The second video in our series leading up to the primary on August 24th is now available on the campaign’s YouTube Channel. “Penny’s Plan” describes the challenges that public education in Arizona is facing, and you will hear from Penny what she intends to do about it. There is no substitute for nearly 30 years of teaching and education policy experience, and “Penny’s Plan” makes that clear. You will hear from Congressman Harry Mitchell why Penny is the best choice, as well as educators from around the state. Please share with your friends and family!
Archive for the ‘News’ Category
Penny’s Plan-The Campaign’s Latest Video!
Tuesday, July 27th, 2010Radio Advertisements Airing in Tucson
Thursday, July 15th, 2010
A couple of weeks ago, Penny went down to Tucson and appeared on The John C. Scott Show on KJLL AM1330, “The Jolt”. John liked her so much that he decided then and there she was the right choice for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Penny went back to Tucson a short while later and recorded a commercial that will be airing on KJLL alongside John C. Scott’s personal endorsement of Penny. These commercials began running this week, and will be running once each weekdays during the John C. Scott show from now until the primary! We thank John C. Scott for his support! Take a listen below by clicking on the links. They are also available permanently on our media page.
Clean Elections Complaint Filed Against Jason Williams
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-Kotterman Campaign Supports Clean Elections Complaint Against Jason Williams
PHOENIX(Jul. 2, 2010)– Penny Kotterman, Democratic Candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced her support today for the complaint filed with the Citizens’ Clean Election Commission alleging several violations of the clean elections law by her opponent for the Democratic nomination, political consultant Jason Williams, citing the necessity of protecting transparent campaign finance reporting and the integrity of the clean elections system.
“Mr. Williams has made the issues of transparency and accountability a central theme in his campaign,” Kotterman said. “Transparency starts at the top, and Mr. Williams owes it to the citizens of Arizona to live up to his own rhetoric, starting with the financial dealings of his own campaign. It is vital to the integrity of the clean elections system already under siege that these issues be investigated and cleared up immediately.”
The complaint, filed with the Citizens’ Clean Election Commission Thursday by teacher Janice Robillard of Phoenix, alleges that Williams has failed to report the corporate in-kind contributions of his own political consulting firm, Blue Dynamic, as well as failed to report actual expenses associated with campaign staffing, communications, and other functions, in order to avoid violating established spending limits for candidates who have not yet qualified for clean elections funding.
Kotterman chose to run a traditionally financed campaign, and has complied with all of the numerous reporting requirements of state law because she believes that transparency in campaign finance is important at all levels.
“I believe that campaigns should be conducted on the basis of ideas,” Kotterman said. Candidates should not manipulate their financial reporting in order to gain a competitive advantage. I made a choice and have obeyed the laws that govern that choice. Mr. Williams should do the same.”
Penny Kotterman is a 30-year career teacher, parent, and teacher mentor running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her campaign is a movement built on the idea that high standards and high expectations are a must for returning Arizona’s public school system to its rightful place as the state’s primary economic engine and the center of its communities. For more information, visit www.pennykotterman.com.
The complaint, filed with the Citizens’ Clean Election Commission Thursday by teacher Janice Robillard of Phoenix, alleges that Williams has failed to report the corporate in-kind contributions of his own political consulting firm, Blue Dynamic, as well as failed to report actual expenses associated with campaign staffing, communications, and other functions, in order to avoid violating established spending limits for candidates who have not yet qualified for clean elections funding.
Kotterman chose to run a traditionally financed campaign, and has complied with all of the numerous reporting requirements of state law because she believes that transparency in campaign finance is important at all levels.
“I believe that campaigns should be conducted on the basis of ideas,” Kotterman said. Candidates should not manipulate their financial reporting in order to gain a competitive advantage. I made a choice and have obeyed the laws that govern that choice. Mr. Williams should do the same.”
Penny Kotterman is a 30-year career teacher, parent, and teacher mentor running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her campaign is a movement built on the idea that high standards and high expectations are a must for returning Arizona’s public school system to its rightful place as the state’s primary economic engine and the center of its communities. For more information, visit www.pennykotterman.com.
-30-
Penny Endorsed over Huppenthal by Chandler Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, June 24th, 2010The Chandler Chamber of Commerce, the chamber in John Huppenthal’s hometown, has endorsed Penny instead, reporter Edythe Jensen writes in this article in yesterday’s Arizona Republic. Huppenthal was on the Chandler City Council prior to making his first run for the Legislature, and has lived in the city for years. Yet, when it came right down to it, the Chandler Chamber threw their support behind Penny. By taking this action, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce clearly realizes what Penny’s supporters all over the state already know: the Republican formula of underfunding, tax credits, endless testing and little support is what got us to where we are today, and that high standards and high expectations are what will work to reinvigorate education in Arizona and create opporunities to move forward.
