Result of efforts of STOP-IT Task Force, partnership with state agencies

PHOENIX – Flanked by representatives from multiple state agencies and members of department’s task force who worked to procure lifesaving Narcan for Arizona schools, state Superintendent Tom Horne today announced more than 16,000 Narcan kits are now available for distribution to school campuses.

Superintendent Horne formed the School Training Overdose Preparedness and Intelligence Taskforce, (STOPIT) in May and it includes representatives from schools, health care, law enforcement and representatives from other state agencies tasked with addressing this growing problem. 

Horne stated, “Lives will be saved because these kits will be in schools throughout Arizona. The STOP-IT Task Force has done incredible work to address the Fentanyl crisis among school-aged children and this is a major step to protecting the lives of students and raising awareness of this terrible scourge.”

The Arizona Department of Health Services procured the Narcan kits at no cost to the state. Staff from the Arizona Department of Education, supported by members of the Arizona National Guard, will deliver the kits to schools, and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is providing training on using the kits.

Horne added, “I want to thank the Department of Health Service, AHCCCS, the Arizona National Guard, and my staff for their efforts to get Narcan to schools throughout the state and train people on its use. I also want to thank the co-chairman of the STOP-IT Task Force, Dr. Holly Geyer, for her tireless commitment to this process. And to every member of the Task Force, thank you as well for your service to doing this meaningful and lifesaving work.”

STOP-IT Co-Chairman Dr. Holly Geyer, Addiction Medicine Specialist at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale said, “The STOP-IT naloxone distribution initiative could not have materialized without the unprecedented collaboration between the Department of Education, the Department of Health, AHCCCS and the National Guard.  The representatives appointed through these agencies proved themselves strategic problem solvers who prioritized the mission and produced outcomes that far exceeded the taskforce’s original targets.  Because of their resolve, we are proud to offer schools more than just naloxone. We can offer confidence in the safety of our school campuses and parental peace of mind.”

Maj. Gen. Kerry Muehlenbeck, Director, Department of Emergency and Military Affairs stated, “The Drug Demand Reduction Outreach team’s logistical support is just one part in a community effort. Reducing drug demand also means tackling drug overdose incidents. Through this multi-agency initiative, we build stronger communities and support wellness in our future generations.”

Kate Dobler, state opioid treatment authority said, "Providing Naloxone in schools is a critical step in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and communities. By bringing together agencies to distribute the initial 16,200 Naloxone kits, we have laid the foundation for an ongoing partnership between the Department of Education and AHCCCS. This collaboration will support the continual replenishment of Naloxone kits, ensuring that our schools remain equipped to handle opioid emergencies. Our collective efforts underscore the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding our youth and fostering a safe educational environment."

Initial orders of Narcan will be distributed to schools in each of Arizona’s 15 counties this week. Each school order includes flyers on training resources, information on county health agency partners, an announcement of the upcoming comprehensive STOP-IT Toolkit release, and a QR code that will take the user to real-time training on Naloxone Resources provided by AHCCCS.

District supports Black Lives Matters and other political signage on campus

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne says the Osborn school district in central Phoenix is allowing race and gender politics to distract from academics by displaying signage promoting Black Lives Matter and other politically-charged causes on school grounds.

Horne said, “As Superintendent of Public Instruction my primary focus is helping schools increase academic outcomes, and the Osborn school district is not doing well academically, in part because of needless and provocative distractions.”

He added, “We received a notification on the department’s Empower Hotline from a member of the Osborn community, who is offended by what is going on at that school district. This person sent pictures of a classroom wall that instead of posting academic materials had a big Black Lives Matter poster. They also sent a picture of stickers given to the students with the Osborn logo, surrounded by the colors associated with gender politics. The district provides magnets to attach this to cars, and stickers to students and staff, according to the notification we received on the hotline. There are no posters of brown lives matter, blue lives matter. Where does one stop when one goes down this path?”

