’d fought the battle for needed educational services for his child, and as an administrator, he knew the realities of providing federally mandated services that were even close to being fully funded at the federal or state level. I appreciate Dr. Baracy’s willingness to listen, to explain, and to forge ahead.
