Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced the appointment of Gary Stark to the Arkansas State Board of Education, where he will serve a term expiring on June 30, 2033, replacing Adrienne Woods.
Governor Sanders lauded Stark's extensive background, stating, "Few people understand what it takes to build great schools better than Gary Stark." She highlighted his more than three decades of service to students and teachers, from the classroom to national leadership, noting his focus on teacher effectiveness and student achievement aligns with the principles of Arkansas LEARNS.
Stark expressed his gratitude for the appointment, saying, "I am honored to be appointed by Governor Sanders to serve on the State Board of Education." He acknowledged the Governor's "boldest education reforms" and the "improved outcomes for students," expressing his eagerness to collaborate with various stakeholders to advance Arkansas's education system.
A lifelong educator, military veteran, and nonprofit executive, Dr. Stark is a sixth-generation native of Cleburne County, Arkansas. His career includes roles as a classroom teacher, principal, and leadership positions at the Milken Family Foundation and the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET). Most recently, he was a Senior Advisor for K–12 Education with the Walton Personal Philanthropy Group.