Arizona is getting another $862 million in federal Covid relief dollars to help safely reopen schools.

Arizona K-12 schools have been sent nearly $4.3 billion through several federal coronavirus relief packages, with virtually every public charter school or traditional district receiving extra cash.

While efforts to broadly expand Empowerment Scholarship Account, or vouchers, eligibility failed this year, school choice advocates found other reasons to celebrate the legislative session.

Public school advocates’ frustrations with the state budget go beyond Gov. Doug Ducey’s tax plan – the rebirth of zombie bills and expansion of empowerment scholarship account eligibility are an added blow to groups that say the Legislature should prioritize traditional public education.

As I look at the trajectory of Arizona, I envision a state that is thriving, welcoming and an environment that promotes opportunity and justice for all. When I think of the current state of Arizona, I am reminded that to get there it is critical for us to do the work now. We don’t have the time to wait.

During a tumultuous year where students have far too often been put last, there is a beacon of optimism and hope that could have a lasting positive impact on generations of students. There are a variety of measures currently moving through the Arizona Legislature – all laser-focused on students and increasing access to quality classrooms.

A bill proposing changes to instructional time models for Arizona’s K-12 schools could reduce limitations that have prevented them from adopting non-traditional models more tailored to the needs of individual students.

A judge has tossed out one of the challenges to a voter-approved education tax.

Top Republican legislative leaders filed suit Monday to block implementation of the voter-approved tax on the income of the wealthiest Arizonans.

For thousands of students in Arizona, the pandemic has reshaped their college experience, and for many, jeopardized their chances of graduating with a certificate or degree. Evidence from around the country and from within Arizona highlights the growing inequities and negative effects of the pandemic on college students.