PARTNERSHIP PROFILE THE SCOTTSDALE CHARROS

Since 1986, the Scottsdale Charros have dedicated much of their work to the support of SUSD’s students and teachers. Through a variety of grants, scholarships, initiatives and recognition programs, the Charros are always there for SUSD, through thick and thin. As the district’s and schools’ needs have evolved, so has the Charros’ assistance in addressing them. Read more about the many ways SUSD benefits from the Charros’ generosity at: charros.com/education-inititiatives/

The Charros are primarily comprised of community-minded local business leaders, but they play other roles, too: many Charros are SUSD parents and volunteers, giving them a unique perspective on our schools and their organization’s support of them. Meet some of them below!

Bryan Gottfredson is the Charros’ Education Committee Scholarship and Grants chairman and serves as the Charros’ Liaison to Cochise Elementary School, which his children have attended. “Becoming a Charro and having the ability to help raise and direct funds to SUSD has been very meaningful to me because I know how much these dollars can help our local public school district and families.”

Chuck Loftin is the Charros’ Treasurer, serves on the Charro Foundation Board of Directors and is the Charros’ Liaison to Cherokee Elementary School, which his two children attend. “We are very fortunate to live in Scottsdale, AZ, and we need to preserve and enhance wherever possible.”

Brian Wilder chairs the Charros’ committee that will put on the organization’s annual Education Awards Banquet April 21. He is also the Charros’ Liaison to Desert Canyon Middle School. His children attend Cheyenne Traditional School. “Since the Charros are committed to supporting Scottsdale kids and teachers, it’s a great fit to have my kids in SUSD.”

Why do you choose SUSD for your students?

BG: We moved to our neighborhood, based in part on the wonderful reputation of the SUSD schools. We were looking for a neighborhood where all the kids on the block went to the same school and had a true community feeling. We found this to be the case in the Cochise/McCormick Ranch neighborhood.

CL: We chose Cherokee for the school community and the amazing teachers.

BW: We came from a private school. Our new house is very close to Cheyenne and I heard high praise from a few of my close friends. I like the more challenging curriculum and school uniform policy. My kids also had friends there, which made the move easier.

What unique learning opportunities or experiences have they had?

BG: Both of our kids had the opportunity to participate in Big Buddies program, student council, and the gifted learning curriculum. Not only did these opportunities allow them to grow academically, but also taught them about life and were beneficial to their social development.

CL: Our children have really benefited from the non-traditional programs like Robotics, Coding, Cheerleading, and Running Club.

BW: For the most part, I feel they are being challenged appropriately and receiving a solid education.