Horne cites test scores comparing Osborn to the demographically similar Avondale Elementary district. Avondale has a higher poverty rate based on the number of children getting free and reduced lunches, yet Avondale does significantly higher in academics. 81 percent of Osborn students are not proficient in math, compared to 67 percent in Avondale. In reading, 76 percent of Osborn students are not proficient, while that figure for Avondale is 63 percent.

Horne said, “If districts eliminate the time spent on race and gender politics they will have more time for academics. This will produce higher test scores. I spoke to the Osborn superintendent about this. He said what I was complaining about was designed to make all students feel welcome. The way to do that properly is to teach students to treat each other as individuals without regard to race, sexual orientation, sexual identity, or any such characteristic. It is not to promote identity politics in our public schools. He responded that we would have to agree to disagree.”

He added, “Arizona is a local control state. I do not have authority to order this to stop. We must rely on the parents and taxpayers in the Osborn school district to bring proper values and focus on academics to that school district. I urge them to do this as I do parents throughout Arizona who may observe this kind of needless distraction being promoted by schools.”

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Horne concluded, “I have been a passionate supporter of civil rights since childhood. I attended the march on Washington in 1963 in which Martin Luther King gave his famous speech arguing that we should be judged by the content of our character and not the color of our skin. That has been my philosophy my whole life. Race and gender politics in schools are contrary to this philosophy which should be taught to all students.”

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Education has sent a letter to the State Auditor General updating that agency on measures the Department took in 2023 to implement key internal controls over Empowerment Scholarship Account program functions and processes.

The ADE letter addresses two concerns that arose in 2023, and that were immediately addressed publicly.

A copy of the letter is attached.

For immediate release: October 16, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne announces extension of free services through Achievement Tutoring program

Tutoring available through at least end of current school year

PHOENIX – The highly successful Achievement Tutoring Program initiated last year by Superintendent Tom Horne is being extended through the end of the 2024-25 school year, allowing more students to take advantage of this free program that has resulted in academic gains for students throughout Arizona.

Horne said, “Studies show tutoring to be the best method for academic growth. A year ago, I announced that we would repurpose about $40 million in COVID relief funds that had been allocated by the previous administration, and were not being used for academic purposes, to create the Achievement Tutoring Program. The results have been excellent as students who get this tutoring have shown significant academic growth. Because we have received an extension that allows remaining funds to continue to be used, this program will continue through at least the end of the current school year.”

The Achievement Tutoring Program is designed to provide reading, writing, and mathematics tutoring for students in grades K-12. Since the program was begun, it has served over 30,400 students through seven sessions. Beginning with a pilot in November 2023, session enrollments have grown from 4,200 students to over 6,800 students. The latest session is accepting enrollments through October.

Academically, 22 percent of the students experienced at least a half-year’s worth of academic growth in six weeks, which is excellent progress in a short period of time.

Because of federal rules on the extension of Covid relief (ESSER) funds, this is no longer available through public schools but can be accessed through private providers through the Department of Education.

During the past year, the department has been contacted by numerous parents praising the Achievement Tutoring Program.

One parent, Colleen, wrote to say, “I am incredibly grateful for the services and support provided by the program. I am confident that all three of my children will have increased confidence and improved report cards in the fall.”

Heather wrote, “As a single mom raising six young men, I could never afford to get tutoring like this to help them get caught up and build the confidence they need to have in life.”

From Jennifer, “The Achievement Tutoring program has helped tremendously to fill in the gaps in (my child’s) learning loss… He has improved immensely!”

Alexandra said, “My son has grown so much in reading… He finally has the confidence in reading that he has lacked for so long! I was so proud I actually cried.”

Catherine wrote, “My daughter had been struggling, but is now much more confident in her math skills… I truly hope the ATP program will continue, as it’s changing lives and helping so many. Especially some of us with limited financial resources.”

For more information: /achievement-tutoring

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For immediate release: October 3, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne announces new, streamlined online educator certification system

Latest service enhancement for educators

PHOENIX - The Arizona Department of Education has launched its new innovative online certification system that increases efficiency and accessibility for educators seeking certification in the state.

