Former Superintendents of Public Instruction Endorse Gov. Ducey

Two former Arizona Superintendents of Public Instruction, Lisa Graham Keegan and Jaime Molera, endorsed Governor Doug Ducey this week. The announcement was made prior to two gubernatorial debates earlier in the week where the candidates discussed their policy priorities including education, public safety and border security.

Education policies dominated the debates as the issues of teacher pay and education funding emerged as top concerns this legislative session. Governor Ducey and the legislature enacted the 20×2020 plan in April, which provides resources for a 20 percent teacher pay increase by the year 2020.   

Keegan and Molera both previously supported Democrat nominee David Garcia during his run for superintendent of public instruction in 2014, yet have sided with Gov. Ducey citing his record supporting public education.

“Under Governor Ducey’s leadership, teachers are receiving well-earned double-digit raises, schools are receiving badly-needed investments, and our students are learning and improving faster than anywhere in the country,” said Keegan in a statement. “I’ve worked with David Garcia and endorsed him in 2014. But the risky proposals he’s introduced in this campaign would jeopardize the amount of funding our teachers and schools receive and reverse gains of the last four years. Governor Ducey has delivered for Arizona students now, and he’s delivering for Arizona students for generations to come. It is my honor to endorse him for Governor.”

Keegan was first elected as Superintendent of Public Instruction in 1994 and earned reelection in 1998. Prior, she served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 1991 to 1995, where she chaired the Education Committee. As a legislator and superintendent, she was instrumental in the creation and advancement of Arizona school choice policies.

Molera served as Superintendent of Public Instruction from 2001 to 2003 following an appointment from Governor Jane Dee Hull. Molera, a school finance expert, helped author Proposition 301, the ballot initiative voters adopted in 2000 that established a .6 percent sales tax for K-12 and higher education.

“Four years ago, I endorsed David Garcia in his race for superintendent, but in this race, we have a better choice,” said Jaime Molera. “Doug Ducey has led by bringing people together, resulting in generational bipartisan successes like passing Prop 123, extending Prop 301, and creating Arizona’s Teacher’s Academy. His willingness to work together follows the example set by Arizona leaders before him and his leadership is helping ensure that every child receives the foundation of a quality education. I am proud to endorse him for Governor.”