Arizona teachers push ballot initiative to reform ESA voucher program

PHOENIX — A 12News investigation has revealed that some Arizona parents are using taxpayer-funded education vouchers for questionable purchases — including vacations and luxury goods.

Now, teachers across the state say it’s time for change.

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During the past year, 12News Investigates uncovered more than $10 million in potential misuse of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds. The vouchers are intended to help families pay for educational expenses, but public records show some funds have been spent on trips, electronics, and other items unrelated to schooling.

Despite those findings, the Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature has shown little interest in reforming the program.

Instead, teachers are turning directly to voters.

About 50 teachers gathered at the Arizona State Capitol on Wednesday, calling for stronger oversight of the ESA program and speaking out against legislation they believe would harm public education.

Among them was Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association.

“We are dealing with things that are unimaginable,” Garcia said. “To see no accountability for a billion-dollar program is the most hypocritical thing that I’ve seen come out of this Legislature in the last 10 years.”

Garcia announced that teachers plan to start gathering signatures next week to get an initiative aimed at reforming the ESA program on the ballot.

“We’re hoping the launch happens sometime next week,” she said. “People are learning every day how terrible this system is.”

If the initiative qualifies for the ballot and voters approve it in November, it would introduce several changes:

• Families earning more than $150,000 annually would no longer qualify for ESA funds.

• Fingerprint clearance would be required for adults working with ESA students.

• ESA funds could not be used for luxury goods.

• Unused ESA money would return to public schools.

According to state records obtained by 12News Investigates, nearly 20% of ESA parents or at least 18,000 ESA account holders, have misused voucher funds.

Public records show taxpayer dollars being used for:

Teachers behind the initiative say these examples highlight the need for stricter oversight.

“The initiative is looking to rein in waste, fraud, and abuse of the current ESA voucher system we have in Arizona,” said Delia Lyding, a math teacher in the Kyrene School District who is helping lead the effort.

Not everyone supports the proposed reforms.

A pro-ESA organization called Love Your School, which helps parents understand how to use voucher funds, has publicly opposed the initiative. The group, which has also taught ESA parents how to use education vouchers while on vacation, is encouraging ESA families and supporters not to sign the petition.

The teachers’ union is partnering with Save Our Schools Arizona to gather signatures for the initiative.

To qualify for the November ballot, the Secretary of State’s office says organizers must collect at least 255,949 valid signatures by July 2. Organizers say they plan to obtain more than double that amount.

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