Senate rejects plan to let schools reject federal law
Arizona Republic
February 20, 2007
Author: Staff, wire reports
Estimated printed pages: 1

The state Senate on Monday voted down a bill that would have allowed schools districts and charter schools to opt out of the federal No Child Left Behind Act if they don't receive money from the program.

Sen. Karen Johnson, R-Mesa, sponsor of Senate Bill 1180, pleaded with senators to approve the legislation as a message to the federal government.
But other lawmakers were concerned that the measure would put federal funding at risk.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has said the measure, if signed into law, would cost Arizona more than a half billion dollars in federal education funding.

"I don't think it's a question of whether No Child Left Behind is a good thing," said Sen. Barbara Leff, R-Paradise Valley, who voted against the bill. "The question is whether we jeopardize federal dollars by passing this."

The vote was 14-14, stalling the bill in the Senate.

The No Child Left Behind Act was signed by President Bush in 2002 with the goal of increasing school performance across the country in reading and math. The act mandated that all schools comply with its provisions.
Edition: Final Chaser
Section: VALLEY & State
Page: B7

Dateline: PHOENIX
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