The executive director and assistant executive director of the Arizona Board of Education returned to work just after 8:30 this morning. The two were fired by state Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas last week.
Christine Thompson and Sabrina Vasquez entered the Board of Education offices this morning with no obstructions.
When asked by several reporters for comment about their return, they responded simply.
"We’re looking forward to getting into the office," Vasquez and Thompson said.
Attorney Mary O’Grady said they were advised by Douglas’ attorney on Monday that the women would be permitted to work today.
"Their offices were ready for them and they’re back in their offices and working," O'Grady said.
Thompson and Vasquez have been at the center of political tension between Superintendent Douglas and Governor Doug Ducey who claimed Douglas did not have the authority to fire the two.
In an emergency session on Friday, the Board of Education voted to order Douglas to restore access to their offices and email.
In a statement, Douglas said she will not escalate the current situation by prohibiting access to the building, but feels the action by the Board of Education was outside of its authority.
