Sanders taps Gary Stark for Arkansas Board of Education seat, term runs to 2033

July 28, 2026 - 07:04

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has selected Gary Stark for a seat on the Arkansas State Board of Education, a position he will hold until June 2033. The appointment was announced by the governor's office on Tuesday.

Stark steps into a role that carries significant influence over public education policy in the state. The board is responsible for setting academic standards, overseeing teacher licensing, and approving charter schools. His term, which runs for roughly a decade, places him at the center of ongoing debates about curriculum, school funding, and accountability measures.

Sanders has made education reform a cornerstone of her administration, pushing for expanded school choice and changes to how schools are evaluated. Stark's appointment aligns with that agenda, though the governor's office did not provide specific details on his policy positions in the announcement.

Before joining the board, Stark built a career in education administration. He has served as a superintendent in multiple Arkansas school districts, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges facing rural and urban schools alike. Supporters say his background will bring practical insight to the board's work.

The Arkansas State Board of Education meets monthly to vote on rules and hear appeals. Stark's lengthy term ensures he will help shape those decisions for years to come.