Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the biggest beneficiaries are the rural school districts who basically will be able to attract the best educators from various places. | Pixabay
Gov. Asa Hutchinson said the biggest beneficiaries are the rural school districts who basically will be able to attract the best educators from various places. | Pixabay
The current Arkansas legislative session has produced a slew of education bills that were affixed Gov. Asa Hutchinson's signature, with one recent measure arguably a victory for the Natural State's teachers and possibly those who seek to join their ranks.
The important role teachers play in children's lives isn't lost on Hutchinson.
"Arkansas teachers are critical to the current and future success of our young people. [On Apr. 12] I signed two bills to increase teacher pay for these heroes, and I was honored to be joined by key members of the General Assembly who made this possible," the governor, a Republican, wrote in a Facebook post on Apr. 13.
State Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View, was the lone sponsor of Senate Bill 504, or SB 504, which amends provisions of the code concerning state foundation funding aid and to create the Teacher Salary Equalization Fund, the measure's LegiScan page explains.
Paired with the companion House Bill 1614, the bills ensure a nearly $2,000 increase of the statewide teachers' salary to a new average of $51,822, the Fort Smith Times Record reported.
Hutchinson said the biggest beneficiaries are the rural school districts who basically will be able to attract the best educators from various places, with Arkansas Education Secretary Johnny Key adding Arkansas has a chance to be competitive in recruiting teachers.
The Fort Smith Times Record also reported that the average salary across the state will be reevaluated every two years.
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