Present Structure & Services (2020s)
Today, ASDB is a statewide public education agency serving more than 2,000 children from birth to grade 12 who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deafblind.
2021–2022 Laws: Legislative updates designated ASDB as a local education agency for accountability and clarified admissions and evaluation procedures.
In January 2026, the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind announced plans to relocate its Tucson campus after more than a century at its original location. Faced with declining enrollment, reduced funding, and high operational costs, the agency approved a five-year lease agreement with the Amphitheater School District to move the Tucson campus to the former Copper Creek Elementary School in Oro Valley. Staff and students are expected to relocate during the summer of 2026, with classes beginning at the new site in the fall semester. [2]
Controversies
Facility conditions and safety concerns (Phoenix Day School for the Deaf)
In the mid-2010s, the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf (PDSD), operated by the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB), was the subject of media scrutiny regarding aging and deteriorating facilities. Reports cited termite damage, mold odors, failing air-conditioning systems, and concerns about potential asbestos exposure, particularly in preschool buildings. The condition of the facilities raised questions about student health and safety, as well as delays in state funding for replacement or renovation of the campus. [3]
Budget shortfalls and program cuts
In 2025, ASDB experienced a significant budget shortfall estimated at approximately $2.6 million. The deficit led to reductions in staffing, program cuts, and limitations on extracurricular and student support services. Parents and advocates expressed concern that the funding challenges would negatively affect educational quality and services for deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and low-vision students across Arizona. [4]
Legislative reauthorization disputes
During the 2023 Arizona legislative session, ASDB became the focus of debate over its statutory reauthorization. Competing bills proposed different lengths of continuation, ranging from a short-term two-year extension with increased oversight to a longer multi-year authorization. The stalled legislative process and disagreements between lawmakers prompted concern from parents, alumni, and disability advocates about institutional stability and long-term planning for the school. [5]
IDEA compliance and corrective action
In 2024, Disability Rights Arizona filed a formal administrative complaint alleging that ASDB violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by failing to provide required services outlined in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including American Sign Language interpretation and related therapies. The Arizona Department of Education investigated the complaint and determined that ASDB was out of compliance, ordering corrective actions and systemic reforms to address service delivery and procedural safeguards. [6]
Historical governance and audit findings
ASDB has periodically been reviewed by the Arizona Auditor General. A 1987 performance audit identified weaknesses in administrative oversight, financial controls, facility maintenance, and coordination with local school districts regarding student placement. Although historical, the findings are often cited in discussions of recurring governance and accountability challenges faced by the institution. [7]
Campus relocation concerns
In 2026, proposals to relocate ASDB’s Tucson campus to a different site in Oro Valley prompted public concern from parents and community members. Critics cited potential impacts on students, accessibility, and continuity of services. While the proposal did not involve legal action, the public response reflected ongoing tensions surrounding institutional change and resource allocation. [8]
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