Jacob Oliva

Secretary, Arkansas Department of Education

Commissioner, ADE Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

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Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Jacob Oliva as secretary for the Arkansas Department of Education. Oliva began as secretary on January 10, 2023. The Arkansas State Board of Education also selected Oliva as commissioner of ADE’s Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 12, 2023.

"Governor Sanders has the right vision to unleash Arkansas education, and I’m excited to get to work on day one to enact it. Education is the key to the future, creating opportunity for all, which is why I’ve spent my career implementing successful early learning programs, empowering parents with choices, and investing in career readiness. I am ready to continue that work here in Arkansas and look forward to working with Governor Sanders to build a bright future for our students." - Jacob Oliva

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ADE Vision

"Every Arkansan is equitably prepared, supported, and inspired to succeed in school, career, community, and life."

ADE 100-Day Report

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What's New?

4/10/2023

Arkansas L.E.A.R.N.S. website launched!

On March 8, 2023, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed Act 237, known as the Arkansas LEARNS Act, into law. The Arkansas LEARNS Act is bold and comprehensive and will transform education in Arkansas.

2/6/2023

ADE launches School Communication Tool on Insights Platform

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE): Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is pleased to announce the release of the School Communication Tool on the Insights platform. The School Communication Tool is intended for Superintende

10/2/2022

Scholarship Application Management System – Applicant Portal goes ‘live’

The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE): Division of Higher Education (DHE) is pleased to announce the release of the new Scholarship Application Management System (SAMS) Portal. SAMS replaces the YOUniversal System.

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Latest Blog Post

Secretary's Latest Blog Post

Arkansas College Application Month 2023

October is College Application Month, and we are here to encourage students across Arkansas to consider applying to receive a higher education. There are an infinite number of paths that can lead you to the career of your dreams.

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Transformation Savings

Post Transformation., ADE has been able to save $7,696,175.14 in the areas of Digital Transformation (Intranet Apps), Information Systems Development and Human Resources.

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Transformation Savings

Performance Center

Transformation Savings

Check out performances from various programs such as Reading Initiative for Student Excellence (R.I.S.E.), Higher Education Scholarship, Arkansas Educator Licensure System, and more.

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