Accountability Starts Local: The Centennial High School Case and School Oversight in Arizona

State 48 News’ reporting on Centennial High School, our interview with Tiffany Benson, and why this story carries into the New Year

When we started State 48 News, the goal was clear: provide solid, accountable journalism focused on local Arizona stories. We set out to cover what many outlets either ignore or only touch on at the surface—stories that affect day-to-day life in our communities.

That means asking questions others don’t. What is your mayor actually doing? Why did your school board president resign? What is happening inside committee rooms before legislation ever reaches a floor vote?

We don’t just report on which bills pass. We stay engaged throughout the hearing process, track developments as they happen, and follow the decisions that shape outcomes long before headlines are written. Accountability doesn’t begin on Election Day—it begins when the public is informed.

Now is a great time to drop us line and let us know how we are doing. Or what you want to see different in 2026.

As we close out 2025, we are doing so with one of the most consequential local stories carrying into the New Year. We have received a large volume of emails and phone calls regarding the Centennial High School matter, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations and the public’s demand for clarity and transparency. If you missed the story - you can read it here:

State 48 News remains committed to ethically and responsibly reporting the Centennial High School story. At this time, no teachers involved have been arrested or formally charged. Journalism ethics require that we do not name individuals absent formal charges or official action by law enforcement. We will continue to verify facts, avoid speculation, and report confirmed developments as they become available.

ICYMI: we did receive an update from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office:

We sat down with Tiffany Benson, founder of Restore Parental Rights, to talk about her work advocating for parents across Arizona. We discussed the Centennial High School case as much as we could responsibly and ethically share, and then widened the conversation to a growing issue many families are noticing—the rise in teacher discipline cases across the state and what that means for transparency and accountability in our schools.

State 48 News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our work is made possible by readers who value independent, local journalism. We welcome your subscription to help sustain our reporting. We need you to keep us going!

Those who wish to support our mission further may also make a year-end, tax-deductible donation. Your support allows us to continue covering difficult and sensitive stories with accuracy, care, and integrity.

We remain committed to following this story into the New Year and will continue reporting as facts emerge.

See you in 2026!