Guests - Tom Horne, Laurie Moore, Eric Weir, Jack Dona

Arizona's Teacher Shortage Crisis: Insights from Superintendent Tom Horne

Arizona faces a persistent teacher shortage, with over a thousand educators quitting since July and 4,000 vacancies filled only temporarily. Tom Horne, the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, emphasized the urgency during his appearance on Winn Tucson. "I've been sounding the alarm on the teacher shortage for some time now because we've been losing more teachers than have been coming into the profession," Horne stated. He warned that without intervention, the state could face a complete collapse in its teaching workforce.

Horne outlined two key solutions. First, raising teacher salaries using funds from the state land trust, particularly through Proposition 123, which is up for renewal. He stressed that these funds must go directly to teachers, not districts, to avoid administrative diversion. "The Republican majority is determined that the money not go to the districts, but go directly to the teachers," Horne explained, citing past instances where district allocations failed to reach educators.

Second, Horne called for better administrative support on classroom discipline. He shared a letter from a teacher who noted 40 colleagues leaving Phoenix Union High School District due to lack of backing. "Classrooms become anarchic and no one wants to teach under those circumstances," he said. Horne linked this to broader issues, including a study showing districts prioritizing classroom spending, especially teacher pay, outperform those heavy on administration. As a former school board member, he recounted cutting district office staff in half to redirect funds to teachers, improving academic outcomes.

Host Kathleen Winn highlighted safety concerns, noting that unsafe environments hinder education. Horne agreed, tying it to truancy and overall school performance. "If the teachers don't feel safe, that's going to affect how they teach. If the kids in the classrooms don't feel safe, they're not going to want to go to school," Winn said. Horne advocated for more police in schools, noting Arizona's increase from 190 to 566 officers under his push. He recounted a Tucson charter school incident where a quick-responding officer prevented a potential massacre.

Horne criticized Tucson Unified School District for refusing school resource officers, despite being one of the state's largest. He noted the district's enrollment decline, with parents opting for charters due to dissatisfaction. "They're losing a lot of students to charter schools, which is an indication that parents are not pleased with the results they're getting," he observed.

Controversies in Tucson Schools: Teacher Conduct and Essential Standards

Discussing recent incidents, Winn referenced teachers in Tucson wearing "problem solved" shirts with bloodstains, potentially referencing violence, which violated district policy. Horne praised some aspects of Tucson Unified, like its Opening Minds Through the Arts program, but criticized others. "There are a lot of great schools in Tucson Unified. I've come down to Tucson a number of times to bring awards to schools in the Tucson Unified district that have done well academically," he said.

Horne reintroduced essential standards, which ensure students master key concepts tested at year's end. Abandoned by previous superintendents, these standards cover about 60% of exam questions. "It's barbaric for students to be asked questions in a test at the end of the year for which they haven't been properly taught their concepts," he argued. Most districts have adopted free training, but Tucson Unified has not. Horne urged listeners to contact the district: "Your listeners should call the school board members or the district office and say, take the training on the essential standards. It's not fair to the students in Tucson that they're not properly prepared for the end-of-the-year test."

On gender issues, Horne opposed biological boys in girls' facilities or sports. "Schools absolutely should not allow biological boys in girls' bathrooms or showers or sports or locker rooms. It's a good way to lose students," he said. He mentioned withholding funds from schools violating Title IX under DEI policies once authorized. Referencing a Ninth Circuit ruling, he clarified it leaves decisions to schools, not mandating access. "The decisions of the Ninth Circuit are that they leave it up to the schools. They don't require you to let boys in girls' bathrooms," Horne explained.

Horne concluded by focusing on academic improvement and rewarding high-performing schools. Winn tied this to supporting teachers and critiqued administrative bloat, hoping for new leadership aligned with student success.

Community Spotlight: Rocking for Heroes and Local Sports Highlights

Winn shared her experience at the Rocking for Heroes event, honoring Gold Star families, veterans, active military, and first responders. Organized by Bonnie and Michael Quinn in memory of their son, the fifth annual gathering featured scholarships and community leaders like Congressman Ciscomani and Senator Vince Leach. "It was a wonderful event," Winn said, praising the Quinns' stewardship. A first responder received a refurbished car, and Oro Valley Police Chief Kara Riley was awarded for her leadership in maintaining the city's safety reputation.

The Lexington Lab Band from Kentucky performed 70s, 80s, and 90s hits, drawing enthusiastic crowds. HSL Properties sponsored the apolitical event, emphasizing gratitude for service. "We should all be grateful for our law enforcement... They have some really thankless jobs and they deal with people at their worst," Winn noted.

Shifting to sports, Winn celebrated the University of Arizona Wildcats' homecoming victory over Kansas, boosting bowl bid chances. "I love winning. Who doesn't love winning?" she enthused. With upcoming games, including against ASU, and a strong basketball team, Winn expressed pride as a former bat girl. She mentioned the Arizona Bowl and encouraged participation in team prediction pools.

