Governor Dismisses School Choice Champion from State Education Board

Jenny Clark, a prominent advocate for school choice, has been removed from her position on the State Board of Education following the expiration of her term. Appointed in 2022 by former Governor Doug Ducey, Clark was known for her support of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) and School Tuition Organizations (STOs).

Clark’s advocacy extended beyond the board, as she led campaigns through her group, Love Your School, mobilizing parents to respond to potential changes in ESA legislation. Recently, she defended the Department of Education’s decision to implement risk-based auditing for reimbursements under $2,000, asserting that state law supported this practice.

She frequently challenged Governor Katie Hobbs during public forums, countering criticisms of the ESA program’s financial sustainability. In response to Hobbs’ proposals for regulation, Clark initiated an online petition advocating for the continuation of the program unchanged.

Clark’s term officially expired on January 20, but she received a resignation request from the Governor’s Office on February 18. Initially, she refused to resign, pointing out that other board members were also serving on expired terms.

Following her refusal, Clark was later informed via email on February 24 that her service on the board had concluded. Sean Ross, the executive director of the State Board of Education, confirmed that the board was informed by the Governor’s Office about the end of her term.

Clark’s removal is set against the backdrop of five other board members also serving on expired terms. Among them, Katherine Haley, Julia Meyerson, and Daniel Corr saw their terms expire on January 20, 2025, while Jason Catanese and Dr. Scott Hagerman have terms that expired in January 2024.

State law requires board members to be nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Although members can continue serving post-term expiration, their tenure is limited to one additional year without confirmation.

Clark’s exit leaves the board with another vacancy, following Anna Tovar’s resignation last October after failure to secure Senate confirmation. A request for comment on Clark’s removal and future appointments remained unanswered from the governor’s office.

The challenge of vacancies on boards is significant; an analysis indicated that nearly 16% of state government boards and commissions have open seats, with 22% occupied by members whose terms have expired.