There’s a new push to have Arkansas voters decide on a constitutional amendment to overhaul education across the state.A coalition named For AR Kids is advocating for an Arkansas constitutional amendment to revamp education statewide, leaving the decision to Arkansas voters.On Thursday, coalition members submitted their ballot initiative to the attorney general. The proposal encompasses free pre-K education for all children in the state, starting at the age of 3, along with complimentary after-school and summer programs. However, the cost of these initiatives remains undisclosed.Bill Kopsky, executive director of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, stated, “We know how to significantly improve opportunities for students. The lawmakers of both parties haven’t invested in what we know works. So now we’re asking Arkansas voters to give Arkansas kids the help they need.”The coalition, For AR Kids, aspires to see the Educational Rights Amendment 2024 on the November ballot, seeking uniform standards for all schools receiving tax dollars. The proposed amendment mandates universal access to early childhood education and after-school/summer programs, all free of charge. It further necessitates additional support for children in poverty and those with disabilities.April Reisma, president of the Arkansas Education Association, voiced concerns about the longstanding overwork and disrespect faced by public school staff. She said, “Unfortunately, our public education system has never been fully funded.”Barry Jefferson, president of the Arkansas Conference of the NAACP, highlighted the amendment’s potential to level the educational playing field, especially for minority children. Bill Kopsky emphasized that the Educational Rights Amendment significantly differs from the LEARNS Act, as it addresses crucial aspects like pre-K, after-school programs, poverty, and special education that the LEARNS Act overlooks.The Attorney General’s Office has received the ballot proposal, with a 10-business-day review period. If approved, additional steps are required to place the measure on the ballot.In a statement, the governor’s office said, “The status quo had been failing Arkansans for way too long. The governor is proud to have enacted transformational reforms to give every kid in Arkansas access to a quality education and a lifetime of opportunity.”
There’s a new push to have Arkansas voters decide on a constitutional amendment to overhaul education across the state.
A coalition named For AR Kids is advocating for an Arkansas constitutional amendment to revamp education statewide, leaving the decision to Arkansas voters.
On Thursday, coalition members submitted their ballot initiative to the attorney general. The proposal encompasses free pre-K education for all children in the state, starting at the age of 3, along with complimentary after-school and summer programs. However, the cost of these initiatives remains undisclosed.
Bill Kopsky, executive director of the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, stated, “We know how to significantly improve opportunities for students. The lawmakers of both parties haven’t invested in what we know works. So now we’re asking Arkansas voters to give Arkansas kids the help they need.”
The coalition, For AR Kids, aspires to see the Educational Rights Amendment 2024 on the November ballot, seeking uniform standards for all schools receiving tax dollars. The proposed amendment mandates universal access to early childhood education and after-school/summer programs, all free of charge. It further necessitates additional support for children in poverty and those with disabilities.
April Reisma, president of the Arkansas Education Association, voiced concerns about the longstanding overwork and disrespect faced by public school staff. She said, “Unfortunately, our public education system has never been fully funded.”
Barry Jefferson, president of the Arkansas Conference of the NAACP, highlighted the amendment’s potential to level the educational playing field, especially for minority children. Bill Kopsky emphasized that the Educational Rights Amendment significantly differs from the LEARNS Act, as it addresses crucial aspects like pre-K, after-school programs, poverty, and special education that the LEARNS Act overlooks.
The Attorney General’s Office has received the ballot proposal, with a 10-business-day review period. If approved, additional steps are required to place the measure on the ballot.
In a statement, the governor’s office said, “The status quo had been failing Arkansans for way too long. The governor is proud to have enacted transformational reforms to give every kid in Arkansas access to a quality education and a lifetime of opportunity.”
