As Katherine Haley (R-AZ) campaigns for Arizona State Treasurer, a political memo circulating among Arizona insiders is raising questions about her time on the Arizona State Board of Education, specifically around English language learning and rural school funding.
Haley missed an opportunity to vote no on DEI while on the state board of education in schools by skipping the vote. Her lack of public opposition suggests the issue may not be a top priority.
One of the memo's central claims involves Proposition 203, a measure Arizona voters passed in 2000 requiring English-only education for English learners in public schools.
The memo argues that Haley failed to enforce that mandate while serving as vice president of the State Board of Education, as Haley has been less vocal in her opposition to DEI. That is what some in the Republican conservative ranks may contend. While Republicans in the state have traditionally aligned with conservative principles, Haley's reluctance to directly condemn DEI has raised questions about where she stands on the issue.
Haley is a DEI sympathizer?
Some very conservatives will contend that she.
In July 2023, the board, with Haley as vice president, announced it would not take action against schools using a 50-50 Dual Language Immersion model, which splits instruction equally between English and a partner language.
The decision followed an opinion from Attorney General Kris Mayes (D-AZ). Critics, including State Superintendent Tom Horne, argue that the dual-language model violates Proposition 203. The board, however, did have the authority to act against noncompliant schools but chose not to.
It is worth noting that Haley was not on the board when the Dual Language Model was originally approved in January 2020.
Additional Funding Cuts
The memo also highlights a December 2025 board vote in which Haley and five other members voted 6-1 to cut 3% of funding from two rural school districts, Window Rock and Globe Unified.
The cuts were tied to a state Auditor General's report citing noncompliance issues. Both districts cited leadership turnover and staff vacancies as reasons for their struggles, asking the board for "grace and understanding" as they worked to address the issues.
Haley's campaign describes her board tenure very differently, emphasizing transparency and accountability over programs that affect more than 1 million Arizona students.
The memo was sent ahead of the November 2026 general election, where Haley is seeking the Republican nomination for State Treasurer against fellow Republican Elijah Norton.
The race is set for November 3, 2026.
