PHOENIX — Isaac School District teachers will return to work without pay on Wednesday after the district’s financial mismanagement left it unable to meet payroll obligations.
During a meeting Tuesday night, members of the Isaac District Education Association (IDEA) and the district’s state-appointed receiver agreed that educators would continue working despite not receiving pay.
“Isaac members are going to work on Wednesday without pay because kids can’t afford to not have qualified educators in the classroom,” said Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia. “The state has promised to pay these educators what they’re owed, and we’re counting on them to get us past this crisis and ensure the long-term stability of these schools.”
The district, which operates 12 elementary schools, is awaiting $6 million in federal funding. However, the funds will not arrive in time for the next pay period.
Typically, any state-allocated cash would go toward paying off the district’s debt, but an exception is being made through legislative action. District 4 Representative Matt Gress is leading an effort to temporarily suspend this requirement, allowing the funds to be used for teacher salaries.
“We’re going to suspend that requirement for the next two weeks in legislation today so that we can pay the payroll for Isaac Elementary School District,” Gress said. “That will buy us more time to come up with a more comprehensive, long-term solution.”
On Tuesday, the Arizona House Education Committee advanced a bill aimed at securing emergency funds for Isaac educators, but it still requires approval from the full legislature.
Republican Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Thomas Galvin acknowledged the urgency of the situation. “These are real people—students, teachers, and staff—who need a solution now. Under the Arizona constitution, education is a state responsibility,” Galvin stated.
However, he also stressed the importance of accountability. “My top priority is protecting Maricopa County taxpayers. They should not pay the price for one school district’s gross financial mismanagement,” Galvin added.
How Did Isaac School District Get Here?
According to Rep. Gress, the district has faced budget issues since 2020 and was flagged as financially at risk. In 2023, it was discovered that Isaac had negative cash balances, leading to allegations of financial misrepresentation and hidden funds.
Gress criticized the lack of earlier intervention, saying, “It seems like we wanted to do a light touch and allow the district to find its way out of this financial mess, and that didn’t work.”
Now, Republican House leaders are calling on Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell to launch a criminal investigation into the district’s financial collapse.
As lawmakers scramble for solutions, Isaac School District educators remain in limbo, showing up for their students despite uncertainty about when—or if—they will be paid.