If it is not obvious by now, our current school finance system is not working. The swings in sales and income tax collections, the inconsistent returns on state trust land, the inequities from overrides and bonds, as well as a dozen other things, all contribute to a funding model that is not meeting our needs. It is inconceivable to think we can reduce education funding (both from the general fund and other revenue sources) and think there will not be long-term consequences.
Many people foresaw the perfect storm in school budget cuts coming for 2010, but getting finance reform through the legislature has proven to be very difficult (no thanks to term limits and clean elections). Back in 2004-2005, Rep. Tom Boone proposed major changes to Excess Utilities funding and overrides; however, after months of work, his bill failed to garner sufficient votes.
At the same time, the Arizona Business and Education Coalition (http://www.azbec.org/) was in the process of drafting a framework for comprehensive school finance reform. They have since finished their framework and have been holding town halls across the State getting feedback.
Last week, Speaker Kirk Adams and I met with ABEC to discuss the next step. Utilizing their expertise on the subject, we asked ABEC to help us prepare detailed school finance reform to be introduced next session. With the help of Senator John Huppenthal, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, we intend to make every effort to pass legislation that adequately funds education, provides accountability, and provides incentives for academic achievement.
Visit ABEC's website often to keep up to date on the process.
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