Page 13 - AASBO EDGE BTS 2023

Turning to a non-budget initiative her public schools,” Essigs said. “Many of the bills
administration is working on. Hobbs said, “Earlier she vetoed were really bad for public schools. She
this year, I established the Educator Retention was there when we needed her, and to have her
Task Force. The task force is made up of a diverse acknowledge how important AASBO is to public
representative of educators and administrators schools is a tribute to our members.”
from all over the state. This task force has been
hard at work meeting with educators and policy
experts to identity solutions. The reality is we don’t
have an educator shortage. We have a retention
crisis. The task force has launched a statewide
survey to hear directly from current and former
educators.”

The survey ended July 31, and Hobbs encouraged
AASBO members, as district leaders, to ensure
that their school community participated in the
survey.

“I look forward to reviewing the task force’s survey
results and recommendations later this year and
fighting for solutions to keep our educators in the
classroom” the governor said. “We can and must
do better to support our educators, students and
parents.”

Again, praising AASBO and its members, Hobbs
said, “Arizona is fortunate to have dedicated
school business leaders like all of you and a
premier organization representing them. As we
work to find solutions, your partnership will be
invaluable. Thank you for your dedication to the
students of Arizona, and I wish you a great start
to the school year.”

Afterward, Chuck Essigs, AASBO Director of
Government Relations, pointed out the importance
of having a friend and partner on the Ninth Floor.
“Katie Hobbs is a governor who stands tall for

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