Or, they will have to close schools altogether by April 1. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Virtually no one's pressing to close schools, Hurt students for the unvaccinated? Read . Twenty-six Republican lawmakers have asked Ducey to withhold federal funding from and initiate legal action against any district that ignores the ban. A governor who actually pays bonuses to school districts that refuse to enact mask mandates using federal funding intended to fight COVID-19, no less. "That would be an incredible disaster. We need an override by the Legislature, and then we need to fix it for the future.. Cronkite News, the news division of Arizona PBS, is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. The county has provided a form letter school officials can use that says those who are not fully vaccinated or have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days are to quarantine (stay) at home for up to 10 days.. All stories must run in their entirety unless otherwise noted or agreed upon after discussion with AZCIR. Updates for Fall 2022. This is something that shouldnt be an issue, but, unfortunately, the majority in the Legislature has decided to make it an issue.. 2023 Cronkite News. This technical roadblock means without immediate bipartisan legislative action districts across Arizona will have to eliminate 15% or more of their already approved budgeted expenses this spring. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 2023 Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting. Published: 01/12/2022. In June, Arizonas Republican-led Legislature passed a state budget package that included a controversial provision prohibiting school districts from requiring masks. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Districts based their budgets on money the Legislature already approved. We should be spending more now because we have technology, and we should make sure kids know how to use it. Do schools and child care establishments have to report COVID-19 outbreaks to their local health departments? Edwards, who graduated from ASU in 2021, has interned with Phoenix New Times, Phoenix Magazine and Crime and Justice News. John Brown expects to graduate in May 2023 with a bachelors degree in journalism and a minor in political science. Close K-3 school Desert Garden Elementary School off 71st Avenue and Ocotillo Road and repurpose the building into a preschool facility. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Yet here comes Ducey, acting as if he alone is holding the line against some orchestrated plot by the evil teachers union and liberal school boards to close down Arizonas schools. All rights reserved. Yes. State Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, said the amendment was a way to placate Arizonans concerned about high taxes. Superintendent Hoffman explained Flowing Wells and TUSD could lose a combined $63.9 million this school year due to the aggregate expenditure limit during her State of Education address Tuesday. Essigs said the Legislature projected the limit to decrease because of the decline in enrolled students during the 2020-21 school year because of the pandemic, which would lead to a lower spending limit this year, despite students returning to in-person learning. If the state legislature does nothing to lift a constitutionally-mandated spending cap, public schools could be looking at over a billion dollars in spending cuts. Similar Facebook posts were shared in early August 2021 claiming some schools are closing their doors again, such as here, . This limitation excludes charter schools and only applies to district public schools. The measure did not need to be signed by the Governor. "This year, it seems it's turned into a little bit . This year, it seems its turned into a little bit of a political football field going back and forth, said Marisol Garcia, vice president of Arizona Education Association. January 7, 2022. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. A two-thirds majority of the Legislature is needed to override the cap and allow the $1.2 billion to be spent. All rights reserved. Kathy Hoffman stresses threat of budget cuts on AZ schools As a result, school districts cannot legally spend the money the Legislature already approved months ago as part of the state budget. School's out for the rest of the school year, as a result of the pandemic. Matt Zalaznick is a life-long journalist. The formula that calculates school district spending is based on spending from the 1979-80 school year, according to the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. Unvaccinated people were 32times more likely to die from COVID-19 than fully vaccinated people, according to the new Department of Health Services' analysis of data from November. So, districts already have the state-approved money in their bank accounts. In a news release, Ducey, alongside Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman, said the extension of the school closures follows updated guidance from the CDC and the extension of social distancing guidelines until the end of April from the White House. However, not all agree with repealing the spending cap. TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Arizona Superintendent Kathy Hoffman is urging lawmakers to lift the school spending cap as public schools are facing nearly $1.2 billion in budget cuts. Districts will be forced to lay off huge numbers of teachers, resulting in enormous class sizes. Or search for your Arizona school district by name or zip: A L. M Z. Agua Fria Union High School District. School closures and shifts to remote instruction are quickly becoming less common as COVID case rates drop in many states. