Grand Canyon Times

Tom Horne, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, has raised concerns about the academic performance in the Osborn school district. He attributes part of the problem to what he describes as "needless and provocative distractions" related to race and gender politics.

Horne stated that his primary focus is on improving academic outcomes in schools. He shared that a notification was received on the department’s Empower Hotline from an Osborn community member who was displeased with certain activities in the district. This individual provided images showing a classroom wall displaying a Black Lives Matter poster instead of academic materials and stickers featuring the Osborn logo with colors linked to gender politics.

The complaint also noted that magnets were distributed for cars, along with stickers for students and staff. Horne questioned where such initiatives would end, pointing out there were no similar posters for other groups like brown lives or blue lives matter.

Horne compared test scores between Osborn and Avondale Elementary districts, highlighting that despite Avondale's higher poverty rate, it performs better academically. In math, 81 percent of Osborn students are not proficient compared to 67 percent in Avondale. In reading, 76 percent of Osborn students lack proficiency versus 63 percent in Avondale.

He suggested that removing time spent on race and gender politics could improve academics and test scores. According to Horne, when he discussed these issues with the Osborn superintendent, he was told such efforts aim to make all students feel welcome. However, Horne argued for teaching students to treat each other as individuals without focusing on identity politics.

As Arizona is a local control state, Horne acknowledged his lack of authority to mandate changes but urged parents and taxpayers within the Osborn district to emphasize academics over distractions. He encouraged parents across Arizona to be vigilant about similar situations in their schools.