School Mask Update + Drought Plan + Salt River Schools In Session

Hey, people of Scottsdale! It's me again, Madison Feser, your host of the Scottsdale Daily.

First, today's weather: Can you tell it's monsoon season? More rain this morning, about a 60% chance of it. By the evening it will bee mainly clear. High: 95 Low: 81.

Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board called a special meeting Tuesday night to discuss the indoor mask requirement for the 28 school campuses and district facilities. The CDC recommends indoor masking as new variants spread, but Governor Ducey issued an order banning school mask mandates. To further complicate the issue, a judge ruled earlier this week that Ducey's order could not be enforced until September. (12news.com KPNX)
2. "Stage 1" of Scottsdale's Drought Management Plan was declared on Tuesday by Scottsdale City Manager Jim Thompson. The declaration is a direct result of the Colorado River Tier 1 shortage declared by the Bureau of Reclamation, effective January 2022. Scottsdale's plan, however, is effective immediately. Water cuts will largely affect Arizona agriculture, while residents and developers will largely not notice a difference. (Press Release Desk)
3. The 2020 Census shows that the United States saw a decrease in white populations and an increase in Hispanic populations the last 10-years. But unlike the U.S., Scottsdale saw growth in both populations — 4 percent for the white population and 22 percent for the Hispanic population. But these are not the only populations with dramatic increases: the Black population increased by 32 percent and the Asian population by 68 percent — although these two groups still make up only a small portion of Scottsdale population. (Scottsdale Patch)
4. Scottsdale committed an extra $40-million toward helping reduce Arizona's nearly $12 million pension debt. Scottsdale's contribution is to reduce its unfunded police and fire pension liability, which was at $216.1 million on June 30. (Scottsdale Progress)
5. Students returned to the classroom at the Early Childhood Education Center, Salt River Elementary School, and the Accelerated Learning Academy on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Classes began Monday, August 2 with in-person attendance and with staff, students, and visitors masked up. Salt River Schools Interim Acting Superintendent Dr. Vicky Corlett assures families that everything possible is being done to ensure the safety of the community. (O’ODHAM ACTION NEWS)

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Today in Scottsdale

• Pueblo Pride - School Spirit Day - Pueblo Elementary School (12:00 AM)
• One Hour Early Release - Fountain Hills Unified School District #98 (12:00 AM)
• Mommy and Me Coffee (10:30 AM)
• Ribbon Cutting for Conquer Ninja Gym Scottsdale (4:30 PM)
• Curriculum Night - Grades 1 & 2 - Redfield Elementary School (6:00 PM)
• Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission-Regular Meeting-08-18-21 (6:30 PM)
• Adult Meisner 6 wk Course - Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place (6:30 PM)
• Book Club| Online (7:00 PM)
• Curriculum Night - Grades 3, 4, & 5 - Redfield Elementary School (7:00 PM)

Scottsdale Patch Notebook

• "Wasted Grain is hosting the Scottsdale Sangria Fest, Saturday, Aug. 21, in Old Town, and Valley sangria enthusiasts are invited to join the fun." (citysuntimes)

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— Madison Feser

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Daily? Email me at madison.feser@patch.com.