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Want the facts about Arizona’s ESA program?
Allowing Arizona parents to choose the educational option that works best for their children is proving to be a highly popular policy. Rather than sharing hyperbole and rhetoric that undermines the choices families are making, the state’s policymakers would be wise to heed this truth and continue to plan responsibly.
Public schools will be inspected regularly, committee will update campuses for safety
Public schools across Arizona will be inspected regularly to make sure they meet minimum standards to educate students under a new executive order issued by Gov. Katie Hobbs. And in a separate order, the governor formed a committee to update those to 2023 levels to ensure the schools have what it takes to help protect students during a campus shooting.
Quarters bounce: Cities win appeals of Census’ count of group quarters
Population growth is nothing new in booming Arizona, but that growth usually comes with moving trucks. Over the past year, however, five Arizona cities and towns managed to add 10,000 residents without a moving truck or a packing box in sight.
Attorney general engaging in ESA ‘witch hunt’
It’s time for Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to dial back the hyperbole aimed at tens of thousands of parents who participate in the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. With scarce evidence, she recently claimed that the program has “no controls” and “no accountability” – this is far from the truth.
ESA vouchers projected to cost $900M next year
The Empowerment Scholarship Account program is on track to cost the state $900 million by the end of the next fiscal year, according to the most recent estimate by the Arizona Department of Education.
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.
Inequitable funding of Arizona K-12 schools must be fixed
Every Arizona family pays taxes to support public schools. Every Arizona student should receive an equitable level of funding for their education.
When it’s working for students, let it work
At a time of urgent need for educational advancement, Arizona’s powerful student-based policies empower families and educators to take actions that create better futures for our children and for that state. We should follow their lead.
Parents hit board with ESA complaints – again
The State Board of Education was once again hit by a wave of written and verbal feedback about the Empowerment Scholarship Account handbook but parents say their input is still failing to materialize in the newest draft of the handbook.
Navajo Tech 1st among tribal universities to offer PhD
A university on the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. launched its accredited doctoral program, becoming the first among more than 30 accredited tribal colleges and universities across the country to offer such a high-level degree, in an attempt to provide more employment opportunities and impact change for Navajo communities in Arizona and two other states.
Should Arizona children be exposed to SEL?
Please call or write to Tom Horne to explain why he risks harming Arizona’s children by refusing to allow social and emotional learning programs in schools.
