Teachers swarm Capitol, demand 20 percent pay hike
Save Our Schools Arizona is not only gearing up for a possible referendum on whatever lawmakers may replace existing voucher expansion legislation with but also for a potential initiative to address public education funding shortfalls.
The Breakdown, Episode 11: Where do we even begin?
Last week, the Capitol was abuzz with everything from talk of criminal justice reform to how to fund Arizona's public education system - and that's just the beginning.
State high court says vote on voucher expansion can proceed
The justices affirmed Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Margaret Mahoney’s January ruling that state law at the time Proposition 305 was filed did not allow individuals to challenge petition drives.
Education panelists spar over school choice
While school choice has sparked a divisive debate in Arizona, panelists at the Arizona Capitol Times Morning Scoop on the topic Tuesday seemed to find common ground on one point: The state system for school funding could be due for a reboot.
Voucher expansion ballot measure prompts questions on voter protection
What is now Proposition 305 will not only put the fate of school voucher expansion into the hands of Arizonans, but is also likely to set precedent on how the Voter Protection Act applies to referenda.
Livingston accuses Blanc of doctoring referendum petitions, calls for resignation
Rep. David Livingston said Rep. Isela Blanc should fully comply with any investigation into allegations she or others doctored petitions to help get a referendum of school voucher expansion on the ballot, and if she’s found in the wrong, resign from office.
Livingston files ethics complaint against Blanc over alleged petition doctoring
A Republican lawmaker wants Democratic Rep. Isela Blanc investigated by the House Ethics Committee, citing allegations that petition sheets she gathered to block an expansion of school vouchers were doctored.
Group hopes to stop school voucher expansion before it takes effect
When Arizona students return to school in August, a new law could make the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts available to all 1.1 million of them. Unless a grassroots group of opponents has its way.
Arizona gives ‘low income’ assorted meanings
A family of four can bring in more than $60,000 annually to be considered low income for the state’s recently expanded voucher program, allowing them to access more funds to attend private school. But to be considered low income for various other state programs, like ones that allow the poor to buy food or basic necessities like toilet paper, the line is much lower, meaning fewer people qualify [...]
Letter: Expand the ESA program
I am a father of five wonderful adopted children. Like every parent, I want the best for each one. We are so fortunate to have the empowerment scholarship accounts, allowing us to send the kids to a private school where they get the extra attention they need to overcome challenges and thrive.
Auditors call for strengthened oversight of voucher program
State auditors say the Arizona Department of Education is already taking steps to ensure that dollars provided parents under a school voucher program are not misspent but should strengthen its oversight.
Ducey signs bill giving vouchers to all reservation students
Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a bill that makes all children living on Indian reservations qualified for private school vouchers.