Arizona governor to pay families up to 7k over school closures, promotes in-person learning

by sam

Samuel Case, FISM News

 

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced on Tuesday a new statewide program that provides families facing school closures with up to $7,000 to guarantee that in-person learning remains a viable option.

According to a press release from Ducey’s office, this funding can be utilized by qualifying families even in the event of a single day of school closure and is to assist with “child care, school-coordinated transportation, online tutoring and school tuition.”

“With this announcement, we are making sure parents and families have options if a school closes its doors. Parents are best suited to make decisions about their child’s education,” Governor Ducey said. 

“In-person learning is vital for the development, well-being and educational needs of K-12 students. We will continue to work with families, public health experts and school leaders to ensure our kids can stay in the classroom and parents have a choice — always.” 

The press release cited the rise in mental health troubles in children and adolescents, as observed by multiple pediatric organizations, as evidence that Arizona must return to in-person schooling. 

In a joint statement issued in October the by The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association, the organizations declared a “national emergency” in children’s health and urged “policymakers to take action swiftly to address the crisis.”

Likewise, in December FISM News reported that U.S. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory report on “the nation’s youth mental health crisis.” In his report Murthy warned of the long-term effects of COVID restrictions on younger Americans, saying, “It would be a tragedy if we beat back one public health crisis only to allow another to grow in its place.”

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