Page 8 - AASBO Winter 2018.indd

LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP

BY DON HARRIS
Democrats, Republicans Urge School O cials

to Lobby for Funding at State Capitol

Lawmakers from both
sides of the aisle turned
the tables on school
officials and did a little
lobbying of their own at
the Legislative Workshop
sponsored by the
Arizona School Boards
Association along with
Arizona Association of
School Business O cials
and Arizona School
Administrators. Arizona legislators seated at table for Legislative Workshop, from left: Sen. David Bradley, D-Tucson; Sen. Kate Brophy McGee,
The six legislators – R-Phoenix; Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale; Rep. Reginald Bolding, D-Laveen; Rep. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek; and Rep.
four Democrats and two Lela Alston, D-Phoenix. Standing at left is moderator, Dennis Welch, political reporter for KTVK, Channel 3. Photo courtesy of
Arizona School Boards Association.
Republicans – urged
members of the three education organizations to stay united as they Quezada, a member of the Pendergast Elementary School District
attempt to in uence policymakers on the nancial needs of public Governing Board since 2010, noted that teachers are leaving the
schools. e panel consisted of Sen. David Bradley, D-Tucson; Sen. profession. “Salary is the issue,” he said, even though they say they
Kate Brophy McGee, R-Phoenix; Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale; love teaching, they love the district and they love the kids. “ ey say
Rep. Reginald Bolding, D-Laveen; Rep. Heather Carter, R-Cave they can’t a ord to be a teacher anymore,” Quezada said. “ e only
Creek; and Rep. Lela Alston, D-Phoenix. way to stop the exodus is more resources.”
e panel discussion, which proved to be the highlight of the Compensation for teachers is the number one issue at the Capitol.
November 17 workshop, was moderated by Dennis Welch, political Quezada asked who should be blamed for the impasse. en he
reporter for KTVK, Channel 3. answered his own question. “Us,” he said, indicating the Legislature
Bradley said he sees no commitment at the Legislature for more is to blame.
resources for schools. He indicated that a change in those elected Bolding agreed that teachers are frustrated, but he said it’s
to the House and Senate would have to come before the negative unrealistic to focus solely on salaries. ere is a need for capital
funding mentality changes. “Your voices have to be consistent and projects, including books and technology-related improvements, he
constant,” he told his receptive audience. “You can’t let up on the said. He recommended looking beyond Proposition 301, the six-
need for more revenue. We need your help.” tenth of a cent sales tax that voters approved for education nearly 20
He noted that Gov. Doug Ducey and the Republican leadership years ago. at program is due to expire in mid-2021. Bolding said
in the Legislature are opposed to tax increases. “ e problem is extending or increasing Prop. 301 “won’t save the day.”
acute,” Bradley said. Carter recalled having participated in previous Legislative
Brophy McGee, who was a member of the Washington Workshops, and said, “It’s like Groundhog Day – the same thing
Elementary School District board for nearly 10 years, seemed over and over.” She noted that a lot of people have moved to Arizona
frustrated by the Legislature’s reluctance to fund schools properly, since Prop. 301 was approved and don’t know what it is.
saying, “ e more things change the more they are the same.” “Don’t assume 301, even the restoration of 301, is a slam dunk,”
She said school districts need a funding source that is predictable she said, urging school o cials to educate newcomers about the
so they can plan, particularly with regard to teachers’ salaries. In a bene t of Prop. 301, which generates more than $640 million a year,
salute to all school employees, Brophy McGee said professionals in with about $500 million going to K-12 education.
the classroom are doing amazing things, but that “it takes a whole Carter recommended expanding the de nition of who a teacher
team that makes it possible for students to learn.” is to include nurses, counselors, and reading specialists – everyone
She echoed Bradley’s comment: “We need more resources.” involved in the delivery of education to the students. “It’s not just the
Welch asked where the state can get additional resources. Brophy person in front of the classroom,” she said.
McGee said a tax increase is the least likely option. A reallocation of
existing funds might be possible, she said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

8 THE EDGE WINTER 2018
THE EDGE |