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. And as state and local officials argue over the ban's merit, COVID-19 continues to spread. In a public letter dated Aug. 11, they contended a resounding message must be delivered to any local government or subdivision of the state considering defying state law that lawlessness will not be tolerated.. Doug Ducey, who for months had emphasized personal responsibility over pandemic-related mandates, signed off. I am tired of legislative leaders playing political games with public schools, educators and students. All material must be attributed and credited prominently, and where appropriate for the material type throughout. USA TODAY. It is adjusted each year to take into account inflation and the number of students who are enrolled. While the education system was strained due to the COVID-19 pandemic and learning shifts, Hoffman said the biggest threat to schools is far from the virus or its complications. The latest Arizona headlines, national news events of the day + sports and weather updates. Arizonas children lost precious years of childhood. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". It does not store any personal data. . Our number one priority will continue to be health and safety, and we will continue to work closely with public health officials to make the best decisions for kids, families, and our school communities.. and last updated 9:42 AM, Feb 09, 2022. During the 2021-2022 school year, public schools were staring at 16% across-the-board cuts, and looking at layoffs and school closings, according to education advocates. The aggregate expenditures of local revenues for all school districts shall not exceed the limitation prescribed in this section. "We are hoping it gets through a little faster this year with the governor pushing, because that way, districts are not hanging in this weird limbo, where they dont know if they are going to stay open or not," said Beth Lewis with Save Our Schools Arizona. Business, finance, policy, compliance, operations. All rights reserved. Superintendent Hoffman is also asking lawmakers to pass a bill that would ultimately repeal the spending cap, avoiding a showdown like this one, again. Politicians are holding our school districts hostage to try to get their way on two things that arent related, Secretary Hobbs said. Its kind of like kicking our kids when theyre already down, isnt it? That might mean cuts to labor forces meaning that our staff and teachers will get cut. By: Sheenae Shannon, AEA Communications Director. Over the years, lawmakers have voted to override it which hasnt happened yet this year. Now, if only he would quit fighting schools that enact policies aimed at staying open. Performance & security by Cloudflare. AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Some are saying, Im not going to approve exceeding the limit until the courts rule that it is unconstitutional., Judge John Hannah of Maricopa County Superior Court declined to rule immediately on the constitutionality of Proposition 208, according to The Arizona Republic. And Arizonas death rate remains one of highest in the nation, thanks in part to a governor who has used his emergency powers to actually prevent cities and school districtsfrom trying to protect public health. We also need to take the next step, to abolish this arbitrary, antiquated policy. Anna Campbell expects to graduate in May 2023 with bachelors degrees in English and journalism and mass communication. The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report. But in 2018, the Legislature extended Proposition 301, without exempting it. The spectacular surge of Omicron cases has left thousands of teachers and students sick, and many others quite logically fear . State Sen. T.J. Shope, a Republican, does not support repealing the cap. Different viruses present similar symptoms, Murder, Money and the End of Days: The Lori Vallow story, Lori Vallow trial: Full-length audio files from inside the courtroom, Phoenix officer assaulted by suspect, police say, Milwaukee woman stabbed sister to death amid feud: complaint, Cars parked at Gilbert daycares become target in latest string of break-ins, Shocking details revealed during 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow's murder trial: Live updates, Barbie debuts Anna May Wong doll for AAPI Heritage Month, Hair from 'Doomsday mom' found on duct tape wrapped around dead son, Here are tips on how to keep safe around water as summer nears, Some districts are considering to arm teachers amid school shooting epidemic, Arizona district installs weapon detection system in schools. School closures and shifts to remote instruction are quickly becoming less common as COVID case rates drop in many states. However, he says he is hopeful that a decision will be made relatively soon. Prop 208 is a voter-approved tax hike on high-earners. Chaos and confusion: Back to school turns ugly as Delta rages Nearly 18 months into the pandemic, there's no consensus on how to keep students and staff safe. They may get sick but for them it is, thank God, more like getting the flu than getting a death sentence. The money would go towards teacher salaries and schools. The State Legislature, under the Arizona State Constitution, has the power to authorize expenditures in excess of the limitation for a single fiscal year. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting, Independent, nonprofit investigative journalism for Arizona. The school spending cap was enacted as part of a wave of proposed laws the Legislature asked voters to approve to limit taxes and government spending. Your IP: including Savanna Elementary School District in California and the Chandler Unified School District in Arizona. Oh sure, COVID-19 is spiking yet again with the highly contagious omicron variant. Prefer to send a check? That puts $638 million of funding a year at risk money that didnt used to count toward the limit but does now. The aggregate expenditure limitation shall be determined by adjusting the total amount of expenditures of local revenues for all school districts for fiscal year 1979-1980 to reflect the changes in student population in the school districts and the cost of living, and multiplying the result by 1.10. