Craig Harris

1 week 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.

1 week 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.

1 week ago | 12news.com | Craig Harris

PHOENIX — The 2026 election is more than a year away, but Republican Schools Chief Tom Horne is facing a challenge from within his party. She will focus on empowerment scholarships or education vouchers, which cost the state more than $1 billion annually. Horne's office has cracked down and rejected lavish purchases—like a $16,100 cello—with voucher money.

1 week ago | 12news.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.

1 week ago | 12news.com | Craig Harris

PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. — The state’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, or vouchers, were supposed to level the playing field for public education in Arizona. However, a 12News investigation found the state’s nearly 87,000 vouchers and counting are primarily helping families in wealthy neighborhoods – including Paradise Valley, which is zip code 85253. >> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. It’s a community of some of Arizona’s most rich and famous.