Superintendent Dr. Jeff Collum, along with Ruth Doyle Middle School teachers Jennifer Seifert and Joshua Carroll, recently visited the Arkansas State Capitol to witness Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders sign two landmark education bills into law. The legislation aims to enhance student well-being and improve learning environments across the state.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Sanders emphasized the importance of these measures in shaping the future of Arkansas students. The first bill ensures free breakfast for all public school students, helping alleviate financial burdens on families while supporting students' academic success. The second bill enforces a ban on cell phone use during instructional hours in public schools, a step toward reducing distractions and fostering a more focused learning environment.
Dr. Collum, Seifert, and Carroll joined other educational leaders, policymakers, and advocates in celebrating this milestone. As educators on the front lines, Seifert and Carroll expressed their enthusiasm for the changes, particularly the phone-free learning environment, which they have already experienced firsthand through the district’s pilot program utilizing Yondr pouches, funded by Governor Sanders.
“The pilot program has made a tremendous difference in our classrooms,” said Seifert. “Students are more engaged, participating in discussions, and truly focusing on their learning without the constant distraction of their phones. Smart watches were also a big distraction and removing those away from the focus has made a great impact as well”
Carroll echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the positive shift in student interactions. “We've seen students reconnect with each other and their teachers in ways we haven’t in years. The phone-free initiative allows them to be present in the moment, and that’s been a game-changer for our school culture.”
Dr. Collum expressed his appreciation for the state’s commitment to education. “These bills demonstrate a strong investment in the future of Arkansas students,” he said. “We are grateful to Governor Sanders and the legislators who championed these initiatives.”
A few weeks before the signing, Dr. Collum, Deputy Superintendent Jason Black, and Maegan Brown, the Food Service Director for Conway Public Schools, testified in favor of the free breakfast bill at the Capitol, helping to push it toward passage.
“If you want to ask superintendents a very easy question, and if you want to keep kids safe and feed them, the answer is a very easy yes,” Collum said. “We are here to speak in favor of this bill, and just thinking about the importance of, well, scientifically, breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. If you have a kid who is sitting in class and their stomach is growling louder than the teacher is talking, then you have a problem.”
Brown emphasized that the program proposed by Dismang and other legislators would reduce school lunch debts, lessening the financial burden that currently falls on school districts.
A legislative panel on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, approved a bill to provide free breakfast to Arkansas students regardless of their eligibility for the federal free or reduced-price meal program beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year.
Conway Public Schools remains committed to supporting policies that promote academic success and student well-being. The district looks forward to implementing these new measures and continuing to advocate for the best interests of its students and families.
