Sanders picks Jonesboro exec for Arkansas education board

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced a Jonesboro business executive as her latest appointment to Arkansas’ State Board of Education on Friday.

David Peacock, president of Hytrol Conveyor Company, replaces former board chair Sarah Moore, whose term expired at the end of June. Peacock’s term runs until 2032.

In a press release announcing her second 2025 education board pick, Sanders praised the Marine Corps veteran as “an incredible asset” and leader, who is “passionate about workforce readiness, literacy programs, and education freedom.”

“With leaders like David helping implement the reforms we’ve brought about over the past two-and-a-half years, I know our school system will only continue to improve,” Sanders said in the release.

Peacock said in the same release that he was “honored and humbled” by the selection, and that he looked forward to working with Sanders and the other board members to help students “succeed and thrive.” Peacock donated $250 to Sanders in 2021, according to OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan nonprofit that tracks money in politics.

“Education has opened countless doors in my own life, and it’s a privilege to now help create those same opportunities for children across Arkansas,” he said. “Partnering with parents and communities to prepare our students for the many paths ahead is both essential and inspiring.”

Peacock served in the Marines for over a decade, and worked for Rubbermaid, Textron, JLG Industries and Kalmar Industries before he joined the conveyor company in 2014. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history from The Citadel and a master’s degree in management from Webster University, according to the release.

With Peacock’s appointment, Sanders has selected a majority of the current board membership. She appointed Ken Bragg and Leigh Keener in 2023, Gary Arnold in 2024, and Aaron Abbott last month. Sanders will have an opportunity to appoint another member before the 2026 general election, as the term of the board’s current chair, Adrienne Woods, expires next summer.

Sanders also thanked Moore, a former elementary school teacher who holds a doctorate in education policy, “for her years of support and for her help in implementing” the LEARNS Act of 2023.

Moore was appointed in 2018 by former Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and previously served as Hutchinson’s education policy advisor from 2015 to 2017.

“Because of her hard work and dedication, the future for Arkansas’ students is brighter than ever,” Sanders said.

The nine-member state education board consists of two people from each of Arkansas’ four congressional districts, plus one at-large member. Board members serve for seven years after being appointed by the governor.