As Arizona’s economy goes, so goes support for education. And as the quality of education goes — over the long term — so goes the economy.
Nothing about our current budget situation is easy, quick or simple. We need action that will stabilize and expand Arizona’s economy for our families and businesses so that we can afford to be serious about investing in what is working well in education.
I know that Doug Ducey has the skills and vision to lead us as governor toward a stronger economy that can support our families and schools, and I know from working with Doug on these issues that he will insist on investing in what makes a difference. That is never easy.
It is always tempting to gauge support for education in shortsighted promises to add money. And make no mistake: I believe that significant additional resources are needed for our teachers and our schools, especially those serving our most challenged students. Doug understands that Arizona needs targeted investment in what we know produces measurable outcomes and policies that incentivize the expansion of exceptional schools, not indiscriminate funding increases.
Doug Ducey has what I like to call a “no excuses” approach to education reform, which I believe is fueled by his time on the board of Teach for America.
