Arkansas Blog

Is it just me, or has there been a rash of district financial distresses in Northwest Arkansas?

Well, I think it has to do a bit with 'keeping up with the Joneses (and Tysons)'

The big four districts, plus Siloam, boast pretty lofty pay scales for teachers. The Gentries, Gravettes, West Forks, Greenlands, and Decaturs of the area have to raise their pay in order to keep teachers. I believe it has put a financial hardship on many of the smaller districts.

It makes me wonder if a state-mandated pay scale would be the way to avoid this, and also to help aid the ailing delta schools. After all, if one could make as much in Dumas as Bentonville, one might be more inclined to teach there.

WTR if Dumas tax payers are forced to pay the same taxes as are paid in Benton and Washington counties they may close the schools. Until the entire funding formula is changed inequities are bound to exist.

Also, the court-mandated public school overhaul (adequate) did set a teacher pay floor.

I think the best thing to do is delete the state board of education..
They are nothing but a bunch of bums,, educated somewhere..