Jason Williams for AZ Supt. of Public Instruction

Clean Elections Commission rejects status quo politics, unanimously clears Jason Williams

2010-08-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Phoenix, Ariz. - August 19, 2010 - Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, released the following statement today following the unanimous decision by the Citizen's Clean Elections Commission to take no action against Williams and reject the politically-motivated allegations made by his primary election opponent and her supporter:

"I'd like to thank the Commission for the time they put into reviewing the complaint and ultimately for the decision that they reached. As I would often tell my students, just because someone calls you a name, it doesn't mean it's true. As we've seen, the allegations made by my primary opponent and her supporter were completely based on nothing but innuendo and speculation.

"I am proud to be the only Democrat in this race to be running as a Clean candidate. As we know, Clean Elections is the most transparent system of elections.

"It's unfortunate that my primary opponent chose to engage in this type of status quo politics at this time. This election is far too important for our children and our state. This is precisely the type of status quo politics that I and the majority of Arizona voters are anxious to abandon. Going into the final days of the primary election, I would hope this would be the last example of this type of politically-motivated tactic by my primary opponent so we can focus on doing what's right for our kids.

"I'm proud that my campaign has consistently been a positive campaign focused on ideas and real solutions to the challenges facing public education in Arizona. This is what we need to be talking about. This is what I will address when I am state Superintendent."

For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com.

One week to Victory!

2010-08-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

We are just one week from taking our next critical step towards ensuring a new direction for our children. On Tuesday, August 24th, Arizona Democrats and independents who opt to vote in the Democratic primary will have the opportunity to choose who will best serve this state as the next Superintendent of Public Instruction and who will best represent our Democratic values against the Republican Party nominee in the general election.

It has been 16 years since Arizonans elected a Democrat and an educator to lead our public schools. The status quo and special interest insiders have failed to provide excellent public schools for all of Arizona's children. It's time to elect a Superintendent of Public Instruction who will be a true advocate for our children, someone who will put our kids first and stop at nothing to ensure every child has access to an excellent public education.

I was honored to earn the Democratic Party nomination when I ran for this position in 2006. In the general election that year, with your help, I came close to beating the Republican incumbent. In fact, it was the closest of all the statewide races. We just needed about 25 more votes per precinct. With the momentum we've built since then, and the grassroots movement you've helped to create, I know we can earn the votes needed to win this election for our children this year. We must change the direction our state is headed and do what's right for our children.

When you mark your ballot, I ask you to join the many leaders who have endorsed my candidacy, as well as the more than 2000 people who pledged their support with a $5 Clean Elections Qualifying Contribution, and vote Jason Williams for Superintendent of Public Instruction. To ensure victory, I also ask you to share this message with your family, friends and colleagues so they can join you in voting Jason Williams for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Thank you for your support and your vote.

The primary election is just one week away - Tuesday, August 24th. Please remember to share this message with family, friends and colleagues, and vote Jason Williams for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Also, we need your help to Get Out the Vote (GOTV) every day from now until Election Day. If you can join our GOTV efforts, please contact my campaign headquarters at helpkids@williamsforarizona.com or (602) 795-4734.

Contributors of $5 Clean Elections

2010-08-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the following supporters who gave my campaign a $5 Clean Elections Qualifying Contribution:

Please Visit website here to see a complete List:

Thanks you all!

Valley parents upset by larger class sizes due to budgetsValley parents upset by larger class sizes due to budgets

2010-08-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

65 comments by Mary Beth Faller - Aug. 17, 2010 09:38 AM
The Arizona Republic

The effects of the state's budget crisis are showing up inside packed classrooms in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills.

As school started Aug. 9, the two districts had larger class sizes in every grade, including kindergarten classes of 27 to 30 children.

Some Scottsdale parents became alarmed the week before school started, meeting with district administrators to express their concerns. In Fountain Hills, a group of parents addressed the governing board at its meeting last week.

Districts' new school start times snarl traffic

"The kindergarten class sizes are way too large and I don't feel the kids are getting the attention they need at such a young age," Elaine Sommerschield, parent of a kindergartner at McDowell Mountain Elementary School, told the Fountain Hills board.

Susan Jones, a Cochise Elementary School parent in Scottsdale, said some parents felt betrayed because they voted for a K-3 budget override last fall, believing it would keep class sizes small, and for the state sales-tax increase in May to preserve teachers' jobs.

District administrators acknowledged the parents' anger but said the state's cuts to local budgets were just too deep.

Both Scottsdale Superintendent Gary Catalani and Fountain Hills Superintendent Bill Myhr said K-3 override money was targeted at keeping class sizes low, but when the state decided in the spring to no longer fund all-day kindergarten starting with the 2010-11 school year, the districts had to use their override money to salvage that program.

The Proposition 100 sales-tax increase offset some but not all of the deep funding cuts from the state.
Catalani said class sizes would be much higher if voters had not passed Proposition 100 in May. Still, Scottsdale laid off 77 teachers and Fountain Hills 14.

Both districts increased class sizes at all grade levels. Scottsdale has a class size cap of 30 students in kindergarten, and several schools are at that limit, Catalani said.
Myhr said the Fountain Hills kindergartens have 27 students, while first through third grades have up to 29 per class. One fourth-grade class has 34 students.

Fountain Hills' situation is complicated by the fact that enrollment is declining. The number of students dropped 6.6 percent over the course of the 2009-10 school year, and 48 more students left over the summer, according to Tim Leedy, assistant superintendent of business and support service. As enrollment declines, so does funding from the state.

Fountain Hills hired a kindergarten teacher over the summer when staff verified through phone calls to parents that the classes would have up to 34 students, Myhr said.

"Frankly, we don't have any more money for teachers," he said.

Catalani said Scottsdale's new centralized enrollment system allowed the district to accurately move teachers from underenrolled schools to overenrolled schools, but without money from the newly approved federal education jobs bill, class sizes would stay large. The Arizona Department of Education has not revealed how it will divide the $212 million it will receive.

Myhr said any money Fountain Hills gets from the federal grant would only be a short-term fix.
"This may be the new normal until education becomes an investment and not an expense," he said. "The federal money buys us time."

The Cave Creek Unified School District increased class sizes by one student per class this year, according to Superintendent Debbi Burdick.

The Paradise Valley Unified School District was able to decrease class sizes slightly this year after Proposition 100 passed, after raising class sizes the year before.

Anne Hanson, president of the Scottsdale Education Association teachers' group, said large class sizes decrease time spent on each child in the classroom and outside.

"Large classes mean teachers work more. Before, you were disciplining two little munchkins as opposed to five now. Or you were passing out 25 papers and now you're passing out 33 papers, and three people instead of one person forgot to bring a pencil.

"You can see how many precious seconds and minutes are taken away from actual class time."

2010-08-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

Tucson educator, man of the year Jeremy Harkin supports Jason Williams for state Superintendent of Public Instruction

Phoenix, Ariz. - Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that one of the most highly-respected educators in Tucson has endorsed his candidacy. Jeremy Harkin, the Arizona Daily Star's man of the year, teaches English at Sahuaro High School and is a member of the Arizona Education Association. His support for Jason is rooted in his belief in Jason's commitment to moving every child forward and ensuring every child in Arizona has access to an excellent public education.

