It’s almost time for Arizona voters to decide who will square off in the race to be Arizona’s top education official.
Republican Tom Horne is the current superintendent of public instruction. The race has grown heated since Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee announced she would be running against Horne in the Republican primary. Empowerment Scholarship Account programs and diversity, equity and inclusion policies have been key issues in the contest.
On the Democratic side, Teresa “Terry” Ruiz and Brett Newby will face off on July’s ballot, running more subdued campaigns than their Republican opponents.
The superintendent of public instruction is elected as the head of the Arizona Department of Education, limited to two consecutive terms.
The superintendent is responsible for distributing state and federal education funds to counties and public school districts every year. The superintendent also works with the State Board of Education to create standards for public schools. The superintendent can also request the auditor general to investigate public school money accounts.