Steve Yarbrough and his Student Tuition Organization

by David Safier A special session to create new private school tax credits is the big ed news right now. That puts one of the two main proponents of the bill, Steve Yarbrough, into the spotlight, because, as well as being a state representative, he runs Arizona's largest Student Tuition Organization (STO). (All tuition tax … Read more

The latest on the back door voucher legislation

by David SafierThe East Valley Trib has written an excellent article on the push to create a new private school tax credit to replace vouchers the AZ Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional. The article answered one question I had: why call a special session? The reason is, if the bill is passed in the special session, … Read more

Is anyone looking at charter school expenses?

by David SafierOne line in H.B. 2028/S.B, 1189, the bill that rolls over funding for schools, delaying $300 million in payments, caught my eye. . . . the reduction does not apply to charter schools and small school districts that qualify for an exemption of the general budget limit. No delayed payments to charter schools … Read more

Quick, pass a bill banning Scottish discrimination in schools!

by David SafierWe clearly have a problem here. A student was openly and blatantly discriminated against for wearing Scottish apparel at school. We need legislation to make sure it NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN!!! Let me thoroughly document the atrocity. Gavin McFarland wore a kilt to school and was asked to change his clothes by the principal. … Read more

One thing right, many things wrong with this picture

by David SafierFolks in the Catalina Foothills School District are rallying to save teachers they might lose because of budget cuts. That's good. They want to do it by raising $1.3 million in private donations. That's understandable, but it's a huge step backward. This is the "rich schools get fewer cuts" option. The district's foundation … Read more