"Jason is not just the best candidate, he is the right person to be our next Superintendent of Public Instruction," said Harkin. "Jason genuinely cares about our kids. I believe he will always put students, and their future success, first when making any decisions as Superintendent. I'm excited to be supporting a solid educator and proven educational leader to be our next state Superintendent."

Harkin was chosen last year by the Star as man of the year after being nominated by one of his former students, who Harkin continues to support to this day. Harkin has overcome several obstacles in life. Despite being stricken with polio, suffering serious paralysis as an infant and having significant physical limitations today, Harkin is a distance swimmer and raises funds for several charities. As reported by the Star, Harkin has swum the San Francisco Bay and other bodies of water to raise money through his charity Swim for Cures for groups like Tucson Centers for Women and Children and the Interfaith Coalition for the Homeless. He was involved in a serious car accident in 1999 that caused serious injuries. Still, Harkin is known for his "adventurous, excited, upbeat and cool under pressure" personality, according to the Star.

"Jeremy's inspirational story is one we should all try to follow," said Williams. "His perseverance throughout the challenges he has faced and his ability to overcome those obstacles to become a great mentor to his students and leader in his community is motivating. Attracting and retaining quality teachers like Jeremy is critical to the future success of our children and our schools. As Superintendent, it will be one of my top priorities to reward and duplicate the success we've seen from teachers like Jeremy so we can ensure all of our children are reaching their full potential. I am honored to have Jeremy's support."

Press Release: N.O.W endorses Jason

2010-08-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Phoenix, Ariz. - August 11, 2010 - Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that the Arizona National Organization for Women (NOW) Political Action Committee has endorsed his candidacy.

In a statement sent this week, NOW, the largest feminist advocacy group in the nation, said they decided to back Williams after determining he shared NOW's values and would support the issues of importance to the women of Arizona.

"I am grateful that the National Organization for Women has recognized my commitment to women's issues," said Williams. "I am proud to stand in support of NOW and the women of Arizona."

The Arizona NOW Political Action Committee works to elect leaders who will protect and advance women's rights. NOW established its national Political Action Committee in 1977, which was followed by the formation of the NOW Equality PAC to support candidates for state and local office. NOW chapters often create their own PACs, which endorse and support candidates through grassroots efforts.

For more information about Jason Williams, please visit his website here. To learn more about the Arizona NOW PAC, click here.

Countdown for AZ Primary

2010-08-09T11:35:00.002-07:00

Elections Countdown

President Shirley of Navajo Nation Endorsement

2010-08-03T17:32:00.015-07:00

Today, as the people of the Navajo Nation vote in a primary election, I am pleased to announce that Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley, Jr. has endorsed my candidacy for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction.

I am honored to have the support of such a great and nationally-respected leader. President Shirley was inaugurated as President of the Navajo Nation in January 2003. On November 7, 2006, he became the first Navajo president re-elected in 28 years. He is in his 42nd year of public service. Throughout his administration, Dr. Shirley has tirelessly championed the need for the Navajo Nation to regain the autonomy it once knew as a “proud, fierce and independent” people through education, employment, financial strength and accountability, and the preservation of the Navajo language, culture and way of life. To learn more about President Shirley please click here.

I look forward to working with President Shirley and all of the leaders and people of the Navajo Nation to ensure all children in Arizona, including our Navajo children, have the educational opportunities they deserve. Together, in accordance with Diné Education Philospohy, we will ensure “our children [are able to] go forth in life endowed with what is required to achieve their ultimate aspirations.”

Once again, I thank President Shirley for his support and confidence in my ability to move all of Arizona’s children forward. I ask for your support and your vote in the August 24th Democratic primary election. To learn more about my campaign, please my website here.

You can also follow me on Facebook, and Twitter.

Make your voice heard- early voting has started

2010-08-01T17:28:00.000-07:00

Early voting in the primary election began July 29, 2010. If you are among the hundreds of thousands of Arizona voters who have signed up to be on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) or requested an early ballot, your ballot should be arriving in your mailbox any day now.

Democrats and independent voters who opt to vote in the Democratic Party Primary will have the opportunity to choose who will best serve this state as the next Superintendent of Public Instruction and who will best represent our Democratic values against the Republican Party nominee in the general election. As a lifelong educator and a lifelong Democrat, I know our children don't have to fail. The question is, will we fail them?

It has been 16 years since Arizonans elected a Democrat and an educator to lead our public schools. The status quo and special interest insiders have failed to provide excellent public schools for all of Arizona's children. It's time to elect a Superintendent of Public Instruction who will be a true advocate for our children, someone who will put our kids first and stop at nothing to ensure every child has access to an excellent public school.

I was honored to earn the Democratic Party nomination when I ran for this position in 2006. In the general election that year, with your help, I came close to beating the Republican incumbent. In fact, it was the closest of all the statewide races. We just needed about 25 more votes per precinct. With the momentum we've built since then, and the grassroots movement you've helped to create, I know we can earn the votes needed to win this election for our children this year. We must change the direction our state is headed and do what's right for our children.

Over the next 26 days when you mark your ballot, whether you receive it in the mail, at an early voting polling site or your polling location on Election Day, I ask you to join the many leaders listed below who have endorsed my candidacy and vote Jason Williams for Superintendent of Public Instruction. I, also, ask you to please share this message with your family, friends and colleagues so they can join you in voting Jason Williams for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Early voting in the primary election has begun. Please remember to share this message with family, friends and colleagues, and vote Jason Williams for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Voices of Support
As of today, the following elected officials, community leaders and organizations have endorsed my candidacy. If you would like to add your name to this list of supporters, please email HelpKids@WilliamsForArizona.com.
Community, State and National Organizations

IBEW Local 640
Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Equality Arizona
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona
Arizona State Building and Construction Trades Council
Arizona Pipe Trades 469
Elected Officials

State Representative (House Minority Leader) and Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board Member David Lujan
State Representative Cloves Campbell, Jr.
State Representative Pat Fleming
State Representative Matt Heinz
State Representative Robert Meza
Maricopa County Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox
Maricopa Community College Board Member Randolph Lumm
Phoenix City Councilmember Tom Simplot
Mesa City Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh
Tempe City Councilmember Joel Navarro
Tempe City Councilmember Corey Woods
Sahuarita Town Councilmember Rosanna Gabaldon
Alhambra Elementary School District Governing Board Member Adam Lopez Falk
Alhambra Elementary School District Governing Board Member Elizabeth Sanchez
Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board Member Matt Jewett
Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board Member Carl Zaragoza
Madison Elementary School District Board Member Robin Stamp
Osborn Elementary School District Board Member Theresa Martinez
Roosevelt Elementary School District Governing Board Member Jim Munoz
Roosevelt Elementary School District Governing Board Member Norma Munoz
Roosevelt Elementary School District Governing Board Member Betty Thompson
Roosevelt Elementary School District Governing Board Member Betty Ware
Tempe Elementary School District Governing Board Member Sherri Connell
Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board President Amy Kobeta
Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board Clerk Linda Abril
Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board Member Lela Alston
Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board Member Dr. George Brooks
Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board Member Dr. Cristy Lopez
Former Coconino County Supervisor Tio Tachias
Former Flagstaff Mayor Bill Erwin
Former Flagstaff City Councilmember Mel Hannah
Former Springerville Mayor David Silva
Community and Business Leaders
Alhambra Elementary School District Superintendent Jim Rice
Former Tolleson High School District Superintendent Kino Flores
Former Round Valley Unified School District Superintendent Dennis Silva (Springerville)
Bishop Henry Barnwell
Pastor Aubrey Barnwell
Gregory E. Torrez
Raul Aguirre
Gene Blue
Luis Ibarra
Pete Garcia
Edmundo Hidalgo
Earl Wilcox
Ray Arvizu
Wayne Manske
Delia Torres
Michael Williams
Deborah Chapman
Armando Contreras
Tony Colon
George Diaz
Tommy Espinoza
John Graham
Esther Lumm
Anna-Marie Mars
Vasti Mugica
Dan Maller
Sal Rivera
Angela Begay
Norma L. Begay

Thank you for your support and your vote.

