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Arizona grapples with school closures amid K-12 enrollment decline
Arizona’s public schools have lost tens of thousands of students since 2016, the result of declining birth rates, an aging population and rising housing costs.
Scottsdale Superintendent Scott Menzel on the changing school landscape
The Scottsdale Unified School District governing board voted 3-2 last week to close two schools because of declining enrollment.Â
Shrinking enrollment pushes states to rethink school funding
Public school enrollment is shrinking across the United States as fewer children are born, triggering a fiscal crisis for school districts and nudging state leaders to find solutions.
Election could reshape Arizona’s $1B ESA program
With Empowerment Scholarship Accounts measures now off the ballot, the Legislature and the governor’s office will be the primary battlegrounds for ESA policy.
Ruiz, Yee spar over school choice, diversity initiatives in latest debate
The two candidates agreed more accountability is needed for the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program, but differed in the details.
Funding fight in Prop 320 could affect school safety
A ballot measure designed to direct more money to Arizona classrooms could force school districts to cut transportation, counseling services and school safety.
Arizona’s school choice allies split on what comes next
A school choice advocacy group that has spent more than $6 million in 2026 to defend Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program will be pushing Republican lawmakers and the governor’s office to enact bipartisan legislation to secure a politically sustainable program.
Arizona removing bonus points from school grades, with drops expected
A significant number of Arizona schools could see their accountability grades dropped a peg next year following changes to the state's scoring formula.
Even with measures struck down, ESAs loom over election
Voters won’t get to change Arizona’s ESA program after two propositions failed ballot qualification, but other statewide races could still shape its future.
Judge says anti-union ballot item unconstitutional
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday that Proposition 143, a Republican-backed ballot measure targeting public employee unions, is unconstitutional and cannot appear on Arizona's November ballot.
Another year, still no deal on Prop. 123
Key Points: Proposition 123 renewal failed for third consecutive legislative session Republicans, Democrats remained divided over education funding priorities 2026 elections likely determine Prop. 123’s future direction, fate Lawmakers drew […]
Future of ESA program in hands of voters after negotiation breakdowns
Key Points Negotiations on Empowerment Scholarship Account collapsed Competing measures headed to voters Ballot measures face legal, language and campaign battles in runup to election Legislators twice tried to iron […]
