LRSD backs pay raise for teachers

The Little Rock School District will advocate for lawmaker approval of statewide teacher salary increases and universal prekindergarten programs but against proposals that would divert public funds to private schools, censor instruction and target lesbian, gay, transgender and non-binary students and school employees for harassment and discrimination.

The School Board voted 6-3 in support of the resolution last week that describes the stands that board president, the board’s legislative liaison and superintendent will take on behalf of the capital city school board on those issues during the ongoing legislative session.

Board member and legislative liaison Ali Noland drafted the resolution that also authorizes Noland, President Michael Mason and Superintendent Jermall Wright to confer on legislative issues not specified in the resolution to unanimously agree on the best course of action for the district.

Board members Vicki Hatter, Norma Johnson and Joyce Wesley voted against the resolution, saying in part that the resolution is unnecessary and that the board’s positions on issues should be discussed and decided by the full board.

Those supporting the resolution were Noland, Mason, Evelyn Callaway, Sandrekkia Morning, Leigh Ann Wilson and Greg Adams.

Wilson said she has faith in Noland, Mason and Wright to promptly represent the board, but if there is a disagreement among the three, the issue will be presented to the full board for a decision. She also said that individual board members can advocate for their individual positions.