Gov. Unveils Private School Voucher Bill; Sen. Elliott Responds

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson has announced the filing of Senate Bill 620 to establish a pilot voucher program in Pulaski County. The project is designed to provide public funds for low-income students to attend private schools.

The sponsors of SB620 are Senator Blake Johnson (R-Corning) and Representative Ken Bragg (R-Sheridan). Co-sponsors include Senator Mark Johnson (R-Little Rock) and Representatives Doug House (R-North Little Rock), Mark Lowery (R-Maumelle), and Carlton Wing (R-North Little Rock).

According to a release issued by the Governor’s office, Pulaski County was chosen for a number of reasons, including its concentration of eligible families, the county’s competitive private school market and the higher education options available to students upon graduation.

Funding for the project, to be known as the Capital Promise Scholarship Pilot Program, will come from the Governor’s discretionary funds. The program will fund approximately 500 scholarships worth $7,000 each for a total cost of $3.5 million per annum.

“This is an important and meaningful step in providing low-income families with a choice in the education their children receive. Pulaski County offers a unique opportunity for us to effectively evaluate a school choice scholarship program and measure student achievement,” the Governor said. “Every student deserves the opportunity to reach his or her potential, and this bill will help them do just that.”

Participating students who graduate from the program with a GPA of at least 2.5 will then be eligible to receive $5,000 per year for use at an institution of higher education in Pulaski County.

Later, State Senator Joyce Elliott (D-Little Rock) took to Facebook to respond, calling the program, “Another bright, shiny object.”

“A voucher, called a scholarship in the name of choice in no way comes close to doing what the Governor says every student deserves,” the Senator wrote.

“Nor do the other bright, shiny objects we keep chasing rather than doing what works. If every student is to enjoy a world-class education, we must build SYSTEMS that work for all kids, not keep breaking off into little pieces. It takes work, focus, commitment and a belief we can do it. How about address the reasons the Governor thinks some students need vouchers in the first place?

“And why target Pulaski County? Unfortunately, Arkansas is filled with low-income students, so this piece of social engineering could certainly target any other counties or cluster of counties in Arkansas. But the deal is to privatize and charterize areas where there is a concentration of Black, Brown, and/or low-income students. If you are still shocked or surprised, I am surprised you are.”

The Senator concluded, “Don’t be hypnotized by the dangling, shiny objects designed to make you think small and inward rather that (sic) about all of our children. Don’t fall for the okey-doke.”

Following the Governor’s declaration the state’s Legislative Black Caucus announced it will hold a press conference followed by a town hall meeting next Monday, March 25th, “to show support for our public schools, rather than vouchers.”

The location of Monday’s meeting will be announced later. The public, legislators and education advocates are all invited to attend.

The multi-state, for-profit charter school network, Epic Charter Schools, has already announced plans to open locations in Pulaski County by the start of the next school year. Epic is currently the subject of ongoing state and federal investigations.

The Governor’s office, the state Commissioner of Education’s office and the Pulaski County Special School District all declined to respond to questions for this article regarding Epic’s status.