Murdock: Education overhaul bill too big, questions vouchers

Lawmakers proposing amendments to LEARNS act presented by governor

Legislators are considering amendments to the a proposed bill to overhaul education in the state.

District 9 Sen. Reginald Murdock, D-Marianna, said the 144-page bill, which was filed on Feb. 20 and is still working its way through the legislature, has seen numerous questions raised by both state lawmakers and the general public.

The overhaul proposal presented by Gov. Sarah Sanders, also known as the LEARNS act, would, among other things, see the state increase the starting salaries for teachers to $50,000, provide vouchers for students to attend schools of their choice and repeal the teacher fair dismissal act.

Murdock said he has several concerns in regard to the proposal, particularly how the changes would impact school districts in the Delta.

He also said, in his opinion, the bill should be separated into several smaller bills to address specific needs, such as teacher salaries.

“Legislators have raised many questions regarding this piece of legislation since many things have been put in this one bill,” said Murdock.

“There are some things that are attractive in this bill. It addresses some of the needs, specifically as it relates to early childhood education, mental health, teacher salaries, etc., said Murdock. “We’re thrashing out how all of this relates to school districts’ budgets, how changes such as these can be implemented in each district and how those schedules will be manipulated. There are still a lot of concerns as this bill works through the legislature.”

Murdock noted the LEARNS bill is the major piece of legislation that has been presented so far in this year’s session.

He said the voucher portion of the bill is also concerning.

“Another issue is the accountability piece of giving money to private schools when you have public dollars going to private education. That’s an accountability piece that we’re trying to work through,” said Murdock.

Several legislators have offered amendments to the original proposal.

“There have been some changes proposed to the bill since it left the Senate. We’re trying to slow the train down and address those things that we feel are important,” said Murdock.

Murdock said he is not in favor of the proposal to repeal the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act.

“Teachers deserve to have the assurance of a good workplace while also producing quality jobs, as our teachers have done. I am concerned that our teachers are taken care of and have job protection. With this bill, there is great concern, a lot of concerns.”

Murdock also discussed another bill filed this session regarding the publication of public notices in newspapers.

“I don’t see a reason why we need to change this process,” said Murdock. “I think it takes away a public service sector that has always been good for us. It’s what we are used to.”