School Districts These last few weeks have been difficult for supporters of public schools. School districts are facing massive budget shortfalls, forcing school districts to hold meetings through July — a period usually reserved for a break. This financial strain comes from the impact of vouchers, the flat tax, and the recent Maricopa County Assessor's legal decision to cut short-term rental owners’ taxes, diverting money away from public education. In Scottsdale USD, the District’s Ed Advisory Committee is pushing an abstinence-centered curriculum sponsored by anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups such as American College of Pediatrics. These groups are known distorting scientific observations to make a point against homosexuality. The curriculum will soon undergo a 60-day review period. Scottsdale residents can click here for instructions on commenting on the curriculum, and read more more about a parent who blew the whistle on it in 2015. Dysart USD’s board in Surprise voted 4-0 for a resolution opposing Biden's expansion of Title IX, which granted new protections to LGBTQ+ people. (At the same meeting, however, the board quietly passed a student handbook that conforms to the new law.) In Peoria USD, Board Member Rooks’ evangelical extremist supporters made numerous hateful comments about transgender individuals during public comments. On a positive note, Flagstaff USD voted 4-1 to renew the district’s long-standing sex education program, despite shouts to cancel it by agitators from outside the local community. Followers of right wing groups such as Moms for Liberty, Arizona Women of Action, and Mom Army came to FUSD meetings last month to demand the non-renewal the program, but curiously were nowhere to be found the day of the vote. Constituents can thank board members here. All the activity above aligns with the priorities reflected in the religious right manifesto Project 2025, which would hobble public schools by dismantling the Department of Education. | |
Secular Scholarship Deadline July 31st | |
