Incoming LRSD superintendent promises campaign to meet with community

Michael Poore presented the State Board of Education with a plan to meet with members of the Little Rock School District community once he starts his roll as superintendent on July 1.
Michael Poore presented the State Board of Education with a plan to meet with members of the Little Rock School District community once he starts his roll as superintendent on July 1.

Incoming Little Rock schools Superintendent Michael Poore is planning an extensive summer campaign to meet with community members ahead of the school year, according to a plan he presented Friday to the state Education Board.

Poore said the campaign will include town hall events, "kitchen table conversations," social media outreach and a pledge to make 10 phone calls a day to students, parents, teachers and others in the Little Rock community.

Education Commissioner Johnny Key has faced some criticism after his decision to replace current Superintendent Baker Kurrus with Poore. District supporters flooded the auditorium during Thursday's board meeting, and a series of speakers demanded the state return the district to local control.

Speaking after his presentation, Poore said his role "will be to do everything I can for the Little Rock schools," including standing up to Key if there are disagreements about charter schools.

Poore called the expansion of charter schools in Little Rock "a reality" and said his work would focus on marketing district schools to be more attractive to parents.

Key was not present at Friday's meeting because he was attending his son's graduation from the University of Arkansas.

Poore also answered questions about the directive from President Barack Obama's administration on transgender students' bathroom access in public schools.

Before speaking about his new role in Little Rock, Poore gave a presentation to the board about career centers in the Bentonville School District, where he currently serves as superintendent.

The Walton Family Foundation funded in part the establishment of the career centers in northwest Arkansas. An agenda for Friday's board meeting said Poore's presentation on the career centers was required as part of the foundation's support.

The Walton Family Foundation also provides grants in support of opening charter schools.

"The Walton Family Foundation is one player in the state, but what's really most important right to now is to reach out to the Little Rock group," Poore said when asked to comment about his relationship with the foundation.

Poore indicated that he would be interested in continuing his role as superintendent if the school district is returned to local control.

He said he planned on searching for a house in Little Rock with his wife this summer.

Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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