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Arkansas schools would observe Holocaust Education Week if bill becomes law
The Senate Education Committee approved a bill on Wednesday to establish Holocaust Education Week in Arkansas public schools. Sponsored by Sen. Jim Dotson (R-Bentonville), SB68 amends state law that requires Holocaust education to designate the last full week of classes in January as Holocaust Education Week. If approved, the State Board of Education would be […]
Committee approves education bills addressing school choice, GED merit
The House Education Committee approved two bills on Tuesday, including one that would allow a student who resides on a tract of land located in two school districts to choose which district they want to attend. Under current law, if the school district line cuts through a home, where the majority of the house sits […]
SESSION SNAPSHOT: Culture wars and the first bills of the Arkansas legislative session
Week two of the Arkansas General Assembly has come to an end, and it feels like the session is now actually underway. Thursday had it all: a tense committee hearing on a divisive social issue, a school choice rally, a rally in support of drag performers and action on dozens of bills destined to become […]
Arkansas governor, school choice supporters rally at Capitol
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders reiterated her commitment to an overhaul of education policy during a rally hosted by the Arkansas chapter of Americans for Prosperity on Thursday inside the Capitol. “This is not about school choice,” Sanders said. “This is about parental choice.” Arkansas LEARNS, Sanders’ education plan, aims to improve literacy, increase workforce readiness […]
Arkansas governor issues executive order to streamline education funding programs
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ latest executive order aims to limit government overreach, reduce red tape and improve education, according to a press release issued Thursday. The executive order directs Education Secretary Jacob Oliva to develop a unified system that streamlines all state and federal funding programs from multiple plans and budgets into a single application […]
Former state GOP chairman to lead Arkansas Public Service Commission
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders will appoint Doyle Webb to chair the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Webb served as chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas from 2008 to 2020. Webb’s appointment will expire Jan. 14, 2029, and he will replace Kimberly O’Guinn. As chair, he replaces Katie Anderson, who will continue to serve on the […]
UALR researchers develop faith-based racial justice resource guide for congregations
Pastor Billy Burris at St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock believes the church needs to truly be a part of the community. This means providing support to neighbors, being a sounding board and discussing social issues like racial justice, he said. “Racial issues, social issues, the church can’t hide its head in the […]
Oliva selected as new K-12 education commissioner
The State Board of Education unanimously elected Arkansas’ new education secretary as the Arkansas Department of Education’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education commissioner on Thursday. The board unanimously selected Jacob Oliva following an executive session at its regularly scheduled meeting. “I am honored to receive the board’s approval today, and I look forward to […]
Nominee for Arkansas education chief described as goal-driven, ambitious
When Jacob Oliva arrived at Florida’s Flagler County School District nearly 25 years ago, his first employer remembers him as an enthusiastic teacher out to change the world. Oliva had a big impact on the district, working his way up from a special education teacher to superintendent during his 17-year tenure. In 2017, he moved […]
Officials seeking federal dollars need Arkansans’ help verifying broadband access
The Arkansas State Broadband Office is urging Arkansans to verify a federal broadband map to ensure the state receives the maximum funding available and that those funds reach regions that need broadband most. The Federal Communications Commission has released a new broadband map showing high-speed internet availability across the country. The National Telecommunications and Information […]
Arkansas nonprofits prepare for possible recession, shift in giving
Philanthropic giving remains fairly steady for many Arkansas nonprofits despite continuing inflation and the possibility of a recession. While several organizations are on track to meet their fundraising goals, some have experienced slight dips in support. But they’re not yet concerned because December is traditionally a busy time for charitable donations. “Whether we step into […]
Organizations recruiting more women for public office
The 2022 election is barely behind us, but Stephannie Lane Baker is already thinking about recruiting candidates, specifically women, for the next election cycle. “If we are going to make progress, we have to do the work year-round…that’s how you change the face of power in Arkansas,” she said. As the executive director of Emerge […]