The grassroots effort to push for an end to state control of the Little Rock School District continues. This notice mentions last night’s meeting, covered earlier by Benji Hardy. More next week, with a legislative hearing Monday at the Capitol at which Education Commissioner Johnny Key is being asked to appear and a town hall on Thursday.
I’d predict before long more reasons for unhappiness, when Key boots the civic advisory committee that voted unanimously in support of his ouster last night and then an appointment of a community advisory committee. The composition of that group will be interesting, as will who has input on the selection: Key? Baker Kurrus? Michael Poore? The governor’s office? Walton Family Foundation?
Which reminds me: The Waltons’ paid lobbyist on the ground in Little Rock, Gary Newton, is huffing and puffing about the civic advisory committee. It keeps recommending things he and the Waltons don’t like. I expect Key already has that message. Democracy is not high on the school reformers’ list of prescriptions for education.