Office of the Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued the following announcement on July 24.

Governor Doug Ducey was joined by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman to announce additional resources, flexibility and clarity for the start of the 2020-2021 school year.

This “Arizona: Open for Learning” plan provides maximum options for Arizona families, ensures students receive a full academic year of education, invests a total of $440 million in federal dollars to our schools, and gives local school leaders the flexibility and public health guidance to make the best decisions for their students.

Read the full plan HERE.

Here's what others are saying about Arizona’s “Open For Learning” Plan:

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman

“Despite facing a tremendous amount of uncertainty over the past five months, Arizona schools have continued to be pillars of our communities, finding creative ways to keep our students engaged academically, socially, and emotionally. Today's Executive Order provides much-needed guidance and clarity for schools as they prepare for the upcoming academic year. I am grateful to all of our school leaders, educators, and Dr. Christ and Governor Ducey, for their work supporting Arizona's students." (7/23/20, LINK)

State Representative Michelle Udall

“This plan gives our families options, and empowers our local education leaders to make decisions that make sense for their schools. I want to thank Governor Ducey for his commitment to protecting the health and safety of kids and families while ensuring our students continue to learn and grow.” (7/23/20, LINK)

State Senator Sylvia Allen

"I thank Governor Ducey for his leadership in providing flexibility to schools, especially in rural communities, to determine their best course of action in reopening schools. The additional resources will make certain that schools who do reopen for in-person instruction will have all the assistance they need to protect the health and safety of students, teachers and staff. This will also ensure that to the greatest degree possible, we will give every Arizona child the quality learning environment that will serve them well.” (7/23/20, LINK)

Arizona School Administrators

“On Saturday @Arizona_ASA asked @dougducey & @Supt_Hoffman to use metrics to guide the reopening of schools for in-person learning. Today they did just that. Thanks for listening and responding. @AzSBA” (7/23/20, LINK)

Arizona Charter Schools Association

“Thank you for your leadership Gov. Ducey @dougducey & Superintendent Hoffman @Supt_Hoffman. We look forward to continuing to work together on behalf of AZ students.” (7/23/20, LINK)

Arizona School Boards Association

“Thank you Gov. @dougducey and @Supt_Hoffman for working together to bring public health data to bear on school reopening. @AZDHS will help school leaders make an informed decision.” (7/23/20, LINK)

Saddle Mountain Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Paul Tighe

“Governor Ducey Announces Additional Dollars, Flexibility and Clarity To Arizona Schools… We appreciate the collaboration @dougducey and @Supt_Hoffman and support for our needs.” (7/23/20, LINK)

Superintendent at J.O. Combs Unified School District

"Thank you @Supt_Hoffman and  @dougducey for your hard work and help with the next step to get back into school safely. District update coming today." (7/24/20, LINK)

Associated Press

“The governor also announced an additional $370 million for schools from his discretionary pot of federal coronavirus funding. The money will help schools with extra expenses for online classes and for returning to schools, and provided through grants if schools give options to students who need to be on campus. The grants are designed to make up for a 5% funding cut schools would take in if they went online, and boost it by 5% if they hold in-person classes.” (7/24/20, LINK)

KGUN 9

“The governor and superintendent also announced a slew of funding for distance learning, high-speed internet for underserved communities, grants for teachers and other innovative programs.” (7/23/20 LINK)

KNAU

“Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman announced the upcoming school year will include options for both in-person and online instruction, and that schools will be required to develop face-covering policies. Ducey pledged additional funding to schools and said the Arizona Department of Health Services will develop benchmarks to determine reopening dates.” (7/24/20, LINK)

KOLD (CBS) News 13

“Governor Doug Ducey is letting local leaders make the final call when it is safe to open schools.The governor announced that “Arizona: Open for Learning” plan with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman. While it gives more flexibility to districts, it requires them to provide an onsite learning option and support services to students on August 17th if they want to be eligible for more funding.” (7/24/20 LINK)

Phoenix Business Journal

“Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is kicking in $440 million in federal funding to help Arizona's K-12 public schools begin the 2020-2021 academic school year. Called Arizona: Open for Learning, the back-to-school plan requires that schools provide on-site learning and support services for students who need a place to learn in order to qualify for the funding.” (7/23/20 LINK)

Original source can be found here.