Public invited to participate in live Telephone Town Hall discussion with state schools chief candidate Jason Williams

2010-07-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.williamsforarizona.com/

Phoenix, Ariz. - July 26, 2010 - After a successful first Telephone Town Hall discussion with parents, educators and the general public Thursday, Democratic candidate for state superintendent of public instruction Jason Williams announced he will be hosting two additional conference-call/radio-talk-show-style question and answer sessions this week.

Nearly 2,500 callers participated in the first Telephone Town Hall, moderated by Phoenix Union High School District Governing Board President Amy Kobeta. That call highlighted critical education-related issues, such as reforming the state accountability system, attracting and retaining excellent teachers in every classroom, and restoring funding to Arizona schools.

The Telephone Town Hall technology is relatively new to Arizona. Williams is one of a handful of candidates and elected officials who have used the tool to reach out to constituents and voters. Williams said his use of the Telephone Town Hall format during this campaign cycle is symbolic of the type of statewide outreach he will engage in as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

"To effectively address the needs of our schools and our students, the state superintendent must connect with all stakeholders across the state, including parents, teachers, students, administrators and community members," said Williams. "I have consistently made a commitment to give voters direct access to the state superintendent, and through the use of innovative tools like the Telephone Town Hall, I am pleased that I will be able to hear the views and opinions of people all over Arizona."

In addition to the use of innovative technology to hear from parents and educators when elected, Williams has committed to reach stakeholders in their communities by working at least one day each week outside of Maricopa County.

His weekly visits will include in-person town hall forums in communities across the state, as well as meetings with key stakeholders in every county.

Volunteer

Also, much like he does with his campaign's famed yellow school bus, Williams plans to tour the state in a mobile office, giving teachers and administrators direct access to Department of Education services in their own communities.

The next two Telephone Town Halls will take place Tuesday, July 27th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 1st from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Anybody interested in participating in the forum can sign up by contacting the Williams For Arizona Campaign Headquarters at HelpKids@WilliamsForArizona.com or (602) 795-4734.

To learn more about Jason Williams, visit his website here.

Get on the Bus to Victory!

2010-07-22T16:56:00.001-07:00

Over the past year and a half, you have joined me as I've campaigned across the state, meeting voters in every corner of Arizona at town halls, club meetings, community picnics, candidate forums, house parties and receptions. You've helped me carry our message that we need to change the direction our state's leaders have been taking us.

Status quo and special interest insiders have controlled education in Arizona for too long, and they have failed. This election is too important to the future of our state and our children to continue playing musical chairs at the Department of Education.

It's time we start putting kids first. It is imperative that we win this election so our children will have a true public education advocate representing them as Superintendent of Public Instruction. We must win in November, but first we must win the August 24th primary election.

With early voting in the primary set to begin in just 7 days, it is crucial that we continue to reach every voter in Arizona. Your help is critical to our success. Please volunteer today!

To ensure victory in the August 24th Primary and November 2nd General Elections, our campaign is running an aggressive grassroots effort to earn the necessary votes. You and the other members of our statewide network are critical to this endeavor.

I invite you to Get on the Bus with us. We need volunteers every day from now until Election Day. Please sign up to volunteer today!

There are several activities and fun opportunities to get involved with the campaign, including:

• Ride with me on the Williams For Arizona Campaign School Bus

• Call voters to educate them about the campaign

• Pass out literature to voters

• Help answer phones, enter data, and other important tasks at Campaign Headquarters

Click here to sign up and let us know how you can help or contact our campaign headquarters by email or by phone (602) 795-4734.

Thank you for your continued support. With your help, I am certain that we will win in 2010 and secure a more promising future for all of our children!

Early Voting for the Primary Election starts in just 7 days! Please volunteer today and Get on the Bus to Victory with the Williams For Arizona Campaign. Click here to sign up and let us know how you can help or contact our campaign headquarters by email or by phone (602) 795-4734.

Video Message: Happy Fourth of July

2010-07-04T11:57:00.003-07:00

Just a few months ago, Americans spent the day honoring members of the military who died in service to our country. On Memorial Day 2010, we acknowledged the tremendous sacrifice made on our behalf.

In an 1884 Memorial Day speech, Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. explained this phenomenon perfectly when he said:

"Through our great good fortune, in our youth, our hearts were touched with fire. It was given to us to learn at the outset that life is a profound and passionate thing."

Today, as we celebrate the 234th year of American independence, I challenge all of us to find the passion burning in our own hearts, understand what others have done on our behalf, and know, too, that we have a responsibility to the next generation to live our lives so that they will have cause to celebrate our contributions and dream even bigger dreams than you and I dare to dream today.

Wherever your passion leads you, please remember that dreams are nothing more than passions not yet realized.

My dream is for every child to be provided with a legitimate opportunity to realize their own dreams through an excellent public education.

Today, I'll be spending the holiday in Tucson, riding in our campaign's new school bus and meeting voters at various events around town. Tonight, we'll watch the fireworks show over A-Mountain from the Tucson Convention Center. Come on by and get on the bus with us.

Here is a short video message from me to you from aboard the bus:

If you're having trouble viewing the video, you can watch in on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/williamsforarizona

Happy Fourth of July! Thank you for your continued support.

Media Advisory: Statewide school bus tour starts this weekend!

2010-07-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

Jason Williams to launch statewide bus tour during 4th of July weekend
State schools chief candidate to tour Arizona in school bus

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for state Superintendent of Public Instruction, will launch his statewide school bus tour during the 4th of July weekend. Williams will make appearances in Prescott, Anthem, and Tucson this weekend. The tour will continue to other areas of the state over the next several months leading up to the August 24th primary election and November 2nd general election.

WHO: Jason Williams, Democratic candidate for state Superintendent of Public Instruction

WHAT: Launch of statewide school bus tour while participating in 4th of July Weekend festivities

WHEN & WHERE:

Saturday, July 3, 2010:

Bus will depart from Williams For Arizona Campaign Headquarters, 205 N Martin Luther King Circle, Phoenix, at 6:30 a.m.

Bus will arrive in Prescott for the Frontier Days Parade at approximately 8:15 a.m. Bus will drive through town and park near the parade area. Williams will march in the Frontier Days Parade at 9 a.m. with the local Democratic Party.

Bus will depart Prescott at approximately 12:00 p.m. and arrive in Anthem at approximately 1:30 p.m. Williams and supporters will break for lunch and visit local businesses.

Bus will drive through Anthem during the afternoon and park near the Anthem Community Park, Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak Parkway, at approximately 6 p.m. Williams and supporters will join the local Democratic Party at a booth at the festival in the park and watch fireworks that evening.

Bus will depart Anthem at approximately 10:30 p.m. and arrive at headquarters by 11:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 4, 2010:

Bus will depart from Williams For Arizona Campaign Headquarters, 205 N Martin Luther King Circle, Phoenix, at 2:00 p.m.

