Republican Tom Horne says he intends to work across the aisle to improve education in Arizona, but his views on discipline, social emotional learning and racial issues in schools are so far to the right that finding a middle ground with will prove challenging, if not impossible. Read more» 
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Republican Tom Horne will be Arizona’s new superintendent of public instruction, emerging victorious from a contest with Democratic incumbent Kathy Hoffman that saw the lead change hands several times since Election Day. Read more»
Republican Tom Horne - superintendent of public instruction for two terms who led the charge to ban ethnic studies in public schools - wants the focus on academics in Arizona schools and a restoration of discipline in classrooms while opposing the teaching of race and gender topics. Read more»
Democrat incumbent Kathy Hoffman will continue to focus on educator recruitment and retention, reducing class sizes, increasing teacher pay and student mental health services as Arizona superintendent of public instruction, including continued support for LGBTQ+ students. Read more»
Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman used her annual State of Education address to urge Arizona lawmakers to raise a constitutional spending limit on K-12 schools before they face major budget cuts in a few weeks. Read more»
Arizona health officials will update guidance to follow new recommendations from the CDC urging people, including those who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, to wear masks in enclosed public spaces - though they remain voluntary due to new state laws prohibiting mandates. Read more»
Public health experts said Arizona’s new prohibition on face masks mandates in schools - added to the annual budget at the behest of anti-mask Republican legislators - is a political move not supported by science that endangers children, teens and school staff. Read more» 1
Tom Horne running for GOP nomination for state schools chief on an anti-bilingual education platform
Tom Horne, who held the position of superintendent of public instruction for eight years, announced Thursday he's running for the office again, on a platform against bilingual education and critical race theory. Read more» 1
Arizona’s top schools chief on Tuesday called for state funding for remote learning to be allocated at the same rate as funding for in-person learning, and she urged extra help for students and staff members suffering mental issues as the Covid-19 pandemic continues. Read more»
The Ducey administration defended its decision Thursday to make it harder for Arizona schools to revert to virtual education, from in-person or hybrid schooling, in the face of surging COVID-19 cases. Read more»
Gov. Doug Ducey defended some school districts' decisions to resume in-person classes next week, even though their counties don't meet the COVID-19 criteria that his administration established for when schools could reopen safely. Read more»
It’s fine, Martha. You didn’t lose. Donald J. Trump beat you. He beat Lea Marquez Peterson's bid to replace you. He looks like he's electing Democrats Katie Hobbs, Sandra Taylor and Kathy Hoffman to statewide office. Read more» 1
If her current lead holds, Arizona will elect as superintendent of public instruction a Tea Party Republican who has made eliminating the state’s version of the Common Core central to her campaign. Diane Douglas’ stance on the standards has aroused concerns among education advocates and contributed to the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s decision to endorse Democrat David Garcia. Read more» 1
The Ward 5 Tucson City Council candidates — Democrat Richard Fimbres and Republican Mike Polak — squared off. Also, a conversation with David Garcia, candidate for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction. Plus, a preview of the upcoming Tucson Classic Car Show with Chuck Sawyer and Bill Moore, chair of the Rotary Club of Tucson Grants Committee. Read more»
The Monday Political Face-Off featured John Munger and Vince Rabago. Also, we talked with ASU Education Prof. David Garcia, who is considering a run for state superintendent of public instruction. Plus, a fun summer is planned at Tucson's Reid Park Zoo and we get a preview from Kristen Metzger, the zoo's education supervisor. Read more»
The Monday Political Face-off with commentators John Munger and Vince Rabago, plus an interview with John Huppenthal, Arizona superintendent of public instruction, and Dr. Robert Hendricks, Buckmaster contributor on education. Read more»
