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The Arizona Board of Education has voted 6-2 to reject Common Core standards and left the standards in place for time being. The vote indicates that the state will reject the federal education standard, eventually having to develop its own standards.

Diane Douglas, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, who was at the meeting had motioned for the vote. Earlier this month, she unveiled her education plan, which included the elimination of Common Core.

Douglas said, “The board is just saying, 'We can take care of Arizona's children and this is a very proud day for Arizonans."

"This will send a clear message to the citizens of Arizona and the nation that Arizonans are smart enough, engaged enough, and collaborative enough to control the education of our own children."

Reginald Ballantyne, Board member, said, "Clearly I am going to vote no. I'm just really getting weary of this conversation which really has no effect on what we are trying to do without children, or on our educators or on our parents."

"I don't think this is philosophical, I think this is political, I'm growing tired of this nonsense."

A statement from the Governor's Office said that, "We recognize this vote was symbolic, but any action that moves us closer to repealing Common Core is a positive. The governor has made it clear that it's time to replace Common Core with Arizona standards and wants to see the board proceed with its process."

Even though there will not be any immediate changes because of voting, a committee has begun already to meet for discussion on contents of education standards in Arizona.

-Sumana