Ark. Code Ann. § 6-24-105 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 24 / Section 6-24-105
School district boards of directors
Status: in_force

(a) General Prohibition. Except as otherwise provided, it is a breach of the ethical standards of this chapter for a board member to contract with the public educational entity the member serves if the board member has knowledge that he or she is directly or indirectly interested in the contract. (b) Employment of Family Members. (1) (A) (i) A board member's family member may not be initially employed by the public educational entity the member serves during the member's tenure of service on the local board for compensation in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) unless the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education issues a letter of exemption and approves the employment contract based on unusual and limited circumstances. (ii) The determination of unusual and limited circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the commissioner and may be further defined by rule of the State Board of Education. (B) A family member of a school district board member who was employed by the public educational entity during the school year immediately preceding the election of the board member may continue employment with the public educational entity under the same terms and conditions of the previously executed contract and any renewal of the contract under § 6-17-1506 . (C) Subject to the local board's written policy, a qualified family member of a board member may be employed as a substitute teacher, substitute cafeteria worker, or substitute bus driver for a period of time not to exceed a total of thirty (30) days per fiscal year for the public educational entity served by the board member. (2) (A) (i) No employment contract that is prohibited under subdivision (b)(1) of this section is valid or enforceable by any party to the employment contract until approved in writing by the commissioner. (ii) The commissioner's approval of an employment contract may include restrictions and limitations that are by this subsection incorporated as terms or conditions of the contract. (B) Excluding any renewal of a contract under § 6-17-1506 , any change in the terms or conditions of an employment contract, a promotion, or a change in employment status for a family member of a school district board member employed by a public educational entity that will result in an increase in compensation of more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) must be approved in writing by the commissioner before any change in the terms or conditions of the employment contract, promotion, or changes in employment status are effective, valid, or enforceable. (c) Exceptions. (1) Board Approval. (A) (i) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve a contract, but not an employment contract, between the public educational entity and the board member or the board member's family if the board determines that the contract is in the best interest of the public educational entity. (ii) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve an employment contract as provided in this section. (B) (i) The approval by the public educational entity's board shall be documented by written resolution after fully disclosing the reasons justifying the contract or employment contract in an open meeting. (ii) The resolution shall state the unusual and limited circumstances necessitating the contract or employment contract and shall document the restrictions and limitations of the contract or employment contract. (C) If any proposed contract or employment contract is with a family member of a board member or a board member directly or indirectly interested in the proposed contract or employment contract, then the board member shall leave the meeting until the voting on the issue is concluded, and the absent board member shall not be counted as having voted. (2) Independent Approval. (A) (i) If it appears the total transactions or contracts with the board member or a family member for a fiscal year total, or will total, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, the superintendent or other chief administrator of the public educational entity shall forward the written resolution along with all relevant data to the commissioner for independent review and approval. (ii) The written resolution and other relevant data shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or other method approved by the state board to assure that adequate notice has been received by the Department of Education and to provide a record for the school district board of directors sending the request for approval. (B) (i) Upon review of the submitted data for any contract, including an employment contract as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner, within twenty (20) days of receipt of the resolution and other relevant data, shall approve or disapprove in writing the board's request. (ii) The commissioner may request additional information or testimony before ruling on a request. If additional data are needed for a proper determination, the commissioner shall approve or disapprove the contract within twenty (20) days of receipt of the additional requested data. (iii) If the commissioner does not respond to the public educational entity within the twenty-day period or request additional time or data for a proper review of the contract, the contract shall be deemed to be approved by the commissioner. (C) (i) If approved, the commissioner shall issue an approval letter stating all relevant facts and circumstances considered and any restrictions or limitations pertaining to the approval. (ii) (a) The commissioner may grant the approval for a particular transaction or contract, a series of related transactions or contracts, or employment contracts. (b) However, approval shall not be granted for a period greater than two (2) complete and consecutive fiscal years, excluding employment contracts. (D) No contract subject to the commissioner's review and approval shall be valid or enforceable until an approval letter has been issued by the commissioner or the commissioner fails to respond to the public educational entity within the time periods specified in this section. (d) Records. The department and the public educational entity shall maintain, under their respective record retention policies, a record and copy of all documentation relating to transactions or contracts with board members or their family members. (e) Providing False or Incomplete Information. Any board member or other person knowingly furnishing false information or knowingly not fully disclosing relevant information necessary for a proper determination by the public educational entity or the commissioner shall be guilty of violating the provisions of this chapter. Amended by Act 2015, No. 846,§ 32, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2013, No. 608,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2001, No. 1599, § 5; 2005, No. 1381, § 2; 2011, No. 878, § 1.

(a) General Prohibition. Except as otherwise provided, it is a breach of the ethical standards of this chapter for a board member to contract with the public educational entity the member serves if the board member has knowledge that he or she is directly or indirectly interested in the contract.

(b) Employment of Family Members. (1) (A) (i) A board member's family member may not be initially employed by the public educational entity the member serves during the member's tenure of service on the local board for compensation in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) unless the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education issues a letter of exemption and approves the employment contract based on unusual and limited circumstances. (ii) The determination of unusual and limited circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the commissioner and may be further defined by rule of the State Board of Education. (B) A family member of a school district board member who was employed by the public educational entity during the school year immediately preceding the election of the board member may continue employment with the public educational entity under the same terms and conditions of the previously executed contract and any renewal of the contract under § 6-17-1506 . (C) Subject to the local board's written policy, a qualified family member of a board member may be employed as a substitute teacher, substitute cafeteria worker, or substitute bus driver for a period of time not to exceed a total of thirty (30) days per fiscal year for the public educational entity served by the board member. (2) (A) (i) No employment contract that is prohibited under subdivision (b)(1) of this section is valid or enforceable by any party to the employment contract until approved in writing by the commissioner. (ii) The commissioner's approval of an employment contract may include restrictions and limitations that are by this subsection incorporated as terms or conditions of the contract. (B) Excluding any renewal of a contract under § 6-17-1506 , any change in the terms or conditions of an employment contract, a promotion, or a change in employment status for a family member of a school district board member employed by a public educational entity that will result in an increase in compensation of more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) must be approved in writing by the commissioner before any change in the terms or conditions of the employment contract, promotion, or changes in employment status are effective, valid, or enforceable.

(1) (A) (i) A board member's family member may not be initially employed by the public educational entity the member serves during the member's tenure of service on the local board for compensation in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) unless the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education issues a letter of exemption and approves the employment contract based on unusual and limited circumstances. (ii) The determination of unusual and limited circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the commissioner and may be further defined by rule of the State Board of Education. (B) A family member of a school district board member who was employed by the public educational entity during the school year immediately preceding the election of the board member may continue employment with the public educational entity under the same terms and conditions of the previously executed contract and any renewal of the contract under § 6-17-1506 . (C) Subject to the local board's written policy, a qualified family member of a board member may be employed as a substitute teacher, substitute cafeteria worker, or substitute bus driver for a period of time not to exceed a total of thirty (30) days per fiscal year for the public educational entity served by the board member.

(A) (i) A board member's family member may not be initially employed by the public educational entity the member serves during the member's tenure of service on the local board for compensation in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) unless the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education issues a letter of exemption and approves the employment contract based on unusual and limited circumstances. (ii) The determination of unusual and limited circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the commissioner and may be further defined by rule of the State Board of Education.

(i) A board member's family member may not be initially employed by the public educational entity the member serves during the member's tenure of service on the local board for compensation in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000) unless the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education issues a letter of exemption and approves the employment contract based on unusual and limited circumstances.

(ii) The determination of unusual and limited circumstances shall be at the sole discretion of the commissioner and may be further defined by rule of the State Board of Education.

(B) A family member of a school district board member who was employed by the public educational entity during the school year immediately preceding the election of the board member may continue employment with the public educational entity under the same terms and conditions of the previously executed contract and any renewal of the contract under § 6-17-1506 .

(C) Subject to the local board's written policy, a qualified family member of a board member may be employed as a substitute teacher, substitute cafeteria worker, or substitute bus driver for a period of time not to exceed a total of thirty (30) days per fiscal year for the public educational entity served by the board member.

(2) (A) (i) No employment contract that is prohibited under subdivision (b)(1) of this section is valid or enforceable by any party to the employment contract until approved in writing by the commissioner. (ii) The commissioner's approval of an employment contract may include restrictions and limitations that are by this subsection incorporated as terms or conditions of the contract. (B) Excluding any renewal of a contract under § 6-17-1506 , any change in the terms or conditions of an employment contract, a promotion, or a change in employment status for a family member of a school district board member employed by a public educational entity that will result in an increase in compensation of more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) must be approved in writing by the commissioner before any change in the terms or conditions of the employment contract, promotion, or changes in employment status are effective, valid, or enforceable.

(A) (i) No employment contract that is prohibited under subdivision (b)(1) of this section is valid or enforceable by any party to the employment contract until approved in writing by the commissioner. (ii) The commissioner's approval of an employment contract may include restrictions and limitations that are by this subsection incorporated as terms or conditions of the contract.

(i) No employment contract that is prohibited under subdivision (b)(1) of this section is valid or enforceable by any party to the employment contract until approved in writing by the commissioner.

(ii) The commissioner's approval of an employment contract may include restrictions and limitations that are by this subsection incorporated as terms or conditions of the contract.

(B) Excluding any renewal of a contract under § 6-17-1506 , any change in the terms or conditions of an employment contract, a promotion, or a change in employment status for a family member of a school district board member employed by a public educational entity that will result in an increase in compensation of more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) must be approved in writing by the commissioner before any change in the terms or conditions of the employment contract, promotion, or changes in employment status are effective, valid, or enforceable.

(c) Exceptions. (1) Board Approval. (A) (i) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve a contract, but not an employment contract, between the public educational entity and the board member or the board member's family if the board determines that the contract is in the best interest of the public educational entity. (ii) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve an employment contract as provided in this section. (B) (i) The approval by the public educational entity's board shall be documented by written resolution after fully disclosing the reasons justifying the contract or employment contract in an open meeting. (ii) The resolution shall state the unusual and limited circumstances necessitating the contract or employment contract and shall document the restrictions and limitations of the contract or employment contract. (C) If any proposed contract or employment contract is with a family member of a board member or a board member directly or indirectly interested in the proposed contract or employment contract, then the board member shall leave the meeting until the voting on the issue is concluded, and the absent board member shall not be counted as having voted. (2) Independent Approval. (A) (i) If it appears the total transactions or contracts with the board member or a family member for a fiscal year total, or will total, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, the superintendent or other chief administrator of the public educational entity shall forward the written resolution along with all relevant data to the commissioner for independent review and approval. (ii) The written resolution and other relevant data shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or other method approved by the state board to assure that adequate notice has been received by the Department of Education and to provide a record for the school district board of directors sending the request for approval. (B) (i) Upon review of the submitted data for any contract, including an employment contract as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner, within twenty (20) days of receipt of the resolution and other relevant data, shall approve or disapprove in writing the board's request. (ii) The commissioner may request additional information or testimony before ruling on a request. If additional data are needed for a proper determination, the commissioner shall approve or disapprove the contract within twenty (20) days of receipt of the additional requested data. (iii) If the commissioner does not respond to the public educational entity within the twenty-day period or request additional time or data for a proper review of the contract, the contract shall be deemed to be approved by the commissioner. (C) (i) If approved, the commissioner shall issue an approval letter stating all relevant facts and circumstances considered and any restrictions or limitations pertaining to the approval. (ii) (a) The commissioner may grant the approval for a particular transaction or contract, a series of related transactions or contracts, or employment contracts. (b) However, approval shall not be granted for a period greater than two (2) complete and consecutive fiscal years, excluding employment contracts. (D) No contract subject to the commissioner's review and approval shall be valid or enforceable until an approval letter has been issued by the commissioner or the commissioner fails to respond to the public educational entity within the time periods specified in this section.

(1) Board Approval. (A) (i) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve a contract, but not an employment contract, between the public educational entity and the board member or the board member's family if the board determines that the contract is in the best interest of the public educational entity. (ii) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve an employment contract as provided in this section. (B) (i) The approval by the public educational entity's board shall be documented by written resolution after fully disclosing the reasons justifying the contract or employment contract in an open meeting. (ii) The resolution shall state the unusual and limited circumstances necessitating the contract or employment contract and shall document the restrictions and limitations of the contract or employment contract. (C) If any proposed contract or employment contract is with a family member of a board member or a board member directly or indirectly interested in the proposed contract or employment contract, then the board member shall leave the meeting until the voting on the issue is concluded, and the absent board member shall not be counted as having voted.

