Phoenix, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs, alongside six members of the House of Representatives, has called for a special audit by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee into the Arizona Department of Education’s allocation of school improvement and Title I funds intended to assist students in need.
“I commend the members of the state legislature who are demanding accountability and transparency,” stated Governor Hobbs. “It is unacceptable that Superintendent Horne has allowed tens of millions of dollars to slip through the cracks—vital federal funding that is essential for our students’ success. I urge the Joint Legislative Audit Committee to launch an investigation and determine what happened to these resources. Our children deserve nothing less.”
House Democratic Whip Nancy Gutierrez, who authored the letter requesting the audit, added, “The actions of the Arizona Department of Education and Superintendent Horne have raised serious concerns about their capability to effectively manage the state’s federal education funding. We must prioritize detail, transparency, and improved communication with schools and lawmakers to prevent further budget cuts and detrimental impacts on our education system. An audit is crucial to uncover the truth and rebuild trust.”
The call for an audit follows reports revealing that the Department of Education lost $24 million in federal funding meant for public education, prompting Governor Hobbs to demand accountability for the missing funds.
