By: Collin Anderson
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UATV) – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a plan to fix both the Arkansas School for the Deaf (ASD), and the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ASB). After visiting the school along with legislators and staff at the end of 2023, she decided to create a plan to improve both the ASD and ASB.
“These two schools were built as a promise to deaf, blind, and visually impaired Arkansans,” said Governor Sanders. “We’re going to fix these schools. And we’re going to prioritize student’s safety and happiness so that ASD and ASB will thrive as they were intended to.”
Governor Sanders, along with a group of lawmakers and advocates, surveyed more than 200 school community members, and created a list with three main priorities: keeping the campus in Little Rock, providing additional resources beyond the Little Rock campus, and addressing safety concerns students are currently seeing. The budget for the project is $30 million.
Senator Clarke Tucker was among the group that toured ASD and ASB and was “left with mixed emotions.” Tucker posted images from his visit to Twitter, which garnered more than 76,000 views.
“I’m astounded at the work being done at these schools, both the grace and spirit of the adults and the strength and courage of the students,” said Tucker, “Yet, at the same time, my heart sank as we saw firsthand the distressing condition of these vital institutions.”
The lackluster facilities have impacted the learning environment, resulting in low student achievement, limited outcomes, and dilapidated buildings. Tucker went on to say that he is optimistic that they will prioritize the needs of the students and the community moving forward and said it’s their job to create a better future for the kids at the schools.
The group consulted school architects to create a vision for the improvements of the two schools. They aim to deliver high-quality instruction and facilities while keeping the historic nature of the schools.
“They have found a way to provide an excellent state-of-the-art facility for our students, while also preserving the historical and cultural home,” said Representative Charlene Fite. “I’m so thankful for this. I have prayed for this day, hoped for this day, and worked for this day for many many years.”
Chairman of the Board of the ASD and ASB Robert Fagan said the faculty want to keep the kids safe, and give them the best education they possibly can.