Bus will arrive in Tucson at approximately 4:00 p.m. Bus will drive through town for visibility and make stops at various events. Bus may stop at the Red, White and Boom celebration at the Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S Houghton Road, Tucson, before stopping at the Pima County Democratic Party 4th of July celebration, home of Renee Morton, 526 S Stone Avenue, Tucson, at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Bus will park near the Tucson Convention Center at approximately 7:20 p.m. Williams and supporters will meet with voters in the Convention Center parking lot and watch the fireworks over A-Mountain that evening.

Bus will depart Tucson at approximately 10:30 p.m. and arrive back at headquarters at 12:30 a.m.

Press Release: Business, labor groups unite behind Jason Williams

2010-06-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 640 and the Chandler Chamber of Commerce have endorsed his candidacy. IBEW is the third labor organization to officially support Williams, while the Chandler Chamber’s endorsement represents a growing recognition by business leaders that Williams is the best candidate for business.

"The Chandler Chamber of Commerce is deeply concerned about the low ranking of the Arizona education system compared to other States,” said the Chandler Chamber’s President/CEO Dave Warkentin. “A Superintendent of Public Instruction must have a vision for how to better the performance of our schools and help Arizona students steadily advance their educational attainment. Based on those criteria we are pleased to endorse Jason Williams.”

The IBEW represents 725,000 workers in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government. The Local 640 covers workers in Maricopa County, parts of Pinal County and most of Northern Arizona.

“I am pleased with the level of support I have received from groups representing hardworking Arizonans, such as the Internal Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, as well as business leaders like the Chandler Chamber of Commerce,” said Williams. “Improving our schools is critical to attracting quality businesses and increasing job opportunities for hardworking Arizonans. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will work to ensure every child has access to excellent public schools that are preparing them to be college- or career-ready when they graduate.”

In 2006, Williams secured the Democratic Party nomination for Superintendent of Public Instruction with a majority of votes in 14 of 15 counties. In the general election against the Republican incumbent, Williams received more votes than any other non-incumbent Democrat in the closest of all the statewide races.

Since then, Williams has continued his work to ensure every child in Arizona has access to a quality public education. He currently serves as a Managing Partner for BlueDynamic and was the founder of AZ School Works. In addition to working with the Roosevelt School District, Williams is a faculty member for Arizona State University’s Beat the Odds Institute Parent Liaison Academy, meets weekly to mentor an eighth grade student through Arizona Quest for Kids, and serves on several education-related Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees, including College Depot, Communities in Schools, Genesis City, and Phoenix Collegiate Academy.

From 2000 - 2005, Williams served as Executive Director of Teach For America (TFA) in Phoenix. During his tenure, local funding for the program doubled, teacher placements increased 150%, and the number of schools and districts partnering with TFA increased 100%. In addition, under his leadership, student achievement levels for the Phoenix program increased significantly, turning the region from TFA’s lowest to its highest performing region in the U.S. in just three years.

The IBEW Local 640 has been providing quality craftsmanship in Arizona since 1925. With Edison’s invention of the first commercially successful incandescent lamp in 1879, the general public became aware of the possibilities of electricity. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers® is as old as the commercial use of electricity itself. It is the oldest, as well as the largest, electrical union in the world. The IBEW has members in both the United States and Canada and stands out among the American unions in the AFL-CIO because it is among the largest and has members in so many skilled occupations.

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce gives businesses access to powerful local resources. They offer networking events, promotional opportunities and publicity for businesses, and they support businesses through legislative advocacy. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce supports business and the Chandler community by providing vital programs and services that attract and retain business while embracing diversity. The Chamber provides a strong business presence at all levels of government to protect and advance business interests.

For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com. To learn about the IBEW visit www.ibew640.org. For information on the Chandler Chamber, visit www.chandlerchamber.com.

###

Nominate a student leader!

2010-06-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Putting Kids First. As I have campaigned across the state, this theme has been central to everything that I have done. This election is about re-focusing our attention to our students, making them the priority, and working to ensure every child has access to an excellent public education.

I have often said that this election is about ensuring our students have a voice when it comes to the future of education. This will be true when I am elected Superintendent of Public Instruction, and I am committed to ensuring students have a voice in my campaign before the election.

Jesus Cera, Youth Coordinator my campaign, is organizing the Williams For Arizona Student Leadership Council. This statewide youth advisory group will be comprised of high school and college students seeking to gain valuable campaign experience and bring a youth perspective to the campaign.

We are looking for outstanding students who are interested in becoming civically engaged, building leadership skills and ensuring the youth voice is heard. If you know of an outstanding student who might be interested in joining the Williams For Arizona Student Leadership Council, we encourage you to submit your nomination to Jesus Cera at jesus@WilliamsForArizona.com by July 6, 2010.

We filed our $5s

2010-06-22T14:37:00.001-07:00

For the past several months, you have been working to help me collect enough $5 Clean Elections Qualifying Contributions to secure Clean Elections funding for the primary and general elections. I am happy to announce that last week I filed my application with the Citizen's Clean Elections Commission, submitting more than 2,000 $5 contributions.

As a result of your efforts - the work of teachers, students, retirees, activists and advocates for education - we will have the resources we need to win this election. Thank you to everyone who donated $5 and collected $5 contributions from friends, family and other supporters.

While we await final approval from the Citizen's Clean Elections Commission, our campaign team is shifting to focus on the three Vs: Volunteers, Votes and Victory! need your help to change the direction our state's leaders have been taking us. It is imperative that we win this election so our children will have a true public education advocate representing them in the state Superintendent's office.

Education must be our state's top priority. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, with your help, I will work to make education our number one focus.

To ensure Victory in the August 24th Primary and November 2nd General Elections, our campaign will be running an aggressive grassroots effort to earn the necessary Votes.

You and other members of our statewide network are critical to this endeavor.

Please sign up to volunteer today. There are several opportunities for you to help in the office, from home, or in the community. Click here to sign up and let us know how you can help.

Thank you for your continued support. With your help, I am certain that we will win in 2010 and secure a more promising future for all of our children!

Press Release: Equality Arizona endorses Jason Williams

2010-06-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that the Equality Arizona Political Action Committee (PAC) has exclusively endorsed his candidacy. In a statement sent Friday, the gay and lesbian advocacy organization said they are excited to work with candidates “who are willing to step up to build a better, more inclusive Arizona.”

“As an openly-gay candidate, not only do my life experiences shape my views on equality issues, but my drive to ensure every child - including every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender child - has access to an excellent public education will guide my decisions as Superintendent of Public Instruction,” said Williams. “I am thankful for having received the endorsement of Equality Arizona, then-Arizona Human Rights Fund, in the 2006 election, and I am honored to be working with them to win this election.”

Equality Arizona is Arizona’s only statewide LGBT civil rights organization working to secure, protect and defend the rights and welfare of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Arizona. Equality Arizona Advocacy Fund engages in political advocacy and electoral action to create change on the state and local levels.

For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com. To learn about Equality Arizona, visit www.EqualityArizona.org.

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Press Release: Labor council backs Jason Williams

2010-06-15T09:32:00.001-07:00

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that the Arizona State Building and Construction Trades Council has voted unanimously to endorse his candidacy. The 10,000 member union, which represents the largest voting block of the Arizona AFL-CIO, is the second labor group to formally back Williams this election cycle.

