Public demands transparent, secular school system at ESA hearing

The State House held a hearing Wednesday to study Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) — a.k.a. school vouchers. The shocking takeaway was that the state doesn’t seem to be collecting some important data on the billion-dollar ESA program like how many students are enrolled in private schools, or familial incomes to determine whether wealthy families are taking advantage of ESAs.

Public comments largely consisted of demands for more accountability — plus one man who remembered to ask the question everyone else forgot: why are our some of our tax dollars going to fund religious institutions?

Hats off to Larry Davis from Surprise for reminding legislators in both parties that no taxpayer should be forced to pay for another person’s religious indoctrination — and school vouchers do just that by funneling taxpayer dollars from secular public schools to private schools, the vast majority of which are religious.

 

School board vacancies in Clarkdale/Jerome

There are two open school board seats in Clarkdale Jerome Elementary School District Governing Board. The deadline for receipt of letters of interest is Monday, Sept. 25th. More information on Yavapai County’s website here. Feel free to email us if we can help.

Constituents can also make a difference by encouraging the County Superintendent to choose rational board members who care about secular, public education. Email tim.carter@yavapaiaz.gov or call 928-442-5146.

Prayer demands continue at Casa Grande school board

School board members at Casa Grande High School Unified School District have said they have been deluged with emails calling for an official prayer before meetings, following similar demands at their meeting last week.

While there are indications the board is content with their customary moment of silence instead of a prayer, it should be noted both the board and district lean conservative and it may be hard for members to not cave without support.

Constituents are encouraged to contact board members here in support of keeping the moment of silence.

Thinking about running for school board?

School boards are under siege by hate groups like Moms for Liberty. The good news? We are recruiting, training, and electing pro-public education school board candidates across Arizona! Let’s ensure school boards are filled with competent members who are committed to making schools safe and inclusive. 

Have you thought about running for school board? These trainings are for you. We'll review what it means to run, the role of a school board member, and best practices for starting your journey. There’s no pressure — just a safe space to ask questions and seek information. 

  • Saturday, September 30 @ 11am - register HERE
  • Tuesday, October 10 @ 6pm - register HERE
  • Sunday, October 22 @10am - register HERE

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Signature collectors needed for abortion amendment

Arizona for Abortion Access just kicked off the effort to bring a constitutional amendment to the ballot to protect abortion access. The race to get signatures is on.

There are two upcoming Zoom trainings for volunteers who can circulate petitions. Trainings are interactive, easy and just one-hour long. Click below to register:

Friday, 9/22 at 10am 

Tuesday, 9/26 at 6pm 

Sign up to be a volunteer here.

Reproductive Freedom for All in Arizona

NARAL Pro-Choice Arizona is now Reproductive Freedom for All Arizona! Their mission remains the same: protecting and advancing reproductive freedom for everybody. 

We’ve fought alongside NARAL Pro-Choice Arizona to protect and advance freedom for every Arizonan, and now we’re proud to partner with them as Reproductive Freedom for All Arizona! Onward!

Important Upcoming Meetings

Volunteer to help monitor meetings here.

 
 
 
 
 

Secular AZ
PO Box 47756  | Phoenix, Arizona 85068
6023804810 | info@secularaz.org

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