Arkansas' attorney general on Thursday rejected for the second time a proposal to amend the state constitution's education clause.
The proposed ballot initiative aims to hold private schools participating in the state's new voucher program to the same standards as public schools.
in him thursday opinionAttorney General Tim Griffin said he could not certify the proposed ballot language because he could not guarantee the bill would not be misleading due to ambiguity in some of the language.
“The title of your ballot, in its current wording, is misleading by omission and I cannot certify that it was submitted,” he wrote.
The coalition supporting the constitutional amendment, For AR Kids, said its legal team is considering the comments and plans to submit an amendment within the next few days.
In addition, the group said in a statement, “We feel there are irreconcilable differences between the AG's office and our goal of providing all Arkansas students with the educational opportunities they deserve. He said he may consider filing a lawsuit if the situation arises.
“The failure of our ballot measure is disappointing news for the future of Arkansas,” said April Reesma, president of the Arkansas Education Association. “Of course, we will take feedback and incorporate it into our new endeavors. Students and employees in public education deserve opportunities to grow, and these common-sense best practices will ensure that they get that opportunity.” It can be done.”
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The Arkansas Education Association, the Arkansas Conference of the NAACP, the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, the Citizens First Conference, and the Arkansas Citizens for Public Education and Students (CAPES) are supporting this measure as members of For AR Kids.
The proposed constitutional amendment is learn acts creation of voucher program This first year, nearly $6,700 in state funds will be provided for allowable education expenses, primarily private school tuition.
Critics argue that the Educational Freedom Account program is unfair because private schools do not have to meet the same requirements as public schools, such as enrolling all students, providing transportation, or administering certain standardized tests. There is.
The LEARNS Act requires private schools to conduct approved annual exams, but only for EFA students.
In addition to equal standards, Arkansas Educational Rights Amendment of 2024 Provides children from families within 200 percent of the federal poverty line with voluntary universal access to preschool, after-school and summer programs, high-quality special education, and “comprehensive services” at ages 3 and 4. It will be guaranteed ($62,400 for a family of four).
This measure would also establish minimum quality standards mandated by international law. Lakeview School District No. 25 vs. Huckabee. Court decision. This lawsuit, which lasted 15 years, established a process to ensure that Arkansas public schools are properly funded.
griffin was denied AR for kids first submission The group resubmitted its report on January 9. second version It was withdrawn on January 18th, but instead Third submission Jan. 25 after a meeting with the Attorney General's staff.
“We spent time with the AG and the attorneys and felt very good about the petition we filed,” said CAPES Executive Director Steve Grapp. “Obviously, this is very unfortunate. We will regroup and find a path forward to move this forward to a vote for the people.”
If Griffin approves this measure, For AR Kids must collect 90,704 signatures To qualify for the 2024 ballot, votes must be received from at least 50 counties by July 5.
