We all share the same goals of building a world class education system accessible to all in Arkansas. We aren’t satisfied with the status quo where Arkansas lags much of the rest of the country in education.
However, Gov. Sarah Sanders and some legislators are trying to fast track a 144-page omnibus education bill that…
-
Undermines public education through the costs of what would be the biggest voucher scheme in the country
-
Puts more requirements on traditional public schools without holding private and other schools who accept public vouchers accountable
-
Repeals the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act and the Public School Employee Fair Hearing Act
-
Silences educators and hurts kids through unclear “anti-indoctrination” language that will silence discussion on important topics like race and reproductive health
-
Allocates ZERO new dollars to improving or expanding access to early childhood education
-
Creates non-evidence-based, coercive takeovers of “failing” public schools by charters or private companies through contracts with unspecified time periods
-
Includes some evidence-based, proven strategies – such as AR High Impact Tutoring Program – only as pilot and grant programs set up in such a way that will exacerbate the equity gap between high and low wealth districts
-
No long-term cost projections
Who's signing
Dennis Deal
Tinika Osborne
Lori Jones
Alicia Mattox
Carol Patterson
Sharon Hunter
Whitney Bryson
Katherine Lincourt
Janet Barnes
Julie Blackwood
Trudi Rust
Maryanne Meyerriecks
Willoughby Elroy
Ginny Masullo
Gaye Graham
Susan McBay
Margaret Lincourt
Josh Mitchell
Natalie Ryan
Charles Gastineau
Mary T Bundy
Tiffany Nance
Lindsay Keeter
Sue Ellen Lupien
Ann Zega
Mary Alice Serafini
Charles Autry
Rachel Loftin
Grigsby David
How can I trust that my tax dollars are being well spent when Governor Sanders is the Governor?
Public schools reflect the government.
Proponents of this bill who question the value of our public schools – should take a HARD look at themselves. What do you think the public schools will say about you if you vote for SB294?
As a citizen of the state of Arkansas – I want the best for my fellow citizens and I want my tax dollars to be used effectively. That means that I want MORE money spent on public schools, not less.