The final gubernatorial debate last night was highlighted by remarks from both Republican Asa Hutchinson and Democrat Mike Ross favorable to changing the law that consolidates school districts when they fall below 350 students, or about 30 per grade level.

From Stephens Media:

Advertisement

Ross said he thought it was “a mistake” when former Gov. Mike Huckabee pushed for legislation that led to the consolidation of many small districts.

“I think you should measure education based on quality rather than quantity, and some of the schools that have been closed are too far from another school. … I can tell you that I’d be receptive to reviewing legislation to try to stop some of these schools from closing, especially those in rural areas that require young people to spend way too much time riding a school bus,” he said.

Hutchinson said he would support legislation to allow small districts to obtain a waiver from the law if they are performing well academically and are financially sound.

“There was a new study that was completed which showed that in some school districts, students are on the bus for 5 1/2 hours,” he said. “That is unacceptable. Bus transportation, the length of transportation, has to be a factor to be considered when you’re looking at that magical number of 350 and what happens whenever you close it, including what happens to the community as well.”

It’s a sad mark of the times that both major candidates would roll back a hard-won standard.

However ….. with acceleration of charter school creation powered by Walton money standards for other school districts hold less meaning. Each new charter school is effectively a new school district. They aren’t bound to enrollment standards. Or many other standards. Before too very long, we’ll be back in the 19th century with hundreds of little school districts (some of them virtual) and the crazy quilt of results that such a system produced.

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Protest planned for Rapert campaign event at UCA Next article Poll: Race for 4th District Congress nears tossup status