The November 2010 election will greatly impact and influence the future of public education in the great State of Arizona. I want to encourage all of you to take the time to review the candidate perspectives on public education as the campaigns gear up for the final vote.
For Arizona Superintendent of Public Education
Penny Kotterman and John Huppenthal face off for this important position of leading the future of over 1 million public school students in over 200 school districts. Their backgrounds in education, experience and views differ greatly on all the key areas including the the role of assessment, instruction, staff evaluation, professional staff support and accountability. This is an important role with the current reform legislation and educational cuts seen over the past four years.
For Arizona Governor
Current Governor Jan Brewer and current Attorney General Terry Goddard also show a definite difference toward the direction and support of education. Obviously, many other challenges exist in this key leadership role but differences on education are also very evident in their campaign literature and interviews.
Proposition 302
This is the request by the Arizona Legislature to have the Birth to age 5 "First Things First" voter protected, federal tobacco settlement money ($340 million) returned to the state to help mitigate the state budget deficit. Again, a key vote for schools from both perspectives as mid-year school budget cuts could occur to public schools without these funds returned to the legislature. Arizona is still facing a $700 million to $1 billion shortfall for the 2011 budget year. On the other hand, these funds serve the needs of thousands of young, at risk Arizona children, who without early intervention, will place a great burden on school and community support systems. This is one decision all voters should study carefully.
As a school superintendent it is not my role to publically recommend specific candidates for elective office. However, it is my role to encourage all of you to "Vote 4 Education" when you go to the November polls. In most cases the candidates have been very clear on their values and beliefs toward education as an investment for the future of Arizona or as an on going expense that receives no consideration in these difficult economic times. Regardless of your choices honor your voice in the process by voting in November.
