Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/389203
8 Special Election Edition 2014 x AEA Advocate AT THE CAPITOL This November 4, Arizonans will be faced with a choice: Do you want to move Arizona forward or backward? One of the candidates for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, David Garcia, is endorsed by the education community and supports moving our state forward with higher academic standards and increased education funding for our schools. The other candidate, Diane Douglas, wants to move Arizona back into the Dark Ages by reversing Arizona's progress towards higher academic standards, and keeping education funding at its current level, which is currently last in the nation in per-pupil spending. The Arizona Education Association, along with former Republican and Democratic Superintendents of Public Instruction, and other education groups, has recommended David Garcia to be our state's next chief of schools. Read more about education leaders who support David Garcia below and check out a side-by- side comparison of the candidates on the next page. For more information and to support David Garcia's campaign, visit dg4az.com. David Garcia Is the Clear Choice for Arizona's Students "I served as Arizona's Superintendent of Public Instruction for 12 years. I was committed to an education that prepared our children for a life of success. David Garcia has that same commitment. He knows that 'career and college ready' isn't just a slogan. It is an imperative, and I believe that his wisdom, knowledge and experience will help move our schools and our state forward!" Dr. Carolyn Warner, Democratic state superintendent from 1974-1986 "I am supporting David Garcia for state school superintendent because the state needs an education leader who seeks the best in education for all students, informs his decisions with honest data, and understands integrity in office is everything. I have watched David bring these strengths to his work, and look forward to his leadership." Lisa Graham Keegan, independent education advocate and former state superintendent "Arizona does not need someone who will bring extreme and nonsensical views into our K-12 system. David worked as a top advisor to me when I served as state superintendent. I know he has a strong work ethic and will lead based on sound research, not distorted ideological views." Jaime Molera, Republican and former state superintendent "I support David Garcia because he is the educational leader Arizona needs today. As an educator, he truly understands the public education system, what standards and curriculum are, and how to best meet the needs of Arizona students. "As a classroom teacher in the public school system, I am looking for someone to represent Public Instruction who has first-hand experience in education and a shared belief that all students in Arizona deserve a fully funded quality education; I support David Garcia as the right candidate for this job." Nancie Lindblom, 2013 Arizona Teacher of the Year and Mesa EA member "David is ready to take the reins and work with parents, teachers, district administration and superintendents, the business community, and legislators to build Arizona into a state where educating students is a priority." Amanda McAdams, 2011 Arizona Teacher of the Year and Glendale Union EA member "As an educator, mother and AZ native, I support Dr. Garcia because he supports the children, teachers, families and communities of our state through his support of high academic standards balanced with an accountability system that measures what matters. He believes that strong public schools for all children are crucial to our state moving forward both economically and socially. It's time we start expecting the best for the children of AZ." Kristie Martorelli, 2012 AZ Teacher of the Year, and Dysart EA member Education Community Chooses David Garcia for Superintendent