Committee recommends Vicky Michelle Jones for State Board for Charter Schools; one senator signals opposition

The Senate Education and Transportation Committee voted to recommend Vicky Michelle Jones to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools after hearing her describe 30 years of experience in education and work with alternative schools. The committee’s recommendation moves her nomination to the full Senate.

Staff introduced the nomination by describing the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools as a 14-member board that "exercises general supervision over charter schools by granting charters to qualifying applicants, ensuring compliance, and monitoring charter academic performance." Jones told the committee she currently serves as chairperson of the Arizona Department of Education’s Alternative Accountability Technical Advisory Committee (AAATAC) and said about 20% of the state's charter portfolio represents alternative schools.

Jones, who identified herself to the committee as "Vicky Michelle Jones," said her three decades in education include work in rural and urban districts, charter and private schools, and serving students who are homeless, transitioning from detention, or reengaging after dropping out. "I'm committed to working with board staff, board members, [and] charter operators, and ensure we are meeting the expectations and providing quality educational choices for underserved and at risk youth and for students in Arizona," she told the committee.

Committee members asked Jones how charter schools should be viewed relative to district schools and how her experience would add perspective to the board. She replied that choice and a variety of quality options are important and said her experience across school types would inform decisions when schools appear before the State Board for Charter Schools.

A motion (moved by the vice chair) recommended Jones to the full Senate; the secretary called the roll. The transcript records Senator Malo voting "Aye," and another senator told Jones during the hearing that, "For now, I'm gonna be voting no," while expressing a desire for further conversation. The committee nevertheless recommended the nomination to the full Senate.

Jones said she hopes to help the board review data specific to alternative schools and to work on new charter approvals and expansions so families have increased choice. The hearing transcript did not include a full roll-call tally in the provided excerpt; the committee’s recommendation means the full Senate will consider final confirmation.