Few apprenticeship bills passed in 2024, some that didn’t will be back
Arizona lawmakers considered some apprenticeship-related bills during the 2024 legislative session, but only a few were signed into law – lawmakers plan to reintroduce measures next year that didn’t pass. […]
Hobbs cancels $50M for ESA all-day kindergarten
Gov. Katie Hobbs says she’s cancelling a $50 million contract that would have paid for students to attend all-day kindergarten at non-public schools using Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, or school vouchers.
4 firms submit bids to run ESA program
Four financial management companies put in proposals to run the state’s burgeoning Empowerment Scholarship Account program, the state treasury announced May 22.
Board of Education approves ESA handbook despite concerns
The State Board of Education voted to approve the Empowerment Scholarship Account handbook today, though two board members voted against adopting the final draft, citing frustration with accepting last minute “substantive” changes without sufficient stakeholder input.
Arizona continues to trail in per-pupil funding
Arizona consistently hovers in the lowest percentile for per-pupil funding nationally.
Gress wants to expand Teachers Academy program
A first-term state lawmaker wants to expand the Teachers Academy program that provides scholarships to prospective public school teachers to students attending private and religious colleges.
DOE’s proposed ESA handbook edits draw parents’ anger
The Arizona Department of Education’s proposed edits to the Empowerment Scholarship Account handbook were met with backlash and claims of improper outside influence in a state board of education meeting today.
Education department reverses course, grants military family voucher
A 5-year-old Sierra Vista boy denied an Empowerment Scholarship Account and featured in a video posted over the weekend by a school choice organization will get state help paying for private school this fall.
Board of Ed scraps proposal on sex education rules
Facing a barrage of parental criticism, the state Board of Education decided Monday to scrap a proposal to remove certain language from the rules on sex education.
Teachers hope summer vacation comes before budget passed
The potential for red-clad teachers again descending on the Capitol could motivate legislators to wrap up budget negotiations before school is out for summer.
Board of education votes to settle ‘no promo homo’ lawsuit
Weeks after the Legislature voted to repeal Arizona’s no promo homo’ statute, the Arizona State Board of Education unanimously voted Monday to settle the lawsuit that prompted the change.
Gay rights groups sue over Arizona’s ‘no promo homo’ law
Two gay rights organizations filed suit Thursday in federal court in Tucson challenging the legality of what some call Arizona’s “no promo homo” law.