For immediate release: March 5, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Huge gains made in academic scores at inner-city school used as ADE lab

Horne touts leadership efforts tied to math and reading gains

PHOENIX – A program championed by state schools chief Tom Horne to train teachers and use collaborative leadership efforts to raise student achievement showed remarkable gains in academic scores at the Wilson Elementary School near downtown Phoenix.

The ADE-Wilson Partnership Project involved 5th grade classes for the entire 2023-24 school year. Educator and leadership coaches from the Arizona Department of Education worked with teachers and district personnel to implement rigorous classroom instruction and management techniques. The results show that students’ reading scores reading grew by six percent and math scores shot up 25 percent.

Horne said, “The results of this partnership are outstanding and prove that students in low-income areas are just as capable of academic excellence as students in wealthy communities. Family income has no bearing on academic ability.”

He added, “There was an impressive 25 percent gain in math scores. This demonstrates that using effective coaching and training methods rewards students with academic success. Every time my department has worked in partnership with schools to improve academics, we have seen gains. That is true for this partnership just as it is true for Project Momentum, school improvement teams and tutoring programs. I want to commend the teachers, staff and leadership at the Wilson school and the district for their excellent performance. The students were challenged to work very hard, and they deserve praise for their achievements.”

The partnership concentrating on the 5th grade cohort began in June of 2023 and lasted through September of 2024. It also included mentoring from ADE professional learning specialists in between sessions. Since then, the entire school has transitioned to Project Momentum, a department-led program that uses the same techniques to increase academic achievement.

The success of the Wilson project also led to the department creating low-cost training academies for teachers, leaders, and instructional coaches. Training for any public school statewide is available through the department.

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For immediate release: March 4, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne statement on Primavera Online School charter being revoked

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne issued the following statement after the State Board for Charter Schools served a notice of intent to revoke the charter for American Virtual Academy, which does business as Primavera Online School.

Horne stated, “My first priority for all public schools is academic success. It is important that charters and district schools alike are held accountable for the quality of education they provide. The Board’s action demonstrates that these are not just words, but actions. Primavera is being held accountable and losing its ability to operate because of poor academic results.”

Horne is a member of the board and his designee, Wendy Miller, voted for revocation.

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For immediate release: February 24, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne calls for “radical efforts” to combat disastrous absenteeism problem

Independent report spotlights “extraordinary” rate

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne says the disastrous rate of chronic absences among public school students requires “radical efforts” on the part of local schools to tackle the problem.

Polices regarding absences are set at the local district and charter level and Horne is urging schools to adopt measures that call for nine unexcused absences resulting in a student failing a course and five tardies counting as an absence.

He stated, “The idea that a third of our students are missing 18 days of school or more is a real catastrophe and an emergency for our state. We need radical efforts to solve this problem. We have to create a motivation for parents to be sure their children go to school. Parents don’t want their kids to fail courses or to miss out on graduating on time, and if schools would adopt those kinds of polices, we would see the parents motivated and a radical drop in absenteeism. As a result of that we would see better academic results.”

Horne’s comments followed a presentation by the Phoenix-based Helios Foundation at the State Board of Education meeting today. Data provided by Helios shows that the rates of chronic absences skyrocketed across nearly every grade level in the 2022-23 school year compared to levels prior to the pandemic. The data show absenteeism rates for all grade levels of approximately nine percent during the 2019-20 school year compared to 30 percent from the 2022-23 school year.

He added, “90 percent of my time and energy and that of the department is geared toward students getting better academic results and raising proficiency rates. You can’t do that for kids who don’t show up in school; you can’t teach a student who is not there.”

Arizona defines chronic absence as missing 10 percent or more of the school year for any reason while enrolled at a given school. This results in 18 days missed in a typical 180-day school year assuming a student does not change schools.

A copy of the Helios report is attached.

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For immediate release: February 18, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne praises federal government for opposition to DEI programs

Joins fight Horne began in 2007

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne is praising a letter sent by the U.S. Department of Education to educators nationwide warning that DEI racial discrimination by educational institutions imperils federal funding and constitutes civil rights violations.

Horne said, “I am glad the world is catching up to me. In 2007, I opposed the Ethnic Studies program in the Tucson district because it was based on racial discrimination using Critical Race Theory. In recent years, the use of CRT and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs have embedded discriminatory practices and attitudes among our school children. This is unacceptable. We are all individuals, entitled to be judged by what we know, what we can do and our character, not the color of our skin, but CRT and DEI programs promote racial division, which has no place in society, including the classroom.”

He added, “Since taking office in 2023, I have required that grant and contract recipients getting money from this department affirm that they do not use DEI. I also require every public school to publicly attest on their school report card whether or not they respect all students as individuals, avoiding concepts like Critical Race Theory and protect instructional time from excessive distractions labeled as Social Emotional Learning. I also reiterated my opposition to these divisive practices in my most recent State of Education speech where I drew a conclusion between people like me who value the American tradition of individual merit and those who would substitute racial entitlements. I stated, ‘…the focus on racial entitlements does nothing to encourage hard work, conscientiousness, or creativity. If our country adopts that philosophy, we will become a mediocre third world nation.’ I am grateful that the federal government is now committed to fighting this discriminatory phenomenon.”

