Laurie Roberts

opinion columnist

I’ve begun scrolling through Gov. Doug Ducey’s “2016: Year in Review” – his computer-enhanced ode to himself.

Thirty-five words in, I knew it was an advanced exercise in creative writing when I read this:

“Arizonans are making sure our teachers have the resources they need to succeed.”

This, in a state where teachers are fleeing the profession because they haven’t had a decent raise in years. In a state that can confidently cheer “We’re No. 48!” when it comes to state investments in K-12 education.

Next time you see a public-school teacher, ask whether he (or she) has the resources needed to succeed. Things like, buildings that aren’t crumbling or textbooks for every child. Things like the luxury of classrooms where kids aren’t packed in like sardines.

$28 million 'investment' - after a $30 million cut

But I laughed out loud when I got to part that portrayed our intrepid governor as a champion of technical education.

“One of the first actions of this year’s legislative session was a $28 million investment in Joint Technical Education Districts to help students learn what they’re passionate about and prepare them to succeed in post-secondary education,” Ducey tells us.

Now why, you might wonder, would a Legislature and governor who have been no friend to public schools suddenly pony up $28 million for technical education in 2016 -- and as one of its first actions no less?

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Maybe it’s because Ducey and the Leg slashed $30 million from technical education in 2015, ensuring that many of the programs would be shut down unless they quickly restored the funding.

Ducey goes on:

“The investment, with a commitment to ongoing funding, acknowledges that educational attainment is not a one-size-fits-all process and can take on many forms depending on each individual.”

Don't be fooled: This isn't new cash for schools

Actually, the investment shows a commitment to political ambition. Educators, parents and students blew their lids at the prospect of losing these career and technical education programs, prompting legislators facing re-election to fast-track a U-turn.

While Ducey’s budget proposed a one-time $30 million grant to be spread over three years, legislators rolled right over him. Most members signed on to co-sponsor the $28 million emergency appropriation to Arizona’s Joint Technical Education Districts.

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Ducey’s newfound commitment to technical education is certainly welcome. But it isn’t some new major infusion of cash reflecting a priority to better fund technical education any more than Proposition 123 represented some new major infusion of cash reflecting a priority to better fund public education.

Then again, Ducey says schools are a priority.

"Arizona is committed," he writes, "to providing every student with a world-class education."

Possibly the best work of fiction I've read this year.