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

The Senate Education and Transportation Committee on Oct. 12 recommended the full Senate confirm Vicky Michelle Jones to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools after a committee hearing in which Jones described three decades of work as an educator and charter operator.

The nomination matters because the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools grants and monitors charter schools across the state; Jones told the committee she would bring experience reviewing data on alternative schools and serving students with high needs.

Committee staff described the State Board for Charter Schools as a 14-member board that exercises oversight of charter applicants, compliance and academic performance. Vicky Michelle Jones told senators she has 30 years of experience as an educator, administrator and charter operator and that she currently serves as chairperson of the Alternative Accountability Technical Advisory Committee (AAATAC) at the Arizona Department of Education. Jones said she would use that background to help the board assess quality and approve charters and expansions.

"I'm committed to working with board staff, board members, 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," Jones said. She described alternative charter operators as serving homeless students, students transitioning from detention and students who previously had dropped out and are re-engaging in school.

Senators asked Jones to explain how charter schools differ from district schools and what role charters serve now. Jones said the important point was providing "quality options" for students and families and described choice as a way to match school settings to student needs. She emphasized continuity across types of schools and said her experience in large and rural districts as well as charter and private schools informs that perspective.

Vice Chair Warner moved that the committee recommend Jones's confirmation to the full Senate; the secretary called the roll. The record shows at least one senator voting in favor and one senator saying, "For now, I'm gonna be voting no," during the committee proceedings. The committee recorded the recommendation to the full Senate.

Jones said she would work on new charter approvals and expansions to increase options for families and highlighted that roughly 20% of the charter portfolio serves alternative schools, a population she said requires specialized review and accountability. The committee hearing included follow-up questions from multiple senators and closed after the committee voted to recommend the nomination to the full Senate.

The nomination now goes to the full Senate for a confirmation vote.