Arizona voters may soon have the opportunity to weigh in on a major referendum that could reshape the state’s school voucher system — and voters can get the inside scoop at the next Northwest Valley Democrats monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 13th. The club is excited to welcome Kristin Roberts of Save Our Schools Arizona (SOS), who will break down what this moment means for public education and how voters can get involved. The meeting will be held at the Sun City West Foundation Building, 14465 RH Johnson Blvd., Sun City West. Please RSVP at www.northwestvalleydemocrat.com under Events. The Arizona Education Association and SOS are championing a proposal to overhaul the rapidly expanding Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program, which now enrolls more than 100,000 students. Their plan introduces an income cap, adds standardized testing requirements, and restricts certain uses of voucher funds. Supporters describe the effort as a practical, voter-driven approach to protect students with disabilities and ensure accountability across Arizona’s education system. The referendum petition will be available at the meeting for signature of all eligible voters who wish to sign. Roberts will also offer a lively, informative update on the state of Arizona’s public schools — including what’s changing, what’s working, and what challenges lie ahead. She will touch on teacher raises, the wave of school closures, the impact of recent bond funding, and even tackle the big question: Are there any heroes in the state legislature or the U.S. Department of Education? A National Board-Certified Teacher with a master’s degree in educational leadership from Arizona State University, Roberts has spent 18 years in Arizona classrooms and nearly a decade organizing her community to advocate for strong public schools. Save Our Schools Arizona is a nonpartisan, community-based organization dedicated to strengthening public education statew
