Think Tank puts on thinking cap for Arizona school funding discussion

Two Arizona educational leaders join the Think Tank for a discussion of Arizona school funding and related issues.

Chris Kotterman is director of government relations for the Arizona School Boards Association and is an expert on school finance.

Beth Lewis is a founder of Save our Schools Arizona and teaches in the Tempe Elementary School District.

Among other questions we consider:

• After the initial success of the Save our Schools movement in garnering an approximate 20% raise, why do teachers and other educators seem to be perpetually on the defensive since that victory? An example would seem to be SB 1269, which critics say would make cuts to low-income school districts, rural schools and would cut programs that retain experienced teachers.

• How do charter schools and private school funding arrangements impact public school funding?
• How does school funding formulas used in Arizona systematically shortchange rural schools?

Issues on public school funding on the docket in this week’s special 400th episode of the Think Tank.

The Think Tank airs on KTAR 92.3 FM on Saturday 6-7 p.m. and Sunday 9-10 p.m.

Podcasts are available after broadcast. Older shows are archived at www.mikeoneil.org.