Original Report
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PHOENIX -- For six days in July, hundreds of teachers from all across Arizona enjoyed an all-expense-paid visit to a four-star mountainside resort in Tucson.
There was a laundry list of classes offered at the conference, and teachers had the opportunity to learn critical skills to pass on to their students.
See the sessions offered at the conference
But while training was underway, we found many of the teachers lounging poolside. Is this your tax dollars hard at work?
When asked what kind of message this sends, one state senator expressed outrage.
“Well, it sends a horrible message," said John Huppenthal, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. "How in the world could they think this was appropriate to go to a four-star resort?"
Senator Huppenthal went on to state, "Obviously, it just reeks of a taxpayer funded vacation."
Watch an extended interview with Senator Huppenthal
The alcohol was flowing and our cameras were rolling as dozens of teachers worked on their tans.
We found one teacher by the pool who told us her district spent more than $900 to send her.
"I felt guilty because the one (class) I paid for yesterday was $40,” she said.
She then told us she didn’t even go.
We met another teacher who spent about five hours by the pool. His superintendent was at the conference and seemed to have no problem with one of his employees cooling off at your expense.
Your tax dollars also paid for friends and family to enjoy the resort.
Another teacher we met brought along her kids. She told us her school district paid for her trip.
One of the wives staying at the resort told us how much they enjoyed their stay.
"Not too rough at all, especially, for us," she said, “We don't have to attend the meetings; we just get to hangout at the pool."
Even their ride to Tucson was provided by you, the taxpayer. The parking lot was filled with school district vehicles.
“Those cars are provided for local use,” said Senator Huppenthal, “They should be limited to that."
We met a teacher at the pool with her family, as well.
She told the ABC15 Investigators her superintendent allowed her to take along her family, as long as they all stayed in one room and fit into the school vehicle.
Our hidden cameras also found several teachers at the bar drinking beers and watching the British Open while classes were underway.
We attended two workshops that cost almost a $1,000 combined.
We found teachers who were not paying attention; they were playing chess, surfing the internet, checking sports scores and posting pictures on Facebook.
That didn’t sit well with hotel guest Greg Crampton. We asked him what he felt about his tax dollars at play. Crampton joked that it would only be acceptable if he was invited.
“Other than that, I don't think so," he said.
Just about every school district in the Valley sent teachers and staff to the conference.
Mesa sent 47 teachers, Gilbert sent 40 and Phoenix sent 25.
According to the registration desk, more than 1,200 educators attended the conference.
The average registration cost almost $1,000.
Tack on the hotel stay at $85 per night for five nights plus money for food and the cost was substantial.
Most of the money used to send teachers to the conference came from Carl D. Perkins Loans, which includes your federal tax dollars.
The Arizona Department of Education is quick to point out that the grants require some of the money be spent on training.
“That's outrageous,” said Senator Huppenthal, “There is no grant anywhere that requires training at a four-star resort."
Last year, the Arizona Department of Education received $23 million in Perkins loans.
Federal regulations require the Department of Education to file an annual report on how that money will be spent.
The report mentions the words “training” and “conference” 39 times, but never mentions the words, “resort” or “four-star hotel”.
Review the report for yourselfThe ABC15 Investigators contacted every school district about this conference. We wanted to know how much money they spent and who attended the conference.
Several of the districts had no idea. Many of them did not return our calls.
The Arizona Department of Education sent 20 employees to the resort. They said the training is critical and required by federal regulations.
They said teleconferencing was not an option and that teachers need to meet face to face.
Our sister station in Kansas City reported earlier this week on a similar conference in their city. Read more from them here.Let us know what you think by posting a comment below.
