TUCSON, Ariz. – Recent comments by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs on school choice sparked a reaction from the state’s education leader.
Republican Superintendent Tom Horne took issue with Hobbs’ remarks about spending issues related to Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs). These accounts let parents pick schools outside their local public district.
Governor Hobbs expressed concerns during her state address, saying there are no safeguards against misuse of funds. Horne strongly disagreed. He called her understanding of the situation “poor” and gave her an “F” for her comments.
“We’ve put measures in place to prevent waste and ensure accountability,” Horne said, pointing to the auditor and investigator he hired to oversee spending. He believes Hobbs needs to better understand the current efforts regarding ESAs.
Natalie Luna Rose, who leads the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board, voiced her concerns too. She labeled ESAs as damaging to public schools. As a parent and graduate of TUSD, she worries about the financial strain these accounts put on schools.
“It feels like a double whammy for districts like TUSD,” she explained. While some kids do well in certain schools, Horne noted that no school is perfect for every child.
Despite their differing views on ESAs, Horne, Hobbs, and Rose agree on one thing: extending Proposition 123 to support public education using state land trust funds is essential.
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