The Appleseed Network is proud to announce a new, multi-state collaboration to advance public education across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and South Carolina — three states where chronic underfunding, federal cuts, and mounting policy pressures have put public schools at a crossroads. This effort is supported by a generous three-year grant from the Skyline Foundation, enabling Appleseed centers to scale their coalition work and fight for strong, well-resourced public schools.
In Oklahoma, the need is stark. “Oklahoma’s education is currently 50th in the nation,” said Colleen McCarty, Executive Director of Oklahoma Appleseed. “Our State has consistently underfunded education while driving teachers away with problematic rhetoric. This collaborative project will help supercharge Oklahoma Appleseed’s coalition work on our Better Outcomes for Oklahoma’s Kids plan to improve the outcomes, health, graduation rates, and inclusion for Oklahoma kids across the state.”
Arkansas is facing a different but equally urgent challenge as new federal cuts collide with state-level cost pressures. “With new federal funding cuts and burdensome cost-shares squeezing our state’s budget, now is exactly the right time to ensure our public schools have the resources they need,” said Bobby Howard, Executive Director of Arkansas Appleseed. “We’re excited to advance public school funding in collaboration with our colleagues from across the Appleseed Network and the Skyline Foundation. We’re working toward a future where every kid in every corner of the state can spend their day in an excellent learning environment. More than 90% of Arkansas families continue to choose public schools — We must adequately fund these public schools.”
South Carolina’s public school system has long been strained by inadequate funding, and recent cuts have only deepened the need for strong advocacy. “South Carolina has never adequately funded its public education system,” said Bridget Brown, Executive Director of South Carolina Appleseed. “Federal special education funding has been cut. Funding for multi-language learners has been cut. South Carolina’s public education funding is facing even more strain from the state’s school voucher program. This new Appleseed collaboration will provide us critical support for coalition work in our state to make sure all families have a voice in education funding decisions.”
Across all three states, the goals are clear: defend public schools from harmful disinvestment, strengthen coalitions pushing for fair and sustainable funding, and ensure that every child — no matter where they live — has access to an excellent education.
We look forward to sharing updates as this work unfolds over the next three years. Thank you for being partners in the effort to ensure every child has an excellent childhood and a truly bright future.
