Public School Strong Arkansas

95% of children in Arkansas attend public schools. The siphoning of funds towards private and home schools for a small percentage of students will cause irreparable harm to public schools. Public taxpayer money belongs in public schools.  The primary stated goal was to help low income students, regardless of zip code, to attend private schools. This has not happened.  Public schools provide a wide array of activities and services for all students. When funding is reduced, public schools are forced to cut programs and staff. Small rural schools are especially vulnerable. Art, music, foreign languages, and other important elective classes are usually the first to be cut. These are some of the very programs that students need to build self esteem and to stimulate interest and brain growth. 

While nominally honoring diversity, the district is alienating families with LGBTQ+ children or family members.    These books are not required reading, but can be selected.  Those who do not approve do not have to read them.   Banning books violates first amendment rights.