Arizona Voters Demand Action: Support Our Public Schools!

In the recent 2024 election, Arizona voters demonstrated robust support for public education, as evidenced by the success of various pro-public education candidates. Of the candidates endorsed by SOSAZ, a remarkable 61 emerged victorious in their non-partisan races, while those backed by anti-public school groups faced significant defeat.

Additionally, local funding measures for schools saw significant approval, with 73% of voters opting to tax themselves to enhance educational resources and safety for their communities. This level of commitment is noteworthy, especially in a year when economic issues were at the forefront of national discourse.

Polling from the Center for the Future of Arizona reveals a strong bipartisan consensus, with 79% of voters advocating for increased K-12 funding. Moreover, an impressive 96% of respondents believe every school should possess the necessary resources for quality education, regardless of the demographic characteristics of its students.

The commitment of Arizonans to public education is evident year after year, with support for teacher pay raises and increased funding to improve educational offerings. Local schools function as community hubs, providing essential services and programs that extend beyond traditional education.

Unfortunately, there appears to be a disconnect for some voters regarding which legislative candidates genuinely support public schools. Many may not realize how Arizona’s $1 billion annual voucher funding impacts public education, leading to school closures and cuts to essential staff and programs. The stark reality is that no Arizona school currently has the resources needed to provide a quality education for every child.

The recent election results send a clear message to the incoming legislature: prioritize public education, cease partisan conflicts, and focus on students’ needs. As the Arizona State Legislature prepares to convene on January 13, lawmakers must act decisively to protect and fund public education.

This includes renewing voter-approved Prop 123, which secures $300 million annually, lifting the AEL school spending cap, and restoring the opportunity weight to benefit the lowest-income students. These initiatives can collectively ease the financial strain on schools, enabling them to utilize allocated funds effectively.

The time for political gamesmanship is over; it’s imperative for the Arizona legislature to prioritize public education. Voters have made their wishes clear: the support and funding of schools must come first in order to secure a prosperous future for students and the community alike.