Penny Endorsed by Chandler Chamber, Art Hamilton, CWA, AFT, AFSCME
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:
Pam Duty
(602) 549-7040
info@pennykotterman.com
Penny Kotterman Endorsed by Chandler Chamber, former State Rep. Art Hamilton, Communications Workers of America, American Federation of Teachers, and AFSCME AZ
PHOENIX (June 24, 2010)– Penny Kotterman, Democratic candidate for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, announced today that she has received the endorsement of The Chandler Chamber of Commerce, Communications Workers of America Local 7000, The American Federation of Teachers, and the AFSCME Arizona PEOPLE Conference in her bid for the state’s top education post.
“I am honored to have the support of Mr. Hamilton, the chamber, my fellow teachers at the federation, and the working families of Arizona’s state employees and the communications workers,” Kotterman said. “These endorsements represent the broad-based nature of our movement for high standards and high expectations in Arizona. Together, we will build a public education system that creates opportunity and serves as the centerpiece of our state’s economic engine.”
The Chandler Chamber chose to endorse Kotterman over the presumptive Republican nominee, State Sen. John Huppenthal (R-Chandler), despite his prior service on the city council and long-time residence in the city. The nod from the chamber despite those deep community ties demonstrates Kotterman’s broad appeal to both the business community and traditional education advocates.
Art Hamilton, founder of the Art Hamilton Group, served in the Arizona House of Representatives for 26 years, 18 of which were spent as the Democratic leader, and he is widely regarded as one of the best and most effective legislators in Arizona’s recent history.
“Penny Kotterman is a great educator with the experience to lead our public schools into the next decade,” Hamilton said. “Penny understands the diverse nature of our state, and shares my view that an outstanding public education is the key that opens the door to opportunity. I am confident that she will work as I have to ensure that Arizona’s public school system serves all of Arizona’s students in an equitable manner, so that each may share in that opportunity.”
The Communications Workers of America represents over 700,000 public and private sector employees nationwide. Local 7000 represents employees in the Cities of Tucson and Nogales, the Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind, and some employees of the Tucson Unified School District.
The American Federation of Teachers is the second-largest education organization in the country, encompassing 3,000 local associations and more than 1.5 million educators and staff nationwide.
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees represents the families of government workers nationwide, including the majority of Arizona’s 30,000-plus employees.
These groups join 14 other community organizations representing working families in Arizona in endorsing Penny Kotterman, and Mr. Hamilton joins 19 other current or former elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell and U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, and Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.
Penny Kotterman is a 30-year career teacher, parent, and teacher mentor running for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her campaign is a movement built on the idea that high standards and high expectations are a must for returning Arizona’s public school system to its rightful place as the state’s primary economic engine and the center of its communities. For more information, visit www.pennykotterman.com.
-30-
Harry Mitchell Endorses Penny
Monday, May 17th, 2010This morning, U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell announced that he is supporting Penny for Superintendent of Public Instruction. We welcome the Congressman’s support as we continue to make high standards and high expectations a reality in Arizona. The full text of the press release is below:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Representative Harry Mitchell Endorses Penny Kotterman for Superintendent of Public Instruction
TEMPE (May 17, 2010) - U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Ariz.) today announced his support for Penny Kotterman’s campaign for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction. Mitchell, elected to serve Arizona’s Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006, represents much of the Northeast Valley, including Tempe, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills and portions of Mesa and Chandler.
For 28 years, Mitchell taught American government and economics at Tempe High School, the same high school he graduated from. He also served as an adjunct professor at his alma mater, Arizona State University. Prior to his election to Congress, Mitchell served as a longtime mayor of Tempe and in the Arizona State Senate representing Tempe, South Scottsdale and Ahwatukee.
“As a former teacher, I know how important and valuable it is to have a classroom teacher lead education efforts in Arizona,” Mitchell said. “Penny is the only candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction with the experience, leadership, and local roots needed to be an effective advocate for our children and grandchildren. While the Arizona legislature continues to propose education cuts to balance their budget, Penny understands that investments in education translate into a more prepared, competitive workforce that can provide for a sustainable economic future critically needed in Arizona. Penny offers a better future for our kids.”
Penny has been working tirelessly across the state to promote her message of high standards and high expectations for all students, teachers, parents, and schools. Mitchell joins other elected officials, former teachers and education advocacy groups in endorsing the Kotterman campaign.
“I am honored to have received Harry’s endorsement,” Kotterman said. “Harry is a true friend to education in Arizona and has admirably represented the values of Arizonans in our nation’s Capitol. I have no doubt his training and experience as a public school teacher have served him well. Patience is certainly a virtue in Congress, and it is learned in the classroom.”