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Schools Are Closing Across the Country Amid COVID Omicron Surge - Today Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Aaron Rodgers Mural Removed in Green Bay: WATCH The aggregate expenditure limit, passed by voters in 1980, is an amendment to the Arizona Constitution that sets a spending limit for school districts based on total spending of all districts. The Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting is the states only independent, nonpartisan and collaborative nonprofit newsroom dedicated to statewide, data-driven investigative reporting. Arizona schools to close for the rest of the school year due to coronavirus In partnership with Esri and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we've created the information below to keep you informed of the changes and impact of COVID-19 on school operational plans at the district level. Phase 2, 2022-2023. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Creative Commons. by Maria Polletta and Shaena Montanari, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting August 17, 2021, This article first appeared on Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
. Schools across the country are shutting down again. Sinema, who has not said whether she will seek a second term, still had a formidable $10 million in her bank account at . By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Lana Berry, the chief financial officer of Chandler Unified School District, said schools have the money, they just need the authorization from the Legislature to spend it. Are US Schools Closing Again Due To Rising COVID-19 Cases - Boom Live Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. He said he has sympathy for districts larger than his who face an even greater loss. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Work immediately to pass a clean concurrent resolution, without caveats, that allows school districts to exceed the Aggregate Expenditure Limit. Close your doors for even a day and you will pay. This tracker links to some school districts in the county that have their own dashboards, where they further break down case numbers by school. Robbins announces changes to the future of University of Arizona's medical programs. Another looks to April 2. Basically, wed have to cut two months worth of operation from our budget starting in March. What that means immediately is that educators can lose their jobs starting April 1, programs can be canceled starting April 1, and class sizes can expand starting April 1, Garcia said. Stay up-to-date on the most recent guidance, resources, and professional development offered by the Arizona Department of Education and our partners. Questions? Doug Ducey has put Arizona's public schools on notice. abc15.com staff 8:18 AM, Sep 16 . I think the Democrats are obviously trying to create the impression that were not going to (override the limit) and schools are going to go over the cliff, when in reality, around here, no ones really talking about that, he said. Do we ask our people to work for free for the last few months of the year? said Hector Encinas, the CFO for Sunnyside Schools. Arizona School Calendar 2023. 360 Hiatt Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. Whatever the case, it means even more stress on already stressed-out students, parentsand teachers. TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Arizona public schools face budget cuts of $1.2 billion dollars unless the state Legislature lifts the school spending cap by the end of the month. One of the political issues at play is Proposition 208, which put a 3.5% tax increase on people with incomes over $250,000 for single tax filers or $500,000 for married filers. 2023-2024 calendars are being added as they become available. I'd like to receive updates & guidance about the 2022-2023 School Year. She is working for the Phoenix news bureau. */. The cap only affects district public schools; charter schools did not exist in 1980. MAP: Districts operational status across the U.S. 2023. Huge things have changed since 1979 when the AEL was created. Why are schools closing for COVID again? | The Week Although the money from the proposition will go toward public education, Essigs said not one penny of that money is in this years budget., That money will not start showing up until next year, he said. School Districts Shut Down Classrooms Again - Mackinac Center Investing in education ensures we have a pipeline of qualified workers and innovators. The district provided no in-person classes from March 2020 through the end of the . But we have some legislators who didnt like 208, and theyre still fighting it in court. The spending cap does not affect public charter schools, which educate about 240,000 K-12 students. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. It requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers. PHOENIX - Public schools in Arizona are once again at risk of massive budget cuts and layoffs unless lawmakers vote to lift a constitutional spending cap that has been in place for decades. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. How aggressively will the state enforce the ban? A clear picture of school-based COVID-19 outbreaks has so far proven elusive . "I originally planned to give a different speech today," she said. Pima County tracks cases by school district. So that cash will just sit there, we believe.. Brown has previously interned at MSNBC, NBC 5 Chicago and PBS NewsHour West. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Hoffman stressed the importance of school funding, saying in a written copy of her address, the biggest threat of widespread school closures comes not from the virus, but a school finance relic from 1980, the aggregate expenditure limit.. Look at Mesa Unified School District up in the Phoenix area, theyd have to cut $78 million, or TUSD with $58 million, Marana with about $15 million, Amphi with $14 million, he said. We will continue to work with families, public health experts and school leaders to ensure our kids can stay in the classroom and parents have a choice always.. "If its not addressed in a permanent manner, we are going to be pretty much sealing our feet from now on be at the bottom of the nation in funding," said David Lujan, a former state lawmaker.
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