Education — Whiteside For Arkansas

As a former teacher and school improvement specialist, education is a top concern.

I oppose the Voucher Program under the Learns Act because it unfairly takes money directly away from our local public schools without addressing root issues with our education system and it fails to hold those participating private schools accountable with our public tax dollars. (Private schools don't have to hire licensed teachers, give the big end-of-year tests for a failing or passing school grade from the Arkansas Department of Education, or provide lunch or transportation to in-need students.)

I'm not against private schools; I'm just against funding them with public money with no equity and no oversight. I'm also in favor of expanded Pre-K programs to capitalize on the phase when our brains are developing faster than at any other point in our lives.

Studies show that investment in early childhood education can save employees and society substantial money over time in the form of special education, therapy, training, rehabilitation, workforce turnover, and incarceration. So, why aren't we investing in Pre-K? I also think we need an elementary school in every small town. Yes, I'm talking about opening schools instead of closing them, and I'm looking at you Crawfordsville, Parkin, and Turrell.

Did you know that under Mike Huckabee's Act 60 of 2004, more than 70 small-town schools were forced to close because they fell below the magical 350-student threshold? Those school closures are still being felt in so many Arkansas communities, but that law is no more!

Lastly, for education, I plan to work with local higher education officials to expand scholarship opportunities, increase programs, and grow their student populations.

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Education

As a former teacher and school improvement specialist, education is a top concern. I oppose the Voucher Program under the Learns Act because it unfairly takes money directly away from our local public schools without addressing root issues with our education system and it fails to hold those participating private schools accountable with our public tax dollars.

Quality of Life

I pledge to work alongside you and use what resources will be available to me as state representative to help local officials add amenities to our area.

Health

It’s a fact that unhealthy living can be a financial strain on an individual and on the community as a whole. It will take an empathetic leader like myself to help fix these problems.

Small Business

Big businesses often push out local mom-and-pop shops. I wish to help find ways to incentivize small, local businesses to grow. We must support our neighbors.

Housing

Low-income and middle-class citizens in almost all parts of District 35 are experiencing a housing crisis.

Service

I believe we were put on this Earth to help others.

You

I promise to be a true representative of all people in District 35.