Gubernatorial candidate Archie is placing public education at the heart of his campaign, unveiling a bold plan to restore funding, raise teacher pay, and return decision-making power to local communities. Speaking at a rally in Tucson on Saturday, Archie declared that Arizona’s schools “should be a point of pride, not a patchwork of underfunded promises.”
The plan starts with a major investment in public school funding, aimed especially at districts hit hardest by budget cuts and teacher shortages. Archie also proposed a statewide minimum salary for educators, saying that better pay is essential to attracting and keeping quality teachers. “We can’t expect excellence in our classrooms when we treat our teachers like they’re expendable,” he told the crowd.
Archie’s education plan also emphasizes giving teachers more freedom in the classroom by reducing high-stakes testing requirements and encouraging flexible, community-based learning approaches. He proposed creating local educator councils to help shape school policies and keep classrooms connected to the real needs of students and families. “Teachers know what works—let’s listen to them,” he said.
In addition, Archie called for a statewide infrastructure push to modernize school buildings, expand access to school counselors, and close the digital divide. “No student should fall behind because their school lacks basic resources or their internet cuts out during class,” he said. “Equal opportunity starts with equal access.”
Archie closed his remarks by calling public education “the promise we make to every child and every future” and said his plan is about building schools that reflect the best of Arizona. “Strong schools build strong communities,” he said. “It’s time we stop cutting corners and start putting our kids first.”