Craig Harris

3 weeks ago | 12news.com | Craig Harris

PHOENIX — Some state education leaders were stunned to learn they may not get their June payments on time from the state because of a $206 million funding shortfall. One of the key reasons: State vouchers. Empowerment scholarships, which 12News found primarily help the wealthy, are a key factor in the shortfall, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

3 weeks ago | 12news.com | Craig Harris

PHOENIX — Primavera Online School owner and multi-millionaire Damian Creamer flexed his muscles in a fight with the Arizona Charter Board on Tuesday. The battle didn't go as he planned. Creamer and his wife, Noelle, gave Chandler-based Primavera employees the day off and chartered two buses to take them to the Capitol with the promise of a free picnic. They also said there would be a press conference following the board's vote, but Creamer decline to speak with the media.

3 weeks ago | 12news.com | Craig Harris

CHANDLER, Ariz. — A major online charter school that got in hot water for poor student grades will appear before the state Charter Board on Tuesday. Primavera says it has new evidence for the board, which voted earlier this year to begin the process of shutting down the school because it received "D" letter grades for the past three years. The vote came following a 12News I-Team investigation that found Primavera owner Damian Creamer paid himself millions of dollars.

4 weeks ago | 12news.com | Craig Harris

QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. — In the wake of the pandemic, many parents and students began looking for alternative forms of education and the founder of one microschool in the East Valley says state funding makes it easier for families and educators to choose a different educational environment. On the outside, the large, one-level home that houses Adamo Microschool appears to be like most others in this upscale Queen Creek neighborhood. But step inside. There are small desks.

4 weeks ago | wltx.com | Craig Harris

PHOENIX — Should Arizona’s growing school voucher program pay for a $16,170 cello? One affluent Gilbert family thought so – and fought the Department of Education to get it reimbursed. State Schools Chief Tom Horne, a vocal supporter of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, told the 12News I-Team that his office is cracking down on questionable ESA purchases, such as the purchase of a cello. “We have a list of 35, but here’s a few examples. A $5,000 Rolex watch.