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For immediate release: February 6, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Heroic Tucson PD School Safety Officer honored by Supt. Horne

Officer prevented tragedy last month at east side school

TUCSON – A heroic effort by School Safety Officer William Bonanno of the Tucson Police Department to protect children from an armed intruder at an east side school last month was recognized by state schools chief Tom Horne today.

Horne presented Bonanno with a certificate of commendation and noted that his actions at the Legacy Charter School, in which he confronted and arrested an armed intruder, saved lives. Bonanno had been recently assigned to the school because in December, Supt. Horne released $48 million in added school safety funds that had not been fully utilized. Legacy Charter was among the first schools to apply for and receive funding to hire a School Safety Officer.

Horne said, “Officer Bonanno prevented the nightmare I have often talked about. 20 students and additional adults would have lost their lives, and the student’s parents would have had their lives ruined by uncontrollable grief. I know about this because I have lost a child. Those who have been opposing police in the schools need to rethink this issue. Think of the unimaginable tragedy that would have occurred if that School Safety Officer had not been there, or if he had been hired a little later.”

School Safety Officers are law enforcement officers assigned to schools that do not have a dedicated School Resource Officer. Several such officers are used to ensure full-time coverage of a school during the week. In 2023, the department began a public-private partnership with Off Duty Management, a company that assists in the placement of officers from multiple police jurisdictions statewide. Officer Bonanno was placed at the school under this partnership.

Brian Manley, President of Off Duty Management said, “The Off Duty Management Team is grateful that Officer Bonanno’s immediate action protected the lives and wellbeing of the children, school staff, and others present at the school that day. Without Officer Bonanno’s commitment to service, the excellence of Tucson Police Department under Chief Kasmar’s leadership, and the vision of Superintendent Tom Horne and Director Mike Kurtenbach of the Arizona Department of Education in putting this program and our partnership in place, this event would likely have ended in tragedy.”

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For immediate release: February 4, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne urges passage of bill to get harmful junk food out of schools

Lawmakers considering measure to address health problems

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne is throwing his support behind a bill that stops schools from providing harmful foods on campus amid growing concerns about ingredients that potentially cause significant health risks for children.

Horne was joined by state lawmakers Rep. Leo Biasiucci, Education Committee Chairman Rep. Matt Gress and Sen. Janae Shamp, a Registered Nurse. Also voicing their support are Chris Chavez, the Turning Point USA Action Director of Coalitions, Diana Diaz Harrison of Arizona Autism Schools, Julie Hinman, Owner, SOAL Wellness, U.S. military veteran Brian Sikma, and actor / health food advocate Rob Schneider.

Rep. Biasiucci is sponsoring HB 2164, a bill that would prohibit public schools from serving or selling food containing ingredients shown in scientific studies to be harmful, such as potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, yellow dyes 5 and 6, blue dyes 1 and 2, red dyes 3 and 40 and green dye 3.

Horne said, “The time has come to eliminate harmful foods from public schools and vending machines. Synthetic food dyes are associated with behavioral issues which then affect a child's ability to perform academically and engage socially.

He added, “There are approximately 10,000 ingredients approved for use in the U.S. versus about 400 in Europe, and these issues need to be addressed. Replacing foods that contain these ingredients and synthetic dye with those that are minimally processed is achievable. Manufacturers have already worked over the past few years to remove trans-fat and reduce sodium to meet USDA requirements. ADE also administers the ‘Try it Local’ program which provides additional reimbursement to school nutrition program operators who purchase locally grown, minimally processed foods.

He concluded, “This is a familiar crusade for me. In 2006, I was successful in getting sugared sodas out of schools, and I am just as enthusiastic about seeing this effort succeed. I urge passage of this bill, and the governor should sign it.”

Rep. Biasiucci noted, “Our kids deserve better than artificial dyes and cheap fillers in their lunches. If we’re providing meals at school, they should be real, nutritious food—not the kind of processed junk that’s banned in other countries. This bill puts the health of Arizona’s children first, plain and simple.”

Sen. Janae Shamp added, “What we feed our kids matters. Schools shouldn’t be serving ultra-processed, chemically engineered, junk food. I’m proud to back HB2164 because Arizona’s children deserve better. And this is just the beginning—I’m excited to launch the Make America Healthy Caucus with Rep. Biasiucci to start making real change. Let’s Make Arizona Healthy Again!”

Chris Chavez of Turning Point USA noted, “Turning Point Action's Healthy Americans Coalition unites parents and other concerned citizens to improve their communities’ health. Yet, Arizona’s students are being fed harmful, chemical-laden foods, fueling obesity and diabetes. The Arizona Healthy Schools Act offers them a chance at a healthier future.”

Actor and health food advocate Rob Schneider explained, “The needs of the most precious members of our community, our children, must come first. We can no longer allow school lunches to be junk foods filled with toxic chemicals, unhealthy additives, dyes and preservatives. Our kids deserve better! I look forward to working with Representative Leo Biasiucci and the wonderful Chef’s in Arizona to bring healthy organic real food to our state school’s lunch programs!”

