ALT Since the legislature and Governor passed a school mask ban, too many of our students are filling up hospital beds instead of classroom desks. Arguments presented in today’s hearing made clear that the legislature acted unconstitutionally when they added a ban on masks during the eleventh hour of the budget process. I look forward to the court’s ruling and hope it returns decision-making authority to our schools and school districts so students can learn safely in classrooms. I continue to encourage teachers, administrators, and families to listen to the CDC and take individual action to keep themselves and each other safe by wearing masks during in-person school.

ALT From the Office of the State Superintendent: Today’s announcements demonstrate a remarkable ability to ignore any lessons gained from a year and a half of dealing with COVID-19. The goal is in-person learning – something that cannot be achieved by forcing sick students to go back to school with their healthy peers. And as a reminder for Governor Doug Ducey, no student under the age of 12 is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. This is yet another outrageous attack on public education by the Governor when he should be listening to school leaders and educators on what is needed to keep students safe, and schools open. We need serious leadership to get our students and schools through this pandemic, and that is woefully lacking from the 9th Floor.