Eric Twist, headmaster of Archway Classical Academy Veritas, issued an apology to parents for using his office, along with the school's e-mail contact list and its office manager, to blast Proposition 204, a school funding measure.
In his apology (posted in full after the jump), he wrote that he is "deeply embarrassed" and "ashamed" because he should have known better.
"My heart has been heavy ever since I was made aware of these matters," he wrote.
See also: Erik Twist Blasts Education Funding Initiative, Prop 204, in E-mail to Parents
Arizona law prohibits school officials from using "school district or charter school personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or other resources for the purpose of influencing the outcomes of elections."
His apology e-mail:
From: [email protected]
Date: Fri, Nov 2, 2012 at 11:13 AM
Subject: An Apology
Dear Archway Parents,
I want to apologize to each of you for my misstep on October 12th in sending an email advocating a no vote on Prop 204 through the Archway account maintained by Mrs. Hosack.
At the time of writing and sending the email, I was unaware of the rules prohibiting such activity. I am deeply embarrassed by this, as it is clear to me now that what I assumed was a simple response to increasing inquiries from families about my opposition to Prop 204, was in fact a violation of state statue. I not only now understand the civil prohibition, but also believe there are good reasons for it.
To those who have argued that a man in my position should have known better, I can only humbly agree. I am ashamed I didn't know. My negligence, of course, does not excuse my misstep. My heart has been heavy ever since I was made aware of these matters.
Where my email deviated from the high standards we have as an academy and caused those in our community to question our overall mission, I am truly sorry.
I have been admonished by the leadership of Great Hearts, and in cooperation with them have worked to ensure that nothing of this sort occurs again.
Sincerely, Erik Twist