“I am grateful that the members of the Arizona State Building and Construction Trades Council are supporting my candidacy,” said Williams. “Given the significant percentage of Arizona workers who are currently unemployed, job creation must be the priority of every elected official. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, I intend to be a strong voice for all hardworking families in Arizona and ensure every child has access to excellent public schools.”

In 2006, Williams secured the Democratic Party nomination for Superintendent of Public Instruction with a majority of votes in 14 of 15 counties. In the general election against the Republican incumbent, Williams received more votes than any other non-incumbent Democrat in the closest of all the statewide races.

Since then, Williams has continued his work to ensure every child in Arizona has access to a quality public education. He currently serves as a Managing Partner for BlueDynamic and was the founder of AZ School Works. In addition to working with the Roosevelt School District, Williams is a faculty member for Arizona State University’s Beat the Odds Institute Parent Liaison Academy, meets weekly to mentor an eighth grade student through Arizona Quest for Kids, and serves on several education-related Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees, including College Depot, Communities in Schools, Genesis City, and Phoenix Collegiate Academy.

From 2000 - 2005, Williams served as Executive Director of Teach For America (TFA) in Phoenix. During his tenure, local funding for the program doubled, teacher placements increased 150%, and the number of schools and districts partnering with TFA increased 100%. In addition, under his leadership, student achievement levels for the Phoenix program increased significantly, turning the region from TFA’s lowest to its highest performing region in the U.S. in just three years.

The Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council was established in its current form by a merger of the Phoenix Building and Construction Trades Council and the Southern Arizona Building Trades Council in 2004. As the Phoenix Council and now the Arizona Council, they have served Arizona’s construction labor unions for more than 50 years. Now with 17 affiliates representing 10,000 members, the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council works with its affiliates, labor partners and contractors to provide and continue to grow an exceptional construction labor force.

For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com. To learn about Arizona State Building and Construction Trades Council, visit www.azunions.com.

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Remembering our Fallen Heroes

2010-05-31T17:38:00.012-07:00

As the day comes to end, let's remember to honor our veterans, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, not just on this holiday, but every day after.

Today, I was honored to spend the morning at the Flagstaff Memorial Day Ceremony at Citizen's Cemetery and the afternoon meeting voters at the American Legion and in the town square.

On Saturday, I marched in the Memorial Day Weekend Parade in Surprise, AZ with fellow Democrats.

Tomorrow, I will continue the fight to ensure the right of every child to an excellent public education is fulfilled, and I will fight remembering those who have fought to guarantee that right. Who are you remembering this Memorial Day?

To view more photos from the weekend, you can visit my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/JasonWilliamsAZ.

We're on the ballot!

2010-05-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that I have now officially qualified to be on the ballot as a Democratic candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction after submitting my nomination petition signatures with the Secretary of State on Friday.

With the support of our statewide grassroots network, we collected more than enough signatures to qualify without having to pay a single dime to any outside consultants or firms. It was the work of teachers, students, retirees, activists and advocates for education that made it possible for us to reach our signature goal, and it is that same grassroots movement that will carry us to victory.

Over the months ahead, we will work to change the direction our state's leaders have been taking us. We need to elect leaders who are true advocates for our children and their right to an excellent public education. I believe education must be our state's top priority. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will work to make education our number one focus once again.

Thank you for helping me qualify for the ballot! Now I need your help to get our message out to the voters. If you haven't already given a $5 Clean Elections Qualifying Contribution, please do so today and ask your friends to send a contribution too! Visit my website at www.WilliamsForArizona.com/donate to download the form.

Our Next Victory

2010-05-19T10:10:00.003-07:00

At last night's Yes on 100 Watch Party, I was excited as the results came in. An overwhelming majority of Arizonans voted in support of Proposition 100. As an educator, I am grateful to the voters of Arizona for supporting our children, our teachers and our schools.

The passage of Prop 100 was especially important considering the Legislature has continuously abdicated its responsibility to provide our public schools with the necessary resources to move all our children forward. While only a band-aid, this important victory has saved our schools from facing even more challenges in the short term.

Now, the real work begins. We need to elect leaders who are true advocates for our kids and their right to an excellent public education. We now turn our attention to the upcoming primary and general elections where you will have an opportunity to do just that.

Over the months ahead, I need your help to change the direction our leaders at the state capitol have been taking us.

The voters have made it very clear that education must be a priority. I believe education must be our state's top priority. As Superintendent of Public Instruction, with your help, I will work to make education our number one focus once again.

Please visit my website to learn more and to get involved: www.WilliamsForArizona.com

Vote Today: Yes on 100

2010-05-18T10:01:00.003-07:00

Today is an important day for Arizona. The May 18th Special Election has arrived, and you will help decide whether or not our schools and our kids receive the critical support they need.

Please Vote Today and Vote Yes on 100.

Click Here to find your polling place.

While the Legislature and the Governor have abdicated their responsibilities to provide our schools with the resources they need to succeed, you have an opportunity today to prevent massive cuts to education from going into effect.

Prop 100 temporarily raises the sales tax by 1 cent over the next three years. The Legislature has already factored that revenue into the state budget. They do have a contingency plan built into the budget if voters decide not to pass Prop 100. Their plan: automatic and massive cuts to education.

With all the cuts they've been dealing with, our schools and our kids cannot afford to lose another 10% of funding on average.

Please join me in putting our kids first and
Vote Yes on 100 today!

Polls across the state close at 7 p.m. Find out where to vote by visiting the Secretary of State's website: https://voter.azsos.gov/VoterView/PollingPlaceSearch.do

After you vote...

It is clear that the majority in control at the state capitol have failed to make education a priority. Fortunately, you have an opportunity to replace this failed leadership with someone who will put kids first and do what is necessary to ensure our schools and our kids are moving forward.

With your support, we will change the dynamic in the Department of Education and change the direction our state is headed. Thank you for supporting my campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction.

As I am preparing to file my nomination petitions to get my name on the ballot, I still need your help to qualify for Clean Elections.

Please consider giving a $5 contribution today. If you've already given a $5 contribution, will you ask your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to give?

All you have to do is download the form by clicking here, and return the form with your $5 cash or check to:

Committee to Elect Jason Williams 2010
P.O. Box 33395
Phoenix, AZ 85067

You can also visit my website to get the form. Simply visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com/donate

Thank you for your continued support. Together, let's move Arizona forward by moving all our children forward.

Press Release: Planned Parenthood exclusively backs Jason Williams

2010-05-13T10:28:00.002-07:00

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona exclusively endorses
pro-choice Jason Williams for state schools chief

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona (PPAA) has exclusively endorsed his candidacy in the August Democratic primary election. The endorsement was officially made yesterday, when the board of directors for the reproductive health advocacy group chose to give Williams their only endorsement in the race for state schools chief.

“Planned Parenthood’s endorsement is significant to me personally and to my campaign,” said Williams. “As one of the strongest advocacy organizations for women’s reproductive health, I am grateful that Planned Parenthood has recognized my commitment to protect the rights of young women. When I am Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will work to ensure every child has access to a quality public education, including access to medically-accurate, age-appropriate sexual and reproductive health education and services.”

According to literature from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, their fundamental goal is “to elect candidates at all levels of government who are pro-choice and pro-family planning and who support medically accurate sexuality education for Arizona’s youth.”

