Education is economic development – the two are inseparable. Businesses invest in communities that develop their children for the economy of the future. An educated workforce attracts higher-wage jobs and creates an improved standard of living. In Arkansas, we’re pouring money into the Little Rock School District but our schools are not delivering the education results businesses demand.
- Economic growth in the central Arkansas region has been strong but outlying communities are fueling it.
- Pulaski County’s population growth is up a meager 4 percent since 2000, Little Rock’s growth has only increased 3.5 percent over the same time.
- Surrounding communities are attracting some of the best and brightest students: Benton’s population has increased 34 percent, Conway by 33 percent, while Bryant and Cabot each grew by 54 percent.
- Those communities are attracting more of Little Rock’s population due to better schools that spend money wisely and produce students who are ready for the workforce of tomorrow.
- It’s not the small schools that are costing taxpayers so much money. In 2002, the five largest schools in Arkansas spent $58.8 million above state average per pupil, while the 100 smallest schools spent only $13.5 million over state average.
- You are paying for these schools through your property taxes, regardless of what school your child attends – or even if you don’t have a child. This is your concern.
