Arizona is the number one school choice state in the nation
We pressed forward: positioning Arizona as the number one school choice state in the nation.When COVID hit, that designation was a lifeline for families. Some school leaders did everything possible to keep kids in the classroom. In the process, more
parents got involved. And thank God they did. Some voted with their feet--moving schools or school districts or to totally different learning models--whether that's homeschooling or microschools.
In Arizona schools, we will not divide people by race.
Students should be taught to think critically--not taught critical race theory.
Let's require all that a child is taught, all curriculum and academic materials be put online and available to search and review by every parent, grandparent and interested citizen.
We waive tuition for veterans; let's do spouses too
We are blessed to be a magnet for America's veterans. Under the G.I. Bill, they get to attend our in-state universities and community colleges free of charge. After all, they've already given so much. But how about their spouses?
These dedicated husbands and wives have served and sacrificed as well. So this session, let's launch a program to waive their tuition too.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
, Jan 10, 2022
Parents have new options, we should empower them
Children still need to learn, even in a pandemic. By necessity during this emergency, many parents have been more engaged than ever in the daily education of their children. Quite a few have found temporary educational options they want to make
permanent. It's their right. Public policy should keep pace and empower them to make that choice.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
, Jan 11, 2021
Invest in teachers, students and K-12 public schools
We've pumped $4.5 billion in new investments into Arizona schools. With our latest budget, that figure will rise to $6.6 billion. In addition, an even larger investment in school counselors, cops on campus, and school safety. A stronger focus on
CTE and the trades. More money for the Arizona Teachers Academy, and Teach for America. And by the start of the new school year, teacher pay will be up 20 percent.
Through the Arizona Teachers Academy we made a commitment to our aspiring teachers--you stay and teach in Arizona, and we'll cover your college tuition. The effort is paying off.
Enrollment in the Teachers Academy has skyrocketed, with 2,170 students now participating.
Arizona's future depends on these educators. Let's provide them with access so they can get to the front of the classroom--debt free.
Have a school day devoted to instruction on civics
We are blessed to have one Arizonan who's the ideal of this aspirational creed. Her life is a living civics lesson-- and Arizona is fortunate to be home to the Institute that bears her name. I'm talking about Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
Who better to hold as a model for the next generation? That's why I'm calling for a day when classroom instruction can be dedicated entirely to civics: Sandra Day O'Connor Civics Celebration Day.
Source: 2020 Arizona State of the State address
, Jan 13, 2020
Repealed law banning pro-gay HIV instruction
AZ Mirror summary of SB1396, April 12, 2019: In 1991, Democratic Sen. Karan English sponsored Senate Bill 1396. The original version only allowed for age-appropriate, medically accurate HIV prevention education in K-12 public schools. On
the House floor, Republican Rep. Karen Mills introduced an amendment that would come to be known as a "no promo homo" law. The new language prohibited HIV education that "promotes a homosexual lifestyle," "portrays homosexuality as a positive alternative
lifestyle" or "suggests that some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex."
TowleRoad LGBTQ news, April 11, 2019: Arizona's Governor Doug Ducey today signed the repeal of a '90s-era law which forbid teachers from "homosexuality
as a positive alternative life-style" or even suggest that "some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex" in health classes.
Legislative Summary:Passed Senate 19-11-0 on Jun/20/91.
Arizona has been the leader in school choice. It's good for parents, and most of all, it's good for kids. Healthy choice and competition brings about innovation, and that's been the case in Arizona public education. But we also know improvements can be
made. More transparency, more accountability, and granting more financial review and oversight over taxpayer dollars--all with the purpose of making sure every public school is improving and providing Arizona kids with the best-possible education.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
, Jan 14, 2019
Supported Prop 123: increase K-12 funding
Q: Increase funding for K-12 education?
Doug Ducey (R): Mixed. Increased funding distributions from state land trust through Prop 123, though this erodes long-term reserves. Opposed initiative funding education by taxing individuals earning over
$250,000 a year.
David Garcia (D): Yes. Would support extra funding by expanding Proposition 301 sales tax initiative, which now provides $500 million a year to K-12. Also close corporate tax loopholes & raise taxes on top 1%.
Source: CampusElect 2018: Arizona legislative voting records
, Oct 9, 2018
Cut college funding by $99 million in 2015
Q: Increase state funding for higher education?
Doug Ducey (R): Mixed. Cut college funding by $99 million in 2015. Increased by $32 million in 2016-2017, including $5 million for Koch Brothers-founded "economic freedom schools." Ended all state aid to
Maricopa & Pima County community college systems.
David Garcia (D): Yes. Make college tuition-free for in-state students who attend local community colleges or trade schools. Then develop a plan to make 4-year schools free.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Arizona Governor race
, Oct 9, 2018
Push for education savings accounts on November ballot
A major focus for the Koch network--known formally as the Seminar Network--is state legislation, with an aim to remake the nation's education system via referendums and new state laws. The Koch brothers s are particularly enthusiastic about education
savings accounts: a mechanism that upends traditional K-12 education by, in some cases, giving parents lump sums they can use to pay private schools or even online institutions to educate their children.
A top priority for 2018 is in Arizona, where a measure allowing education savings accounts for all students goes on the ballot in November. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey pushed the idea and attended the
Koch network's weekend seminar to chat with donors about it. A similar bill is moving through the New Hampshire Legislature and is supported by Americans for Prosperity [another Koch-funded organization].
