by David Safier I'm still hoping, but, honestly, right now I'm less than hopeful. Months back, an unusual group began discussing a ballot measure to guarantee funding for Arizona's public schools. The group included Lisa Graham Keegan (conservative, voucher advocate, charter school advocate, education advisor for McCain's 2008 presidential bid), Craig Barrett (ex-Intel CEO, charter-school … Read more
by David Safier Judge Lewis D. Kowal ruled TUSD's Mexican American Studies courses violate ARS 15-122. That means, according to the judge, MAS does the following: Promotes racial resentment Is designed primarily for one ethnic group Advocates ethnic solidarity instead of treating pupils as individuals If the ruling stands, TUSD Superintendent Pedicone will either have … Read more
by David Safier OK, it's the day before Christmas. If you want to add to the warm holiday feeling giving gives — and do it without a permanent dent in your pocketbook — you can give $200 to a public school, $400 if you're a couple, and get it all back when you file your … Read more
by David Safier Judge Roslyn Silver wisely decided a law forbidding tax credits for organizations that discuss the possibility of abortions with their clients is illegal. The judge's reasoning: If an organization that counsels against abortions can get tax credits, so can one suggesting abortions as an alternative. Rep. Debbie Lesko, who wrote legislation getting … Read more
by David Safier I could have written those harsh words in the headline, but I didn't. They're from an editorial in today's St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Here's the complete paragraph. The for-profit company [Imagine Schools Inc.] always was on the lookout for a quick buck, seemingly focused more on flipping property than educating children. The charter's … Read more