PHX Reporter

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has expressed his intention to appeal a recent ruling by a Maricopa County Superior Court judge, which dismissed a lawsuit aimed at upholding Arizona's constitutional requirement for English language instruction in schools. The ruling, while not delving into the core issues of the case, highlighted a procedural gap in initiating such legal action.

Horne, in response to the ruling, warned of potential severe repercussions for school board members who do not adhere to the law, stating, "The districts that opposed our position will regret this development." He further elaborated on the implications, stating that under Proposition 203, parents have the authority to sue districts failing to comply with English language instruction mandates. Such lawsuits, if successful, could lead to the removal of school board members from their positions and bar them from seeking public office in education for five years.

Emphasizing his initial intention to seek enforcement of the initiative without punitive measures, Horne lamented the court's decision, stating, "Now an action by a parent may result in serious personal consequences for the leadership of districts sued."

The ruling and Horne's subsequent remarks indicate a potential shift towards stricter enforcement of English language instruction requirements in Arizona's public schools, with school board members facing heightened accountability for non-compliance.