01/26/17  Hundreds Show Up At State Capitol In Support Of School Choice

Hundreds of students and education leaders gathered at the State Capitol Rotunda yesterday, rallying in support of school choice. The rally, which coincided with National School Choice  Week, included remarks from lt. Governor Tim Griffin and Attorney General Leslie Rutledge.

Many of the attendees, which included a mix of kindergarten thru 12^th grade students wore bright yellow scarves bearing the name of the week. Griffin, who called Arkansas “school choice country”, said that while the state has made progress when it comes to school choice, the battle continues. The reality, Griffin said, is that some people across the state disagree with  allowing parents to choose the best school for their children. In his remark, the Lt Governor referenced two education-related bills being proposed in the Legislature, one would allow an income tax deduction for certain education expenses and another related to the administration of  education savings accounts.

Griffin urged attendees to research the proposals and contact their legislators and let them know how they feel about them. Rutledge, who echoed Griffin on the importance of school choice, said the ability to choose is not about picking winners and losers in education. She said parents across the state should have the opportunity to work on their own individualized education plan for the students in their lives, she said every child should be given an opportunity.