(A) (i) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve a contract, but not an employment contract, between the public educational entity and the board member or the board member's family if the board determines that the contract is in the best interest of the public educational entity. (ii) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve an employment contract as provided in this section.

(i) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve a contract, but not an employment contract, between the public educational entity and the board member or the board member's family if the board determines that the contract is in the best interest of the public educational entity.

(ii) In unusual and limited circumstances, a public educational entity's board may approve an employment contract as provided in this section.

(B) (i) The approval by the public educational entity's board shall be documented by written resolution after fully disclosing the reasons justifying the contract or employment contract in an open meeting. (ii) The resolution shall state the unusual and limited circumstances necessitating the contract or employment contract and shall document the restrictions and limitations of the contract or employment contract.

(i) The approval by the public educational entity's board shall be documented by written resolution after fully disclosing the reasons justifying the contract or employment contract in an open meeting.

(ii) The resolution shall state the unusual and limited circumstances necessitating the contract or employment contract and shall document the restrictions and limitations of the contract or employment contract.

(C) If any proposed contract or employment contract is with a family member of a board member or a board member directly or indirectly interested in the proposed contract or employment contract, then the board member shall leave the meeting until the voting on the issue is concluded, and the absent board member shall not be counted as having voted.

(2) Independent Approval. (A) (i) If it appears the total transactions or contracts with the board member or a family member for a fiscal year total, or will total, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, the superintendent or other chief administrator of the public educational entity shall forward the written resolution along with all relevant data to the commissioner for independent review and approval. (ii) The written resolution and other relevant data shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or other method approved by the state board to assure that adequate notice has been received by the Department of Education and to provide a record for the school district board of directors sending the request for approval. (B) (i) Upon review of the submitted data for any contract, including an employment contract as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner, within twenty (20) days of receipt of the resolution and other relevant data, shall approve or disapprove in writing the board's request. (ii) The commissioner may request additional information or testimony before ruling on a request. If additional data are needed for a proper determination, the commissioner shall approve or disapprove the contract within twenty (20) days of receipt of the additional requested data. (iii) If the commissioner does not respond to the public educational entity within the twenty-day period or request additional time or data for a proper review of the contract, the contract shall be deemed to be approved by the commissioner. (C) (i) If approved, the commissioner shall issue an approval letter stating all relevant facts and circumstances considered and any restrictions or limitations pertaining to the approval. (ii) (a) The commissioner may grant the approval for a particular transaction or contract, a series of related transactions or contracts, or employment contracts. (b) However, approval shall not be granted for a period greater than two (2) complete and consecutive fiscal years, excluding employment contracts. (D) No contract subject to the commissioner's review and approval shall be valid or enforceable until an approval letter has been issued by the commissioner or the commissioner fails to respond to the public educational entity within the time periods specified in this section.

(A) (i) If it appears the total transactions or contracts with the board member or a family member for a fiscal year total, or will total, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, the superintendent or other chief administrator of the public educational entity shall forward the written resolution along with all relevant data to the commissioner for independent review and approval. (ii) The written resolution and other relevant data shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or other method approved by the state board to assure that adequate notice has been received by the Department of Education and to provide a record for the school district board of directors sending the request for approval.

(i) If it appears the total transactions or contracts with the board member or a family member for a fiscal year total, or will total, ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or more, the superintendent or other chief administrator of the public educational entity shall forward the written resolution along with all relevant data to the commissioner for independent review and approval.

(ii) The written resolution and other relevant data shall be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or other method approved by the state board to assure that adequate notice has been received by the Department of Education and to provide a record for the school district board of directors sending the request for approval.

(B) (i) Upon review of the submitted data for any contract, including an employment contract as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner, within twenty (20) days of receipt of the resolution and other relevant data, shall approve or disapprove in writing the board's request. (ii) The commissioner may request additional information or testimony before ruling on a request. If additional data are needed for a proper determination, the commissioner shall approve or disapprove the contract within twenty (20) days of receipt of the additional requested data. (iii) If the commissioner does not respond to the public educational entity within the twenty-day period or request additional time or data for a proper review of the contract, the contract shall be deemed to be approved by the commissioner.

(i) Upon review of the submitted data for any contract, including an employment contract as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner, within twenty (20) days of receipt of the resolution and other relevant data, shall approve or disapprove in writing the board's request.

(ii) The commissioner may request additional information or testimony before ruling on a request. If additional data are needed for a proper determination, the commissioner shall approve or disapprove the contract within twenty (20) days of receipt of the additional requested data.

(iii) If the commissioner does not respond to the public educational entity within the twenty-day period or request additional time or data for a proper review of the contract, the contract shall be deemed to be approved by the commissioner.

(C) (i) If approved, the commissioner shall issue an approval letter stating all relevant facts and circumstances considered and any restrictions or limitations pertaining to the approval. (ii) (a) The commissioner may grant the approval for a particular transaction or contract, a series of related transactions or contracts, or employment contracts. (b) However, approval shall not be granted for a period greater than two (2) complete and consecutive fiscal years, excluding employment contracts.

(i) If approved, the commissioner shall issue an approval letter stating all relevant facts and circumstances considered and any restrictions or limitations pertaining to the approval.

(ii) (a) The commissioner may grant the approval for a particular transaction or contract, a series of related transactions or contracts, or employment contracts. (b) However, approval shall not be granted for a period greater than two (2) complete and consecutive fiscal years, excluding employment contracts.

(a) The commissioner may grant the approval for a particular transaction or contract, a series of related transactions or contracts, or employment contracts.

(b) However, approval shall not be granted for a period greater than two (2) complete and consecutive fiscal years, excluding employment contracts.

(D) No contract subject to the commissioner's review and approval shall be valid or enforceable until an approval letter has been issued by the commissioner or the commissioner fails to respond to the public educational entity within the time periods specified in this section.

(d) Records. The department and the public educational entity shall maintain, under their respective record retention policies, a record and copy of all documentation relating to transactions or contracts with board members or their family members.

(e) Providing False or Incomplete Information. Any board member or other person knowingly furnishing false information or knowingly not fully disclosing relevant information necessary for a proper determination by the public educational entity or the commissioner shall be guilty of violating the provisions of this chapter.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 846,§ 32, eff. 7/22/2015.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 608,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2001, No. 1599, § 5; 2005, No. 1381, § 2; 2011, No. 878, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-65-102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 65 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-65-102
School established in each district - Courses of study
Status: in_force

(a) Within each of the districts established in § 6-65-101 , there shall be a state agricultural school in which shall be taught agriculture, horticulture, mechanical arts, home economics, and the art of textile manufacturing. (b) The colleges shall have the same educational status. (c) The course of study shall be provided by the trustees of each school and shall consist of at least practical experiment, treatises, or lectures on agriculture and horticulture. There shall be established in connection therewith a textile school in which shall be taught the art of cotton manufacturing, and other textile manufacturing, should the board of trustees deem it expedient. Acts 1909, No. 100, §§ 2, 6, p. 295; 1925, No. 45, § 3; C. & M. Dig., §§ 9604, 9608; Pope's Dig., §§ 12951, 12955, 12969; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-3102, 80-3104, 80-3108.

(a) Within each of the districts established in § 6-65-101 , there shall be a state agricultural school in which shall be taught agriculture, horticulture, mechanical arts, home economics, and the art of textile manufacturing.

(b) The colleges shall have the same educational status.

(c) The course of study shall be provided by the trustees of each school and shall consist of at least practical experiment, treatises, or lectures on agriculture and horticulture. There shall be established in connection therewith a textile school in which shall be taught the art of cotton manufacturing, and other textile manufacturing, should the board of trustees deem it expedient.

Acts 1909, No. 100, §§ 2, 6, p. 295; 1925, No. 45, § 3; C. & M. Dig., §§ 9604, 9608; Pope's Dig., §§ 12951, 12955, 12969; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-3102, 80-3104, 80-3108.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-707 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-17-707
Arkansas Online Professional Development Initiative
Status: in_force

(a) There is created the Arkansas Online Professional Development Initiative. (b) Under the initiative, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall identify teacher professional development needs in the state and prioritize the needs based on the areas of professional development most needed to improve academic and teaching knowledge and skills of licensed personnel. (c) Based on the needs and priorities identified in the assessment under subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner shall work with the Director of the Educational Television Division and local school districts to develop a statewide online professional development program that includes quality professional development courses that: (1) Are aligned to the required focus areas identified in the State Board of Education rules governing professional development and the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act, § 6-15-2901 et seq.; (2) Are aligned with the clear, specific, and challenging academic content areas as established by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as required under § 6-15-2906 ; (3) Are aligned with the Arkansas academic standards established by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for each class level or subject area included in the respective professional development programs; (4) Are research-based and available from sources with expertise in technology-delivered professional development courses; (5) Are consistent with the Southern Regional Education Board multistate online professional development standards in existence on January 1, 2005; (6) Focus on improving student academic achievement by improving a teacher's academic and teaching knowledge and skills; and (7) Include an assessment at the end of the program designed to measure each licensed person's level of understanding and ability to implement or apply the information presented in the program. (d) (1) (A) The Arkansas Educational Television Network shall support the delivery of the online professional development courses developed as part of the initiative to teachers and administrators in each school in each school district in the state via the internet. (B) In addition to the online courses developed as part of the initiative, the network may continue to deliver professional development by broadcast, compressed, satellite, and face-to-face methods. (2) The online professional development courses supported by the network or other providers shall include online registration, course evaluation, and attendance and completion documents. (3) Any provider of technology-delivered professional development under the initiative shall demonstrate an ability to successfully deliver technology-delivered products and services. (4) If a technology-delivered professional development course or service that has been identified as needed under the assessment in subsection (b) of this section is not available, the network or other providers shall work with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a course or service to meet the identified need. (e) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall determine the content of and preapprove all professional development courses or programs delivered by the network that qualify for professional development credit as required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts or teacher licensure requirements. (2) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may approve professional development obtained through a micro-credentialing process. (f) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide the staff and resources needed to provide the quality leadership necessary to coordinate the initiative. (g) The initiative shall include a method for the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the network, school districts, schools, and licensed personnel to annually evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative and its online professional development course and programs. (h) (1) As part of a school district support plan, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may include guidelines for the professional development programs to be delivered to the licensed personnel employed by a school district receiving Level 3 - Coordinated, Level 4 - Directed, or Level 5 - Intensive support. (2) As part of the school district support plan, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may require the participation and completion of professional development courses or programs by licensed personnel in a school or school district as appropriate for the licensed personnel's job assignments and duties. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1445, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1444, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1443, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1442, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 48, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 49, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 23, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 35, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2005, No. 2318, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 36, § 1; 2011, No. 989, §§ 47, 48.

(a) There is created the Arkansas Online Professional Development Initiative.

(b) Under the initiative, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall identify teacher professional development needs in the state and prioritize the needs based on the areas of professional development most needed to improve academic and teaching knowledge and skills of licensed personnel.

(c) Based on the needs and priorities identified in the assessment under subsection (b) of this section, the commissioner shall work with the Director of the Educational Television Division and local school districts to develop a statewide online professional development program that includes quality professional development courses that: (1) Are aligned to the required focus areas identified in the State Board of Education rules governing professional development and the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act, § 6-15-2901 et seq.; (2) Are aligned with the clear, specific, and challenging academic content areas as established by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as required under § 6-15-2906 ; (3) Are aligned with the Arkansas academic standards established by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for each class level or subject area included in the respective professional development programs; (4) Are research-based and available from sources with expertise in technology-delivered professional development courses; (5) Are consistent with the Southern Regional Education Board multistate online professional development standards in existence on January 1, 2005; (6) Focus on improving student academic achievement by improving a teacher's academic and teaching knowledge and skills; and (7) Include an assessment at the end of the program designed to measure each licensed person's level of understanding and ability to implement or apply the information presented in the program.

