Horne: State funding for education, including ESAs, has multi-million-dollar surplus – Arizona Department of Education

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne released a report stating that state education funding, including the ESAs, has a projected surplus of over $28 million for the remainder of the 2024 fiscal year. Horne refuted claims that ESAs were damaging the state’s budget, emphasizing that many ESA students would otherwise be in public schools, which would entail significant costs. He highlighted efforts to ensure financial stewardship, including rigorous expense reviews and the rejection of frivolous requests. The surplus demonstrates a commitment to responsible financial management.