Arkansas: Over 60% of CAPES members are educators who are from all areas of the state and who represent both major parties, or no party at all. Many are surprised that so many educators would want LEARNS to be put on the ballot to be decided by voters, since it gave some teachers a large raise. 

Bob McMillon, a conservative and retired teacher and superintendent from Lawrence County says, “The People’s voices need to be heard on the LEARNS Act because our elected officials did not speak for us in Little Rock,” when asked why he signed the petition to put LEARNS on the ballot for the citizens of Arkansas to decide its fate. Many educators in CAPES echo this sentiment. 

Another educator speaking out is Amanda Goff Bradley, a teacher and the CAPES Internal Communications Director. She states, “Teachers need to know it’s okay to sign the petition. I, like all teachers, administrators, and state employees, have a right to participate in the democratic process, such as signing petitions. Intimidation is a violation of our rights. Now is the time for educators to be courageous and advocate for public education.”

Current and retired educators have turned out in great numbers for the petition drive, both to help and to sign. While the governor’s office accusing these frontline professionals of being “groomers” probably fueled those numbers, their passionate action is because they know better than anyone the negative impacts LEARNS will have on our students, our communities, and our economy, both short and long term.

For a signing event nearest you go to www.saynotolearns.org/events .