SUSD Land at Copper Ridge School

DC Ranch Engagement Plan for SUSD 19 Acres at Copper Ridge School – View Here

[Latest Update click here]

What is the SUSD land?

In 2009 the developer of DC Ranch deeded 19 acres of land adjacent to Copper Ridge School to the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD). The purpose of land gift was to allow for a future high school to be built within DC Ranch. SUSD has decided that they will not build a high school on this land.

Within the deed, there is language which stipulates “if Grantee does not undertake any improvements on the School Property within ten (10) years after the date of recording of this Declaration, then upon receipt of a written request from Grantor, Grantee shall reconvey the School Property to Grantor by special warranty deed…”

0n June 26, 2018, the SUSD Governing Board voted to accept an Amendment to the Deed. Written by DC Ranch developers, the Amendment releases the developer’s right to request the land be returned to the them, meaning the School District will retain ownership of the land.

View Original Deed

View Amendment to Deed

The Amendment also identifies purposes for the land’s use. Two uses remain the same to include: (1) indoor and outdoor sports facilities or fields and other accessory school uses; (2) public park, library and other public facilities pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Scottsdale.

Two uses were added: (3) shared use facilities between SUSD and the DC Ranch community and its governing entities; (4) ingress and egress to adjacent public facilities.

School bus storage facilities and residential development on the property are not allowed.

Currently, portions of the 19 acres are being used as the Village Health Club Tennis Center and the DC Ranch Maintenance and Storage Yard.

How can residents engage?

Resident input will be sought out if options arise for land uses that will provide future DC Ranch amenities and benefit SUSD.

How will DC Ranch be involved?

The DC Ranch Community Council will advocate for a commitment from SUSD to explore options with DC Ranch governing entities that might result in developing facilities for the DC Ranch community that have a shared benefit for SUSD.

Latest Updates

October 2023

DC Ranch recently met with Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Superintendent Mendez to discuss their partnership. The lease of school land for the Ranch Association’s Kitchell Yard will be renewed. The Memo of Understanding (MOU) for possible use of land at Copper Ridge School by DC Ranch is still in place and several ideas on how to best share communications will be implemented.

October 2021

DC Ranch and Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) have extended, indefinitely, a Memo of Understanding (MOU). The MOU allows for discussions between the two entities on the possibility of facilities to be built on acreage at Copper Ridge School, if they benefit both DC Ranch and SUSD. While the DC Ranch Master Plan, Phase One does not identify any amenities to be placed on this land, future phases may.

October 2020

DC Ranch and Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) have a Memo of Understanding (MOU) which expires in September 2021. The MOU allows for discussions about the possibility of facilities, identified in the DC Ranch resident-driven Master Plan, to be built on acreage at Copper Ridge School, if they benefit both DC Ranch and SUSD.
DC Ranch’s Master Plan process was slightly delayed due to COVID-19. This may result in a need to extend the MOU.

September 13, 2019

DC Ranch and Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) have extended their Memo of Understanding (MOU).

The DC Ranch Community Council is currently developing a Master Plan for the future by considering new and/or improved facilities and amenities.

The MOU allows for discussions about the possibility of facilities, identified in the Master Plan, to be built on acreage at Copper Ridge School, if they benefit both DC Ranch and SUSD.

Resident feedback will be the cornerstone of the Master Plan process. Phase one of the Master Plan process begins this month as the DC Ranch planning team and a focus group of residents develops a plan outline. Staff will present a final Master Plan recommendation to the Council Board for consideration in 2020.

February 2019

The DC Ranch Community Council and Ranch Association staff have initiated discussions with the school district regarding various uses for the land at Copper Ridge School that would be of benefit to each organization.

October 3, 2018

The DC Ranch Community Council (DCRCC) has signed a Memo of Understanding (MOU) with the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) to explore the possibility of using SUSD land at Copper Ridge School for DC Ranch community amenities that benefit SUSD.

The MOU states that DCRCC and SUSD agree to discuss, in good faith, possible uses of a portion of the school property for a period of up to three hundred sixty (360) days, unless the parties agree in writing to terminate the MOU or extend it for a longer period of time. Representatives from DCRCC and the Ranch Association plan to start discussions with SUSD in the near future.

July 5, 2018

The developers of DC Ranch and the SUSD Governing Board signed an Amendment to the Deed that enables the School District to retain ownership of the land. The Amendment has been submitted for recording to the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office.