A Call to Debate AEA's Opposition to Recall

On February 24th, Representative Barry Hyde (D-40) filed HB 1551, entitled AN ACT TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARDS OF DIRECTORS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, which would empower the people to petition for recall of incumbent school board members after six months of service. It is expected that an amendment to change the date of school elections from September to the March primary will soon be included in this bill.

While it was my original understanding that these two measures would be included in HB 2140, that bill will now focus only on empowering citizens, not incumbent school boards, to determine by election how their zoned district (those with 10% or more minority population) will be zoned.

So two bills, both of which have now been referred to the Education Committee, now require the support of citizens and parents seeking students first, fiscally responsible, good governance of their public schools.

The Arkansas Education Association, and by extension its Little Rock Education Association, are already inexplicably opposed to the bill. On the AEA's website, the bill's purpose is accurately described as follows: "Provides recall petition procedures for the removal of a school district board director who has been seated at least six months." That's followed in the Remarks with: "AEA OPPOSES!"

My question is "Why?" Why would the union be opposed to the people's right to remove school board members? It's easy to write "AEA OPPOSES!," but again, why?

To glean the union's motivation, one can only peruse the AEA Arkansas Legislative Alert Bill Status Report. At this posting, the AEA is tracking over 110 bills, and has a position on half of them, including HB 1551. Again, why?

Do 110 bills before the legislature fall within union's role as advocate for the wages and benefits of its members. Or is the organization overreaching into policy? In the case of HB 1551, I would argue the AEA is opposing the fundamental rights of the people to govern their public schools.

I have written AEA board president, Donna Morey, and executive director, Rich Nagel, asking the following:

Ms. Morey and Mr. Nagel,

I read on your website that the "AEA OPPOSES!" HB 1551, sponsored by Representative Barry Hyde (D-40), which would empower the people to recall incumbent school board members.

Could you or your team please let me know why?

As a father of two third graders in the public schools, I believe elected school board members should be treated like any other elected officials, including the legislature, and be accountable to the people.

Since we disagree on the bill, I respectfully ask that you and/or any member(s) of your team debate me on the merits in the public forum of your choosing so we may shine light on our respective positions which will be of benefit to the legislature in its deliberation of this important bill.

I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Gary Newton

I'll let you hear as (if) I hear. Meanwhile, I encourage all citizens and parents to contact their legislators in support of the HB 1551 and 2140. Then, write the AEA's Rich Nagel (ar-rnagel@nea.org) and Donna Morey (ar-dmorey@nea.org) and ask them "Why?"