Governor Katie Hobbs has criticized the University of Arizona (UA) and the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) for their handling of a $177 million budget shortfall, emphasizing the adverse impact on teacher tuition support programs aimed at addressing the state’s teacher shortage. Among the financial strategies to mitigate the crisis, UA has implemented a hiring freeze, deferred certain projects, and plans to end its tuition guarantee program starting next fall (Inside Higher Ed) (Yahoo).

The cuts to teacher tuition support are particularly concerning as they undermine efforts to alleviate the state’s teacher shortage. These programs were designed to incentivize and support individuals pursuing teaching careers, crucial for addressing the ongoing deficit in qualified educators. The cessation of these initiatives is expected to exacerbate the shortage, impacting the quality of education and the availability of teachers in Arizona (Hoodline).

Hobbs has called for a comprehensive plan to resolve the financial issues and improve transparency and accountability within the university’s administration. She highlighted the need for a third-party consultant to help steer the university back to financial health, ensuring that future budgeting decisions do not compromise essential educational programs (KJZZ).  Access the article HERE