ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona schools chief Hoffman scolds Trump on threat to cut funding

Jul 9, 2020, 1:30 PM

(AP Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper)...

(AP Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper)

(AP Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper)

PHOENIX — Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman on Thursday pushed back against a threat from President Donald Trump to cut funding for schools that don’t fully reopen for in-person instruction during the coronavirus pandemic.

Hoffman also expressed doubt over Arizona schools’ ability to reopen for limited in-person learning Aug. 17 since case numbers continue to skyrocket in the state.

“These threats are not welcome here in Arizona,” Hoffman told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show. “We are facing such a crisis here and it’s very disorienting when just a week ago, Vice President Pence said he was sending Arizona 500 doctors because he recognized the severity of the crisis here.

“I think the federal government needs to realize that those kinds of comments are not appropriate and not welcome here in Arizona.”

Trump’s remarks came Wednesday as part of his push to reopen schools prior to the Nov. 3 general election. He also questioned guidelines on how to properly reopen schools from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Gov. Doug Ducey delayed the start of in-school instruction on June 29 because of Arizona’s rising COVID-19 cases.

Hoffman said she’s been discouraged about the possibility of reopening because the numbers aren’t getting better.

The rate of positive PCR tests in Arizona reached 13.9% Thursday. That rate was 12% on June 30 and 6.7% on May 31.

Hoffman said a positive rate near 5% is what the state is looking for in order to feel comfortable about reopening schools to students.

“We are still experiencing a significant spread in terms of the outbreak of COVID-19 here in Arizona. I share the goal of wanting so badly to open our schools,” Hoffman said.

“That is what’s best for students. It’s just been incredibly challenging for our teachers and families transitioning to online or distance learning.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Eyes on Education presented by:

Maricopa Community Colleges

Arizona News

The city of Peoria started piping reclaimed water into Paloma Park in a cost-cutting effort that sa...

David Veenstra

Peoria saves money by piping reclaimed water into Paloma Park

The city of Peoria started piping reclaimed water into Paloma Park in a cost-cutting effort that saves the city more than $150,000 each year.

23 minutes ago

Democratic vice presidential nominee, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a campaign rally at Tuc...

David Veenstra

Tim Walz keeps focus on economy, women’s rights at rallies in Flagstaff, Tucson

Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president, appeared at two rallies in Arizona on Saturday, three days before Election Day on Nov. 5.

2 hours ago

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks during a vice presidential debat...

David Veenstra

JD Vance attacks Kamala Harris for border, economic inaction at rally in Scottsdale

JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, appeared at a rally in Arizona on Saturday afternoon, three days before Election Day.

5 hours ago

Town of Gilbert water tower lit up at night...

Payne Moses

Study found no Arizona cities ranked among top 25 safest in America

No major Arizona city cracked the top 25 in a recent study on the safest places to live in the United States.

8 hours ago

A rendering of the future Sky Harbor Logistics building....

Roxanne De La Rosa

Real estate giant to demolish Tempe office, double land use with industrial campus

Private real estate developer Lincoln Property Co. acquired a more than 16-acre Tempe industrial property that sits minutes away from the Sky Harbor International Airport, according to a press release.

10 hours ago

Microtransit service in Phoenix gets $12.9M grant...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix gets $12.9M federal grant to launch on-demand microtransit service

A microtransit service in Phoenix designed to cut down on congestion within specific city zones is set to launch thanks to an influx of federal funds.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Act Now: Secure Your HVAC Equipment Before Prices Rise in 2025!

Phoenix, AZ – As the year draws to a close, Collins Comfort Masters is urging homeowners and businesses to take advantage of current pricing on HVAC equipment.

...

Morris Hall

West Hunsaker, through Morris Hall, supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR’s Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

Arizona schools chief Hoffman scolds Trump on threat to cut funding