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Prop 123
Arizona consistently ranks near last in K-12 education. During the Great Recession, the state legislature continued to make cuts to schools. The courts have ruled the state owes the schools money. On May 17, voters will be asked to consider one funding option. This series takes a look at Prop 123.
Dan Hunting of Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy goes into further details on Prop 123.
Until voters decide the fate of Proposition 123 on May 17, many Valley school districts are trying to plan for both scenarios-– one if it passes, another if it doesn't. And they’re miles apart.
Some went to four day school weeks, others are looking at a budget shortfall even with extra Prop 123 dollars.
San Fernando Elementary School in tiny Sasabe, Arizona on the Mexico border serves just 19 students this year.
Arizona teachers are paid less than their counterparts in neighboring states. That makes holding on to good teachers difficult, especially when that difference is only a quick drive away.
Before he was principal of Peoria Elementary School, C.J. Smith spent more than two decades as an educator in Washington state.
For many students, attending a four-year college immediately after high school is considered the best pathway to success, but a growing number of educators and business leaders are promoting another option-- career and technical education
Each year Arizona certifies about 3,00 to 4,000 teachers. But that’s still not quite enough to fill all of the teaching jobs that remain vacant in the state. To cope with the problem, a few schools in Arizona are looking beyond state and even country borders to find the teachers they need.
Dan Hunting of Arizona State University’s Morrison Institute for Public Policy explains the basics of Prop 123.