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona (PPAA) is the non-partisan, political arm of Planned Parenthood in Arizona. Planned Parenthood Advocates promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights by educating voters, public officials and candidates for office. For more than 75 years, Planned Parenthood has provided family planning services and responsible sexuality education to people across Arizona. Today, their advocacy and grassroots organizing efforts remain focused on safeguarding reproductive choice and supporting pro-family, pro-choice public policy throughout our state.

Williams secured the Democratic Party nomination in 2006 for Superintendent of Public Instruction with a majority of votes in 14 of 15 counties. In the general election against the Republican incumbent, Williams received more votes than any other non-incumbent Democrat in the closest of all the statewide races.

Since then, Williams has continued his work to ensure every child in Arizona has access to a quality public education. He currently serves as a Managing Partner for BlueDynamic and was the founder of AZ School Works. In addition to working with the Roosevelt School District, Williams is a faculty member for Arizona State University’s Beat the Odds Institute Parent Liaison Academy, meets weekly to mentor an eighth grade student through Arizona Quest for Kids, and serves on several education-related Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees, including College Depot, Communities in Schools, Genesis City, and Phoenix Collegiate Academy.

For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com. To learn about Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, visit www.advocatesaz.org.

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Appreciating Our Teachers

2010-05-11T15:42:00.008-07:00

Last Friday (May 7th) marked the end of National Teacher Appreciation Week, an important time to recognize the hard work and dedication of the many people who are providing mentorship and guidance to our students in the classroom to ensure they succeed in life.

I thought it was fitting that on that day I had the opportunity to present the recipient of the 2010 Jason Williams Alumni Leadership Award to an outstanding alumna of the Teach For America program in Arizona.

Having served as the Executive Director of Teach For America from 2000-2005, I had the privilege of working with hundreds of teachers to have an impact on thousands of students. While serving in that role, our region went from last to first in student achievement and teacher satisfaction in just three years. The credit for that success really belongs to the amazing teachers who created a nurturing and supportive learning environment for their kids in the highest needs schools in the state.

Amongst all of that great talent, one teacher in particular stood out this year. The 2010 recipient of the Jason Williams Alumni Leadership Award was Lessita Lorin. Allow me to share with you some of her accomplishments since joining Teach For America in 2005.

Lessita has been teaching in the Laveen School District for five years at the same school in which she was originally placed through Teach For America. As a 6th grade teacher at M.C. Cash Elementary School, Lessita helped to develop a teacher support program for new and developing teachers. Through this program, Lessita and others observe classrooms, provide feedback to the new teachers on their practice, assist in creating development plans with those teachers and provide ongoing support as they improve their teaching practice. She has been doing all of these things throughout the course of her regular academic workday while still maintaining a full teaching load with her sixth graders.

Lessita is the recipient of one of five ASU Education Leadership Fellowships and is working to become principal-certified in Arizona. She recently accepted a position as the Dean of Curriculum and Instruction at Phoenix Collegiate Academy. During the 2010-2011 school year, Lessita will be responsible for supporting the development of the school’s curricula, as well as coaching and providing teacher development.

There is so much more to share about Lessita. I encourage you to watch this video to find out what other great things Lessita has been doing.

I am proud of Lessita’s great accomplishments and the opportunities she has created for her students. There is no doubt that she will continue to impact the lives of so many children. We are lucky to have a great teacher like Lessita in Arizona. Congratulations to Lessita, and thank you to all of the outstanding teachers in Arizona.

Standing with Arizona's working families

2010-04-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for the endorsement of the Arizona Pipe Trades 469. Here's the press release we sent out today:

Union endorses Jason Williams for state schools superintendent
Arizona Pipe Trades 469 calls Williams “best advocate for Arizona’s working families”

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that he accepted the endorsement of UA Local 469 Plumbers and Pipefitters, also known as Arizona Pipe Trades 469. In a letter announcing their decision, Arizona Pipe Trades 469 said Williams “will be the best advocate for Arizona’s working families.”

“I am proud to stand with the members of Arizona Pipe Trades 469 to advocate for hardworking Arizonans,” said Williams. “As Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will continue to advocate for working families by ensuring every child in Arizona has access to an excellent public education.”

In 2006, Williams secured the Democratic Party nomination for Superintendent of Public Instruction with a majority of votes in 14 of 15 counties. In the general election against the Republican incumbent, Williams received more votes than any other non-incumbent Democrat in the closest of all the statewide races.
Since then, Williams has continued his work to ensure every child in Arizona has access to a quality public education. He currently serves as a Managing Partner for BlueDynamic and was the founder of AZ School Works. In addition to working with the Roosevelt School District, Williams is a faculty member for Arizona State University’s Beat the Odds Institute Parent Liaison Academy, meets weekly to mentor to an eighth grade student through Arizona Quest for Kids, and serves on several education-related Boards of Directors and Advisory Committees, including College Depot, Communities in Schools, Genesis City, and Phoenix Collegiate Academy.

From 2000 - 2005, Williams served as Executive Director of Teach For America (TFA) in Phoenix. During his tenure, local funding for the program doubled, teacher placements increased 150%, and the number of schools and districts partnering with TFA increased 100%. In addition, under his leadership, student achievement levels for the Phoenix program increased significantly, turning the region from TFA’s lowest to its highest performing region in the U.S. in just three years.

UA Local 469 Plumbers and Pipefitters was chartered in 1910, two-years before the state of Arizona became the 48th state. For over 95 years they’ve been protecting the health of the nation through their Plumbing, Pipefitting and HVAC Service work.

For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com. To learn about Arizona Pipe Trades 469, visit www.ualocal469.org.

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The unusual John "Hole in the Wall" Huppenthal

2010-04-26T15:01:00.009-07:00

After delivering the following speech at the Arizona Democratic Party State Committee Meeting on Saturday, April 24th in Tucson, I’ve had several requests to post it online. So as not to disappoint, I've posted the text of my address below. To learn more about my campaign, please visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com.

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Text of Speech:

With your help in winning the primary, I’ll likely be running this fall against an unusual opponent: John Huppenthal. What’s unusual is that he is best known for wrestling away a campaign sign from a 78-year-old woman, and, more recently, for taking a drill to Saguaro High School and drilling holes in a wall to hang a massive campaign banner.

So, in honor of my odd opponent, I brought along this (holds up power drill), and I’d like you to join me in honoring John “Hole in the Wall” Huppenthal with a poem that I’ve put together. It goes like this:

Johnny has a big old drill,
whose bite is quite severe
For everywhere that Johnny goes,
holes do appear

I ask you to remember that last part because in every stanza it’s going to end with that, and you all did so well at our last meeting that I need you help join me with that. So, can we all say that together.

For everywhere that Johnny goes, holes do appear. For everywhere that Johnny goes, holes do appear. Now I know you can do that with more gusto as we get going here. It says:

Johnny wants no kindergarten
He would make it disappear
For everywhere that Johnny goes,
holes do appear

If tests are too hard to pass,
then standards he will sheer
For everywhere that Johnny goes,
holes do appear

Johnny thinks our schools are fine
Although, his logic isn’t clear
For everywhere that Johnny goes,
holes do appear

Johnny has a big old drill
Don’t let our kids come near
For everywhere that Johnny goes,
holes do appear

Yes, you know, sadly, everywhere John goes, holes appear – holes in budgets, holes in standards and holes in logic. I say we have enough holes. We need to fix our schools. They’re broken but John “Hole in the Wall” Huppenthal seems to be unable to find the holes we need to fix.

