Governor Beebe Creates Task Force To Study After-School, Summer Programs

Press Release

In January's State of the State Address, Governor Beebe pledged to search for the best ways to involve Arkansas students in after-school and summer programs. Beebe has now signed an executive order creating a task force to do just that. Over the next year, the Governor's Task Force on Best Practices for After-School and Summer Programs will seek the most effective ways to make such opportunities available to as many Arkansas students as possible.

"Good after-school programs can further enrich a student's education while providing safe and well-organized afternoon activities," Beebe said. "The same can be said for summer programs, which can keep young minds actively learning during the months between school years."

The Task Force, comprised of parents, teachers, school administrators and Department of Education leaders will work to draft potential after-school and summer-program legislation for the 2009 session. The members of the Task Force are the following:

Dr. Darlene Baker, Bryant, Dr. Jay Barth, Little Rock, Senator Shane Broadway, Bryant, Carol Brown, Wynne, Lynn Donald Carver, Springdale, Co-Chair, Dee Cox, Bryant, Cindy Doramus, Little Rock, Joe Fisher, Bryant, Rev. Kevin Kelly, Little Rock, Chuck Lange, Mayflower, W.J. Monagle, Little Rock, Maxine Nelson, Pine Bluff, Joe Paslay, Warren, Marty Sellars, Melbourne, Daniel Watson, Magnolia, Brad Williams, Little Rock, Dr. Diana Gonzales Worthen, Springdale, Patricia Wright, Arkadelphia, Co-Chair,Elisabeth Wright-Burak, Little Rock

The Task Force will expire on December 31, 2008.

Arkansas has also received a $10,000 grant from the National Governor's Association Center for Best Practices to hold a governor's summit next year to explore expanded learning opportunities. The summit will contribute additional ideas and feedback toward the work of the Task Force.

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