ATTORNEY MOORE CHALLENGES INCUMBENT FOR ELECTION

Jay Moore, 36, is a practicing attorney, a member of Farmington Planning Commission and is involved in coaching youth baseball, softball, basketball and soccer sports teams.

He is challenging the incumbent for Position 4 on Farmington School Board.

Moore has lived in Northwest Arkansas for 14 years, eight of that in Farmington. He has three children in the Farmington School District. His twin stepdaughters are in ninth grade and his son is in first grade at Folsom Elementary.

Moore graduated from high school in South Carolina and holds bachelor of science degrees in finance and human resource management from the University of South Carolina and a juris doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas.

He said he believes his education and training in finance and human resources and his experience as an attorney will be an asset as a school board member.

“My background and training in finance serves me well when budget and spending decisions must be made,” Moore stated. “Also, my education and background in human resources equips me for the tough administrative decisions that commonly fall upon the board. Additionally, practicing law daily has aided me

in becoming a great listener and advocate for my clients and community.”

Moore said he is running for Farmington School Board because “I want Farmington to be so well rounded academically and athletically that parents and students don’t feel they need to transfer out to get the best education and sports opportunities possible.”

If elected, he said he has several goals and issues he would like to see addressed.

One priority, Moore said, would be to secure funding for at least one additional school resource officer to help when the new high school opens next year. He also supports increasing the number of automatic external defibrillators for the school district, especially for athletic facilities.

Other goals are to bring soccer, track and field, cross-country and other sports to the forefront of the district. Moore said he believes many students have been underserved by the lack of support for these sports.

He also wants to see the district continue the fight against bullying, both in-person and on social media.

“All students have the absolute right to feel comfortable at school and its our job as a district to make sure this happens.”

Looking for ways to increase teacher pay is important, Moore said, so Farmington can recruit and retain the best teachers available.

The district’s strength, no doubt, Moore said, is its faculty, staff, coaches and administration.

He said he believes the district can improve in the area of communication.

“I think our parents, students, coaches, teachers and administrators need a voice. Teachers and administrators are on the front lines daily and know more than anyone where our district needs to improve,” he stated.

As a board member, Moore said he would strive to be a sounding board for the Farmington community and would meet regularly with parents, school staff and the community to discuss any needs and wants.

“I look forward to meeting the challenges presented by the growth in our community. As we all know, Farmington is growing rapidly and our board needs to plan appropriately regarding facilities, administration, curriculum and sports.”

Moore