Press Releases

The Arizona Education Association and the National Council of Jewish Women Arizona led a coalition of thirteen statewide labor and advocacy organizations in a letter asking Governor Katie Hobbs to veto HB 2867 — a dangerous state bill that weaponizes legitimate concerns about antisemitism to weaken professional liability protections for public school educators.

Following the presentation of the 120 Day Receivership Update for the Isaac School District, Arizona Education Association (AEA) President Marisol Garcia sent a letter to the State Board of Education calling for greater input from educators and community members before decisions are made about the future of Isaac schools. Garcia, who was recently re-elected unanimously to lead the nearly 23,000-member union of educators, is a middle-school social studies teacher in the Isaac School District.

Before expected vote in the Senate, organizations urged legislators to reject HB 2867, which exploits legitimate concerns about bigotry to undermine critical protections for public school educators and the communities they serve.

As state lawmakers prepare to release a proposal that would cut educator pay raises and block reforms to Arizona’s bloated and scandal-plagued voucher program, the Arizona Education Association released new polling today showing that Arizona voters prefer the state’s existing Proposition 123 model, which allows school districts to provide raises for teachers and support staff, fund building maintenance, and support other educational needs with money from the state land trust.

Arizona Education Association (AEA) President Marisol Garcia sent a letter on behalf of more than 20,000 Arizona educators urging Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and members of the State Board of Education to reject a proposal that would cut funding for school-based Career & Technical Education programs across Arizona.

Hours after President Trump issued an illegal Executive Order to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia delivered a rousing speech to mobilize Arizonans to fight for public education and defend Arizona educators and students.

Arizona Education Association (AEA) President Marisol Garcia announced to members and staff today that Joaquin Rios was selected by the AEA Board of Directors to be the union's next executive director.

According to new projections from Governor Hobbs’ Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting, Arizona’s voucher program could cost the state as much as $943 million this year – leaving the state $319 million in the red.

Earlier today, Attorney General Kris Mayes officially warned families that under state law, private schools and vendors that accept vouchers can discriminate against students based on religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and learning abilities.

As reported yesterday by AZ Family, the roof recently collapsed at a West Valley elementary school, forcing the closure of the cafeteria just as the school year is beginning to get underway. Fortunately, no one was hurt. But the incident shows the urgent need for Arizona to invest in school facilities.