Arkansas Celebrates LEARNS Act Anniversary as Voucher Costs Raise Concerns

Murrell Taylor Elementary sees student growth, but critics worry about rising voucher program expenses.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arkansas leaders marked the third anniversary of the 2023 LEARNS Act education overhaul, highlighting improvements at Murrell Taylor Elementary School in Jacksonville. The law's literacy coaching requirements were credited with helping the school raise its rating from an 'F' to a 'B'. However, the growing cost of the LEARNS Act's school voucher program has drawn criticism from some legislators, who argue the state should focus more on funding public education.

Why it matters

The LEARNS Act represents a major education reform in Arkansas, with the literacy coaching and student retention policies aiming to improve student outcomes. But the rising costs of the school voucher program, which allows public funds to be used for private school tuition, have raised concerns about the state's commitment to public education funding.

The details

The LEARNS Act required literacy screenings for K-3 students and provided literacy coaches for every K-3 teacher in 'D' or 'F' rated schools. At Murrell Taylor Elementary, these literacy coaches helped teachers shift their focus to how to most effectively teach students. The law also implemented a $50,000 minimum teacher salary, career readiness programs, and restrictions on classroom discussions of gender, sexuality and Critical Race Theory. Additionally, it created a school voucher program that is projected to cost over $309 million in the next fiscal year.

  • The LEARNS Act was passed in 2023.
  • Murrell Taylor Elementary went from an 'F' rating in 2021 to a 'B' rating in 2022.
  • Arkansas is marking the 3rd anniversary of the LEARNS Act in 2026.

The players

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The Governor of Arkansas.

Jacob Oliva

The Arkansas Education Secretary.

Brandy Howell

The Principal of Murrell Taylor Elementary School.

Courtney Bilbrey

The Literacy Coordinator for the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District.

Greg Leding

The Senate Minority Leader, a Democratic state senator from Fayetteville.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In the past two years, I have seen our teachers shift from thinking of 'What am I going to teach?' to 'How am I going to teach this so that scholars will learn?'”

— Courtney Bilbrey, Literacy Coordinator, Jacksonville North Pulaski School District

“Retention isn't new for Arkansas, but the big difference is that intervention is. We have always had to retain kids, but now on the front end, we're making sure parents are aware of that earlier.”

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas

“If that's the decision we're going to make, how do we handle that sudden lump in the snake's throat?”

— Greg Leding, Senate Minority Leader, Democratic state senator from Fayetteville

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.