Members of the House (Part 2)

(Sent to all members of the Arkansas House of Representatives on 3.11.11)

Thank you for your continued consideration of HB 2140, sponsored by Representative Barry Hyde, which will empower and engage citizens in the governance of their public school districts.

We have been encouraged by the strong support from members of the legislature, citizens, parents, business community and editorial media. We also value the opportunities we've had to address concerns expressed by those initially opposed or expressing reservations.

While I have yet to be contacted by any citizen or interest group in opposition, we know they're out there (and contacting you), so we would welcome the opportunity to address concerns and discuss the merits with anyone and/or any group in any forum.

As the bill is being completed, we ask that you continue to contact Representative Hyde with your co-sponsorship and/or support. And if you are opposed or have any concerns, please let me know so we may address your concerns. Meanwhile, for your consideration...

Changing School Elections to Primary: While I prefer moving to the General Election, this is at least a move in the right direction. Continuing to support deliberate low voter turnout elections only benefits those in power - incumbent school board members, entrenched central administrators, and teachers unions. Our public institutions are best served by transparency and an engaged and enfranchised electorate.

Recall: As long as our public schools are governed by elected officials, those serving should be held to the same standards of other elected officials, including the legislature. World-class public schools are the tip of the sword in economic development, so the delivery of quality education to all students should be the priority of all citizens. If leaders are serving any interests other than the students, they're hurting their communities and should be subject to removal by the citizens.

Determination of Representation: The people, not the elected boards, should determine how they are to be represented. If we miss this once-in-a-decade opportunity, we likely will not have another opportunity for change until the 2020 census, the year my third-graders graduate from high school. Allowing incumbent boards to determine how districts' citizens will be represented is akin to a city council deciding what form of government it will be (e.g. Mayor/Council, City Manager, etc.). That's the people's business.

Thank you for your service and consideration of putting students first in our public schools through good government and fiscal responsibility.

Sincerely,

Gary Newton