Office of Communications

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne issued the following statement rebutting an effort by Attorney General Kris Mayes to take credit for the end of a federal review of grant funding.

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne says recent comments made by Governor Hobbs’ spokesman that Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) staff are a “wasteful bureaucracy” are a reckless insult to state employees who are understaffed, under tremendous pressure and working hard to serve parents who choose the education that is best for their child. 

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne has issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that the federal government will release grant funding that was paused for review.

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne has committed to cover any gaps in funding for armed campus officers whose salaries are paid through federal funds currently under review by the U.S. Department of Education.

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne issued the following statement following the announcement that federal funds for after school programs that were previously under review will be released to the states.

PHOENIX - Superintendent Horne's letter to Bruce DuPlanty

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Education is providing guidance to local public districts and charter operators about a pause taken by the U.S. Department of Education (USED) affecting certain federal grants to schools. This does not affect any prior years funding that districts or charters may have available to use.

PHOENIX – Arizona public schools will not face a funding shortfall as the Department of Education sent the necessary information to the state Treasurer this morning, ensuring that supplemental funding approved in the new state budget is sent to schools immediately.

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne issued the following statement supporting today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that schools must provide an opt-out for parents excusing their children when their religious beliefs conflict with course material.

PHOENIX – State schools superintendent Tom Horne says he is very pleased that nearly 2,400 Arizona public school students received the Seal of Arts proficiency during the 2024-25 school year, the highest amount ever awarded.