(1) Are aligned to the required focus areas identified in the State Board of Education rules governing professional development and the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act, § 6-15-2901 et seq.;

(2) Are aligned with the clear, specific, and challenging academic content areas as established by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as required under § 6-15-2906 ;

(3) Are aligned with the Arkansas academic standards established by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for each class level or subject area included in the respective professional development programs;

(4) Are research-based and available from sources with expertise in technology-delivered professional development courses;

(5) Are consistent with the Southern Regional Education Board multistate online professional development standards in existence on January 1, 2005;

(6) Focus on improving student academic achievement by improving a teacher's academic and teaching knowledge and skills; and

(7) Include an assessment at the end of the program designed to measure each licensed person's level of understanding and ability to implement or apply the information presented in the program.

(d) (1) (A) The Arkansas Educational Television Network shall support the delivery of the online professional development courses developed as part of the initiative to teachers and administrators in each school in each school district in the state via the internet. (B) In addition to the online courses developed as part of the initiative, the network may continue to deliver professional development by broadcast, compressed, satellite, and face-to-face methods. (2) The online professional development courses supported by the network or other providers shall include online registration, course evaluation, and attendance and completion documents. (3) Any provider of technology-delivered professional development under the initiative shall demonstrate an ability to successfully deliver technology-delivered products and services. (4) If a technology-delivered professional development course or service that has been identified as needed under the assessment in subsection (b) of this section is not available, the network or other providers shall work with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a course or service to meet the identified need.

(1) (A) The Arkansas Educational Television Network shall support the delivery of the online professional development courses developed as part of the initiative to teachers and administrators in each school in each school district in the state via the internet. (B) In addition to the online courses developed as part of the initiative, the network may continue to deliver professional development by broadcast, compressed, satellite, and face-to-face methods.

(A) The Arkansas Educational Television Network shall support the delivery of the online professional development courses developed as part of the initiative to teachers and administrators in each school in each school district in the state via the internet.

(B) In addition to the online courses developed as part of the initiative, the network may continue to deliver professional development by broadcast, compressed, satellite, and face-to-face methods.

(2) The online professional development courses supported by the network or other providers shall include online registration, course evaluation, and attendance and completion documents.

(3) Any provider of technology-delivered professional development under the initiative shall demonstrate an ability to successfully deliver technology-delivered products and services.

(4) If a technology-delivered professional development course or service that has been identified as needed under the assessment in subsection (b) of this section is not available, the network or other providers shall work with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a course or service to meet the identified need.

(e) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall determine the content of and preapprove all professional development courses or programs delivered by the network that qualify for professional development credit as required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts or teacher licensure requirements. (2) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may approve professional development obtained through a micro-credentialing process.

(1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall determine the content of and preapprove all professional development courses or programs delivered by the network that qualify for professional development credit as required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts or teacher licensure requirements.

(2) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may approve professional development obtained through a micro-credentialing process.

(f) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide the staff and resources needed to provide the quality leadership necessary to coordinate the initiative.

(g) The initiative shall include a method for the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the network, school districts, schools, and licensed personnel to annually evaluate the effectiveness of the initiative and its online professional development course and programs.

(h) (1) As part of a school district support plan, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may include guidelines for the professional development programs to be delivered to the licensed personnel employed by a school district receiving Level 3 - Coordinated, Level 4 - Directed, or Level 5 - Intensive support. (2) As part of the school district support plan, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may require the participation and completion of professional development courses or programs by licensed personnel in a school or school district as appropriate for the licensed personnel's job assignments and duties.

(1) As part of a school district support plan, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may include guidelines for the professional development programs to be delivered to the licensed personnel employed by a school district receiving Level 3 - Coordinated, Level 4 - Directed, or Level 5 - Intensive support.

(2) As part of the school district support plan, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may require the participation and completion of professional development courses or programs by licensed personnel in a school or school district as appropriate for the licensed personnel's job assignments and duties.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1445, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1444, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1443, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1442, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 48, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 49, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 23, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 35, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2005, No. 2318, § 1; 2006 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 36, § 1; 2011, No. 989, §§ 47, 48.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-23-203 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 23 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-23-203
Notice of disapproval - Technical assistance to conversion public charter school applicants
Status: in_force

(a) If the authorizer disapproves an application for a conversion public charter school, the authorizer shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for the disapproval. (b) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may provide technical assistance to the conversion public charter school applicants in the: (1) Creation of its application; and (2) Modification of its application as directed by the authorizer. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1738, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2015, No. 846,§ 29, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2013, No. 509,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1999, No. 890, § 4; 2007, No. 736, § 7.

(a) If the authorizer disapproves an application for a conversion public charter school, the authorizer shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for the disapproval.

(b) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may provide technical assistance to the conversion public charter school applicants in the: (1) Creation of its application; and (2) Modification of its application as directed by the authorizer.

(1) Creation of its application; and

(2) Modification of its application as directed by the authorizer.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1738, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 846,§ 29, eff. 7/22/2015.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 509,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1999, No. 890, § 4; 2007, No. 736, § 7.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-21-206 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 21 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-21-206
Fair opportunity
Status: in_force

Schools shall be deemed to offer a fair opportunity to students who wish to conduct a meeting within its limited open forum if such school uniformly provides that: (1) The meeting is voluntary and student-initiated; (2) There is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school, the government, or its agents or its employees; (3) Employees or agents of the school or government are present at religious meetings only in a nonparticipatory capacity; (4) The meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school; and (5) Non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups. Acts 1985, No. 792, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1919.

Schools shall be deemed to offer a fair opportunity to students who wish to conduct a meeting within its limited open forum if such school uniformly provides that:

(1) The meeting is voluntary and student-initiated;

(2) There is no sponsorship of the meeting by the school, the government, or its agents or its employees;

(3) Employees or agents of the school or government are present at religious meetings only in a nonparticipatory capacity;

(4) The meeting does not materially and substantially interfere with the orderly conduct of educational activities within the school; and

(5) Non-school persons may not direct, conduct, control, or regularly attend activities of student groups.

Acts 1985, No. 792, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1919.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2601 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 26 / Section 6-18-2601
Title
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Student Data Vendor Security Act". Added by Act 2023, No. 754,§ 1, eff. 6/1/2024.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Student Data Vendor Security Act".

Added by Act 2023, No. 754,§ 1, eff. 6/1/2024.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-1204 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 12 / Section 6-20-1204
Form of bonds - Security
Status: in_force

(a) School bonds shall be issued by a school district in the form prescribed by the school district's board of directors. (b) School bonds may be secured by debt service millage. (c) (1) As additional security for the payment of any bond of a school district, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall cure a delinquency in payment by withholding state funding due the district. (2) (A) (i) When the designated paying agent for receipt of the district's payments does not receive a payment when due pursuant to the authorizing documents, the paying agent is entitled to payment from the withheld state funding in an amount sufficient to cure the payment deficiency if the designated paying agent notifies the commissioner and the superintendent of the school district by telephone, facsimile, or other similar communication followed by written verification. (ii) Unless the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that there is not a payment deficiency, the commissioner shall withhold from the next distribution of state funding and remit to the paying agent an amount sufficient to cure the deficiency. (B) If the amount next due to be distributed to the delinquent school district is not sufficient to cure the delinquency, the commissioner shall continue to withhold state funding as due and remit it to the paying agent until the payment deficiency has been cured. (C) If the commissioner is notified that a school district is delinquent on two (2) or more obligations, the commissioner shall make payment to paying agents in the order of receipt of notices of the delinquencies. (3) If the commissioner withholds state funding from a school district pursuant to this subsection, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall identify the school district to be a school district in fiscal distress under the Arkansas Fiscal Assessment and Accountability Program, § 6-20-1901 et seq. (4) The requirements of this subsection apply to bonds issued by a school district before July 1, 2013. (d) (1) For school bonds issued by a school district on or after July 1, 2013, a school district shall submit bond payments to its designated paying agent not later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the date the payments are due under the authorizing documents. (2) Whenever the designated paying agent does not receive a payment within the time period in subdivision (d)(1) of this section, the paying agent immediately shall notify the commissioner and the superintendent of the school district in writing. (3) (A) If the designated paying agent does not receive the bond payment from the district at least five (5) calendar days before the date the payment is due under the authorizing documents, the division immediately shall cure any deficiency in payment by making payment in the full amount of the deficiency to the designated paying agent. (B) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that a payment deficiency does not exist, the division shall not make the payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section. (C) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, it may identify the school district on behalf of which the payment is made to be a school district in fiscal distress under the program. (D) (i) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, a school district shall be indebted to the division in the full amount paid by the division and immediately shall remit the full amount to the division. (ii) If a school district does not remit the full amount to the division under subdivision (d)(3)(D)(i) of this section, the division shall withhold from the school district the next distribution of state funding in an amount sufficient to reimburse the division for the payment. (iii) In the event that the amount of state funding next due to be distributed to the school district is not sufficient to reimburse the division, the division shall continue to withhold state funding due to the school district until the division is fully reimbursed. (iv) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made to the division by the school district and that the obligation of the school district to the division no longer exists, the division shall not withhold from the school district the distribution of state funding under subdivisions (d)(3)(D)(ii) and (iii) of this section. (e) As used in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, "state funding" includes without limitation: (1) The following state funding under § 6-20-2305 : (A) State foundation funding aid; (B) Declining enrollment funding; (C) Student growth funding; and (D) State categorical funding; (2) Isolated funding and additional isolated funding under § 6-20-601 et seq.; and (3) Other funding due to a school district under an appropriation of the General Assembly. (f) Holders of bonds of the school district shall have a first and prior right and security interest in the revenue produced by the debt service millage pledged by the school district to the payment of its bonds. (g) The State Board of Education may promulgate the rules necessary to administer this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 285, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1617, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1616, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1615, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 110,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1931, No. 169, § 61; Pope's Dig., § 11494; Acts 1975, No. 220, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1104; Acts 1997, No. 1300, § 17; 1997 No. 1329, § 1. Subdivisions (2) through (4) should probably be (B) through (D), respectively. .

(a) School bonds shall be issued by a school district in the form prescribed by the school district's board of directors.

(b) School bonds may be secured by debt service millage.

(c) (1) As additional security for the payment of any bond of a school district, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall cure a delinquency in payment by withholding state funding due the district. (2) (A) (i) When the designated paying agent for receipt of the district's payments does not receive a payment when due pursuant to the authorizing documents, the paying agent is entitled to payment from the withheld state funding in an amount sufficient to cure the payment deficiency if the designated paying agent notifies the commissioner and the superintendent of the school district by telephone, facsimile, or other similar communication followed by written verification. (ii) Unless the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that there is not a payment deficiency, the commissioner shall withhold from the next distribution of state funding and remit to the paying agent an amount sufficient to cure the deficiency. (B) If the amount next due to be distributed to the delinquent school district is not sufficient to cure the delinquency, the commissioner shall continue to withhold state funding as due and remit it to the paying agent until the payment deficiency has been cured. (C) If the commissioner is notified that a school district is delinquent on two (2) or more obligations, the commissioner shall make payment to paying agents in the order of receipt of notices of the delinquencies. (3) If the commissioner withholds state funding from a school district pursuant to this subsection, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall identify the school district to be a school district in fiscal distress under the Arkansas Fiscal Assessment and Accountability Program, § 6-20-1901 et seq. (4) The requirements of this subsection apply to bonds issued by a school district before July 1, 2013.

(1) As additional security for the payment of any bond of a school district, the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall cure a delinquency in payment by withholding state funding due the district.

(2) (A) (i) When the designated paying agent for receipt of the district's payments does not receive a payment when due pursuant to the authorizing documents, the paying agent is entitled to payment from the withheld state funding in an amount sufficient to cure the payment deficiency if the designated paying agent notifies the commissioner and the superintendent of the school district by telephone, facsimile, or other similar communication followed by written verification. (ii) Unless the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that there is not a payment deficiency, the commissioner shall withhold from the next distribution of state funding and remit to the paying agent an amount sufficient to cure the deficiency. (B) If the amount next due to be distributed to the delinquent school district is not sufficient to cure the delinquency, the commissioner shall continue to withhold state funding as due and remit it to the paying agent until the payment deficiency has been cured. (C) If the commissioner is notified that a school district is delinquent on two (2) or more obligations, the commissioner shall make payment to paying agents in the order of receipt of notices of the delinquencies.

