Horne Addresses Urgent Calls for Action on Primavera Online School Charter Revocation

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne recently addressed the situation surrounding Primavera Online, the state’s largest charter school operator, which is under scrutiny for poor academic performance. The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools is considering revoking Primavera’s charter due to these low results.

Horne clarified his position regarding the mounting pressure for him to intervene. “I have no power or influence over that,” he remarked. Although he serves on the board, he emphasized the division of regulatory responsibilities between the Arizona Department of Education and the Charter Board. Horne’s comments came in response to calls for help from Attorney Jesse Binnall, Congressman Andy Biggs, and Senate President Warren Petersen.

According to Horne, “The legislature chose to divide jurisdiction regarding charter schools between the Arizona Department of Education and the Charter Board. The current issue is within the jurisdiction of the Charter Board.” He added that attempting to influence the Board would likely backfire. If a ruling occurs, it may potentially lead to an appeal before an administrative law judge, where data from the Department of Education will be made available to whichever side requests it.

During a press event outside the Capitol, Binnall, a former member of President Trump’s legal team, likened the threat of closing Primavera to a form of “lawfare” against school choice. He asserted, “The voters of this country have spoken loud and clear … that President Trump’s agenda, which includes school choice, is highly favored.” Binnall criticized the opponents of this agenda, suggesting they are using legal tactics to undermine educational options.

He urged the Superintendent to reconsider the closure decision, stressing the importance of freedom in education. “We have to be confident that these people who serve the people of Arizona will do the right thing for children,” Binnall asserted, emphasizing support for schools like Primavera.

Primavera, categorized as an alternative school, aims to educate at-risk students. Damian Creamer, the school’s founder and CEO, claimed that the institution was improperly categorized during his leave to care for his wife, which negatively impacted its academic grading. According to the leadership, had the school been correctly designated, it would have earned a passing “C” grade instead of facing potential closure.