You know, there are people who say that Johnny lacks any educational background or experience. Well, that’s not exactly true. You see, Johnny led the team that created the system we have right now, the system that took us from above the national average to dead last in the country. So I say that it’s not that we need more drill, baby, drill. We need more learn, baby, learn.

I’m Jason Williams, and with your help and support, I want to become Arizona’s next Superintendent of Public Instruction. Because as I shared earlier, public education is near and dear to us as Democrats. I’m proud to say that we’re from the party that started our public education system in the United States and it’s time for us to come together and support our children. So I ask for your vote on August 24th and November 2nd. Since I see Don behind me I’m going to finish by also asking you, since I saw the applause for Clean Elections, to please help me because Johnny qualified two months ago, and we need to finish up qualifying. So if you haven’t given a $5 please give a $5 today, and if you want to be a high performing student, please collect additional $5s for us. Our team will be coming around. Thank you so much everyone again.
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Click here to download a $5 Clean Elections Qualifying Contribution Form or visit our website at www.WilliamsForArizona.com. Return it with your $5 check or cash to: Committee to Elect Jason Williams 2010, P.O. Box 33395, Phoenix, AZ 85067.

Protecting Clean Elections

2010-04-01T16:17:00.001-07:00

This morning I joined Linda Brown and members of the Arizona Advocacy Network at the state capitol to submit testimony against two pieces of legislation that threaten Arizona’s Clean Elections System. SCR 1009 (publicly financed elections; prohibition) and SCR 1043 (clean elections; funds; transfer) were scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee today. Both bills were held in committee and may be heard at a later time.

SCR 1009 would bar the Citizens Clean Elections Commission from providing campaign funds to qualifying candidates who choose not to take special interest money. SCR 1043 would completely gut the funds allocated by the voters specifically to Clean Elections by transferring the funds out of that account.

Here’s an excerpt from the written testimony I submitted:

“For democracy to work, we need the participation of a broad cross-section of people. Campaigning for public office is expensive. Clean Elections ensures every Arizonan, regardless of personal wealth, has the opportunity to seek public office. Further, Clean Elections allows candidates to spend more time connecting with voters and less time appealing to donors so we, as candidates, can engage in deeper conversations with voters about public policy. Finally, Clean Elections limits the involvement of special interests in our elections, guaranteeing the voter is always a candidate’s top priority.”

These bills are another attempt by lawmakers who have taken advantage of Clean Elections to undermine that very system. Politicians like Republican Senator John Huppenthal continue to participate in Clean Elections while regularly voting to eliminate it. Senator Huppenthal voted yes for both SCR 1009 and SCR 1043 on the final vote in the Senate but is still running with Clean Elections funds in 2010. This seems both inconsistent and disingenuous.

To learn more about this issue, I encourage you to visit the Arizona Advocacy Network’s website on Clean Elections at http://www.azadvocacy.org/issues/cleanelections.html.

Tea Party Challenged on Education Ideas

2010-03-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

I don’t know how else to say it. Arizona is failing its students.

65% of children in Arizona are not proficient in math by the 4th grade
71% of children in Arizona cannot read at grade level by the 4th grade
1/3 of our kids are dropping out of school every year, giving Arizona the 2nd highest dropout rate in the nation.

Our political leaders are clearly taking us in the wrong direction, and since I ran for Superintendent of Public Instruction four years ago, lawmakers have managed to make things worse. In recent days, we’ve witnessed some of the largest cuts to public education in the history of the state of Arizona. We now rank 51st in per pupil funding, putting Arizona behind all the states and the District of Columbia. Those in charge of education at the state capitol clearly have the wrong priorities.

You can help make public education Arizona’s top priority. Please consider giving a $5 clean elections qualifying contribution to my campaign today.

As you may have heard recently, I’ve started to take the fight directly to conservative voters and to my likely Republican opponent, should I have the privilege of being the Democratic nominee once again, because I believe we need to challenge them on their turf if things are going to change. I stepped into the “lion’s den” last week when I attended the Scottsdale Tea Party meeting, where I challenged those in attendance on the misinformation they’ve been fed from Republican politicians.

That’s what we’ve got to do if we are not only going to change the conversation, but change the direction in which our state is headed. It’s critical we build a broad, diverse coalition so we can support our kids by ensuring every child in Arizona has access to a quality public education.

Let’s do this together for our children. Please give $5 today so we can change direction and move Arizona forward by moving ALL our children forward!

Thank you for supporting my campaign. Your clean elections qualifying contribution helps me reach voters across the state to confront the misinformation they’ve been hearing so we can put our kids first once again.

Please give $5 today and help us take our message to the people. Visit my website at http://www.williamsforarizona.com to download and return the clean elections qualifying contribution form with your $5 to the address at the bottom of the form.

Give $5 today

2010-03-10T15:42:00.002-07:00

The Arizona Legislature is at it again, proposing to balance the state budget on the backs of kids once more. Their special session bills include more cuts to education, which makes today’s day of action even more critical.

Education must be the top priority in Arizona, and it will be when we elect new leadership in November.

Please join me for Putting Kids First: Day of Action for Jason Williams. To qualify for clean elections funding, I need your help to collect $5 clean elections qualifying contributions from registered voters in Arizona.

Tonight, I’m joining my campaign team in calling voters to ask for their support. We ask that you join us by hosting your own virtual house party -- give $5 and, between now and March 20th, find 2 more people to give $5. Please ask your friends, family and neighbors to support my campaign. All you have to do is call, email or ask in person for a $5 contribution.

Download your Clean Elections Contribution form here: http://www.williamsforarizona.com/docs/5_Qualifying_Contribution_Form.pdf

Between now and March 20th, return the completed form with your $5 to:

Committee to Elect Jason Williams 2010
P.O. Box 33395, Phoenix, AZ 85067-3395

Thank you for your support.

March4Schools: Take Action and Post Your Thoughts

2010-03-04T12:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be showing my support for public education in my local community by attending the annual Roosevelt School District Legislative Forum, which brings together educators, parents and community members to talk with their legislators about the direction our state leaders are taking education. Be sure to show your support today for public education by participating in the March4Schools Day of Action. I encourage you to attend an event in your local community, too! To find an event near you, please visit: http://www.arizonaea.org/politics.php?page=506.

Please share your thoughts about the importance of providing every child in Arizona access to a quality public education. You can post your response on my facebook fanpage discussion board: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=75799625919&topic=13072

Putting Kids First: A Platform for Improving Educational Outcomes in Arizona

2010-03-02T11:36:00.006-07:00

We released the following press statement today announcing the release of my campaign platform:

State Superintendent candidate Jason Williams releases campaign platform
Plan emphasizes ‘kids first’ approach to improve educational outcomes

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction, released his campaign platform today outlining his plan for improving educational outcomes in Arizona. In the platform, which can be accessed online at www.WilliamsForArizona.com/platform, Williams emphasizes all actions of the Department of Education will be fair, innovative and accountable to ensure the best possible outcomes for Arizona’s students.

“Putting kids first is central to my campaign,” said Williams. “As Superintendent of Public Instruction, my responsibility, and the focus that will always be central in everything I do, will be to ensure every student in this state has access to an excellent public school, through which they will have the opportunity to pursue greater life prospects and reach their full potential.”

