Superintendent Douglas’ “We Are Listening” Tour Makes Successful Stops in Kingman and Lake Havasu City

[Harry Mathews]

Arizona Department of Education

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane M. Douglas

                                          

Contact: Charles Tack

                                                                                                            [e-mail]

            602-542-5072

 

                                                                                                                                                

(Phoenix, Ariz., April 30, 2015) – Last week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas kicked off her statewide “We Are Listening” tour in Kingman, Ariz. to hear parents, students and educators  share their views and provide feedback on education issues facing Arizona’s K-12 students.

While touring in Kingman and Lake Havasu, Douglas received feedback from speakers addressing concerns including school funding, current GED requirements, and Arizona’s College and Career Readiness standards.

Many educators voiced opinions on uncompetitive salaries for teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and the impact the teacher shortage has had on other teachers in addition to students.

In her opening remarks in the public meetings, Douglas expressed the purpose of the listening tour.

 

“I am dedicated to improving Arizona’s education system,” she said. “I do not believe that Arizona’s residents were given the opportunity to express their opinions on numerous educational policies that have been implemented in the past years, but now it is time that the community has that voice. I cannot change what has happened previously, but I will do my very best to give Arizona’s children the absolute best education possible.”

 

Tonight, the Superintendent will make her third tour stop at Arizona Western College in Yuma, followed by a visit to Glendale High School in Glendale on Saturday, May 2.

 

The “We Are Listening” tour will make a total of 14 stops around the state through the end of June. Members of the public also can submit their feedback via email at [e-mail], online at www.azed.gov/HearingEveryVoice, or via the @azedschools Twitter account using #HearingEveryVoice.

 

2015 “We Are Listening” Tour Stops

 

Time	Date	Location
5:30-7:30 p.m.	Thursday, April 30	Arizona Western College, Yuma
9-11:30 a.m.	Saturday, May 2	Glendale High School, Glendale
5:30-7:30 p.m.	Thursday, May 7	Coronado High School, Scottsdale
9-11:30 a.m.	Saturday, May 9	Chandler Public Library Downtown Branch, Chandler
5:30-7:30 p.m.	Thursday, May 28	Pima Community College Center for the Arts, Tucson
9-11:30 a.m.	Saturday, May 30	Buena Performing Arts Center, Sierra Vista
5:30-7:30 p.m.	Thursday, June 4	Gila County Courthouse, Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, Globe
9-11:30 a.m.	Saturday, June 6	Casa Grande High School, Casa Grande
5:30-7:30 p.m.	Thursday, June 11	Prescott High School, Prescott
9-11:30 a.m.	Saturday, June 13	Location to be determined, Flagstaff
5:30-7:30 p.m.	Thursday, June 18	Navajo Nation Council Chambers, Window Rock
9-11:30 a.m.	Saturday, June 20	Round Valley Dome, Springerville

End