Arizona Education Board Rejects New School Choice Handbook Amid Controversy

By Staff Reporter |

The Arizona State Board of Education (ASBE) has opted not to approve the proposed handbook for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program during a recent meeting. Board members expressed interest in delaying the decision until their April meeting, effectively abstaining from a vote on the new handbook for the 2025-2026 school year.

At the meeting, Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Superintendent Tom Horne proposed a vote on the handbook, but his motion did not receive a second from other board members.

ESA executive director John Ward championed the new handbook, highlighting its user-friendly features. The revised version aims to clarify and organize information, reduce redundancies, and include hyperlinked statutes. Additionally, it outlines spending limits related to potential exploitation and introduces a new chapter focusing on enrollments.

Concerns were raised by ASBE members regarding the approval of expenditures within the ESA Program, particularly those that have faced scrutiny from Attorney General Kris Mayes. Last July, Mayes’ Government Accountability Unit initiated an investigation, questioning the legitimacy of expense approvals connected to educational materials.

Ward responded to concerns by clarifying that certain common educational items, like pencils and paper, would not require stringent curriculum documentation to ease the process for families. He noted that the attorney general’s critique led to a restructuring of the supplemental materials listings to differentiate between items requiring curriculum links and general educational supplies.

As of now, more than 87,600 students are enrolled in the ESA program, which continues to be a contentious topic among state officials. Governor Katie Hobbs criticized the program during her State of the State address in January, prompting Horne to defend the ESA’s integrity and efficacy.

In a previous statement regarding the program’s operations, Horne dismissed allegations that it reimburses parents without scrutiny. He stated that ADE’s oversight has effectively prevented questionable expenses, citing instances where claims for luxury items were denied.

“There have to be some limitations on what qualifies as educational,” Horne remarked. Unlike his predecessor, he has consistently advocated for the ESA Program, emphasizing that it empowers parents to choose educational environments that best suit their children’s needs. “The ESAs supplement public schools and ensure all students have access to suitable learning opportunities,” he affirmed.