State school Superintendent Tom Horne said, “The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization, and I am dedicated to cutting red tape and eliminating barriers to those who want to become educators. Streamlining the certification process with this online system makes it easier for current educators and those who are just entering the profession to get all the documents they need to thrive in their work.”

The new online certification system went live on Monday, and it represents a significant advancement in the way certification applications are processed and managed. Initial reports from users say the system is easier to use and faster than the one it replaced. It provides educators with a seamless and intuitive method to submit applications, track progress, and receive real-time updates.

Key Features of the online certification system include:

• Simplified Application Process: Educators can now complete all certification applications entirely online, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork and manual submissions. The intuitive interface guides applicants through each step of the process, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

• Real-Time Application Tracking: With the new system, applicants can track the status of their certification applications in real-time. From submission to approval, educators have full visibility into the progress of their applications, reducing uncertainty and providing peace of mind.

• Automated Notifications: The online certification system will send automated notifications to applicants at key milestones throughout the certification process. Whether it's confirming application submission, requesting additional documentation, or notifying of approval, educators stay informed every step of the way.

• Enhanced Customer Support: A dedicated support team is available to assist educators with any questions or issues they may encounter while using the online certification system. From technical assistance to guidance on application requirements, support services ensure a smooth and seamless experience for all users.

The online certification system is now live and available for educators to use. All users must have an ADE Connect account. If they have previously logged into the online application system, they have an ADE account, and the username and password will not change.  ADE Self Registration Link: https://adeconnect.azed.gov/Account/SelfRegistration/General 

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For immediate release: September 27, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
 

U.S. Department of Education grants waiver for return of $29 million in federal funds

Department to begin reallocation process

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of schools Tom Horne has announced the U.S. Department of Education has granted a waiver that will return $29 million in federal Title I school improvement funds to the state.

The department is currently analyzing the details of the waiver and will go through the process to ensure all funds are distributed to schools and allocated effectively.

Horne stated, “I am grateful to the Arizona Department of Education staff who worked long hours to ensure this process was completed and that schools get all the funding they deserve.”

A copy of the letter is attached.

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Another $15 million available

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne says more funding for armed officers on school campuses is on the way as the Department of Education has identified $15 million in carryover dollars that can be used to pay for additional officers through the School Safety Program.

Under the state’s school safety law, funds that are not expended for officers can also be used for added school counselors and social workers.

Horne said, “One of my biggest fears is that an armed maniac gets on a school campus and causes a devastating tragedy to happen. There has been a notable increase in threats to campuses in Arizona and nationwide, and that makes it more important than ever to do all we can to provide armed officers at schools. I am pleased that our department has identified $15 million in state school safety carryover funds that will be made available as soon as possible.”

The department has asked the state Department of Administration to waive a portion of state law that requires at least six weeks of public notice for grant application requests. Approval of that waiver will allow the Department of Education to expedite the grant process so that schools may apply for an officer beginning on October 21 with awards being granted through the State Board of Education in December, allowing schools to have officers on campus by this coming January.

In a Situational Awareness Bulletin issued this week, the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center reported that it has received 177 school threats from January 1, 2024, to September 3, 2024. From September 4, 2024, to September 24, 2024, the ACTIC has received over 130 school threats. Of those reports, 88 have been shooting threats or weapons in school, 8 have been bomb threats, and 8 have been classified as general threats. The remaining threats have been identified as duplicates or generic threats unrelated to a specific Arizona school.

Investigations have led to at least nine arrests in the last three weeks. Nine threats are currently under investigation, and 38 have been closed, deemed non-credible.

Horne concluded, “These numbers are distressing and show that we absolutely must do everything possible to protect students, educators and staff on school campuses. This added funding is vital to accomplishing that goal.”

