Arizona state House opts out of NCLB if legislature antes up

 A bill approved by the state House on April 1, 2008, would have Arizona opt out of the federal No Child Left Behind program, but only if the state itself makes up federal school funding that could be lost. Sent to the Senate on a 46-11 House vote, the bill (HB2392) would require the state to opt out of the school accountability law by mid-2010 if the Legislature increases state education funding to offset the potential loss of federal money. State officials estimate that amount at $600 million.

Rep. Bob Robson, R-Chandler, said during Tuesday’s vote that he agreed with concerns about NCLB but couldn't vote for the bill because it could cause big “financial rigors” for future legislators. The opt-out would begin by July 1, 2010, the start of the state’s 2010-2011 fiscal year. Read more in this Associated Press article online.