Remember when we wondered if Arkansas’s Schools for the Blind and Deaf would be the next targets of Jacob Oliva’s ire? We have an update.
Today, the Democrat-Gazette reports the schools’ superintendent, Tyrone Williams, has been demoted and replaced with a Department of Education employee, based on the recommendation of Secretary Jacob Oliva.
The schools’ board of trustees appointed Chris Barnes from the Department of Education as replacement. This has us even more concerned about the direction of the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) under Secretary Oliva.
While the official reasons for Williams’ demotion remain undisclosed, the decision was made behind closed doors during a board meeting that did not initially include plans to discuss the superintendent’s position. This sudden shift in leadership raises questions about Oliva’s intentions for these state-sponsored schools.
This move comes eight months after a controversial survey sent out by the ADE, which lacked accessible formatting for blind and deaf individuals, igniting fears of a hidden agenda targeting these vulnerable populations. The timing of the survey and its non-compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II regulations was at best irresponsible. At worst? Well, we will have to wait to find out.
Given the ADE’s track record, as extensively covered by AR Watch and For AR People, it is crucial we connect the dots between Williams’ demotion and Oliva’s track record of jeopardizing Arkansas public education. Oliva’s opaque leadership and staunch loyalty to Sarah Sanders should have public education advocates on guard. The recent leadership changes could be a precursor to more drastic measures, like the closure of these beloved, critical state institutions.
