List released of those to help state implement LEARNS law

The Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education has published the selection of individuals for three of six work groups that will provide ideas, expertise and feedback to the state agency on the implementation of the Arkansas LEARNS Act.

Selected are members for the career readiness, educator workforce and parent empowerment work groups. Still to be announced are members of the school safety, early learning, and teaching and learning work groups.

Pea Ridge School District assistant superintendent Anne Martfield has been named to the Career Readiness/Career Diploma work group.

Each of the three work groups for which members have been named is made up of two or more subcommittees of about 10 members each.

Members include employees of traditional public school districts, openenrollment public charter school systems, private and parochial schools, as well as university personnel and business community leaders.

Springdale Superintendent Jared Cleveland is a member, as are Bentonville Superintendent Debbie Jones, Jonesboro Superintendent Kim Wilbanks and Cabot Superintendent Tony Thurman.

Gary Newton, executive director of Arkansas Learns organization; Phillip Baldwin, a retired banker and member of the state’s charter authorization panel; and Patrick J. Wolf of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville are among the members, as is former state Board of Education member Charisse Dean who is employed by the Family Council.

Teresa Hall , superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Little Rock, and Gary Arnold, chief executive of Little Rock Christian Academy, are also among the selected members.

The LEARNS Act, or Act 237 of 2023, is Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ signature legislation to revamp prekindergarten through 12th grade education in the state. LEARNS stands for literacy, empowerment, accountability, readiness, networking and safety.