Most recently, Kotterman was the Associate Director for New Policy and Programs at the Arizona K-12 Center, where she created and managed professional development for educators statewide. She arrived there after six years as president of the Arizona Education Association and a classroom teaching career spanning nearly two decades. She is truly a lifelong teacher, parent, teacher trainer, and teacher mentor. Visit www.pennykotterman.com for more information.
# # #
U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva Endorses Penny
Friday, March 5th, 2010
PHOENIX (Mar. 5, 2010) —Today Penny Kotterman landed her first Congressional endorsement in her campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction from Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.). Rep. Grijalva was elected to office in 2002 and serves Arizona’s seventh district, representing parts of Tucson, Phoenix, and Yuma.
“Penny understands our state’s unique education needs as few people do, and she deserves our support,” Grijalva said in his endorsement. “Managing a tight budget while giving Arizona’s children the quality education they need isn’t an easy job, and we need someone with Penny’s energy and ideas to do it right. As a long-time education activist, I know the right person for students and teachers when I meet her, and Penny is the right person for Arizona.”
Kotterman has been traveling across Arizona, changing the conversation about public education and promoting high standards and high expectations for students, teachers, parents, and schools. Rep. Grijalva joins EMILY’s List, The Women’s Campaign Fund, Arizona List, the Arizona Education Association, and United Food & Commercial Workers Local 99 in supporting Kotterman’s campaign.
“I welcome and feel honored to have received the congressman’s endorsement,” said Kotterman. “Raul Grijalva is not only a great leader in Washington, but also in Southern Arizona where he has been so active in supporting our public schools.”
Most recently, Kotterman was the associate director of new programs and Policy at the K-12 Center, where she created and managed professional development programs for educators statewide. She is a parent and a lifelong teacher, mentor, and teacher trainer, and served as president of the Arizona Education Association for six years. Visit www.pennykotterman.com for more information.
EMILY’S List Endorses Penny!
Wednesday, January 13th, 2010We are pleased to announce that Emily’s List, the organization devoted to helping progressive women run for and win office, has endorsed Penny’s campaign for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Jonathan Parker, EMILY’S List Political Director, had this to say about Penny:
“With over 30 years in education, Penny Kotterman is clearly the best choice for Superintendent of Public Instruction,” said Parker. “As President of the Arizona Education Association for six years, she worked with Governors Janet Napolitano and Jane Hull to build the policies that are central to education in Arizona today, including AZ Learns, Arizona’s school accountability system. Penny’s accomplishments and experience in education clearly set her apart from her opponents.”
We are very excited that Penny is able to carry the EMILY’s List endorsement and represent not only the interests of children in Arizona, but help advance the cause of women in politics as well. The full press release can be found here.
The new year brings with it a new set of goals. Help us continue to build momentum for the campaign by donating today!
ASU wins Territorial Cup Challenge!
Friday, November 27th, 2009Despite a strong push by Wildcat fans down the stretch, ASU held on to emerge victorious. For those who care to see, pictures will be posted on Sunday morning. No matter who you are supporting tomorrow, thanks for contributing to the campaign. After tomorrow’s game, we will all be back to the business of remaking Arizona’s public school system TOGETHER. Remember, even though the challenge has concluded, it’s never too late to donate. Thank you for being a part of this effort!
Stimulus Funds Save Thousands of Jobs; Large Amounts Still Unused
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
Nearly seven thousand Arizona education jobs have been saved or created so far by the federal government’s stimulus package, but less than five percent of some funds available to schools have been utilized, according to a draft report from the U.S. Department of Education.
The report indicates that funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) helped preserve 6,977 education jobs, and that without the stimulus, funding for education in FY2010, the current fiscal year, would be $4.9 billion, compared with $5.4 billion in FY2008. However, with the stimulus funding, education funding is $5.3 billion. A loss of $100 million is hardly cause for celebration, and is likely due to reductions in the base level that were made permanent in the FY2010 budget. However, these numbers serve to illustrate the point that absent the stimulus funding, education in Arizona would be in a much worse position than it is currently. This serves as a reminder that a very very steep cliff is coming when the stimulus money runs out. Advocates for public education at all levels will play a key role in protecting our entire education system, from preschool all the way through college, by letting policymakers know that our vision for a prosperous Arizona includes a robust school system.
Another interesting detail from the report has to do with Title I funding for economically disadvantaged students and IDEA-B funding for special needs students. Arizona was awarded a total of $195 million in additional Title I funding, but statewide, only $7.8 million has been drawn down. Arizona received $178.5 million in IDEA-B funding, but only $8.7 million, or less than 5 percent, has been drawn down. If school districts don’t have the information they need to utilize this funding, the state department of education should be actively coaching districts on how to take advantage of it. Enabling local school districts to make maximum use of available funds, be they federal or otherwise, is a key responsibility of state education agencies. When less than four or five percent of the total allocations have been used, something is not working right.
Do you share Penny's