Arizona debates school vouchers, SNAP cuts & public education

Arizona’s public education system is facing major debates over school vouchers, recent cuts to food assistance, and the impact of privatization on local schools. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program better known as SNAP has seen recent reductions in funding, which can impact student’s access to school lunch.

Educators and policymakers are weighing in on what these changes mean for students and communities across the state. Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the challenges and why they matter.

“Right now the attacks on public education are at an all time high,” Pringle said. “As I look around the country state by state but especially at the federal level those attacks are vicious. they are aimed at teachers.”

Pringle went on to describe the ESA voucher crisis that many Arizona communities are currently dealing with. Many students who received the vouchers were already going to attend private schools regardless according to Pringle. With ESA vouchers, the families were able to receive tax benefits for sending their children to private schools they were already attending.

“The schemes, regardless of what you call them, are all designed to destroy public education in this country.” Pringle said.

There has been major pushback against these programs from teachers across the country. From urban to rural, teachers are continuing to advocate for their communities and public school districts despite recent comments from the current superintendent of public instruction.

“I have never been prouder to call myself a teacher than I am right now,” Pringle said. “because as I see teachers and other educators in our school districts, they are fighting to make sure that they have the professional respect, that they have the authority and collective autonomy.”