Arizona Board of Education executive leaving for UA job

PHOENIX — The deputy director of the Arizona Board of Education is leaving
for a new job at the University of Arizona as state schools chief Diane Douglas
seeks a court’s authority to fire her.

Sabrina Vasquez announced Wednesday she was leaving to take a job with the
University of Arizona.

Vasquez and Executive Director Christine Thompson were fired by Douglas in
February in a move Gov. Doug Ducey blocked.

Douglas wants a judge to clarify her
power over the board’s executives. The Board of Education said it has hiring
and firing power over staff.

Douglas said in a court filing that she intends to fire Thompson and Vasquez if
she prevails.

Thompson praised Vasquez’s contributions to the board’s work. She also said she
will hire her replacement.