Scottsdale School Board Votes to Close Copper Ridge and Laguna Prep

The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board voted 3–2 on October 6, 2026, to close Copper Ridge K-8 School and Laguna Prep following the 2026–27 school year. The decision affects roughly 900 students and comes as the district continues to address declining enrollment and budget pressures.

Why This Matters to Local Families

The closures will require affected families to prepare for new school assignments and potential changes to attendance boundaries. The decision is part of a broader effort by Scottsdale Unified to address declining enrollment and make better use of its facilities.

District enrollment has declined significantly since 2010. KJZZ reports that enrollment has fallen by about 26% since 2010, while district officials have previously cited a decline of more than 6,000 students.

Details of the Vote

The board’s 3–2 decision followed weeks of public discussion and community input. Board members Amy Carney and Carine Werner voted against the closures. Earlier attempts to delay the decision were unsuccessful.

The district had been considering several options involving school closures, mergers, relocations, and attendance-boundary changes. A preferred proposal involving Copper Ridge and Laguna Prep emerged during the district’s Phase II review.

The district says the proposed changes are intended to address declining enrollment, improve facility utilization, and increase budget capacity for district programs.

What Happens Next

Copper Ridge and Laguna Prep are expected to remain open through the 2026–27 school year, with the closures taking effect afterward. Students will then be redistributed under the district’s approved boundary plan.

The district’s school-repurposing process includes attendance-boundary information and other transition details for affected families. SUSD has stated that it will continue providing information as the implementation process moves forward.

Broader Context

The decision comes one year after Scottsdale Unified closed Pima Elementary and Echo Canyon School amid declining enrollment. The district is facing a broader challenge of maintaining school facilities and programs while serving fewer students.

The issue has also generated significant community discussion. During the September 22 public hearing, parents and other community members raised concerns about enrollment data, school capacity, transportation, and the potential impact of the proposed changes.

Key Takeaway

Scottsdale Unified’s governing board has approved the closure of Copper Ridge K-8 and Laguna Prep after the 2026–27 school year. The decision affects approximately 900 students and is part of the district’s broader response to declining enrollment, facility utilization, and financial pressures.

Families affected by the decision should follow Scottsdale Unified School District announcements for information about future school assignments, attendance boundaries, and transition plans.

Sources

• Scottsdale Unified School District — official school repurposing and enrollment review information.
• KJZZ — reporting on the 3–2 vote and 2026–27 closure timeline.
• FOX 10 Phoenix — reporting on the vote, affected students, enrollment decline, and board opposition.
• AZFamily — reporting on the board’s October 6 vote and proposed school changes.