(A) (i) When the designated paying agent for receipt of the district's payments does not receive a payment when due pursuant to the authorizing documents, the paying agent is entitled to payment from the withheld state funding in an amount sufficient to cure the payment deficiency if the designated paying agent notifies the commissioner and the superintendent of the school district by telephone, facsimile, or other similar communication followed by written verification. (ii) Unless the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that there is not a payment deficiency, the commissioner shall withhold from the next distribution of state funding and remit to the paying agent an amount sufficient to cure the deficiency.

(i) When the designated paying agent for receipt of the district's payments does not receive a payment when due pursuant to the authorizing documents, the paying agent is entitled to payment from the withheld state funding in an amount sufficient to cure the payment deficiency if the designated paying agent notifies the commissioner and the superintendent of the school district by telephone, facsimile, or other similar communication followed by written verification.

(ii) Unless the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that there is not a payment deficiency, the commissioner shall withhold from the next distribution of state funding and remit to the paying agent an amount sufficient to cure the deficiency.

(B) If the amount next due to be distributed to the delinquent school district is not sufficient to cure the delinquency, the commissioner shall continue to withhold state funding as due and remit it to the paying agent until the payment deficiency has been cured.

(C) If the commissioner is notified that a school district is delinquent on two (2) or more obligations, the commissioner shall make payment to paying agents in the order of receipt of notices of the delinquencies.

(3) If the commissioner withholds state funding from a school district pursuant to this subsection, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall identify the school district to be a school district in fiscal distress under the Arkansas Fiscal Assessment and Accountability Program, § 6-20-1901 et seq.

(4) The requirements of this subsection apply to bonds issued by a school district before July 1, 2013.

(d) (1) For school bonds issued by a school district on or after July 1, 2013, a school district shall submit bond payments to its designated paying agent not later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the date the payments are due under the authorizing documents. (2) Whenever the designated paying agent does not receive a payment within the time period in subdivision (d)(1) of this section, the paying agent immediately shall notify the commissioner and the superintendent of the school district in writing. (3) (A) If the designated paying agent does not receive the bond payment from the district at least five (5) calendar days before the date the payment is due under the authorizing documents, the division immediately shall cure any deficiency in payment by making payment in the full amount of the deficiency to the designated paying agent. (B) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that a payment deficiency does not exist, the division shall not make the payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section. (C) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, it may identify the school district on behalf of which the payment is made to be a school district in fiscal distress under the program. (D) (i) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, a school district shall be indebted to the division in the full amount paid by the division and immediately shall remit the full amount to the division. (ii) If a school district does not remit the full amount to the division under subdivision (d)(3)(D)(i) of this section, the division shall withhold from the school district the next distribution of state funding in an amount sufficient to reimburse the division for the payment. (iii) In the event that the amount of state funding next due to be distributed to the school district is not sufficient to reimburse the division, the division shall continue to withhold state funding due to the school district until the division is fully reimbursed. (iv) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made to the division by the school district and that the obligation of the school district to the division no longer exists, the division shall not withhold from the school district the distribution of state funding under subdivisions (d)(3)(D)(ii) and (iii) of this section.

(1) For school bonds issued by a school district on or after July 1, 2013, a school district shall submit bond payments to its designated paying agent not later than fifteen (15) calendar days before the date the payments are due under the authorizing documents.

(2) Whenever the designated paying agent does not receive a payment within the time period in subdivision (d)(1) of this section, the paying agent immediately shall notify the commissioner and the superintendent of the school district in writing.

(3) (A) If the designated paying agent does not receive the bond payment from the district at least five (5) calendar days before the date the payment is due under the authorizing documents, the division immediately shall cure any deficiency in payment by making payment in the full amount of the deficiency to the designated paying agent. (B) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that a payment deficiency does not exist, the division shall not make the payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section. (C) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, it may identify the school district on behalf of which the payment is made to be a school district in fiscal distress under the program. (D) (i) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, a school district shall be indebted to the division in the full amount paid by the division and immediately shall remit the full amount to the division. (ii) If a school district does not remit the full amount to the division under subdivision (d)(3)(D)(i) of this section, the division shall withhold from the school district the next distribution of state funding in an amount sufficient to reimburse the division for the payment. (iii) In the event that the amount of state funding next due to be distributed to the school district is not sufficient to reimburse the division, the division shall continue to withhold state funding due to the school district until the division is fully reimbursed. (iv) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made to the division by the school district and that the obligation of the school district to the division no longer exists, the division shall not withhold from the school district the distribution of state funding under subdivisions (d)(3)(D)(ii) and (iii) of this section.

(A) If the designated paying agent does not receive the bond payment from the district at least five (5) calendar days before the date the payment is due under the authorizing documents, the division immediately shall cure any deficiency in payment by making payment in the full amount of the deficiency to the designated paying agent.

(B) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made by the school district and that a payment deficiency does not exist, the division shall not make the payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section.

(C) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, it may identify the school district on behalf of which the payment is made to be a school district in fiscal distress under the program.

(D) (i) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, a school district shall be indebted to the division in the full amount paid by the division and immediately shall remit the full amount to the division. (ii) If a school district does not remit the full amount to the division under subdivision (d)(3)(D)(i) of this section, the division shall withhold from the school district the next distribution of state funding in an amount sufficient to reimburse the division for the payment. (iii) In the event that the amount of state funding next due to be distributed to the school district is not sufficient to reimburse the division, the division shall continue to withhold state funding due to the school district until the division is fully reimbursed. (iv) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made to the division by the school district and that the obligation of the school district to the division no longer exists, the division shall not withhold from the school district the distribution of state funding under subdivisions (d)(3)(D)(ii) and (iii) of this section.

(i) If the division makes payment under subdivision (d)(3)(A) of this section, a school district shall be indebted to the division in the full amount paid by the division and immediately shall remit the full amount to the division.

(ii) If a school district does not remit the full amount to the division under subdivision (d)(3)(D)(i) of this section, the division shall withhold from the school district the next distribution of state funding in an amount sufficient to reimburse the division for the payment.

(iii) In the event that the amount of state funding next due to be distributed to the school district is not sufficient to reimburse the division, the division shall continue to withhold state funding due to the school district until the division is fully reimbursed.

(iv) If the commissioner determines that payment has been made to the division by the school district and that the obligation of the school district to the division no longer exists, the division shall not withhold from the school district the distribution of state funding under subdivisions (d)(3)(D)(ii) and (iii) of this section.

(e) As used in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, "state funding" includes without limitation: (1) The following state funding under § 6-20-2305 : (A) State foundation funding aid; (B) Declining enrollment funding; (C) Student growth funding; and (D) State categorical funding; (2) Isolated funding and additional isolated funding under § 6-20-601 et seq.; and (3) Other funding due to a school district under an appropriation of the General Assembly.

(1) The following state funding under § 6-20-2305 : (A) State foundation funding aid; (B) Declining enrollment funding; (C) Student growth funding; and (D) State categorical funding;

(A) State foundation funding aid;

(B) Declining enrollment funding;

(C) Student growth funding; and

(D) State categorical funding;

(2) Isolated funding and additional isolated funding under § 6-20-601 et seq.; and

(3) Other funding due to a school district under an appropriation of the General Assembly.

(f) Holders of bonds of the school district shall have a first and prior right and security interest in the revenue produced by the debt service millage pledged by the school district to the payment of its bonds.

(g) The State Board of Education may promulgate the rules necessary to administer this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 285, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1617, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1616, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1615, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 110,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1931, No. 169, § 61; Pope's Dig., § 11494; Acts 1975, No. 220, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1104; Acts 1997, No. 1300, § 17; 1997 No. 1329, § 1.

Subdivisions (2) through (4) should probably be (B) through (D), respectively. .
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-65-307 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 65 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-65-307
Arkansas Tech STEM Institute
Status: in_force

(a) Arkansas Tech STEM Institute shall be administered under the direction of Arkansas Tech University. (b) The institute shall utilize a multidisciplinary collaboration of professionals to explore, develop, implement, and evaluate new and better ways to integrate the teaching, study, and performance of the following for academic, economic, and economic development purposes in the state: (1) Business; (2) Engineering; (3) Emergency management; (4) Agriculture; (5) Health care; (6) Technical programs; and (7) Computer sciences. (c) The priorities of the institute shall include without limitation: (1) Economic development; (2) Technology development; and (3) Cyber-park development. (d) The university shall make annual reports to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, on all matters regarding the following as they relate to the institute: (1) Funding; (2) Existing programs offered by the institute; and (3) Services offered through the institute. Added by Act 2023, No. 434,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2023.

(a) Arkansas Tech STEM Institute shall be administered under the direction of Arkansas Tech University.

(b) The institute shall utilize a multidisciplinary collaboration of professionals to explore, develop, implement, and evaluate new and better ways to integrate the teaching, study, and performance of the following for academic, economic, and economic development purposes in the state: (1) Business; (2) Engineering; (3) Emergency management; (4) Agriculture; (5) Health care; (6) Technical programs; and (7) Computer sciences.

(1) Business;

(2) Engineering;

(3) Emergency management;

(4) Agriculture;

(5) Health care;

(6) Technical programs; and

(7) Computer sciences.

(c) The priorities of the institute shall include without limitation: (1) Economic development; (2) Technology development; and (3) Cyber-park development.

(1) Economic development;

(2) Technology development; and

(3) Cyber-park development.

(d) The university shall make annual reports to the Legislative Council or, if the General Assembly is in session, the Joint Budget Committee, on all matters regarding the following as they relate to the institute: (1) Funding; (2) Existing programs offered by the institute; and (3) Services offered through the institute.

(1) Funding;

(2) Existing programs offered by the institute; and

(3) Services offered through the institute.

Added by Act 2023, No. 434,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2104 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 21 / Section 6-15-2104
Mobility
Status: in_force

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall study the effects of mobility on the performance of highly mobile students and recommend programs to improve the performance of such students. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1247, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 6.

The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall study the effects of mobility on the performance of highly mobile students and recommend programs to improve the performance of such students.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1247, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 6.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-64-201 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 64 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-64-201
Members - Meetings
Status: in_force

(a) The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas shall consist of ten (10) members. (b) The Governor shall appoint the trustees. These appointments shall be with the consent of the Senate, except as provided in Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33, § 5. (c) (1) Two (2) members shall be appointed from each of the four (4) congressional districts, as established following the most recent federal census. (2) (A) Two (2) members shall be appointed from the state at large. (B) The two (2) at-large members shall not reside in the same congressional district. (3) In case of an increase or decrease in the number of congressional districts in the state, the number of members appointed from the state at large shall be increased or decreased in a manner to assure equal representation on the board for each congressional district. (4) The member or members of the board, if any, appointed from the state at large shall be alumni of the University of Arkansas. (d) The term of office shall be ten (10) years. (e) The trustees shall make and subscribe to an affidavit before entering upon their respective duties to faithfully, diligently, and impartially discharge the duties of their office. (f) (1) The board, for any cause deemed sufficient by them, shall have power by a majority vote, taken at any meeting, to remove any member from the board. However, no member shall be so removed unless as many as five (5) of the trustees vote for removal. (2) When any member of the board is so removed, the votes of the trustees shall be recorded, and the president of the board shall make a certificate showing the result of the vote and transmit the certificate without delay to the Governor, who shall at once declare the commission which had been issued to the removed trustee vacated, and he or she shall appoint and commission some competent person to fill the vacancy so occasioned. (g) (1) The board shall elect a chairperson. (2) A lesser number than a quorum may adjourn from time to time. (3) The board shall have the power to hold adjourned meetings when the business of the university actually requires it, or the chairperson of the board may call a meeting of the board when he or she is satisfied that the interest of the university so requires or when five (5) members of the board petition him or her so to do. (h) The members of the board may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq. Amended by Act 2015, No. 344,§ 4, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2015, No. 344,§ 3, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1871, No. 44, § 12, p. 201; 1873, No. 33, § 1, p. 65; 1874 (Spec. Sess.), No. 31, § 4, p. 39; 1875, No. 109, § 1, p. 234; 1887, No. 95, §§ 1, 2, p. 178; 1891, No. 83, § 2, p. 151; 1907, No. 87, § 1, p. 192; C. & M. Dig., §§ 9518, 9519, 9523, 9527-9529, 9533; Pope's Dig., §§ 13137, 13138, 13142, 13146-13148, 13156; Acts 1939, No. 9, §§ 1, 2; 1941, No. 302, §§ 1, 2; 1943, No. 272, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2802 -- 80-2807, 80-2810; Acts 1997, No. 250, § 28; 1997, No. 1140, § 1.

