Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind to move Tucson campus, lay off 70 staff

The board voted 5-2 to relocate the Tucson school to Oro Valley, sparking outrage from teachers, families and students.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:15pm

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The Arizona Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) board voted 5-2 to move the Tucson campus to Oro Valley next school year, forcing many students, including those who are vision-impaired, to find a different school. The board also voted 5-1 to lay off 70 people, including teachers, staff and support personnel. The decision was met with strong opposition from the Tucson community, with parents and educators expressing concerns about the impact on students and the future of the school.

Why it matters

The ASDB Tucson campus has served deaf and blind students for over 100 years, providing specialized education and resources. The decision to relocate the school and lay off staff is seen as a major blow to the community, as it will disrupt the education and support services for vulnerable students. The move also raises concerns about the future of the school and whether it will be able to effectively serve its student population.

The details

The board cited a lack of funding, declining enrollment, and deteriorating facilities as the primary reasons for the changes. However, many in the community argued that separating deaf and blind students and laying off staff would significantly undermine the school's ability to provide quality education and support. Teachers and families pleaded with the board to keep the school in Tucson and avoid layoffs, but their pleas were ultimately rejected.

  • The board vote to move the school and lay off staff took place on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • In early January 2026, families were notified that the school would be moving to Copper Creek Elementary in Oro Valley.
  • On Monday, February 3, 2026, 15 families filed a lawsuit challenging the transition, but a judge declined to delay the Thursday vote.

The players

William Koehler

A Tucson resident and former school administrator who was one of two board members to vote against the move.

Earl Terry

A Phoenix-based member of the ASDB board who abstained from the vote to lay off 70 staff.

Annette Reichman

The superintendent of ASDB, who cited lack of funding, declining enrollment, and deteriorating facilities as the reasons for the changes.

Kerry Hodgkinson

An ASDB teacher who implored the board to keep all students together and avoid layoffs.

Nani Peach

A third-grade ASDB student who expressed concerns about the move and her ability to access specialized resources and teachers.

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What they’re saying

“Before I make my vote I would like to offer that this action will gut this agency.”

— William Koehler, Board member (azluminaria.org)

“Students are not separate. They are not separate sitting in a van today — learning together, helping each other. Realize, we work together. We are better together.”

— Kerry Hodgkinson, ASDB teacher (azluminaria.org)

“Now, I'm gonna be in the 'Wizard of Oz.' I'm gonna sing. And I'm gonna act. This is my first musical.”

— Nani Peach (azluminaria.org)

What’s next

The families who filed the lawsuit plan to file a new lawsuit and a temporary restraining order in an effort to delay or prevent the move of the Tucson campus.

The takeaway

The decision to relocate the ASDB Tucson campus and lay off 70 staff members has sparked outrage and concern within the Tucson community. The move threatens to disrupt the education and support services for vulnerable deaf and blind students, and raises questions about the future viability and effectiveness of the school. The community's strong opposition highlights the importance of preserving specialized educational resources for students with unique needs.