Page 12 - AASBO EDGE BTS 2023

A MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR

BY DON HARRIS Governor Katie Hobbs
Governor Hobbs Praises AASBO and Its Members

Governor Katie Hobbs had high praise for AASBO family. That starts with making sure that Arizona
and its members, citing ongoing efforts that she children are receiving a high quality education.
said have benefited millions of Arizona students. Working together, we will build that bright future
for the next generation of Arizonans.”
In a video message presented at the closing session
of AASBO’s 70th Conference and Exposition in She recalled signing a strongly supported bipartisan
Tucson, Hobbs apologized for not being able to state budget in May, adding that it isn’t perfect but
attend the conference in person, but said she was “it has some big wins.” She mentioned a few, with
honored to send a message. She began by thanking public schools one of the biggest winners.
AASBO members “for all you do for Arizona
students.” “We took a step toward making housing
more affordable, building more infrastructure,
“AASBO’s long history of providing expanding children’s health insurance eligibility
for Kids Care, and yes, investing over 600 million
support and professional development dollars in K-12 public education,” Hobbs said. “As
opportunities for individuals in the part of our budget, public schools will receive

an additional 300 million dollars in funding
field of school business management this year for employee stipends, capital projects,
has benefited millions of Arizona professional development, IT modernization, and

children.” more. Another 368 million dollars was added
to support building renewal, maintenance and
~Governor Katie Hobbs new school construction. And we were able to

override the average expenditure limit for next
As a strong supporter of public education, Hobbs year, providing certainty for schools, parents and
said, “One of my top priorities as governor is students, and avoiding the fight next spring.”
rebuilding and reinvesting in Arizona schools.
AASBO’s long history of providing support Hobbs noted that the budget does not include a cap
and professional development opportunities on Empowerment Scholarship Account spending.
for individuals in the field of school business Even so, there is some good news. “I negotiated
management has benefitted millions of Arizona important accountability metrics for this program
children.” which are a good step forward,” Hobbs said, “but I
know we have to do more. I am still committed to
Born and raised in Arizona, the governor said, the goal of rolling back the ESA voucher program,
“Like you, I know that Arizona can be the best and I will keep fighting to keep public dollars in
place in the country to live, work and raise a public schools.”

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12 THE EDGE BACK TO SCHOOL 2023