AEA President: Arizona Schools Are Not 'Out Of the Woods Yet' Despite Funding Boost
Published: Friday, June 26, 2020 - 9:28am
Arizona Education Association
Joe Thomas is the president of the Arizona Education Association which conduct a survey that found that 8 in 10 educators say schools should only reopen when it's safe.
Gov. Doug Ducey’s COVID-19 aid package to schools is appreciated by the Arizona Education Association. But AEA President Joe Thomas says it may not be enough to offset on-going problems happening before the pandemic.
“We still have a teacher shortage and difficulties, particularly in our rural areas in hiring enough qualified people to be in our schools," Thomas said. "So it’s helpful and it’s welcomed. But I don’t think we’re out of the woods yet.”
The aid will help schools with students attending classes online, without losing per-pupil funding. Ducey aims to provide schools with funding for personal protective equipment, cleaning supplies and internet broadband in rural communities.