For immediate release: September 24, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne statement on Goldwater Institute lawsuit over ESA curricula

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has issued the following statement in support of the lawsuit filed today by the Goldwater Institute on Empowerment Scholarship Account curricula approval requests.

Horne stated, “The Department of Education concedes the argument of the Goldwater Institute. When this issue first arose in July, my concern was that the Attorney General could force Empowerment Scholarship Account holders to return funds if they did not comply with her office’s interpretation of the law. This lawsuit will settle the issue in court and my sincere hope is that the arguments made by Goldwater will prevail.”

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For immediate release: September 5, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne expands statewide school safety partnership

Off Duty Management efforts equal more officers

PHOENIX - State schools superintendent Tom Horne has extended the Department of Education’s agreement with Off Duty Management through 2026 at multiple schools in six counties as part of Horne’s goal to make sure students, educators and staff are protected by armed and uniformed School Safety Officers.

Last October, Horne announced the partnership with Off Duty Management to facilitate the placement of armed, uniformed police officers in school campus officer positions despite an ongoing shortage of police officers in many communities.

Sixty districts or charters in Maricopa County will benefit from this program. Schools in Apache, Cochise, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai counties will also receive added staffing.

Horne stated, “The safety of school campuses is a priority for my administration. If some armed maniac should try to invade a school, the most effective response is to have well-trained armed law enforcement officers to protect everyone on campus. Our partnership with Off Duty Management is a vital part of ensuring safety. It is proving to be a successful, effective public-private partnership and the first of its kind in the nation.”

Mike Kurtenbach, Arizona Department of Education’s Director of School Safety, added, “This agreement with Off Duty Management is a complement to the School Resource Officer program and illustrates how police officers who work as School Safety Officers also are trusted role models for students, which brings a sense of safety to the school campus.”

Off Duty Management was founded by former law enforcement officers designed to support law enforcement initiatives. The company works directly with local law enforcement agencies and school districts to fill vacant School Safety Officer positions. Off Duty Management’s OfficerTRAK® software and mobile app make it easy for officers to schedule an off-duty job opportunity as a School Safety Officer at various schools in participating Arizona school districts.

Kurtenbach added, “By working with law enforcement agencies utilizing the Off Duty Management solution, an off-duty officer from one jurisdiction can elect to work in a school within the jurisdiction of another law enforcement agency. With this innovation, an officer can be provided to a school even if the community where that school is located has a shortage of its own officers. Cross-jurisdictional sharing of resources makes perfect sense to use this strategy to protect children and others in schools. More than 700 officers are trained and eligible for School Safety Officer assignments.”

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For immediate release: September 3, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
 

Horne warns of crisis in attracting and retaining classroom teachers

Administrative support, discipline and pay are top issues

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne has released a teacher retention survey that shows alarming numbers pointing to a crisis in the teaching profession.

A survey of nearly 1,000 teachers who left the profession after 2023 shows large numbers of educators left because of lack of administrative support for classroom discipline and a desire for better pay. Teachers are leaving the profession within the first few years of teaching at an alarming rate, and there are more teachers leaving than are coming into the classroom. If this were to continue, we would ultimately end up with no teachers.

Horne said, “This is a crisis, and it needs to be addressed immediately. In the most recent legislative session, I urged the passage of a bill that would require school leaders to support classroom teachers in discipline matters. Sadly, it did not get passed by the legislature and the crisis will not only persist but will just get worse.”

He continued, “I have also consistently advocated for higher teacher pay, and yet legislative efforts have been rebuffed because of political disputes that do nothing to help improve the salaries of teachers.”

Horne concluded. “In short, just about any classroom teacher can tell you what they need to thrive as educators and lead students to academic excellence. Better pay and robust support from administrators on discipline are vital.”

The department surveyed a final total of 945 teachers statewide. About 67 percent cited low pay. Nearly 64 percent agreed or strongly agreed that they left teaching because of student behavior and discipline problems. Almost 47 percent said they were dissatisfied with their administration and just over 45 percent were unhappy with working conditions.

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