Gov. Sanders names former State Rep. Ken Bragg to Board of Education

Gov. Sarah Sanders named former State Rep. Ken Bragg to the state Board of Education on Thursday (July 13). Bragg, a Republican from Sheridan, served four terms in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2013-2019.

He was the House Majority Leader in 2014 and 2015, and recently served as a legislative liaison to Gov. Sanders during her first regular session. Sanders said Bragg helped craft her signature LEARNS education package and would be instrumental in helping implement it as an education board member.

“He knows this law like the back of his hand, because he helped write a lot of it,” Sanders said.

Bragg, 72, said he was looking forward to serving his seven-year term and had a special interest in the career pathway elements of education.

“I think we’re all committed to being able to provide solid, quality education to students that meets their needs,” he said.

Bragg had a nearly 30-year career in the forestry industry working for International Paper Co. and Resource Management Service. His wife, Beverly, is a retired school teacher.

Bragg replaces Ouida Newton, whose term on the nine-member board, has ended.