GOVERNOR BEEBE CREATES TASK FORCE TO STUDY
AFTER-SCHOOL, SUMMER PROGRAMS

LITTLE ROCK – In January’s State of the State Address, Governor Beebe pledged to search for the best ways to involve Arkansas students in after-school and summer programs. Beebe has now signed an executive order creating a task force to do just that. Over the next year, the Governor’s Task Force on Best Practices for After-School and Summer Programs will seek the most effective ways to make such opportunities available to as many Arkansas students as possible.

"Good after-school programs can further enrich a student’s education while providing safe and well-organized afternoon activities," Beebe said. "The same can be said for summer programs, which can keep young minds actively learning during the months between school years."

The Task Force, comprised of parents, teachers, school administrators and Department of Education leaders will work to draft potential after-school and summer-program legislation for the 2009 session. The members of the Task Force are the following:

Dr. Darlene Baker, Bryant
Dr. Jay Barth, Little Rock
Senator Shane Broadway, Bryant
Carol Brown, Wynne
Lynn Donald Carver, Springdale, Co-Chair
Dee Cox, Bryant
Cindy Doramus, Little Rock
Joe Fisher, Bryant
Rev. Kevin Kelly, Little Rock
Chuck Lange, Mayflower
W.J. Monagle, Little Rock
Maxine Nelson, Pine Bluff
Joe Paslay, Warren
Marty Sellars, Melbourne
Daniel Watson, Magnolia
Brad Williams, Little Rock
Dr. Diana Gonzales Worthen, Springdale
Patricia Wright, Arkadelphia, Co-Chair
Elisabeth Wright-Burak, Little Rock

The Task Force will expire on December 31, 2008.

Arkansas has also received a $10,000 grant from the National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices to hold a governor’s summit next year to explore expanded learning opportunities. The summit will contribute additional ideas and feedback toward the work of the Task Force.