Page 21 - The Edge - Winter 2016

‘ENHANCED’ ACHIEVEMENT DISTRICT PLAN allow them to obtain better interest rates, to fund expansions.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 Half of the projects funded through the program will go to low-
income communities, according to the Governor’s Office.
Secondly, the achievement district will allow participating
Scarpinato would not say whether Ducey will seek additional schools to make use of vacant or underused facilities from other
legislation for his plan. The Governor’s Office had previously schools. The Ninth Floor has provided few details of how it will
said it would not need more legislative action for the plan to go accomplish this.
into effect, though some legislation would be needed to codify Furthermore, schools that are part of the achievement district
the plan’s mechanics. will be able to become the managing operators of consistently
But the gubernatorial spokesman said Ducey doesn’t plan to underperforming schools that have been designated as failing
seek additional funding for the achievement district plan. The for three consecutive years.
Legislature approved $24 million for the plan in the fiscal year While charter schools have expressed enthusiasm about the
2016 budget. achievement district plan, many school districts are skeptical.
“Our plan is the use the dollars that have already been Despite Ducey’s insistence that the achievement district will be
allocated,” he said. open to both charter and district schools, some question what
The achievement district plan is meant to carry out Ducey’s benefits districts will actually see. School districts have little
2014 campaign pledge to “fully fund the wait lists” for Arizona’s need for the Access Our Best Public Schools Fund because
top public schools by allowing them to accommodate more they can already bond against tax revenue at low interest rates
students. that are generally unavailable to charters. And many district
The plan unveiled by Ducey last session had two major officials said they would have no use for vacant facilities in
components. The first is the Access Our Best Public Schools other districts because their purpose is primarily to serve
Fund, for which the Legislature appropriated $24 million in students within their district boundaries.
FY16. Schools will be able to borrow against the fund, which will

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