Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal expressed his desire to work with the Tucson Unified School District’s leadership “to find ways to improve their schools and to provide a quality education for all TUSD.” Huppenthal’s statement was released today in response to the action by the TUSD Governing Board last night to immediately suspend their Mexican American Studies Program.
The Governing Board voted 4-1 to suspend the Mexican American Studies classes found to violate state law. The Board resolved that ‘All Mexican-American Studies (MAS) courses and teaching activities, regardless of funding source, shall be suspended immediately.’
“I am currently reviewing the official resolution that was adopted by the governing board and, upon consultation with TUSD representatives, will make a determination on appropriate method to verify their compliance with A.R.S. § 15-112.”
“I look forward to the opportunity to work with Superintendent Huppenthal, my fellow board members, members of our community, and district administration in developing curriculum which recognizes our region’s rich culture and diversity and which forwards the advancement of all of our students,” said TUSD Governing Board member Michael Hicks.
“I am very encouraged by the swift and decisive action taken by the members of the Governing Board last night to address the issues that I raised in my final ruling on January 6, 2012 of the district being in violation of A.R.S. § 15-112,” said Huppenthal in the statement.