Most of us want the same things for Arizona’s schools: the opportunity for every child to succeed, transparency, accountability and flexible options for the unique needs of families. But two issues deeply threaten the ability for Arizona to achieve those goals – the AEL (Aggregate Expenditure Limit) and ESA vouchers (Codename: Empowerment Scholarship Accounts). 

My Future AZ is a great start to solving our workforce issues, but there is so much more work to do. When we can ensure that every middle schooler in our state has access to robust career development resources, no matter their location, background, or personal interests, we’ll be laying the groundwork to preserve Arizona’s reputation as best for business. 

Last month, the ACLU of Arizona released “Schools Choosing Students,” a report detailing the illegal or exclusionary enrollment policies at many of the state’s charter schools, which lead to students being denied equal access to a high-quality education. Every piece of information in the report is specific, sourced and designed to help families and schools.

After working together to pump $3.5 billion over a decade into the public education system, the business and education communities find themselves once more at odds following the latest actions at the Arizona Legislature.

As the politics of education has brought several reforms to Arizona in recent years, some of them revolutionary, educators say teachers have been fleeing the state, the profession, or to better paying jobs in more affluent districts.

Crandell’s overhaul of school finance plan attracts skepticism and support

It’s a puzzle that has vexed policymakers, education leaders and business groups for decades, but it’s one that Sen. Chester Crandell hopes to solve: How can the state revamp education funding to be both fair and simple?

A system for tracking school expenditures and whether money spent on specific programs improves student performance would make schools more efficient and accountable, according to a group of business and education leaders.

Lawmakers and representatives from the education community clashed over funding for Arizona's public education during a forum Oct. 20 at a downtown restaurant. Rep. Rich Crandall, a Mesa Republican, said he was taking the position as a "realist" and warned that cuts to education are inevitable next year given the size of the state's budget deficit.

Our governor and our Legislature seem to be headed to a showdown at the O.K. Corral next Tuesday (June 30) over the budget. Hopefully, Arizona's K-12 students won't get caught in the crossfire. Continued cuts to education will only dim prospects for Arizona's future leaders and all of today's children who will contribute to our state's economy.