Arizona Education Network

FACTS ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING IN ARIZONA It’s the 2010 voting season!  Steer clear of the misinformation campaigns.  Take a moment to familiarize yourself with some quick facts on public education funding prior to the November 2 general election. . . In 2007, Arizona spent $61 less per pupil in real dollars than it did in  Continue Reading >

This post lists candidates that will move forward to the November 2, 2010 General Election. This is for state senator and representative only. Included in this list is our 12 question, multiple-choice survey that was offered to each candidate. If a candidate did not submit a survey, it is noted by their name.

Part I: Traditional Public School Finance & Equalization Funding Part II: Charter School Finance & Equalization Funding . . Q and A on Public School Finance and Equalization: Part I . What does it mean when I hear that Arizona is an equalized funding state? The Arizona state constitution calls for the legislature to “enact  Continue Reading >

Arizona voters will face tough decisions in the voting booth for the general election this November 2, 2010. AEN would like to make sure voters have all the facts on Proposition 302. The bill passed by the legislature in the 2010 seventh special session by a vote of 48 to 41 refers Proposition 302 to the ballot on November 2. If passed, Proposition 302 will repeal the Arizona Early Childhood and Development Initiative, commonly known as First Things First. The First Things First program is financed by a 2006 voter-approved tax on tobacco to provide funding for early childhood health and development and parenting programs for Arizona families.

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Of concern is the ballot language itself. The language on the ballot for Prop. 302 is an exercise in double-talk where “yes” means “no”, and “no” means “yes”.
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A “yes” vote would not only sweep funds set aside for First Things First–thereby terminating the program and it’s services–it would also redirect future tobacco tax revenue to the state’s general fund to be used at the discretion of the legislature. A “no” vote saves First Things First, preserving the voter-approved program that has been a vital first step in developing a healthy educational foundation for Arizona’s infants and toddlers.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan today (7/27/10) released the list of finalists for the second round of the Race to the Top federal grant program. Arizona is one of the 19 finalists.