Concerned Parents Hold Meeting with State Lawmakers in Strong

Problems have circled the Strong School District for some time now. Low test scores are a big part of the problem but some parents say that they don’t feel improving the scores are on the top of the list. Thursday night at City Hall that more than 60 concerned parents met with state lawmakers on the topics of bullying and the mismanaging of money but the one topic that caused the most hype was school uniforms. Parent Jennifer Keathley said, “I have no problem with the uniform policy if they want to provide funding for it. That’s fine but you gotta look, we are in South Arkansas with chicken plants closing and everything else.” Mother Jenny Head said, “I don’t know about anyone else but I think our kids are the most important- not what they wear but their education. Most important and most of us can’t afford uniforms.” But the dress code isn’t where the problems end, many parents have a problem with the decision making of the school board. Keathley said, “It’s not a color issue, it’s an issue with the board as a whole.” Head added, “They are targeting middle to low class people who just don’t fit in how they want.” State representative Garry Smith and Greg Reap along with senator’s Gene and Jimmy Jeffress were in attendance. Gene Jeffress, a Democrat from Crossett said, “We’re not here as a judgmental body we are here as a legislative body to hear concerns. Students need to pass those tests and they need to have books.” The lawmakers say they will now look into the concerns brought to the table. Friday the schools superintendent was unavailable for comment. And we spoke with the new Strong High School principal yesterday after the meeting and he says as of now— all students will be expected to wear uniforms when they return in the fall.