Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has selected Ken Bragg, a former state representative, to join the Arkansas Board of Education. This appointment comes as the board prepares to implement Sanders' comprehensive education reform initiative.

Bragg, a Republican with a decade of experience in the Arkansas House of Representatives, has been appointed to a seven-year term on the nine-member board responsible for overseeing the state's public school system.

The timing of Bragg's appointment is significant, as the board is gearing up to implement the recently enacted education law championed by Governor Sanders. This legislation introduces a school voucher program and increases minimum teacher salaries across the state.

During the recent legislative session, Bragg served as a liaison for Governor Sanders and played a role in developing the education law. He replaces Ouida Newton, whose term expired on June 30th. Newton was originally appointed by former Governor Asa Hutchinson.

The implementation of the new education law faces a temporary delay due to a recent court ruling. A judge determined that the law cannot be enforced until August 1st, citing procedural irregularities in the legislative process. The state has filed an appeal against this decision, and Attorney General Tim Griffin has requested the Arkansas Supreme Court to expedite the case.