Among the priorities outlined in his platform, Williams’ plan includes:

Redesigning the state assessment system as a first priority by bringing stakeholders together to develop a system based on multiple indicators of student achievement, while raising the bar on the level of difficulty for state assessments
Developing incentive plans to attract highly effective teachers to high-needs schools
Ensuring school principals are “true instructional leaders,” empowering them to build their teams while charging them with providing teachers the necessary support to lead their teams to excellence
Rewarding teacher success with a more robust performance-based compensation system tied to the new state accountability system, using multiple indicators of student achievement and professional growth
Assembling a nonprofit council to bring resources into schools, particularly under-resourced schools
Providing local support to schools and districts, including assistance with identifying and applying for federal and private grants so no money is left on the table
Reinforcing accountability systems so they honestly assess where students in Arizona stand
Implementing three “gateway years” - 3rd grade, 8th grade and 12th grade – at which point students who are not performing will not be promoted to the next grade. This system will incorporate appropriate interventions to help underperforming students meet proficiency before each gateway year

“The challenges facing our public schools will not be solved overnight, but they can be solved,” said Williams. “Innovative programs and policies are necessary to adapt to our changing environment. Too often in our schools today, the word ‘accountability’ is just a catchphrase. Because educational outcomes are so aligned with our state’s economic strength, we must have real accountability in our schools. Arizonans can be assured all programs and policies will be fair, innovative, and accountable. Together, we can make Arizona’s public schools excellent and ensure all of our students have the opportunity to reach their potential.”

To read the full platform, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com/platform.

Putting Kids First: Day of Action for Education in Arizona

2010-02-19T17:29:00.003-07:00

I’m writing today to ask you to join me on March 10, 2010 for a statewide day of action. Putting Kids First: Day of Action for Jason Williams will focus on the direction we need to take education in our state.

Sign up today for the day of action. Contact Donna Gratehouse at donna@WilliamsForArizona.com to register your event.

As I’ve traveled across Arizona, I’ve met so many people who share my belief that education must be the top priority for Arizona. Unfortunately, lawmakers have been unwilling to invest what is necessary to support our students, teachers and schools, balancing the state budget on the backs of kids instead.

Having taught and worked in some of our toughest schools, I’m ready to face the challenges to education in our state head on. With your help, I will work to make education the top priority in Arizona once again and restore the promise of a prominent future to our kids.

Please join me on March 10th for Putting Kids First: Day of Action for Jason Williams. To qualify for clean elections funding, I need your help to collect $5 clean elections qualifying contributions from registered voters in Arizona.

On this statewide day of action, I ask that you and others from across Arizona host a house party to ask your friends, family and neighbors to support my campaign. I will link to all of the parties via conference call. All you have to do is invite some friends over for a small social gathering, collect $5 contributions from each of them and dial into the call to hear my live address.

Sign up today to host your event for Putting Kids First: Day of Action for Jason Williams. Please contact Donna Gratehouse at donna@WilliamsForArizona.com to register your event, and, together, let’s put Arizona’s kids first.

Teach For America awarded $2 million in stimulus funds to expand program in Arizona

2010-02-11T16:45:00.003-07:00

Below is a press release we just sent out regarding Governor Brewer's decision to grant $2 million in stimulus funds to Teach For America:

Jason Williams applauds Governor Brewer’s $2 million award of stimulus funds to Teach For America program

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, congratulated Teach For America today when Governor Jan Brewer announced during a presentation at Excelencia School in east Phoenix that she would be awarding $2 million in stimulus funds to help support and expand the presence of Teach For America in Arizona. Williams, a former Teach For America corps member, served as Executive Director of the Phoenix region from 2000-2005, and continues to support the program today.

“I am pleased to see that despite budget constraints, people from both sides of the aisle can come together to support Teach For America, an innovative program with a proven track record of success for our kids,” said Williams.

During his tenure at Teach For America, Williams oversaw several successes of the organization. Under Williams’ leadership, local funding for the program doubled, teacher placements increased 150%, and the number of schools and districts partnering with Teach For America increased 100%. In addition, the Phoenix program went from Teach For America’s lowest to its highest performing region in the United States.

“I am proud to have played a significant role in building Teach For America’s presence in Arizona. I look forward to celebrating their future successes as they continue to have a positive impact on education in Arizona,” said Williams.

Just two weeks ago, Williams also congratulated the new partnership between Teach For America and Arizona State University’s College of Teacher Education and Leadership. Through this new program, Arizona State University will adapt Teach For America’s most successful tools in order to attract, prepare, support and retain more highly effective teachers, something Williams has said he would make a top priority as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Williams joined Teach For America after completing his undergraduate degree at Boston College.

“I recall the impact my teachers had on my life, and I wanted to provide students the same opportunity for an excellent education that I had growing up,” Williams said regarding his reasons for starting his career in education as a 6th grade Math and Science teacher in Oakland. “Teach For America offered me that chance.”

For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com.

No more broken promises

2010-02-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

It has been a little over a month since we ushered in the New Year with a sense of hope and determination to make things better, especially for our students. Unfortunately, with the way things are going at the state Capitol, it seems Arizona is already being driven in the wrong direction in 2010. Our latest video pokes fun at this reality while driving home the point that things must change by year end. I hope you’ll pass it along to your friends, family and colleagues.

The truth is… providing all Arizona children with a quality public education is going to take a serious commitment. That commitment must start with serious leadership at the Arizona Department of Education. I will make that commitment as our next Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Please join me in working to make public education a top priority in Arizona. Visit my website at www.WilliamsForArizona.com to make a $5 Clean Elections Qualifying Contribution and learn how you can get involved in my campaign.

You can watch the video below, or visit my youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/williamsforarizona watch this and other videos featuring Senator Status Quo and me.

Introduction

2010-02-05T18:26:00.001-07:00

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for following my new blog. As a candidate for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, I will use this forum to keep you informed about my campaign. You can expect regular updates on the campaign, as well as my thoughts on pertinent issues.

In this first blog, I'd like to welcome you to the campaign. I hope you'll take this opportunity to visit my website at http://www.WilliamsforArizona.com to find out more about my candidacy and how you can get involved.

For now and until the next post, here is some information on my background:

Jason Williams is a former public school teacher and Executive Director of Teach For America. He received his BA in Political Science from Boston College. After graduating, Jason joined Teach For America and taught 6^th grade Math and Science in East Oakland. In 1999, he was nominated for California’s Middle School Teacher of the Year Award. He was also elected to the California Teachers' Association State Council of Education, where he assisted in drafting legislation to address issues of educational disparity.

From 2000 - 2005, Jason Williams served as Executive Director of Teach For America in Phoenix. During his tenure, local funding for the program doubled, teacher placements increased 150%, and the number of schools and districts partnering with TFA increased 100%. In addition, the Phoenix program went from TFA's lowest to its highest performing region in the U.S.

In 2006, Jason Williams secured the Democratic Party nomination for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction with a majority of votes in 14 of 15 counties. In the general election, he received more votes than any other non-incumbent Democrat in the closest of all the statewide races.

Jason Williams continues his fight for educational equity across Arizona as the Managing Partner of BlueDynamic, Founder of AZ School Works, a faculty member for Arizona State University’s Beat the Odds Institute Parent Liaison Academy, and as a member of several Boards and Committees.