(a) The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas shall consist of ten (10) members.

(b) The Governor shall appoint the trustees. These appointments shall be with the consent of the Senate, except as provided in Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 33, § 5.

(c) (1) Two (2) members shall be appointed from each of the four (4) congressional districts, as established following the most recent federal census. (2) (A) Two (2) members shall be appointed from the state at large. (B) The two (2) at-large members shall not reside in the same congressional district. (3) In case of an increase or decrease in the number of congressional districts in the state, the number of members appointed from the state at large shall be increased or decreased in a manner to assure equal representation on the board for each congressional district. (4) The member or members of the board, if any, appointed from the state at large shall be alumni of the University of Arkansas.

(1) Two (2) members shall be appointed from each of the four (4) congressional districts, as established following the most recent federal census.

(2) (A) Two (2) members shall be appointed from the state at large. (B) The two (2) at-large members shall not reside in the same congressional district.

(A) Two (2) members shall be appointed from the state at large.

(B) The two (2) at-large members shall not reside in the same congressional district.

(3) In case of an increase or decrease in the number of congressional districts in the state, the number of members appointed from the state at large shall be increased or decreased in a manner to assure equal representation on the board for each congressional district.

(4) The member or members of the board, if any, appointed from the state at large shall be alumni of the University of Arkansas.

(d) The term of office shall be ten (10) years.

(e) The trustees shall make and subscribe to an affidavit before entering upon their respective duties to faithfully, diligently, and impartially discharge the duties of their office.

(f) (1) The board, for any cause deemed sufficient by them, shall have power by a majority vote, taken at any meeting, to remove any member from the board. However, no member shall be so removed unless as many as five (5) of the trustees vote for removal. (2) When any member of the board is so removed, the votes of the trustees shall be recorded, and the president of the board shall make a certificate showing the result of the vote and transmit the certificate without delay to the Governor, who shall at once declare the commission which had been issued to the removed trustee vacated, and he or she shall appoint and commission some competent person to fill the vacancy so occasioned.

(1) The board, for any cause deemed sufficient by them, shall have power by a majority vote, taken at any meeting, to remove any member from the board. However, no member shall be so removed unless as many as five (5) of the trustees vote for removal.

(2) When any member of the board is so removed, the votes of the trustees shall be recorded, and the president of the board shall make a certificate showing the result of the vote and transmit the certificate without delay to the Governor, who shall at once declare the commission which had been issued to the removed trustee vacated, and he or she shall appoint and commission some competent person to fill the vacancy so occasioned.

(g) (1) The board shall elect a chairperson. (2) A lesser number than a quorum may adjourn from time to time. (3) The board shall have the power to hold adjourned meetings when the business of the university actually requires it, or the chairperson of the board may call a meeting of the board when he or she is satisfied that the interest of the university so requires or when five (5) members of the board petition him or her so to do.

(1) The board shall elect a chairperson.

(2) A lesser number than a quorum may adjourn from time to time.

(3) The board shall have the power to hold adjourned meetings when the business of the university actually requires it, or the chairperson of the board may call a meeting of the board when he or she is satisfied that the interest of the university so requires or when five (5) members of the board petition him or her so to do.

(h) The members of the board may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 344,§ 4, eff. 7/22/2015.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 344,§ 3, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 1871, No. 44, § 12, p. 201; 1873, No. 33, § 1, p. 65; 1874 (Spec. Sess.), No. 31, § 4, p. 39; 1875, No. 109, § 1, p. 234; 1887, No. 95, §§ 1, 2, p. 178; 1891, No. 83, § 2, p. 151; 1907, No. 87, § 1, p. 192; C. & M. Dig., §§ 9518, 9519, 9523, 9527-9529, 9533; Pope's Dig., §§ 13137, 13138, 13142, 13146-13148, 13156; Acts 1939, No. 9, §§ 1, 2; 1941, No. 302, §§ 1, 2; 1943, No. 272, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2802 -- 80-2807, 80-2810; Acts 1997, No. 250, § 28; 1997, No. 1140, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2504 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 25 / Section 6-15-2504
School-level improvement plan implementation
Status: in_force

(a) Each school participating in an education renewal zone shall include in its school-level improvement plan required in § 6-15-2914 the following: (1) Goals for improving student achievement; (2) Measurable benchmarks for achieving student improvement goals; (3) A timeline for reaching goals in improving student achievement; and (4) Requirements for services to be provided by the education renewal zone partners. (b) The partners within a specific education renewal zone shall develop a strategic plan that is responsive to the needs of the individual school-level improvement plans. (c) The education renewal zone strategic plan shall at a minimum provide for the following: (1) Collaboration between and among the higher education institution partners, education service cooperatives, schools, and parents or community members, or both, participating in the education renewal zone, including the academic departments of the higher education institution partners; (2) (A) A comprehensive program of professional development to assure the practical knowledge base of pre-service and in-service teachers with respect to pedagogical practice, content knowledge, and competent use of distance learning technology. (B) Funds received by school districts from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Account for professional development may be used to provide funding for the professional development required under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section; (3) A strategy to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers by: (A) Providing opportunities and support for teacher professional growth; and (B) Providing opportunities for collaboration; (4) Evidence-based practices to support schools in providing student-focused education; (5) Active involvement of parents in the academic work of the student; and (6) A means of collecting the data necessary to evaluate the progress of each participating public school and the education renewal zone in its entirety. Amended by Act 2021, No. 134,§ 4, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 25, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1280, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 106, § 1.

(a) Each school participating in an education renewal zone shall include in its school-level improvement plan required in § 6-15-2914 the following: (1) Goals for improving student achievement; (2) Measurable benchmarks for achieving student improvement goals; (3) A timeline for reaching goals in improving student achievement; and (4) Requirements for services to be provided by the education renewal zone partners.

(1) Goals for improving student achievement;

(2) Measurable benchmarks for achieving student improvement goals;

(3) A timeline for reaching goals in improving student achievement; and

(4) Requirements for services to be provided by the education renewal zone partners.

(b) The partners within a specific education renewal zone shall develop a strategic plan that is responsive to the needs of the individual school-level improvement plans.

(c) The education renewal zone strategic plan shall at a minimum provide for the following: (1) Collaboration between and among the higher education institution partners, education service cooperatives, schools, and parents or community members, or both, participating in the education renewal zone, including the academic departments of the higher education institution partners; (2) (A) A comprehensive program of professional development to assure the practical knowledge base of pre-service and in-service teachers with respect to pedagogical practice, content knowledge, and competent use of distance learning technology. (B) Funds received by school districts from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Account for professional development may be used to provide funding for the professional development required under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section; (3) A strategy to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers by: (A) Providing opportunities and support for teacher professional growth; and (B) Providing opportunities for collaboration; (4) Evidence-based practices to support schools in providing student-focused education; (5) Active involvement of parents in the academic work of the student; and (6) A means of collecting the data necessary to evaluate the progress of each participating public school and the education renewal zone in its entirety.

(1) Collaboration between and among the higher education institution partners, education service cooperatives, schools, and parents or community members, or both, participating in the education renewal zone, including the academic departments of the higher education institution partners;

(2) (A) A comprehensive program of professional development to assure the practical knowledge base of pre-service and in-service teachers with respect to pedagogical practice, content knowledge, and competent use of distance learning technology. (B) Funds received by school districts from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Account for professional development may be used to provide funding for the professional development required under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section;

(A) A comprehensive program of professional development to assure the practical knowledge base of pre-service and in-service teachers with respect to pedagogical practice, content knowledge, and competent use of distance learning technology.

(B) Funds received by school districts from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Public School Fund Account for professional development may be used to provide funding for the professional development required under subdivision (c)(2)(A) of this section;

(3) A strategy to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers by: (A) Providing opportunities and support for teacher professional growth; and (B) Providing opportunities for collaboration;

(A) Providing opportunities and support for teacher professional growth; and

(B) Providing opportunities for collaboration;

(4) Evidence-based practices to support schools in providing student-focused education;

(5) Active involvement of parents in the academic work of the student; and

(6) A means of collecting the data necessary to evaluate the progress of each participating public school and the education renewal zone in its entirety.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 134,§ 4, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 25, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1280, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 106, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-106 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-61-106
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 870,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1923 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 31, §§ 1, 2, 4; 2003, No. 267, § 2.

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 870,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

Acts 1923 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 31, §§ 1, 2, 4; 2003, No. 267, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-1-502 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 1 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-1-502
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 581,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2009, No. 1306, § 1.

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 581,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2009, No. 1306, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-605 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-18-605
Suspension or expulsion of members
Status: in_force

It shall be the duty of school directors and boards of education, school inspectors, and other corporate authority managing and controlling any of the public schools of the state to suspend or expel from the schools under their control any pupil who shall: (1) Be or remain a member, promise to join, become a member, or solicit other persons to join, promise to join, or pledge to become a member of any such public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society; or (2) Wear or display any insignia of such public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society while in and attending public schools. Acts 1929, No. 171, § 3; Pope's Dig., § 3606; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2003.

It shall be the duty of school directors and boards of education, school inspectors, and other corporate authority managing and controlling any of the public schools of the state to suspend or expel from the schools under their control any pupil who shall:

(1) Be or remain a member, promise to join, become a member, or solicit other persons to join, promise to join, or pledge to become a member of any such public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society; or

(2) Wear or display any insignia of such public school fraternity, sorority, or other secret organization or society while in and attending public schools.

Acts 1929, No. 171, § 3; Pope's Dig., § 3606; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2003.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-1409 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 13 / Subchapter 14 / Section 6-13-1409
State Board of Education
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education shall have the following duties regarding consolidations and annexations: (1) To form local school districts, change boundary lines of school districts, dissolve school districts and annex the territory of those school districts to another school district, create new school districts, and perform all other functions regarding changes in school districts in accordance with the law; (2) To transfer funds and attach territory that is in no school district to other school districts as may seem best for the educational welfare of the children; and (3) To enact rules regarding the consolidation and annexation of school districts under this title. (b) The millage rate of the electors of the affected district shall remain the same until an election may be held to change the rate of taxation for the resulting district or receiving district. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 199, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 2001, No. 1225, § 1; 2003, No. 1467, § 20.

(a) The State Board of Education shall have the following duties regarding consolidations and annexations: (1) To form local school districts, change boundary lines of school districts, dissolve school districts and annex the territory of those school districts to another school district, create new school districts, and perform all other functions regarding changes in school districts in accordance with the law; (2) To transfer funds and attach territory that is in no school district to other school districts as may seem best for the educational welfare of the children; and (3) To enact rules regarding the consolidation and annexation of school districts under this title.

(1) To form local school districts, change boundary lines of school districts, dissolve school districts and annex the territory of those school districts to another school district, create new school districts, and perform all other functions regarding changes in school districts in accordance with the law;

(2) To transfer funds and attach territory that is in no school district to other school districts as may seem best for the educational welfare of the children; and

(3) To enact rules regarding the consolidation and annexation of school districts under this title.

(b) The millage rate of the electors of the affected district shall remain the same until an election may be held to change the rate of taxation for the resulting district or receiving district.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 199, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 2001, No. 1225, § 1; 2003, No. 1467, § 20.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-208 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-18-208
Requirements for enrollment in public school - Exceptions
Status: in_force

(a) Before a child's admission to an Arkansas public school, a school district shall request the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control, or person standing in loco parentis to furnish the child's Social Security number and shall inform the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis that, in the alternative, the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis may request that the school district assign the child a nine-digit number designated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. (b) Before a child's admission to an Arkansas public school, the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis shall provide the school district with one (1) of the following documents indicating the child's age: (1) A birth certificate; (2) A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child's date of birth; (3) An attested baptismal certificate; (4) A passport; (5) An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis; (6) Previous school records; or (7) A United States military identification. (c) Before a child's admission to an Arkansas public school, the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis shall indicate on school registration forms whether the child has been expelled from school in any other school district or is a party to an expulsion proceeding. (d) (1) A school or school district shall not: (A) Use, display, release, or print a student's Social Security number or any part of the Social Security number on any report, identification card, identification badge, or any document that will be made available or released to the public, to a student, or to a student's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis without the express written consent of the student's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis if the student is a minor, or of the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older; or (B) Make a student's Social Security number available by reading the magnetic strip or other encoded information on the student's identification card. (2) This section does not apply to educational records that are transferred to or between the division, other public schools or school districts, or other governmental agencies as allowed or required by federal law, state law, or State Board of Education rule. Amended by Act 2019, No. 756,§ 13, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1515, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1514, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1959, No. 139, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1501.1; Acts 1991, No. 838, § 1; 1993, No. 363, § 1; 1995, No. 574, § 1; 2003, No. 63, § 1; 2005, No. 246, § 1.

