Unofficial tallies released by the Maricopa County Elections Department indicate that former teacher and administrator Jennifer Johnson and incumbent board member Amy Carney are ahead in the race for two Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Governing Board seats, and a $375 million bond proposal is on track to win voter approval.
According to the East Valley Tribune, Johnson leads with 43,315 votes (37.51%) and Carney follows with 37,745 votes (32.69%). Paralegal Jeanne Beasley trails in third place with 34,402 votes (29.8%). The board seats are part of a five‑member governing body that serves roughly 20,000 students across Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and portions of Phoenix and Tempe.
The same source reports that the bond measure has a comfortable lead: 49,230 votes (54.35%) in favor versus 41,343 votes (45.65%) against as of the midday count on Nov. 5. The bond, if approved, would fund learning‑environment upgrades, technology enhancements, site renovations, safety and security improvements, transportation, and administrative capital projects.
In addition to the school‑board race, Scottsdale residents can look forward to cultural events this fall. Scottsdale.org notes that the Larsen Fall Art Auction on Oct. 17 will showcase a three‑dimensional work by Venezuelan master Jesús Rafael Soto alongside paintings by Françoise Gilot and Emily Mason. The same outlet highlights that Scottsdale Community Bank is financing an 80‑foot Ferris wheel that will become a new feature on the Valley skyline.
What’s next: The SUSD board will certify final election results in the coming days, and the bond measure will be placed on the official ballot for a final count after all precincts report. Voters interested in the art auction can purchase tickets through the Larsen Center, and the Ferris wheel is slated to open later this year pending construction completion.
Sources: eastvalleytribune.com, scottsdale.org
