The county treasurer’s office did not say why the funding would be used to pay the debts owed overall rather than the teacher salaries.
PHOENIX — Federal funding given to a west Phoenix school district will be used to pay off the debt the district owes, not pay teacher salaries, the Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office told 12News.
It was recently revealed that the west Phoenix school district had overspent its budget by roughly $28 million. This financial crisis, unlike others seen in Arizona, could now mean all those teachers and staff will be out of a job with roughly 6,000 students having to get their education elsewhere.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Fondos federales se utilizarán para pagar la deuda no para salario de maestros del distrito Isaac, dijo el tesorero del condado
One board of education member said the fiasco has students and teachers in tears.
“This morning, I witnessed something that no educator should ever have to see students and staff in tears worried about their futures, their schools, their stability,” Arizona State Board of Education Member Jason Catanese said.
On Monday morning, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne announced that the Isaac Elementary School District will be getting $6 million in federal funding to help pay teachers amid the school’s ongoing financial crisis.
Horne said that the $6 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding will be enough for the district to make three payrolls.
However, according to the Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office, that money will not be used to pay teacher salaries.
“The district must demonstrate the ability to offset its existing fund deficits and registered warrants before subsequent expenses can be honored,” Chief of Staff Jordan Dale told 12News in an email statement. “$6 million in ESSER money would reduce the amount that needs to be repaid to Maricopa County, but the district’s finances are still negative overall.”
It is unclear why the funding would go to repaying the debt overall rather than paying teacher’s salaries as Horne previously stated.
“The $6 million in ESSER money would be applied towards paying down the amounts that the district already owes, not subsequent expenses,” Dale said. “This upcoming payroll would be considered a subsequent expense.”
The Isaac School District told 12News that the district appreciates Horne’s “unwavering support” for students and staff.
“The $6 million reimbursement from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Funds will undoubtedly provide significant relief to the district’s overall financial standing,” the district said in an email statement. “However, legislative support remains critical to ensure these funds can be directed toward payroll. We look forward to continued collaboration to address this important matter.”
Educators rally at Arizona Capitol
Arizona Education Association President and Isaac School District educator Marisol Garcia spoke at a rally at the Arizona State Capitol on Monday afternoon with many other educators waving signs with “Keep Isaac school open.”
“We’re here today because the clock keeps ticking,” Garcia said. “We are still in a place of anxiety and uncertainty. No one behind me knows if they are getting paid tomorrow. Not one of them.”
Garcia said during the rally at the capitol building that the Isaac educators place the “immediate concern blame” on Maricopa County Treasurer John Allen.
“Over the weekend and today, multiple people have stepped up with opportunities to try to explain to him that there is a plan to keep schools open,” Garcia said. “Yet he is refusing to move the money from the county treasurer’s office to the schools.”
Isaac Elementary School District was recently placed into receivership by the state of Arizona. It operates 12 schools across west-northwest Phoenix.
“To keep the district open. We need your help,” Catanese said. “We need the legislator to act today to save Isaac schools, the 5000 families and students, the 650 staff who call our district home did nothing wrong.”
Garcia said neither she nor any of the other teachers at Isaac have received any communication on what will happen on Wednesday, the day after payday.
“It is a false choice to say that these folks behind me are choosing not to do their job,” Garcia said. “They want to do their job.”
Garcia turned to the teachers behind her.
“Raise your hand if you did your job with the uncertainty of getting paid!” Garcia shouted.
Cheers and hands went up from the crowd behind her.
“Raise your hand if you have lesson plans for the entire week next week!” Garcia said.
More cheers and hands were raised.
“These folks did nothing wrong. The 5,000 students they work with every day did nothing wrong,” Garcia said.
The Isaac School District also canceled their before and after-school care programs on Sunday. According to a news release, the Isaac Learning Club will be canceled from Jan. 27-31.
“We regret to inform you that the Isaac Learning Club, before and after school program (ILC) will be canceled from January 27 to January 31, 2025, due to staffing challenges,” the release stated. “We understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and support. School days and hours will continue as normal.”
Teachers told 12News they will be working on Tuesday Jan. 29, but after that, they don’t know. Garcia said a final decision will be made Tuesday evening after all educators get out of work.
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