Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Education has clarified that the issue surrounding Primavera online school falls under the jurisdiction of the Charter Board, not within Superintendent Tom Horne's authority. This announcement was made in a press release on March 19, 2025.

Superintendent Tom Horne said that the Charter Board has jurisdiction over the matter and that he cannot intervene. He noted that an appeal is likely and assured that the department would provide any requested information.

"The legislature chose to divide jurisdiction regarding charter schools between the Arizona Department of Education and the Charter Board. The current issue is within the jurisdiction of the Charter Board. I have no power or influence over that. If I were to try to influence it, the Charter Board would resent the trespass on their turf, and it would do more harm than good," said Horne.

Horne further mentioned, "There is likely to be an appeal to an administrative law judge, and the school needs to marshal its evidence to present to the administrative law judge. If I am asked for any data or other information that the department has, I will of course immediately provide it regardless of which side requests it."

According to a report by 12News on March 4, the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools voted to initiate proceedings to close Primavera online school after three years of low academic performance. The board cited failure to meet state standards despite state intervention efforts. Founder Damien Creamer attributed this decline to leadership changes during his absence and argued that Primavera should have been classified as an alternative school. The decision remains non-final, with Primavera retaining its right to seek an administrative review.

Horne's extensive experience includes serving 24 years on Arizona’s third-largest school district board, with ten years as president. He also served in the Arizona Legislature and chaired the academic accountability committee. Horne was state superintendent of schools from 2003 to 2011 before being elected as State Attorney General, according to information from the Arizona Department of Education. The Arizona State Superintendent oversees public education in Arizona, ensuring compliance with educational policies and academic standards.