A government closest to the people governs best, a principle President Donald J. Trump championed by dismantling the Department of Education and returning power to the states, prioritizing learning and families over bureaucracy.
Local control, a core conservative value, lets communities decide what’s best. But many in Arkansas are now questioning if those are just talking points as state officials seek to undermine school choice with a new mandate.
March 19, 2025 — Representative Wade Andrews (R – 98) and Senator Jane English (R -13) filed HB1864, which proposes amendments to the Arkansas Code to enhance the efficiency of student instruction by establishing a standardized flexible school calendar system for public schools. What would one of those enhancements be? Repealing the four day school week.
March 21, 2025 — Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva sent this letter to all public school superintendents regarding the 4-day school week. Why did they feel the need to file a bill if they intended to circumvent the legislative process with this overreaching measure?
These school districts listened to public input and the decision was voted on by their elected school board. Many even had the community members themselves vote for this.
April 16, 2025 — Last day of Session — It is also convenient that all reports are to be submitted by April 18th when session will be over.
Parents and communities know what’s best for their child and many utilize school choice for this very reason. It will be disappointing to see a parent’s choice cancelled out by unelected bureaucrats.
Perhaps we need to follow Trump’s lead and trim some fat at the Arkansas Department of Education.
We want to be clear — we are not here advocating for four day school weeks. We are advocating for school choice and local control — and that means freedom to choose, yes, even a four day school week.
