PHOENIX — At a packed school board meeting Thursday evening, the superintendent of Isaac School District in Phoenix announced his intent to resign.
Amid a financial crisis, Superintendent Mario Ventura said the ultimate responsibility for oversight and responsibility lies with him.
"I take full responsibility of my role in decisions and circumstances that led us to this situation," Ventura said. "It is my hope with my resignation the district will be able to move forward with renewed clarity and focus."
He did not cite a specific last day on the job.
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The district educates about 5,100 students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade.
Last week, the Arizona State Board of Education discussed the district's financial insolvency, and they appointed a receiver to take over all finances and operations.
Teachers said the district currently does not have the money to cover their paychecks for next Tuesday, and Maricopa County Treasurer John Allen had declined to advance more money to the district.
Thomas Galvin, the chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said there is no state statute requiring the treasurer to issue loans to an insolvent school district.
"The County has met with the receiver and understands the cash flow issue makes this case unique, but a solution will require the State to take legal and financial actions," said Galvin in an emailed statement Thursday.
On Thursday night, Governor Katie Hobbs also issued a statement asking the county supervisors to grant additional flexibility to the troubled district.
“My office will continue to work with all parties to find a solution to this issue and ensure that the students of Isaac School District can continue their academic instruction and the dedicated staff continue to receive paychecks," said Hobbs.
Teachers, district officials, and the receiver promised to continue meeting through the weekend to look for solutions so the schools could remain open.
Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association, says there is a meeting scheduled for Saturday.
"Tomorrow the educators are going to meet together and figure out what are safety nets to be created if this does come to fruition," said Garcia.
Those include where children can go if their parents don't have childcare and potential interest-free loans for their teachers through their national union.
ABC15 asked Garcia what would happen if teachers don't get paid Tuesday, would they potentially still come to work the next day?
"I think it's a bigger question is will the schools even be able to open," said Garcia.
Organizations and families in the community are demanding clarity.
LUCHA Arizona held a community meeting on Friday.
"We wanted to bring the community here together," said organizing director for LUCHA Arizona, Gina Mendez.
At the meeting, parents, employees, and teachers brainstormed short and long-term solutions.
"We want to get clarity, and so we are calling on our governor to do something," said Mendez.
"My demand and my hope is over the weekend we all sit at a table together and roll up our sleeves and put politics aside and do what's best to these students and these workers," said Garcia.
ABC15 has reached out to the Maricopa County Treasurer with questions.