National Politics and Border Issues: Conversation with Laurie Moore

Laurie Moore joined Winn to discuss national and local politics. Moore noted delays in Adelita Grijalva's swearing-in and hoped for her focus on southern Arizona issues. They criticized Democratic leadership, including calls to replace Chuck Schumer.

On immigration, Moore condemned sanctuary cities hindering ICE, labeling attacks on agents as incitement. "Those leaders are actually calling our ICE agents the Gestapo... This has got to be a violation of everything," she said. Winn highlighted funding traces to George Soros and the criminal backgrounds of many deportees.

Moore blamed Pima County supervisors, including Grijalva, for admitting 600,000 unvetted migrants. "They never vetted them. They never had sponsors," she stated. They criticized fast-tracking migrants at airports and using benefits to influence votes, calling it treasonous.

Discussing the government shutdown, Moore praised Republicans for piecemeal funding to curb waste. She mocked misuse of SNAP benefits and advocated accountability. Winn noted air traffic controllers' plight and Trump's $10,000 bonus proposal, alongside high ICE applications.

They expressed disappointment in East Coast elections, criticizing policies in high-tax, unsafe cities. Moore likened supporters to clueless crowds in Independence Day. Winn urged ending blame games: "Hate is not a plan."

On congressional pay during shutdowns, Moore questioned Democrats' compensation while others suffer. Winn highlighted staff hardships and some lawmakers donating paychecks.

Aviation Crisis Amid Government Shutdown: Eric Weir's Analysis

Eric Weir, author of Who's Eating Your Pie?, addressed the aviation fallout from the government shutdown. "I think it's safe to fly... But the question is, are you going to fly at all?" Weir said, recounting family travel disruptions.

The FAA mandated a 10% flight reduction starting November 7, potentially increasing. Weir noted Trump's bonuses to retain controllers and consequences for absences. "Trump is seeking to get in front of it now offering bonuses to those who so far haven't left," he explained.

Personal stories illustrated impacts: canceled flights, skipped trips, and rising travel insurance demand. Weir, a 30-year pilot, emphasized unforgiving aviation: "There's brave pilots and there's old pilots. There's not old brave pilots."

Despite challenges, Weir viewed it as temporary. "This too shall pass," he said, suggesting opportunities like local family time or investments in affected sectors.

Tariffs and Economic Outlook: More from Eric Weir

Weir advocated fair tariffs, noting U.S. rates of 1-3% versus China's 15-25% and Europe's higher charges. "Most of our trading partners charge us three to five times what we charge them," he said. Trump's approach seeks reasonableness, using posturing for better deals.

On U.S.-China talks, Weir highlighted commitments against Taiwan invasion and land returns, though details pending. Agricultural benefits, like soybean purchases, were noted.

Weir emphasized U.S. economic strength: one-third of global consumption, positive growth, job creation, and 85% of AI development. "The U.S. is a very powerful economy, strongest in the world, still growing," he stated. Energy self-sufficiency could meet AI demands using diverse sources.

Predicting shutdown resolution soon, Weir advised common-sense preparations: emergency supplies and financial buffers. "There's never been a setback that's not an opportunity," he concluded, praising U.S. constitutional balance for prosperity.

Honoring Veterans: Master Sergeant Jack Dona on Service and Stolen Valor

Ahead of Veterans Day, Master Sergeant Jack Dona discussed the Stolen Valor Act, named after his father. "With the stolen valor bill, I lost my dad last year... It was a great honor," Dona said, explaining its role in his grieving.

The bill targets false military claims for profit, sparked by a forged DD-214 form. "It's to protect their service and their honor and not let it be cheapened by people who would use unscrupulous means," Dona emphasized.

Sharing family history, Dona honored his uncle, Fernando Rivera Jr., executed in Korea in 1950. "His remains are there still in North Korea," he said, urging cemetery visits to appreciate sacrifices.

Dona praised rising recruitment and efforts to restore benefits for vaccine refusers, crediting advocates like Colonel Tom Rampur. "The Trump administration is working to make it right," he noted.

Encouraging engagement, Dona advised: "Take [children] to a national cemetery, walk among the graves... Honor our veterans, go out and talk to them." He stressed protecting legacies from World War II to Korea.

Veterans Day Events and Reflections

Winn promoted a Veterans Day event by United Republicans of Arizona at 250 West Continental Road, Suite 500, starting at 11 a.m. on November 11, with lunch and challenge coins.

Reflecting on service, Winn shared her father's Marine Corps story and the 250th anniversaries of the Army, Navy, and Marines. She highlighted the Apache helicopter's 50th flight anniversary and civilian contributions to military programs.

Winn urged gratitude: "Do whatever you can to say thank you... They have a servant's heart."