Diana Diaz-Harrison, Founder & Executive Director, Arizona Autism Charter Schools said, “As the founder of Arizona Autism Charter Schools, I have witnessed firsthand how ultra-processed foods impact children’s behavior, attention span, and overall health—including co-occurring conditions like gut issues and seizures. Our schools' anecdotal data aligns with national data showing that at least 40% of students make significant gains simply by improving their diets and eliminating these foods. I’m also an autism mom, and I’ve experienced this transformation personally. By removing ultra-processed foods from my son’s diet, we’ve minimized his seizures, improved his health, and helped him become more engaged in school. Eliminating ultra-processed foods from school lunches is a critical step toward giving all children the best chance to thrive.”

U.S. military veteran Brian Sikma added, “Health and fitness are matters of national security. Too many young Americans are ineligible for public service in our nation’s military as a result of medical issues ranging from obesity to mental health. Better, healthier food choices will enable our next generation to pursue their dreams, secure our nation, and continue to write the next great chapter of the American story.”

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For immediate release: January 31, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne: Teacher pay funds headed to Isaac district today

Applauds teachers, Treasurer Allen

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has announced that sufficient funding to cover payroll for teachers in the Isaac Elementary School District has been sent from the Maricopa County Treasurer to the district today.

Horne said, “The crisis in the Isaac district is over and the teachers are getting paid. I want to applaud them for their patience and heroism in continuing to do their jobs this week. I also want to thank County Treasurer John Allen for his statesmanship.”

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For immediate release: January 29, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne statement on federal grants pause

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has issued the following statement regarding the federal grants pause that was announced today by the Trump Administration.

In a letter that went out to all federal agencies, the Office of Management and Budget called for a two-week pause on all federal grants so that political staff at each agency could ensure that the programs are consistent with administration priorities and bans on requirements for diversity, equity, and inclusion and the pause on foreign aid.

Horne stated, “We have received notice from the U.S. Department of Education indicating that this pause does not affect funding for Title I economically disadvantaged schools, special education funding or other formula grants. Nevertheless, because there are many details yet to be clarified, as a contingency I have directed this department to draw down the funds needed during the two-week period covered by the federal pause. Like all state education agencies throughout the country, we are expecting further details from the federal government on the implications of this pause so we can respond accordingly.”

He added, “This pause does not affect the $6 million to be allocated to the Isaac Elementary District. Our department is already processing those funds.”

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For immediate release: January 27, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Isaac district update: Horne calls on legislature to pass emergency bill requiring Maricopa County to pass through dollars for payroll

Remarks made at end of State Board meeting today

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne is urging the legislature to pass an emergency bill to ensure employees of the financially troubled Isaac Elementary School District get paid this week.

Horne made an updated statement to the State Board of Education regarding the release of approximately $6 million in previously reverted Covid relief funds earmarked for the district.

As part of his update Horne noted that since the federal funds were just released today and must be processed, it is not sufficient time to process for tomorrow’s district payroll. In any case, the County has so far declined to commit to making payroll payments. Horne is urging state lawmakers to act immediately to pass emergency legislation to instruct the County to use advanced payments of basic state aid for payroll purposes.

Horne stated, “The release of the federal dollars won’t come in time to make tomorrow’s payroll, but the legislature is meeting to come up with an emergency bill. That bill would instruct the County to advance basic state aid funds and use them for salaries. The County has indicated they will use any funds to pay off debts and not for salaries, which means the whole district would collapse and 5,000 students would not get the education to which they are entitled. If the legislature orders the County to pay salaries, they will have to. If that does pass on an emergency basis, we will immediately send an advance on our basic state aid to the County to pay payroll.”

He added, “In the long run, the situation is good because they have a lot of property and buildings that they can sell, so we just need to get through this emergency. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the legislation would pass, and the Governor will sign it today.”

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For immediate release: January 27, 2025
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne: Emergency still exists, announces federal dollars freed up to assist Isaac district

Funding buys time for lawmakers to consider more options

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne says the U.S. Department of Education has released previously-reverted Covid relief funds earmarked for the Isaac Elementary School District, making approximately $6 million available to the financially-troubled district, though he cautions that Maricopa County and state lawmakers must continue to work on solving the district’s long-term financial issues. He adds the county should ensure these funds are disbursed as soon as possible since they were originally allocated to that district.

Horne stated, “I am very pleased that the U.S. Department of Education has honored the request made several weeks ago by my department to release federal Covid relief funds that the Isaac district had previously reverted to the federal government. Once the county disburses this money, the district will be able to make use of approximately $6 million dollars, which will grant them more time to work out the significant financial issues they face.”

Horne also noted, “As good as this news is, there is much more to be done. I urge the state legislature to continue working on other solutions that will help the district climb out of this financial situation. Also, the district has properties that can be sold which means any advance on funds by Maricopa County can eventually be repaid.”

Processing the federal money will take several days after which time the department will submit the funds to Maricopa County authorities, as proscribed by state law, for disbursement to the Isaac district.

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