(a) Before a child's admission to an Arkansas public school, a school district shall request the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control, or person standing in loco parentis to furnish the child's Social Security number and shall inform the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis that, in the alternative, the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis may request that the school district assign the child a nine-digit number designated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(b) Before a child's admission to an Arkansas public school, the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis shall provide the school district with one (1) of the following documents indicating the child's age: (1) A birth certificate; (2) A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child's date of birth; (3) An attested baptismal certificate; (4) A passport; (5) An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis; (6) Previous school records; or (7) A United States military identification.

(1) A birth certificate;

(2) A statement by the local registrar or a county recorder certifying the child's date of birth;

(3) An attested baptismal certificate;

(4) A passport;

(5) An affidavit of the date and place of birth by the child's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis;

(6) Previous school records; or

(7) A United States military identification.

(c) Before a child's admission to an Arkansas public school, the parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis shall indicate on school registration forms whether the child has been expelled from school in any other school district or is a party to an expulsion proceeding.

(d) (1) A school or school district shall not: (A) Use, display, release, or print a student's Social Security number or any part of the Social Security number on any report, identification card, identification badge, or any document that will be made available or released to the public, to a student, or to a student's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis without the express written consent of the student's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis if the student is a minor, or of the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older; or (B) Make a student's Social Security number available by reading the magnetic strip or other encoded information on the student's identification card. (2) This section does not apply to educational records that are transferred to or between the division, other public schools or school districts, or other governmental agencies as allowed or required by federal law, state law, or State Board of Education rule.

(1) A school or school district shall not: (A) Use, display, release, or print a student's Social Security number or any part of the Social Security number on any report, identification card, identification badge, or any document that will be made available or released to the public, to a student, or to a student's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis without the express written consent of the student's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis if the student is a minor, or of the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older; or (B) Make a student's Social Security number available by reading the magnetic strip or other encoded information on the student's identification card.

(A) Use, display, release, or print a student's Social Security number or any part of the Social Security number on any report, identification card, identification badge, or any document that will be made available or released to the public, to a student, or to a student's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis without the express written consent of the student's parent, legal guardian, person having lawful control of the child, or person standing in loco parentis if the student is a minor, or of the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older; or

(B) Make a student's Social Security number available by reading the magnetic strip or other encoded information on the student's identification card.

(2) This section does not apply to educational records that are transferred to or between the division, other public schools or school districts, or other governmental agencies as allowed or required by federal law, state law, or State Board of Education rule.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 756,§ 13, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1515, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1514, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1959, No. 139, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1501.1; Acts 1991, No. 838, § 1; 1993, No. 363, § 1; 1995, No. 574, § 1; 2003, No. 63, § 1; 2005, No. 246, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-1603 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 16 / Section 6-18-1603
Creation
Status: in_force

There is created in the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education the Universal ACT Assessment Program to be developed, implemented, and administered by the division as provided in this subchapter. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1575, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1462,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 2007, No. 881, § 1.

There is created in the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education the Universal ACT Assessment Program to be developed, implemented, and administered by the division as provided in this subchapter.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1575, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1462,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2014.

Acts 2007, No. 881, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-701 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 13 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-13-701
Powers and duties - Definition
Status: in_force

(a) The board of directors of any school district in Arkansas is authorized to appoint a treasurer to handle the funds of the school district. (b) The treasurer shall be appointed at a regular meeting of the board of directors. (c) An executed certificate of appointment shall be filed with the county clerk, the county treasurer, and the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration. (d) School district treasurers shall execute a surety bond in such amount as may be required by the secretary, who shall approve the bond. The premium on the bond shall be paid out of the funds of the school district. (e) The duties of the school district treasurer shall be as follows: (1) (A) To receive and disburse funds of the school district. Disbursements of such funds shall be made only upon: (i) Checks or warrants signed by the disbursing officer of the school district board of directors and by the superintendent of the school district; or (ii) The electronic transfer of funds if the electronic transfer is: (a) Initiated by the school district; and (b) Authorized in writing by both the disbursing officer of the board of directors and the superintendent of the school district. (B) As an evidence of authority for disbursement of any funds, the school district treasurer shall have on hand approved: (i) Invoices; (ii) Payrolls that conform with written contracts on file in his or her office; and (iii) Other appropriate documentation that indicates an authority for disbursement; (2) To keep a record of all financial transactions of the school district on forms approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and Arkansas Legislative Audit; (3) To make a monthly statement to the school district board of directors of the financial condition of the school district; (4) To submit an annual statement of the affairs of the school district to the school district board of directors in July of each year; (5) To make such financial reports to the division as are required by law; (6) To not be interested directly or indirectly in any contract authorized by the school district board of directors; (7) To make his or her records available at all times for inspection by any taxpayer of the school district; and (8) To perform all duties now imposed by law upon the treasurer of a school district and to be subject to all regulations or rules. (f) (1) (A) All local taxes of the school district shall be remitted to the county treasurer by the county collector. (B) The county treasurer shall remit the funds in a timely manner to the school district treasurer in those school districts maintaining a school district treasurer. (2) The school district treasurer shall issue duplicate receipts for all funds he or she receives. The original shall be transmitted to the party making the remittance, and the duplicate shall be kept by the school district treasurer. (g) (1) As used in this section, "activity funds" means those funds whose sources of revenues are from: (A) The sale of tickets to athletic contests or other school-sponsored activities; (B) The sale of food, except that which is sold in the lunchroom; (C) The sale of soft drinks, school supplies, and books; and (D) Fees charged by clubs and organizations. (2) (A) All school districts may maintain activity funds and school service funds at the school. (B) All activity funds and school food service funds shall be maintained and accounted for in accordance with guidelines and procedures established by the division. (C) The superintendent of the school maintaining activity funds and school food service funds shall be the official custodian of all activity funds and school service funds and shall be responsible and accountable for the funds. (D) By resolution adopted by a majority vote of the local school district board of directors, the superintendent may appoint another school employee to be the cocustodian of any or all activity funds and school food service funds. (E) The cocustodian shall also be responsible and accountable for activity funds and school food service funds maintained by the cocustodian. (h) The county treasurer shall receive as commission for handling the funds of such school districts only twenty-five hundredths of one percent (0.25%) of all funds passing through his or her hands on which county treasurers are authorized by law to charge commissions. (i) The records of the school district treasurers shall be audited by Arkansas Legislative Audit annually in the same manner as now provided for the auditing of county officials. (j) The fraudulent use by the school district treasurer of any funds of the school district or by any school district board members shall constitute a Class C felony. Upon conviction, such person shall be ordered to pay in restitution an amount double the amount involved. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 190, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1122, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1121, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1120, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1119, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1943, No. 269, §§ 1-7; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-521 -- 80-527; Acts 1987, No. 764, § 2; 1993, No. 294, § 7; 1995, No. 233, § 2; 1999, No. 1078, § 40; 2005, No. 1994, § 418; 2009, No. 376, § 7; 2011, No. 989, § 4.

(a) The board of directors of any school district in Arkansas is authorized to appoint a treasurer to handle the funds of the school district.

(b) The treasurer shall be appointed at a regular meeting of the board of directors.

(c) An executed certificate of appointment shall be filed with the county clerk, the county treasurer, and the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration.

(d) School district treasurers shall execute a surety bond in such amount as may be required by the secretary, who shall approve the bond. The premium on the bond shall be paid out of the funds of the school district.

(e) The duties of the school district treasurer shall be as follows: (1) (A) To receive and disburse funds of the school district. Disbursements of such funds shall be made only upon: (i) Checks or warrants signed by the disbursing officer of the school district board of directors and by the superintendent of the school district; or (ii) The electronic transfer of funds if the electronic transfer is: (a) Initiated by the school district; and (b) Authorized in writing by both the disbursing officer of the board of directors and the superintendent of the school district. (B) As an evidence of authority for disbursement of any funds, the school district treasurer shall have on hand approved: (i) Invoices; (ii) Payrolls that conform with written contracts on file in his or her office; and (iii) Other appropriate documentation that indicates an authority for disbursement; (2) To keep a record of all financial transactions of the school district on forms approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and Arkansas Legislative Audit; (3) To make a monthly statement to the school district board of directors of the financial condition of the school district; (4) To submit an annual statement of the affairs of the school district to the school district board of directors in July of each year; (5) To make such financial reports to the division as are required by law; (6) To not be interested directly or indirectly in any contract authorized by the school district board of directors; (7) To make his or her records available at all times for inspection by any taxpayer of the school district; and (8) To perform all duties now imposed by law upon the treasurer of a school district and to be subject to all regulations or rules.

(1) (A) To receive and disburse funds of the school district. Disbursements of such funds shall be made only upon: (i) Checks or warrants signed by the disbursing officer of the school district board of directors and by the superintendent of the school district; or (ii) The electronic transfer of funds if the electronic transfer is: (a) Initiated by the school district; and (b) Authorized in writing by both the disbursing officer of the board of directors and the superintendent of the school district. (B) As an evidence of authority for disbursement of any funds, the school district treasurer shall have on hand approved: (i) Invoices; (ii) Payrolls that conform with written contracts on file in his or her office; and (iii) Other appropriate documentation that indicates an authority for disbursement;

(A) To receive and disburse funds of the school district. Disbursements of such funds shall be made only upon: (i) Checks or warrants signed by the disbursing officer of the school district board of directors and by the superintendent of the school district; or (ii) The electronic transfer of funds if the electronic transfer is: (a) Initiated by the school district; and (b) Authorized in writing by both the disbursing officer of the board of directors and the superintendent of the school district.

(i) Checks or warrants signed by the disbursing officer of the school district board of directors and by the superintendent of the school district; or

(ii) The electronic transfer of funds if the electronic transfer is: (a) Initiated by the school district; and (b) Authorized in writing by both the disbursing officer of the board of directors and the superintendent of the school district.

(a) Initiated by the school district; and

(b) Authorized in writing by both the disbursing officer of the board of directors and the superintendent of the school district.

(B) As an evidence of authority for disbursement of any funds, the school district treasurer shall have on hand approved: (i) Invoices; (ii) Payrolls that conform with written contracts on file in his or her office; and (iii) Other appropriate documentation that indicates an authority for disbursement;

(i) Invoices;

(ii) Payrolls that conform with written contracts on file in his or her office; and

(iii) Other appropriate documentation that indicates an authority for disbursement;

(2) To keep a record of all financial transactions of the school district on forms approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and Arkansas Legislative Audit;

(3) To make a monthly statement to the school district board of directors of the financial condition of the school district;

(4) To submit an annual statement of the affairs of the school district to the school district board of directors in July of each year;

(5) To make such financial reports to the division as are required by law;

(6) To not be interested directly or indirectly in any contract authorized by the school district board of directors;

(7) To make his or her records available at all times for inspection by any taxpayer of the school district; and

(8) To perform all duties now imposed by law upon the treasurer of a school district and to be subject to all regulations or rules.

(f) (1) (A) All local taxes of the school district shall be remitted to the county treasurer by the county collector. (B) The county treasurer shall remit the funds in a timely manner to the school district treasurer in those school districts maintaining a school district treasurer. (2) The school district treasurer shall issue duplicate receipts for all funds he or she receives. The original shall be transmitted to the party making the remittance, and the duplicate shall be kept by the school district treasurer.

(1) (A) All local taxes of the school district shall be remitted to the county treasurer by the county collector. (B) The county treasurer shall remit the funds in a timely manner to the school district treasurer in those school districts maintaining a school district treasurer.

(A) All local taxes of the school district shall be remitted to the county treasurer by the county collector.

(B) The county treasurer shall remit the funds in a timely manner to the school district treasurer in those school districts maintaining a school district treasurer.

