Few days before the start of the school year, the LEARNS Act becomes law

Walnut Ridge, Arkansas – On August 1st, the Arkansas LEARNS Act became operative following numerous pushback attempts.

The contentious law amends the Fair Dismissal Act, increases teacher pay, and does other things.

Many schools make sure everything is prepared before the start of the school year because the act now is state legislation.

“Right now, we’re just in the wait-and-see mode. We’re waiting for guidance. We have a plan. I’ve been to several professional development summits to hear about it. I’ve heard a lot of good things, but there are a lot of things we don’t know about,” said Walnut Ridge High School Principal Jacob Kersey.

The new law, according to Kersey, has several components, but she was pleased to learn that it raised teacher compensation.

“You can make that political in some ways, and some do, but the way I see it is that under our old system, they would have never made what they are making right now. I know they want to see the potential for pay raises down the roads, but we’ve just got to wait and see,” Kersey added.

On August 14, Walnut Ridge High School resumes classes.