We've been a leader on school choice, and we will continue to be a leader. Our public charters are leading the nation and the world in outcomes for our students.
And the robotics class at Carl Hayden High School is so renowned, Hollywood didn't just
make one movie about it--they made two. It needs to be said. We can advocate for more resources, and also admit we have so many great schools, and great teachers.
But too many people have fallen into the trap set by the pundits, dumping on Arizona
schools. I'll admit: There was a time I didn't know the full picture. But after spending the last three years inside dozens of classrooms I have a new appreciation for the excellence occurring in our school system. And what has been most striking are
the teachers. They've shared with me--It's more than a job. It's a calling. Especially in our low-income communities, they've told me: "I'm not here because I have to be. I'm here because I want to be."
Invest in public school teachers with tuition & bonuses
After Prop 123--where are steps 4, 5, and 6? Well, here we go.
Step 4: Resources. I have a commitment our educators can take to the bank: I will call for an increased investment in our public schools--above and beyond inflation--every single year
I am governor.
Step 5: Teacher pay. Let's take these new dollars and put them where they will have the greatest impact on students. It's time for a raise for Arizona's teachers.
And Step 6: Student debt. I'm asking Arizona's three public
universities to design an Arizona Teachers' Academy. If you teach in Arizona public schools, your education will be paid for.
Step 7: Low-income schools. For the teachers willing to make a commitment to these neighborhoods: A $1,000 signing bonus.
Step 8: Teacher shortage. It's time to fix the teacher certification process. Let's remove the obstacles.
Step 10: Tribal Nations and Rural Schools: Let's connect these rural schools to high-speed internet.
In the years ahead, Arizona will be among the states investing the most new dollars in public education--without raising taxes. We are going to make it easier and more affordable for our best public schools to expand. My office has worked with the
top credit rating agencies in the country to develop a structure that lets our public schools finance their expansion at lower cost. We also need to provide resources for aging schools to repair and rebuild their facilities for future students.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Arizona legislature
, Jan 11, 2016
Reward high achievement and low income schools
Next, we need to reward schools that are helping kids reach their full potential. All of us should be alarmed to hear that more than half of our high school graduates can't get into our own state universities. So--under our plan, schools that produce
students who successfully complete AP-level, college-prep courses will be rewarded with more dollars. Schools in low-income areas--where educators and students face added challenges--will receive an even greater boost for helping kids beat the odds.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Arizona legislature
, Jan 11, 2016
Partner with third sector in education
The state isn't the only player in public education. Every day, philanthropic foundations in Arizona are investing in our schools. They are developing new school leaders, expanding educational opportunities for
low-income children and funding the arts and sciences. I intend to partner with the heads of these foundations to provide an even greater opportunity and impact in our schools.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Arizona legislature
, Jan 11, 2016
Give foster kids a `fast pass' to best schools
As we continue to ease the burden, the fact remains: we ask a lot of foster parents--and we know there are thousands of families currently trying to get into our best public schools, where the lines are long. If we want to see more foster and adoptive
families, let's give them an incentive--a "fast pass" to the front of the line of our best public schools. This will ensure vulnerable children an opportunity at a great education & bring more good people to take on the noble cause of fostering a child.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Arizona legislature
, Jan 11, 2016
American Civics Bill: pass civics test like new citizens
In Arizona public schools, we can do better. A snapshot of Arizona public education came in a survey a few years ago. It measured some basic knowledge among students, on matters where knowledge should be assumed.
It was an elementary civics test, along the lines of the test required of every new citizen. And when 96 percent of our kids could not pass, you know something is missing.
This is an issue that can and should unite us. These are our children. How can we expect them to protect the principles on which this country was founded, if we are not preparing them for that task right now?
It's time to make this right and there's a bipartisan bill--the American Civics Bill. Send it to my desk, and I'll sign it immediately.
Classrooms First Initiative: end one-size-fits-all model
It's time to take charge of our public schools and take responsibility for their results. For too long, the federal government has forced a one-size-fits-all model on our education system. Politicians and bureaucrats on the other side of the country,
with no understanding of our state or the needs of our teachers and students, have sought to impose their standards and their will on our youth.
In Arizona, educational excellence is a priority. For the next four years,
I intend to lead under a "Classrooms First Initiative." Our goal is simple: To improve outcomes in the classroom for all our children. That's why I propose to spend not less in the classroom than last year, but more.
Right now we spend far too much on administrative costs--on overhead--and that's got to change. We know where education happens, between a teacher and a student. In my administration, we will honor teachers and the good work they do.
Parents need to make the choices that are best for their children, and should have the option to get their kids out of failing schools with consistently-poor track records. Arizona leads the nation in charter school excellence and they can be a great
alternative. Unfortunately, many of them also have daunting waiting lists. As governor, I will submit legislation to eliminate waiting lists for excelling schools, while advancing broad and bipartisan reforms to apply the best practices of high-
performing charter and district schools.
Principals need to be allowed to run their schools, and teachers need to be able to control their classrooms. And if they don't measure up, then someone else should take their place. Schools should be graded and
parents should be informed about the quality of the schools.
I will resist over-reach from the federal government, including Common Core, and protect our schools from federal intrusion into the state and local responsibility of public education.