(2) The school district treasurer shall issue duplicate receipts for all funds he or she receives. The original shall be transmitted to the party making the remittance, and the duplicate shall be kept by the school district treasurer.

(g) (1) As used in this section, "activity funds" means those funds whose sources of revenues are from: (A) The sale of tickets to athletic contests or other school-sponsored activities; (B) The sale of food, except that which is sold in the lunchroom; (C) The sale of soft drinks, school supplies, and books; and (D) Fees charged by clubs and organizations. (2) (A) All school districts may maintain activity funds and school service funds at the school. (B) All activity funds and school food service funds shall be maintained and accounted for in accordance with guidelines and procedures established by the division. (C) The superintendent of the school maintaining activity funds and school food service funds shall be the official custodian of all activity funds and school service funds and shall be responsible and accountable for the funds. (D) By resolution adopted by a majority vote of the local school district board of directors, the superintendent may appoint another school employee to be the cocustodian of any or all activity funds and school food service funds. (E) The cocustodian shall also be responsible and accountable for activity funds and school food service funds maintained by the cocustodian.

(1) As used in this section, "activity funds" means those funds whose sources of revenues are from: (A) The sale of tickets to athletic contests or other school-sponsored activities; (B) The sale of food, except that which is sold in the lunchroom; (C) The sale of soft drinks, school supplies, and books; and (D) Fees charged by clubs and organizations.

(A) The sale of tickets to athletic contests or other school-sponsored activities;

(B) The sale of food, except that which is sold in the lunchroom;

(C) The sale of soft drinks, school supplies, and books; and

(D) Fees charged by clubs and organizations.

(2) (A) All school districts may maintain activity funds and school service funds at the school. (B) All activity funds and school food service funds shall be maintained and accounted for in accordance with guidelines and procedures established by the division. (C) The superintendent of the school maintaining activity funds and school food service funds shall be the official custodian of all activity funds and school service funds and shall be responsible and accountable for the funds. (D) By resolution adopted by a majority vote of the local school district board of directors, the superintendent may appoint another school employee to be the cocustodian of any or all activity funds and school food service funds. (E) The cocustodian shall also be responsible and accountable for activity funds and school food service funds maintained by the cocustodian.

(A) All school districts may maintain activity funds and school service funds at the school.

(B) All activity funds and school food service funds shall be maintained and accounted for in accordance with guidelines and procedures established by the division.

(C) The superintendent of the school maintaining activity funds and school food service funds shall be the official custodian of all activity funds and school service funds and shall be responsible and accountable for the funds.

(D) By resolution adopted by a majority vote of the local school district board of directors, the superintendent may appoint another school employee to be the cocustodian of any or all activity funds and school food service funds.

(E) The cocustodian shall also be responsible and accountable for activity funds and school food service funds maintained by the cocustodian.

(h) The county treasurer shall receive as commission for handling the funds of such school districts only twenty-five hundredths of one percent (0.25%) of all funds passing through his or her hands on which county treasurers are authorized by law to charge commissions.

(i) The records of the school district treasurers shall be audited by Arkansas Legislative Audit annually in the same manner as now provided for the auditing of county officials.

(j) The fraudulent use by the school district treasurer of any funds of the school district or by any school district board members shall constitute a Class C felony. Upon conviction, such person shall be ordered to pay in restitution an amount double the amount involved.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 190, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1122, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1121, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1120, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1119, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1943, No. 269, §§ 1-7; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-521 -- 80-527; Acts 1987, No. 764, § 2; 1993, No. 294, § 7; 1995, No. 233, § 2; 1999, No. 1078, § 40; 2005, No. 1994, § 418; 2009, No. 376, § 7; 2011, No. 989, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-51-701 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-51-701
Establishment of program - Definition
Status: in_force

(a) The Division of Higher Education is hereby authorized to establish for the technical institutes or vocational-technical schools of this state an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Program. (b) (1) A nursing program shall be established by the division. The nursing program shall be in accordance with the standards established by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. (2) (A) The course of instruction shall also be developed in such manner as to be accredited by the national accreditation association of nursing programs. (B) The course of instruction shall allow for not more than twelve (12) semester hours of credit for previous nursing education or for nursing experience. (C) A maximum of twenty-five (25) semester hours of credit by "general education" by challenge, the College Level Examination Program, shall be allowed. (3) Students shall complete a transition course if required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing which is in accordance with standards set by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. (c) (1) Any technical institute or vocational-technical school desiring to offer the nursing program may apply for approval to the Career Education and Workforce Development Board. (2) If approval is granted, the school must then seek approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. (d) (1) The Career Education and Workforce Development Board is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement this subchapter. (2) The rules shall comply with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. (e) Courses of instruction shall be designed to enable the student completing the program to qualify for licensure as a registered nurse upon taking and passing the examination required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. (f) (1) The program of instruction as authorized in this subchapter may be offered to licensed practical nurses or licensed psychiatric technician nurses duly licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. (2) For admittance to the nursing program, the nurse must have: (A) A minimum of two thousand (2,000) total hours of documented work and occupational experience in a healthcare institution; and (B) Documentation from an official of a healthcare institution that the candidate has been an employee for the required length of time. (3) For purposes of this subsection, a "healthcare institution" means a hospital, a long-term-care facility, a medical doctor's office or clinic, an outpatient clinic, a residential care facility, any of several state agencies, or employment as a public health, industrial, or school nurse. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 351, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1915, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1914, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1989, No. 66, § 1; 1999, No. 1323, §§ 41, 42.

(a) The Division of Higher Education is hereby authorized to establish for the technical institutes or vocational-technical schools of this state an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing Program.

(b) (1) A nursing program shall be established by the division. The nursing program shall be in accordance with the standards established by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. (2) (A) The course of instruction shall also be developed in such manner as to be accredited by the national accreditation association of nursing programs. (B) The course of instruction shall allow for not more than twelve (12) semester hours of credit for previous nursing education or for nursing experience. (C) A maximum of twenty-five (25) semester hours of credit by "general education" by challenge, the College Level Examination Program, shall be allowed. (3) Students shall complete a transition course if required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing which is in accordance with standards set by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

(1) A nursing program shall be established by the division. The nursing program shall be in accordance with the standards established by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

(2) (A) The course of instruction shall also be developed in such manner as to be accredited by the national accreditation association of nursing programs. (B) The course of instruction shall allow for not more than twelve (12) semester hours of credit for previous nursing education or for nursing experience. (C) A maximum of twenty-five (25) semester hours of credit by "general education" by challenge, the College Level Examination Program, shall be allowed.

(A) The course of instruction shall also be developed in such manner as to be accredited by the national accreditation association of nursing programs.

(B) The course of instruction shall allow for not more than twelve (12) semester hours of credit for previous nursing education or for nursing experience.

(C) A maximum of twenty-five (25) semester hours of credit by "general education" by challenge, the College Level Examination Program, shall be allowed.

(3) Students shall complete a transition course if required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing which is in accordance with standards set by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

(c) (1) Any technical institute or vocational-technical school desiring to offer the nursing program may apply for approval to the Career Education and Workforce Development Board. (2) If approval is granted, the school must then seek approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

(1) Any technical institute or vocational-technical school desiring to offer the nursing program may apply for approval to the Career Education and Workforce Development Board.

(2) If approval is granted, the school must then seek approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

(d) (1) The Career Education and Workforce Development Board is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement this subchapter. (2) The rules shall comply with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

(1) The Career Education and Workforce Development Board is authorized to promulgate rules necessary to implement this subchapter.

(2) The rules shall comply with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

(e) Courses of instruction shall be designed to enable the student completing the program to qualify for licensure as a registered nurse upon taking and passing the examination required by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

(f) (1) The program of instruction as authorized in this subchapter may be offered to licensed practical nurses or licensed psychiatric technician nurses duly licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing. (2) For admittance to the nursing program, the nurse must have: (A) A minimum of two thousand (2,000) total hours of documented work and occupational experience in a healthcare institution; and (B) Documentation from an official of a healthcare institution that the candidate has been an employee for the required length of time. (3) For purposes of this subsection, a "healthcare institution" means a hospital, a long-term-care facility, a medical doctor's office or clinic, an outpatient clinic, a residential care facility, any of several state agencies, or employment as a public health, industrial, or school nurse.

(1) The program of instruction as authorized in this subchapter may be offered to licensed practical nurses or licensed psychiatric technician nurses duly licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

(2) For admittance to the nursing program, the nurse must have: (A) A minimum of two thousand (2,000) total hours of documented work and occupational experience in a healthcare institution; and (B) Documentation from an official of a healthcare institution that the candidate has been an employee for the required length of time.

(A) A minimum of two thousand (2,000) total hours of documented work and occupational experience in a healthcare institution; and

(B) Documentation from an official of a healthcare institution that the candidate has been an employee for the required length of time.

(3) For purposes of this subsection, a "healthcare institution" means a hospital, a long-term-care facility, a medical doctor's office or clinic, an outpatient clinic, a residential care facility, any of several state agencies, or employment as a public health, industrial, or school nurse.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 351, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1915, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1914, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1989, No. 66, § 1; 1999, No. 1323, §§ 41, 42.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-107 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-60-107
Workforce initiative funding
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall act as the disbursing entity for all funds for the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015. (2) The Division of Higher Education shall establish procedures for the request for proposals under subdivision (b)(2) of this section that shall: (A) Be approved by the Governor; (B) Include input from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Division of Career and Technical Education; and (C) Be reported to the Legislative Council. (3) The Division of Higher Education shall establish a grant application review and award process under this section that shall: (A) Be approved by the Governor; and (B) Include recommendations from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Division of Career and Technical Education. (b) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall set funding priorities in three (3) phases. (2) (A) (i) Phase one shall seek requests for proposals from alliances consisting of technical institutes, community colleges, universities, the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education system, educational cooperatives, or employers, with input from local workforce investment boards, to receive planning grants of up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). (ii) (a) The local workforce investment boards shall identify the industry sectors for each of their ten (10) areas. (b) The identification process shall include a comprehensive data analysis of employer skill requirements in each sector in each region. (c) The identified industry sectors and employment skills shall serve as the basis for an application to a request for proposal from the Division of Higher Education. (B) A request for proposal shall include an education and employer alignment plan that includes state-approved, employer-driven career pathways that are supported by a secondary center that awards concurrent credit courses that can be applied to a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, Associate of Applied Science degree, or Bachelor of Applied Science degree or a similarly designed bachelor's degree. (C) Recognizing the limited state resources, the priority for planning grants shall be given to the applicants that best enhance regional efforts, including collaboration between community colleges, universities, public schools, education service cooperatives, the local workforce investment boards, career and technical education programs, multidistrict vocational centers, and private partnerships with clearly defined and measurable performance and effectiveness objectives. (3) (A) Phase two shall provide implementation grants in an amount necessary to provide the resources to implement approved projects concluded and approved by the Division of Higher Education from phase one. (B) Implementation grants shall include clearly defined outcome measures and last for up to two (2) years. (4) (A) Phase three shall provide continuation grants for phase two recipients that meet or exceed the outcome measures. (B) Continuation grants shall be used to align the performance and relevance of programs to ever changing workforce training needs. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 164, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2015, No. 1131,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.

(a) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall act as the disbursing entity for all funds for the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015. (2) The Division of Higher Education shall establish procedures for the request for proposals under subdivision (b)(2) of this section that shall: (A) Be approved by the Governor; (B) Include input from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Division of Career and Technical Education; and (C) Be reported to the Legislative Council. (3) The Division of Higher Education shall establish a grant application review and award process under this section that shall: (A) Be approved by the Governor; and (B) Include recommendations from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Division of Career and Technical Education.

(1) The Division of Higher Education shall act as the disbursing entity for all funds for the Workforce Initiative Act of 2015.

(2) The Division of Higher Education shall establish procedures for the request for proposals under subdivision (b)(2) of this section that shall: (A) Be approved by the Governor; (B) Include input from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Division of Career and Technical Education; and (C) Be reported to the Legislative Council.

(A) Be approved by the Governor;

(B) Include input from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Division of Career and Technical Education; and

(C) Be reported to the Legislative Council.

(3) The Division of Higher Education shall establish a grant application review and award process under this section that shall: (A) Be approved by the Governor; and (B) Include recommendations from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Division of Career and Technical Education.

