Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Department of Education's Director, Mr. Horne, has stepped forward to correct what he labeled as false information contained in a letter from six Democrat legislators, including the minority whip. The letter, as described by Mr. Horne, was concerning the allocation of federal funds to Title I schools.

Mr. Horne clarified, "The Department of Education never had, and never would have, a plan to withhold federal funding allocations." He emphasized that their role is solely to distribute funds received from the federal government according to a predetermined formula. Additionally, he expressed a willingness to increase Title I funding, stating, "If it were up to us, we would increase Title I funding."

Regarding the tone of the legislators' letter, Mr. Horne found it unnecessary and insulting, particularly the aspect where they lectured the department on the importance of Title I funds. He defended the department's efforts in supporting schools to improve academic outcomes for high poverty students, asserting, "We spend a lot more time on helping schools improve academic results for high poverty students than anyone in the legislature."

In response to initial estimates that hinted at possible cuts in Title I funding, Mr. Horne clarified that these estimates were preliminary and marked as such. He assured that schools would receive the actual numbers before the week's end to prevent any negative repercussions from the preliminary figures.

Mr. Horne concluded by stating, "We will, of course, furnish all the information that the letter requests. We always do that. There was no need to send an irrationally insulting letter."