Vouchers, trans rights, more: a conversation with Schools chief Tom Horne

Tom Horne returned to the state school superintendent’s office in January and wasted no time jumping back into his former job. Some viewed his return as jumping back in time, given his outspoken stance on returning to “traditional discipline” in the classroom, his dismissal of contemporary topics such as social-emotional learning and his insistence on a back-to-basics approach on curriculum. But some are pleased with the Republican superintendent's eagerness to decry "critical race theory" and defend a state law that bans transgender students from participating in female sports. Separate from the culture wars, he’s emerged as perhaps the most ardent supporter of Arizona’s universal school voucher program. This week on The Gaggle, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by the Horne for this exclusive interview.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices