Dear Voters,
The problem with our schools is not a Democrat or Republican issue. Rather, it is an educational performance issue that affects the future of Arizona's children. Over the last four years test scores have failed to improve and the standards for passing those tests have also been lowered.
By contrast, a higher standard is being set by the global market of our world economy. Other nations are teaching their students the knowledge and skills to get the jobs of the future. If we keep lowering the educational standards in Arizona, our kids won't be able to compete for these positions.
In business, when a CEO fails to get the job done he is fired. We believe it is time for a change in leadership at the Arizona Department of Education. Writing as Republican business leaders, we encourage you to support Jason Williams for Superintendent of Public Instruction in the November 7th Election.
Jason Williams will take care of our children like a good financial steward; investing in a portfolio of many different assets and instruments.
He will not rely solely on one single indicator (the AIMS test) to ensure that our students learn what is necessary to compete in the 21st century.
Sincerely,
Phoenix City Councilman Tom Simplot
Phoenix City Councilman Claude Mattox
Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten
Rich Boals, Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Arizona
Bob Hardison, Hardison/Downey Construction
Jim Lundee, President & CEO, Alliance Bank of Arizona
Dan Schweiker (Co-Founder, Co-Chairman, & Co-Chief Executive Officer of China Mist Tea Company; Paradise Valley Town Council Member)