Word has spread of superintendents being FOIA’d by legislators and allies of the school choice movement
Superintendents across Arkansas, many from rural districts, are rightfully concerned about the effect of the LEARNS bill on their teachers, students, and communities. One superintendent, Jordan Frizzell of Star City, has been under public attack for weeks for speaking out.
Last Wednesday evening, after a long day in committee touting the LEARNS bill as God’s gift to public education, Breanne Davis mocked and attacked public educators who spoke against the bill. She used that same tweet to threaten Frizzell with a bogus claim of breaking a policy by permitting political work during school time. Frizzell just put out a statement eviscerating Davis’ claim against him (He was nicer than we would’ve been, but that’s just who he is).
Not to be upstaged by Senator Davis, the governor’s closest staff members have added to the attacks and insults against educators.
These public assaults have had an effect on other superintendents who are concerned for their schools. But what’s public is only the tip of the iceberg. Over the past few weeks, word has spread of multiple superintendents receiving FOI requests by legislators and allies of the school choice movement.
Rumor has it Governor Sanders was irate about a leak of her LEARNS bill poster, which was to be unveiled at a press conference the day after her SOTU response. Finding the source of the leak became a top priority for the members who continue to kiss her ring.
One superintendent reports the Attorney General’s office called him for a statement regarding the superintendent’s opposition to the LEARNS bill. The scare tactics are working, causing superintendents and teachers who would otherwise be attending tomorrow’s house education committee to forgo the trip for fear of retaliation by legislators.
TL:DR
Elected leaders are using intimidation to prevent LEARNS bill dissent.
Questions remain:
- Which legislators have FOIA’ed which superintendents, and what was their reason behind it?
- Did the Governor direct the Attorney General to issue an opinion about superintendents’ work regarding the bill? If not, who did?
- How many educators have been intimidated out of advocating on behalf of their students and teachers?
If you have a tip regarding educator intimidation, email us at info@forarpeople.org or drop a tip here.
