An education reform rally and summit featuring Jeb Bush, governor of Florida from 1999-2007, as the keynote speaker will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2012, in Little Rock, A+ Arkansas announced today. A+ Arkansas will be hosting the event in conjunction with National School Choice Week.
Governor Bush, chairman of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, and special guest Georgia Rep. Alisha Morgan (D) will join parents, educators, business leaders and policymakers to discuss the education crisis facing Arkansans. Attendees will also have the opportunity to play an active role in the discussion during Q&A sessions throughout the summit.
Governor Bush has a passion for improving education and during his time in office Florida raised academic standards, required accountability in public schools and created the most ambitious school choice program in the nation.
“A quality education prepares every child to achieve their God-given potential,” Bush said. “Florida’s common sense and proven reforms, including robust school choice for students and their parents, can work in other states to give all children the opportunity to receive a high-quality education and pursue the American dream.”
Rep. Morgan looks forward to sharing her commitment to expanding school choice outside of her home state of Georgia in particular.
“I’m thrilled to be involved with A+ Arkansas to shine a spotlight on school choice options for students,” said Morgan. “This bipartisan movement is proof that regardless of political affiliation or background; parents, students, and teachers are demanding options for our young people that meet their needs.”
Laurie Lee, Executive Director of the Arkansas Reform Alliance, said Arkansas doesn’t have to settle for the status quo any longer.
“If Arkansans can come together, rally around an issue that’s not just imperative to our future and our children, but our economic future as a state, we can really make a difference,” Lee said. “Our rally and summit will be a first step to implementing effective change.”
For more information on the event, visit www.AplusArkansas.org or call 501-258-6353.
