Arizona mayors unite for education reform

PHOENIX, AZ - Mayors from several cities across Arizona are coming together to help solve some of the state's education problems.

Mayor Greg Stanton of Phoenix and Mayor Scott Smith of Mesa made the announcement Monday morning.

"We understand economic development and the success of our schools are one in the same," said Mayor Stanton.

The efforts of the mayors comes on the heels of Prop 204 going down to defeat on election day.

Prop 204 would have extended the one-cent sales tax increase voters approved back in 2010 that pumps nearly a billion dollars every year into several state programs including education.

"We can't deal with yesterday's news, we have to deal with tomorrow's realities," said Mayor Scott Smith. "We have to measure up to the challenges of the 21st century."

The mayors admit they don't know what form their recommendations might take.

Parent Todd Carlstrom hopes it ultimately results in better schools for his children.

"For the most part, education is a priority for us," said Carlstrom. "We definitely have been seeing a lot of neglect from the school system."