Little Rock School District Attack on School Choice

The Little Rock School District has followed through on its threat to file a lawsuit against the state of Arkansas related to the 1989 desegregation settlement agreement.  A legal filing was made in the United States District Court – Eastern District of Arkansas in the form of a “Motion to Enforce 1989 Settlement Agreement.”  All of this is being done in spite of the fact that the LRSD has been declared unitary by the federal court.

Having reviewed the legal brief that was submitted by the Little Rock School District, it is clear that the purpose of this action is to attempt to procure substantial additional financial funding for their school district from the state of Arkansas.  Additionally, it appears they will seek to have the federal court place unlawful conditions on open-enrollment public charter schools in Pulaski County.  This is an attack on a parent’s right to choose and an attempt to prevent a child from taking advantage of the best educational opportunities available to them.  We anticipate that open enrollment public charters will be a target of this litigation.

We are already consulting legal counsel to identify our options in responding to this attack on our open enrollment public charter schools in Pulaski County.  We are confident that open enrollment public charter schools are making a difference in our community, as well as across the state of Arkansas, by providing a high-quality educational choice for families who, in many cases, don’t have acceptable options in the traditional public school districts that are supposed to serve them.  We are prepared to fight on behalf of our students and their families to protect the unique educational opportunities that open enrollment public charter schools provide.

Keep in mind that this is NOT just a Pulaski County issue, in that the LRSD is intent on the state continuing to funnel millions of dollars to the district that could and should be going to all other school districts in the state.

Be assured that we are actively engaged in measures to ensure that the commitments we have made to our families, this community, and the state of Arkansas will not only be maintained but strengthened.  We are committed to keeping you informed as this issue develops and hope you will assist in supporting our efforts.

I have attached two PDF files in order to share with you some of our initial informational ad responses to the LRSD action. There will be more to follow. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding these efforts. ..and thank you for your continued support for improved educational outcomes for all Arkansas children.

Respectfully,

Luke Gordy

Arkansas Education Accountability Coalition  

P.S.

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