Farley, Long-time School Boards Leader, Retires

An era in Arkansas education ended Friday as Dan Farley spent his last day in his office after 14 years as executive director of the Arkansas School Boards Association.

Farley, who joined the association as its public relations director in 1979 and became executive director 20 years later, has been a leader in the state’s education community and a fixture at the Capitol during legislative sessions. Under his leadership, ASBA developed a model policy service for school boards and improved training opportunities for school board members.

It was his idea to organize Speak Up, Arkansas!, when almost 6,000 Arkansans gathered at 90 sites on April 4, 2002, to discuss education reform. The event was associated with the Arkansas Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Education, which was appointed by the Legislature to help legislators respond to the Lake View school funding case.

“I don’t think there’s words in the English language to describe what he’s meant to the process of education and being an advocate for public schools,” said Dr. Tom Kimbrell, ADE commissioner. “I don’t think there’s ever been anyone that has brought advocacy to public education any more than Dan Farley has. He’s always been the consummate supporter of local control. But he’s always held school boards accountable.”

During his time at ASBA, Farley has seen the role of school boards change as more and more decisions have been made at the state and federal levels. However, he said school boards still have an important role in local school governance and community involvement.

Looking forward, he said school boards must be flexible and willing to change.

“When I see districts that are moving toward using technology in meaningful ways for kids, it forces the adults to stop thinking about school as it was when they were in school,” he said. “I think that’s a huge problem that we have. One of the things that I often say is that because most everyone went to public school, a lot of people think they’re experts on public schools because they went. But their recollection is what they keep in their head of what it was when they were there, and so their expectations are similar to their remembrances, and that can’t work.”

Farley’s successor, Dr. Tony Prothro, former Benton superintendent, joined the staff last year as assistant executive director and has been preparing to take over the job. Prothro said in an email that while the year has given him insight into leading the organization, he still has big shoes to fill.

“Dan is the living book of knowledge of ASBA with 34 years of experienced history,” Prothro said. “When you think of ASBA, you think of Dan Farley. His knowledge of the history and purpose of ASBA is unparalleled. He has set up a definitive organizational structure with the staff and the ASBA board. He has a familiarity, acceptance and ease with the staff and ASBA board that has endured throughout his tenure. It will be a challenge as the new director to transition into the role of such a well respected leader.”

Editor’s note: Steve Brawner publishes a magazine, Report Card, jointly with the Arkansas School Boards Association.