Arkansas educational groups looking to amend state’s constitution; 90K signatures required

MILLER COUNTY, Ark. (KSLA) – Several educational groups in Arkansas are working together to make changes to amend the state constitution’s education clause.

Members with Arkansas Educational Rights brought their message to Miller County, saying they the amendment they are seeking will provide three critical things.

“First it provides universal access to the most proven educational standards that boost learning it requires any school that receive public financing to follow the same standards as public schools and the third potent take the existing Arkansas minimum education standards so future lawmakers can’t water down our educational qualities,” said Bill Kopsky, with Ark. Public Policy.

Before changes can be placed on the November ballot, they must collect over 90,000 signatures from at least 50 counties across the state. They say the petition drive is not without opposition.

“There have been a lot of propaganda going out that’s been paid by the opposition to spread a message against what we are trying to do and a lot of time that’s disinformation or misinformation at best because they are trying to confuse the voters,” said Steve Grappe, with Stand Up Arkansas.

The group has until July 5 to get the necessary signatures for the amendment to be on the ballot.

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