Let us avoid being misled by Governor Hobbs. Upon assuming office as governor, she expressed her intention to revoke the ESA program, which was only prevented by the efforts of the Republicans who ensured its continuation. Given the increasing support and positive outcomes experienced by numerous parents through the ESA program, Governor Hobbs is now aware that repealing it is not feasible. Consequently, she is attempting to exercise greater oversight over the program. It is essential to acknowledge that many of the aspects she seeks to implement are already in effect.
Many public school teachers might perceive the ESA program as a hindrance, given that it results in a loss of students who would otherwise attend their classes. In addition, they may feel that it limits their potential for higher pay raises and places added pressure on them to meet or exceed the educational standards set by the ESA program. It is likely that these concerns motivated their desire for the program's repeal, as it would provide them with a greater sense of job security.
I acknowledge that being a teacher is a challenging profession. However, it is crucial for us to have teachers who are genuinely committed to aiding children in their learning journey. Without this passion, they may not be suitable for the role. The ideal teachers are those who possess a strong enthusiasm for teaching and possess the ability to identify areas where students may be struggling. They should communicate with these students to understand the reasons behind their difficulties comprehending the material. Furthermore, these teachers should be adaptable in their teaching methods, in order to ensure that all students, including those facing challenges, can achieve academic success.
Govenor Hobbs wants to institute an 8-point plan that would strangle the ESA program.
Fingerprint background checks for teachers who instruct ESA students. This is required of public schools and is intended to ensure students are protected from teachers with track records that could endanger student safety.
A requirement that private schools provide the accommodations and services in a disabled student's Individualized Learning Plan or Section 504 Plan.
Require manual approval of any ESA purchase over $500. That should ensure the taxpayer dollars that fund ESAs are spent on academic purposes, Hobbs said. She also called for an end to ESA awards for items such as ski passes and luxury car driving lessons, although it's unclear how those "luxury" items would be defined.
Give the state Auditor General authority to review and report on how ESA money is spent by private schools. This is a standard practice for Arizona's public schools.
Bar private schools from raising their tuition at a rate higher than inflation. That is a reaction to reports of schools that hiked their rates knowing the average average voucher award of $7,000 dollars was available.
Stop private schools receiving taxpayer dollars from hiking the cost of tuition and fees at a rate higher than inflation.
Mandate minimum education standards for private school teachers instructing ESA students.
Add transparency requirements, such as requiring private schools to report graduation rates and chronic absenteeism rates. Another provision would require parents who enroll their children in a private or home school of the rights that they and students lose by not being in a public school.
Return to the standard used for ESA enrollment before universal vouchers. That standard required student to have attended a public school for 100 days at any point in their education before being eligible for an ESA.
Firstly, it is important to consider providing parents with the choice to select the educational institution that best suits their children, without the requirement of enrolling them in public schools beforehand. Presently, private schools are comparable, if not less expensive, than public schools. Private schools already adhere to a transparent financial structure, as evidenced by the article below and additional information presented in subsequent articles.
Arizona's newly sworn-in governor has expressed her intention to reverse the state's expansion of its school-choice program, advocating instead for increased funding to public schools. However, currently, there are no immediate plans to change the program.
In July, Arizona expanded its Education Savings Account (ESA) system, implementing the largest school choice program in the nation. Under this program, any child who opts out of public school can receive approximately $7,000 per year to be used for private-school tuition, homeschooling curriculum, tutoring, or other related expenses. Previously, this funding was limited to students who met specific criteria, such as having a disability, attending a low-performing school, or residing on an Indian reservation.
"This is a significant moment for all of Arizona's students. Our children will no longer be restricted to underperforming schools," then-Gov. Doug Ducey tweeted after signing the plan into law. "Arizona solidifies its position as the leading state for school choice and becomes the first state in the nation to offer all families the option to choose the school environment that best suits their needs."
However, Hobbs, the current governor, holds a different perspective. In an October PBS interview, she criticized the current voucher system, stating that it does not offer genuine educational opportunities for most families. Hobbs further argued in her recent State of the State address that ESAs would likely have a detrimental impact on the state's financial stability.
On the other hand, the Common Sense Institute has made a compelling argument that the program will result in cost savings. While the state spends over $12,000 per student in public schools, a typical ESA award for non-disabled students is only $7,000. The institute concludes that the reduced attendance at public schools will lead to net aggregate statewide education cost savings exceeding $274 million.
Matt Beienburg, director of education policy at the Goldwater Institute, challenges opponents' claims that ESAs drain funding from local public schools. He argues that funding simply follows the student, as it already does for charter and district schools through the state's 'open enrollment' system. Beienburg asserts that the financial impact on a student's local school remains virtually unchanged under the ESA program.
Regardless, Hobbs lacks the necessary votes to repeal the measure. Although her budget proposal aims to defund the program, the Arizona legislature, narrowly controlled by Republicans, has made it clear that they will not support such a move. House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci recently dismissed attacks on school choice as "non-starters." Additionally, Hobbs is unable to use her line-item veto powers to defund the program, as it is funded by a formula tied to money for public schools.
This stance may not only be disadvantageous for Hobbs' political future but also for the students. A Morning Consult tracking poll conducted this month revealed that 67% of Arizonans and 77% of parents with school-aged children support ESAs. Enrollment has skyrocketed from 10,000 to 45,000 since the expansion. In light of these statistics, even Ms. Hobbs should carefully consider the consequences before alienating these constituents.
Source: Reason Magazine
This is another article telling of how the monies in private schools are monitored along with the students.
Source: Arizona Mirror
When examining the current practices in private schools and considering Hobbs's objectives, it becomes apparent that Hobbs seeks a significant level of authority. Increasingly, individuals are showing a preference for private schools over public schools due to their higher rankings across various domains. Please refer to the provided link for a detailed explanation.
Source: U.S. News & World Report
In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the veterans, police, firefighters, first responders, and healthcare workers for their exceptional service and remarkable sacrifices. Their contributions have been instrumental in safeguarding the well-being and stability of our nation.
God Bless & Good health.
G