Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

We need to give more flexibility and freedom to the local school districts. The citizens of Van Buren elect the members of the Van Buren School Board, and as State Representative I intend to challenge the State Department of Education to allow local school district to make more decisions. I am also
concerned about the pay and incentives for our teachers. While higher salaries may be one avenue to pursue, other incentives can be and should be looked at to encourage teachers to remain in Arkansas. I am convinced that the testing used by the State to evaluate local schools and school
districts is fundamentally flawed and will fight to make sure that the evaluation process for schools and school districts is fair.

We also need to take a renewed interest in the special education program. As a para-professional in the special education department, my wife shares with me the challenges that these students and their families face trying to overcome extreme odds to receive a quality education. I am proud of the work that the Van Buren School District has done with the Special Education program, and look forward to securing additional funding and seeing even more being accomplished to help these students.

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