40 APRIL 2025 Hopi Elementary has experienced a significant issue with overcrowding – a challenge that has raised concerns among parents, teachers, and officials as the district navigates policies related to open enrollment and resource allocation. Originally designed to serve a smaller student population, Hopi has seen its enrollment numbers grow substantially in recent years, thanks in part to the state’s open enrollment law, which mandates that all public schools must enroll students from within their district boundaries but also allows students from outside the district to apply for admission, provided there is capacity available. According to the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), Hopi has the highest percentage of in-boundary students of any SUSD school, but current space constraints require a review of capacity limitations. While the school can technically hold more than the current number of enrolled students, the issue is how the space is utilized, as providing specialized services and programs reduces the overall capacity. With the influx of students, Hopi has faced some challenges. Class sizes in one grade level are projected to reach 30 students next year, according to SUSD, which is one over the 1:29 staffing ratios established by the district. Fewer classrooms mean new ways to accommodate the growing student body. Educators have become creative in how they use the space to deliver specialized services. Some parents have expressed frustration over congestion of the carpool line, with wait times of over 30 minutes – this has also caused complaints from the neighborhood. While the district is mandated to accommodate all resident students, it has allowed open enrollment to fill available spots, even when it has led to overcrowding. Some argue that this approach is detrimental to the quality of education. Concerns raised by Principal Anne Plenkovich and the PTA led the district to take decisive action and close open enrollment due to capacity constraints. “We know we have something special here at Hopi,” Principal Plenkovich said, “but we proudly suggest other wonderful SUSD schools that have space and unique program offerings.” Under Arizona’s open enrollment law, the decision of where to enroll ultimately rests with parents. The district’s role is to manage enrollment based on capacity while ensuring families are aware of available options. Hopi has organized several meetings and discussions with district officials to find long-term solutions. The most recent Town Hall, held in early March, was attended by teachers, parents, and school district leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Menzel and Margaret Serna, Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools. “District leaders have carefully assessed Hopi’s campus size, space utilization and enrollment. Recognizing the constraints, we are closing open enrollment while we work toward long-term solutions,” Dr. Menzel said. “We are considering a number of options designed to ensure that every student has the space and resources needed to thrive in an optimal learning environment.” A subcommittee has been established to explore solutions to the space constraints at the school. Options such as portable classrooms are being discussed, though concerns remain about whether this will be sufficient to accommodate the growing student body. The school is working with district officials to revise open enrollment policies and develop guidelines regarding capacity, while remaining hopeful that a resolution can be found that meets the needs of both residents and students. Hopi closes open enrollment due to overcrowding Editor’s note: The topic of this article was suggested by a reader. The views therein do not reflect the opinions of Arcadia News or its employees. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSD Our gift: use this QR code to enjoy a free digital subscription to our magazine, Defining Desert Living. Defining Desert Living If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation. Copyright © 2025 azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson all rights reserved. Tracey Zemer 602.478.0607 tracey@azarchitecture.com VILLAGE AT CAMELBACK Stunning views of Camelback Mountain 4432 E Camelback Rd #120, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Offered at $1,649,000 WILLIAMSBURG SQUARE RENTAL Charming renovated townhome 4001 E Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Lease rate $3,200 per month PARADISE VALLEY ESTATE Camelback views & guest house 3921 E San Miguel Ave, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 Offered at $3,995,000

41 APRIL 2025 By Sherry Sklar Beth Santa Cruz organized her first fundraiser at just 10 years old, rallying her classmates to raise money for rainforest preservation. Even then, she understood how collective action could make a difference, a lesson that never left her. “I’ve always been a philanthropist at heart. In my early years, my mom would take me to soup kitchens with her, and I’ve just always been drawn to community involvement and giving back,” Beth said. Over time, she remained deeply involved in community giving but saw firsthand the challenges nonprofits faced. Underfunded, overlooked, and constrained by restricted revenue streams, these organizations fought to fulfill their missions, often without the recognition or resources they deserved. Determined to shift that narrative, Beth launched Arizona Nonprofit Awards (ANPA), a 501(c)(3) dedicated to celebrating and supporting nonprofits across the state. “This is my way of working with many different organizations and uplifting the community as a whole,” Beth said. Unlike many grants with strings attached, ANPA’s awards are designed to give nonprofits the flexibility to invest where needed, whether in expanding services, hiring staff, or strengthening operations. By advocating for unrestricted funding, ANPA hopes to support organizations in building long-term sustainability and increasing their impact. Beth’s vision for ANPA was shaped by the work of philanthropist Dan Pallotta, whose advocacy for sustainable nonprofit funding resonated deeply. Inspired by his TED Talk, “The Way We Think About Charity Is Dead Wrong,” she saw the urgent need to shift perceptions around funding. “Too often, nonprofits are expected to do more with less,” she said. “We need to change that conversation.” ANPA’s upcoming inaugural awards gala will recognize exceptional organizations while advocating for greater funding flexibility to support growth. The event will unite leaders, corporate sponsors, and advocates for a night of recognition, networking, and celebration. Attendees can expect a dynamic evening filled with compelling success stories, influential guest speakers, and engaging experiences that showcase Arizona’s vibrant social impact landscape. Beth has launched a digital storytelling initiative to feature leaders and initiatives statewide through a growing YouTube channel. With ANPA, she isn’t just honoring the social sector; she’s elevating its work and expanding its reach. “There are so many nonprofits that people don’t even know exist in their communities – organizations that could help them or causes they might want to support. I want to change that by increasing awareness and getting more donors and volunteers involved,” Beth said. aznonprofitawards.org New program aims to support Arizona nonprofits Megan and Shannon Feeney were five months old when they were featured on the cover of the Arcadia News in April 1995. The paper was also young – we were just starting our third year. The twins attended Christ Lutheran and Arcadia High, but they went their separate ways for college. The two would pick rival Arizona universities; Megan went to ASU and Shannon went to Tucson and the U of A. Today, Shannon works in Tucson as a tax accountant. Megan is a biologist and calls Phoenix home. They both still appreciate being outdoors through their favorite hobby, horseback riding. 30 YEARS AGO Megan and Shannon celebrating their 30th birthday in 2024.  ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM Beth Santa Cruz