Sanders Appoints Gary Stark to the Arkansas State Board of Education

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.- Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that she has appointed Gary Stark to serve on the Arkansas State Board of Education. Stark, whose term will expire on June 30, 2033, is replacing Adrienne Woods.

"Few people understand what it takes to build great schools better than Gary Stark," said Governor Sanders. "Spending more than three decades serving students and teachers at every level of education, from the classroom to national leadership, Gary knows that student success starts with great teachers equipped with the tools they need to help every kid reach their full potential. His work has strengthened thousands of schools, supporting hundreds of thousands of educators and millions of students across the country, bringing the same focus on teacher effectiveness and student achievement that's at the heart of Arkansas LEARNS. I know Gary will bring that same leadership and vision to the State Board of Education as we continue to shape the next chapter of education in Arkansas."

"I am honored to be appointed byGovernor Sanders to serve on the State Board of Education," said Gary Stark. "Governor Sanders has launched some of the boldest education reforms in the nation and we are seeing improved outcomes for students. These policies, along with the hard work of our educators and school leaders, are making a difference in the lives of our kids and the future of our state. I look forward to working with the Governor, my fellow board members, parents, and educators across Arkansas to advance an education system that supports all students.

Gary Stark Bio:

Dr. Stark began his career as a classroom teacher in Tennessee before becoming a principal in Arkansas. In 2001, he received the prestigious Milken Educator Award for his leadership and commitment to student success. He later served as Vice President of the Milken Family Foundation and President and CEO of the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), helping lead one of the nation's largest nonprofits focused on educator effectiveness and school improvement.

Throughout his career, Dr. Stark has advised state and national education leaders, including service with the United States Department of Education as a Special Assistant. He continues to support education initiatives nationwide as chairman and board member of NIET and serves on the board of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.

Dr. Stark earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Arkansas and holds bachelor's, master's, and educational specialist degrees from the University of Central Arkansas. Gary and his family have called Northwest Arkansas home for the past 30 years. His wife is also a retired educator, and they have two daughters and two grandchildren.

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