Sean McCarthy brings an unparalleled depth of expertise to the movement to transform education. As Director of Fiscal Policy for the Arizona House of Representatives, he has played a pivotal role on the Education, Appropriations, and Ways and Means committees. With a policy background spanning education, state and local taxation, and public finance, Sean is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between community aspirations and the fiscal frameworks necessary to drive lasting reform.
A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Sean’s disciplined approach to leadership is rooted in his years of service. After seven years on active duty, he continues to serve proudly as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Arizona Air National Guard. Now residing in Central Phoenix with his wife and their three school-aged children, Sean understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities present in our current education system.
Championing Education Freedom
Sean’s approach to policy reform is deeply pragmatic and informed by rigorous data and fiscal responsibility. In Arizona, his efforts have helped pioneer policies that empower families to choose the school that best meets their child’s needs. With more than 30% of district public school students attending a district outside their designated boundaries—and many more making intra-district choices—Arizona stands as a beacon of reform, where the updated public finance system ensures that the money follows the student.
His published work, Arizona School Finance (2020), underscores his status as one of the foremost experts on state fiscal policy. Sean’s insights and expertise have not only shaped Arizona’s educational landscape but also serve as a model for other states seeking to dismantle outdated, exclusionary school boundary lines.
“Behind every successful policy reform are folks who understand how to bridge the desires of a community with the financial structures to make it happen, the legal framework, and the political advocacy to get it all done. […] School choice provides families agency. It creates ownership for parents, which fundamentally changes the relationship between that family and their child’s educational journey.”
A Vision for a More Inclusive Future
No More Lines means that every family should have the agency to choose the educational pathway that best suits their child’s unique needs—free from the restrictions imposed by exclusionary district boundaries. Sean McCarthy embodies this vision through his tireless efforts to overcome decades of institutional resistance with innovative strategies and a deep commitment to community empowerment.
As we welcome Sean McCarthy into our No More Lines family, we look forward to his leadership as we advocate for the elimination of exclusionary school boundary lines across states nationwide. His blend of fiscal expertise, legislative experience, and commitment to community empowerment makes him an invaluable ally in our quest to create an education landscape that truly serves every child.
Follow Sean on X at @SeanMcCarthyAZ
