Governor approves ban on ultraprocessed food, but reduced-price lunches still in limbo
Key points Gov. Hobbs approved a ban on ultraprocessed foods in school lunches A related $3.8 million appropriation for reduced-price lunches failed Lawmakers plan to negotiate school lunch funding in […]
Arizona’s leaders must do what is necessary to restore our schools
We must acknowledge that there are Arizona schools where excellent teachers inspire students to perform at high achievement levels. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) provides cutting-edge academic standards and […]
Legislators want a definition of bullying, but will it go far enough?
State lawmakers are weighing a one-size-fits-all definition of what constitutes bullying in public schools. And the measure, which has passed the Senate and now awaits a final House vote, is […]
Arizona teen fights to ban ultra-processed foods in schools after losing 160 pounds
For millions of kids across America, ultra-processed food is more than just a school lunch staple — it’s a slow-acting poison. Cheap, addictive and everywhere. And for some of us, […]
GOP legislators want religious chaplains in public schools
State lawmakers, for the first time ever, want to allow religious chaplains to counsel students on public school campuses. Rep. Matt Gress said the legislation that gained preliminary House approval […]
Bipartisan measure aims to protect students from sexual abuse
When Gretchen Jacobs’ autistic and non-verbal daughter was sexually abused at Chaparral High School in 2021, the veteran lobbyist was ...
Proposed law to allow 10 Commandments in classrooms advances
A state lawmaker and congressional candidate said Tuesday it is because of Christianity that other religions have been allowed into the United States.
Work in progress: teacher pay raise plan gets initial OK
Republican lawmakers’ plan to increase teacher pay by extending Proposition 123, which uses state land trust funds, passed out of a Senate committee Wednesday.
Successor to Prop 123 needed to preserve K-12 education funding
As Proposition 123 nears the end of its 10-year lifespan, it’s time for an updated law to ensure Arizona’s investment in K-12 doesn’t diminish.
Safety of children in schools linked to mental health support
Ensuring the safety of our children within the walls of our educational institutions is paramount. Keeping our schools safe requires more than building security. Effective school safety efforts require a multidisciplinary approach, including comprehensive mental health services.
Number of failing schools fell; alternative schools headed the other way
The number of schools getting an F on the state’s annual report card has fallen sharply, going from 49 in 2019 to 24 this year, but the number of failing alternative schools rose over the same period.
Hopi leader tells panel that red tape, financial hurdles put aid out of reach
The chairman of the Hopi tribe told a Senate panel this week that promises of federal funding remain just that – promises – for smaller tribes for whom the money is inaccessible because of bureaucratic and financial hurdles.