Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Reorganization is hot topic for everyone

One of the hottest topics in Arkansas is the Governor's school reorganization plan.

Superintendent Bobby Smithson reported attending meetings of the Rural School Association and the Arkansas Administrators Association. These meetings, according to Smithson, are held each Wednesday as long as the legislature is in session.

"I am going to attempt to stay abreast of school related issues and keep you informed to the best of my ability," Smithson said at the regular monthly meeting of the Gurdon School Board.

At this time there are four school reorganization proposals circulating.

The first is the Governor's proposal which would set a 1,500 student minimum. Other school districts would be part of a region high school. This was the proposal discussed at the January school board meeting.

The second proposal is from Arkansas State Representative Bettye Picketts who proposes to set a 5,000 student minimum. Remaining high schools would be assigned a region. Under the Pickett plan, no schools would be consolidated, but there would be one administrative office for the entire district.

The third Proposal is from Arkansas State Representative Robert White who proposes a 500 student minimum. This would eliminate around 99 small high school's in the state. Smithson said White and Governor Huckabee were trying to compromise on the number of students required which may mean a minimum of 1,000.

The fourth proposal is from Senator Miller who proposes to not set a student minimum. This proposal does not set a student minimum. This proposal gives schools until 2006 to comply with standards. Gives schools the most time to comply.

Ray Simon, director of the Arkansas Department of Education, has recommended to the ADE to expand the required courses from 38.5 units to 60.5 units. These units would be offered each year.

"We are enclosing a copy of these new requirements. We are studying the expansion, and we are concerned with the second foreign language requirement, the 18 units of Career and Technical Education, and the Advanced Placement Courses," Smithson said.

"We are currently offering 58 units. The state Board tentatively approved the curriculum expansion, Monday February 10, 2003. There will be public hearings before the final decision is rendered. Representative Cleveland, Speaker of the House, and Representative Jodie Mahony has introduced HB1435, which would give the legislature the authority to determine curriculum," said Smithson.

The legislature is in the process of forming a legislative committee to define what an adequate education is.

They are attempting to get the study completed by July 1, 2003.

Smithson also said, "Based on what information I have heard, the legislature will recess, not adjourn, in early April and return in August to address the school situation (funding, organization, curriculum, etc.) We will not know anything until then as to how their final action will effect us. Some proposals have a deadline of 2004-2005 and others 2006-2007."

Smithson's comments for the Gurdon School District were, "I think we should be patient and try to stay informed, as to what our alternatives may be. The governor and state director are encouraging locals districts to take action on their own, and not wait to be forced to join a region high school."

"I think the colleges in our area may offer advanced placement courses for high school students to attend. They could also offer foreign language and advanced math courses. Ouachita Technical College in Malvern will offer courses. Courses in welding and Industrial Equipment Management will be available in Arkadelphia.

"Distance Learning will also be in demand. Two or more districts may want to share a teacher in certain areas. I know our people are concerned about losing our high school. I feel we have the facilities and the financial base to meet reasonable requirements made by the final action of the legislature.

"I also feel that Simon is not going to get his way. In my opinion he is arrogant. He tells the superintendents, You are going to lose your job.' I personally have a problem with that."