Arizona Schools Chief Plugs Private Schools in Robocall

Yesterday (February 11)  thousands of Arizona residents received automated telephone “robo-calls” from Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal encouraging parents to consider private schools. It’s part of a $250,000 media campaign promoting “Empowerment Scholarship Accounts.”  That’s state money that pays for private schools and supplies.

In an interview with 12News, Huppenthal defended his participation in the campaign by saying that all kids are part of the “public” and that he is not the Superintendent of  “Public Schools.”

Former Assistant Arizona Attorney General and public education advocate Vince Rabaga responded on his website that “Actually, he is.” Rabaga says the Arizona Department of Education’s own website says that the Superintendent’s job is to “superintend” the K-12 public education system in Arizona…This involves providing for the students of Arizona a uniform public school system.”

Arizona Education Association advocate Jennifer Loredo called Huppenthal’s robocall “pathetic.”

You can watch Channel 12's video report here.