(A) Be approved by the Governor; and

(B) Include recommendations from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Division of Workforce Services, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Division of Career and Technical Education.

(b) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall set funding priorities in three (3) phases. (2) (A) (i) Phase one shall seek requests for proposals from alliances consisting of technical institutes, community colleges, universities, the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education system, educational cooperatives, or employers, with input from local workforce investment boards, to receive planning grants of up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). (ii) (a) The local workforce investment boards shall identify the industry sectors for each of their ten (10) areas. (b) The identification process shall include a comprehensive data analysis of employer skill requirements in each sector in each region. (c) The identified industry sectors and employment skills shall serve as the basis for an application to a request for proposal from the Division of Higher Education. (B) A request for proposal shall include an education and employer alignment plan that includes state-approved, employer-driven career pathways that are supported by a secondary center that awards concurrent credit courses that can be applied to a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, Associate of Applied Science degree, or Bachelor of Applied Science degree or a similarly designed bachelor's degree. (C) Recognizing the limited state resources, the priority for planning grants shall be given to the applicants that best enhance regional efforts, including collaboration between community colleges, universities, public schools, education service cooperatives, the local workforce investment boards, career and technical education programs, multidistrict vocational centers, and private partnerships with clearly defined and measurable performance and effectiveness objectives. (3) (A) Phase two shall provide implementation grants in an amount necessary to provide the resources to implement approved projects concluded and approved by the Division of Higher Education from phase one. (B) Implementation grants shall include clearly defined outcome measures and last for up to two (2) years. (4) (A) Phase three shall provide continuation grants for phase two recipients that meet or exceed the outcome measures. (B) Continuation grants shall be used to align the performance and relevance of programs to ever changing workforce training needs.

(1) The Division of Higher Education shall set funding priorities in three (3) phases.

(2) (A) (i) Phase one shall seek requests for proposals from alliances consisting of technical institutes, community colleges, universities, the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education system, educational cooperatives, or employers, with input from local workforce investment boards, to receive planning grants of up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). (ii) (a) The local workforce investment boards shall identify the industry sectors for each of their ten (10) areas. (b) The identification process shall include a comprehensive data analysis of employer skill requirements in each sector in each region. (c) The identified industry sectors and employment skills shall serve as the basis for an application to a request for proposal from the Division of Higher Education. (B) A request for proposal shall include an education and employer alignment plan that includes state-approved, employer-driven career pathways that are supported by a secondary center that awards concurrent credit courses that can be applied to a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, Associate of Applied Science degree, or Bachelor of Applied Science degree or a similarly designed bachelor's degree. (C) Recognizing the limited state resources, the priority for planning grants shall be given to the applicants that best enhance regional efforts, including collaboration between community colleges, universities, public schools, education service cooperatives, the local workforce investment boards, career and technical education programs, multidistrict vocational centers, and private partnerships with clearly defined and measurable performance and effectiveness objectives.

(A) (i) Phase one shall seek requests for proposals from alliances consisting of technical institutes, community colleges, universities, the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education system, educational cooperatives, or employers, with input from local workforce investment boards, to receive planning grants of up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). (ii) (a) The local workforce investment boards shall identify the industry sectors for each of their ten (10) areas. (b) The identification process shall include a comprehensive data analysis of employer skill requirements in each sector in each region. (c) The identified industry sectors and employment skills shall serve as the basis for an application to a request for proposal from the Division of Higher Education.

(i) Phase one shall seek requests for proposals from alliances consisting of technical institutes, community colleges, universities, the kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) education system, educational cooperatives, or employers, with input from local workforce investment boards, to receive planning grants of up to one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

(ii) (a) The local workforce investment boards shall identify the industry sectors for each of their ten (10) areas. (b) The identification process shall include a comprehensive data analysis of employer skill requirements in each sector in each region. (c) The identified industry sectors and employment skills shall serve as the basis for an application to a request for proposal from the Division of Higher Education.

(a) The local workforce investment boards shall identify the industry sectors for each of their ten (10) areas.

(b) The identification process shall include a comprehensive data analysis of employer skill requirements in each sector in each region.

(c) The identified industry sectors and employment skills shall serve as the basis for an application to a request for proposal from the Division of Higher Education.

(B) A request for proposal shall include an education and employer alignment plan that includes state-approved, employer-driven career pathways that are supported by a secondary center that awards concurrent credit courses that can be applied to a certificate of proficiency, technical certificate, Associate of Applied Science degree, or Bachelor of Applied Science degree or a similarly designed bachelor's degree.

(C) Recognizing the limited state resources, the priority for planning grants shall be given to the applicants that best enhance regional efforts, including collaboration between community colleges, universities, public schools, education service cooperatives, the local workforce investment boards, career and technical education programs, multidistrict vocational centers, and private partnerships with clearly defined and measurable performance and effectiveness objectives.

(3) (A) Phase two shall provide implementation grants in an amount necessary to provide the resources to implement approved projects concluded and approved by the Division of Higher Education from phase one. (B) Implementation grants shall include clearly defined outcome measures and last for up to two (2) years.

(A) Phase two shall provide implementation grants in an amount necessary to provide the resources to implement approved projects concluded and approved by the Division of Higher Education from phase one.

(B) Implementation grants shall include clearly defined outcome measures and last for up to two (2) years.

(4) (A) Phase three shall provide continuation grants for phase two recipients that meet or exceed the outcome measures. (B) Continuation grants shall be used to align the performance and relevance of programs to ever changing workforce training needs.

(A) Phase three shall provide continuation grants for phase two recipients that meet or exceed the outcome measures.

(B) Continuation grants shall be used to align the performance and relevance of programs to ever changing workforce training needs.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 164, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2015, No. 1131,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-28-112 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 28 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-28-112
Course and education program placement
Status: in_force

(a) If the academic courses are offered and there is space available, when a student transitions under this chapter before or during a school year, the receiving district shall provisionally honor the placement of the student in academic courses based on the student's enrollment at the sending district and on educational assessments conducted at the sending district. (b) Academic course placement includes without limitation enrollment in: (1) Honors courses; (2) The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; (3) Advanced Placement courses; and (4) Academic, technical, and career pathway courses. (c) A receiving district may perform subsequent evaluations to ensure a student who transitions under this section has been appropriately placed in an academic course. (d) (1) If the educational programs are offered and there is space available, when a student transitions under this section before or during a school year, the receiving district shall provisionally honor the placement of the student in educational programs based on the student's participation in educational programs at the sending district and on educational assessments conducted at the sending district. (2) Educational programs include without limitation: (A) Gifted and talented programs; and (B) English as a second language courses. (3) A receiving district may perform subsequent evaluations to ensure a student who transitions under this section has been appropriately placed in an educational program. (e) A public school district may waive academic course or educational program requirements for students who transition to a receiving district under this chapter. Added by Act 2021, No. 1031,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.

(a) If the academic courses are offered and there is space available, when a student transitions under this chapter before or during a school year, the receiving district shall provisionally honor the placement of the student in academic courses based on the student's enrollment at the sending district and on educational assessments conducted at the sending district.

(b) Academic course placement includes without limitation enrollment in: (1) Honors courses; (2) The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme; (3) Advanced Placement courses; and (4) Academic, technical, and career pathway courses.

(1) Honors courses;

(2) The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme;

(3) Advanced Placement courses; and

(4) Academic, technical, and career pathway courses.

(c) A receiving district may perform subsequent evaluations to ensure a student who transitions under this section has been appropriately placed in an academic course.

(d) (1) If the educational programs are offered and there is space available, when a student transitions under this section before or during a school year, the receiving district shall provisionally honor the placement of the student in educational programs based on the student's participation in educational programs at the sending district and on educational assessments conducted at the sending district. (2) Educational programs include without limitation: (A) Gifted and talented programs; and (B) English as a second language courses. (3) A receiving district may perform subsequent evaluations to ensure a student who transitions under this section has been appropriately placed in an educational program.

(1) If the educational programs are offered and there is space available, when a student transitions under this section before or during a school year, the receiving district shall provisionally honor the placement of the student in educational programs based on the student's participation in educational programs at the sending district and on educational assessments conducted at the sending district.

(2) Educational programs include without limitation: (A) Gifted and talented programs; and (B) English as a second language courses.

(A) Gifted and talented programs; and

(B) English as a second language courses.

(3) A receiving district may perform subsequent evaluations to ensure a student who transitions under this section has been appropriately placed in an educational program.

(e) A public school district may waive academic course or educational program requirements for students who transition to a receiving district under this chapter.

Added by Act 2021, No. 1031,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-3-101 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 3 / Section 6-3-101
Creation
Status: in_force

There is created the Arkansas Educational Television Commission. Acts 1961, No. 198, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3901; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-910.

There is created the Arkansas Educational Television Commission.

Acts 1961, No. 198, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3901; A.S.A. 1947, § 5-910.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-2503 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 25 / Section 6-20-2503
Bonded debt assistance - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Eligible school district" means a school district that applied for bonded debt assistance under this section before July 1, 2005; (2) "Foundation funding" means an amount of money specified by the General Assembly for each school year to be expended by school districts for the provision of an adequate education for each student as that amount is established in § 6-20-2305 ; (3) "Miscellaneous funds" means the amount of miscellaneous funds, as defined in § 6-20-2303 , calculated under § 6-20-2308(a) ; (4) "Per-student revenue" means the sum of projected revenue from the uniform rate of tax and miscellaneous funds divided by the average daily membership for the school district for the previous school year; (5) "Projected revenue from the uniform rate of tax" means in each school year ninety-eight percent (98%) of the amount of revenue available in a school district solely from the levy of the uniform rate of tax; and (6) "State wealth index" means the result of one (1) minus the ratio derived by dividing per-student revenue by the difference between the per-student foundation funding amount under § 6-20-2305 and per-student revenue. (b) (1) In accordance with the requirements and limitations of this section, the state shall provide eligible school districts with financial assistance for the purpose of retiring outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005. (2) The amount of financial assistance under this section is based on: (A) The total amount required to satisfy a school district's outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005; (B) The annual amount due on a fiscal year basis from the school district in accordance with the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, for the outstanding bonded indebtedness identified under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section; and (C) The calculation in subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section. (3) (A) The Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation shall determine the amount of bonded debt assistance for each eligible school district as follows: (i) (a) For the year that financial assistance under this section will be provided, ascertain the scheduled debt payment on a fiscal year basis from the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, and reduce the amount of the payment by ten percent (10%) except as provided in subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (b) of this section. (b) (1) If a school district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction in its scheduled debt payment under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (a) of this section can be attributed to the support of academic facilities, the commission shall reverse all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction by a percentage proportionate to the amount attributable to academic facilities. (2) A school district that applied to the commission during the 2006-2007 school year for a reversal of the ten-percent reduction but was denied the reversal by the commission due to the failure of the school district to submit timely appeals shall be entitled to receive bonded debt assistance for the relevant period of the program beginning with the 2007-2008 school year in the amount approved by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation; (ii) For the year that bonded debt assistance will be provided, divide the scheduled debt payment as adjusted under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) of this section by the total assessed valuation of taxable real, personal, and utility property in the school district as shown by the applicable county assessment for the most recent year with the result multiplied by one thousand (1,000); (iii) (a) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(ii) of this section by a funding factor per average daily membership that will distribute a total amount of bonded debt assistance no less than the total amount of funds that would have been distributed during fiscal year 2005 if every school district in the state had received an amount of bonded debt assistance equal to an amount calculated by applying the debt service funding supplement formula under the Supplemental School District Funding Act of 2003, § 6-20-2401 et seq. [repealed], during Fiscal Year 2005 with a funding factor of eighteen dollars and three cents ($18.03). (b) The funding factor for each fiscal year after Fiscal Year 2006 shall be equal to the funding factor derived for Fiscal Year 2006 under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) (a) of this section; and (iv) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) of this section by the state wealth index. (B) As the amount of bonded debt assistance under this section decreases to correlate with reductions in principal and interest payments and increases in property assessments, the commission shall distribute any remaining funded bonded debt assistance appropriation through the Educational Facilities Partnership Fund Account in accordance with rules promulgated by the commission. (4) (A) The commission shall determine the amount of bonded debt assistance for each eligible school district no later than July 15 of each year. (B) (i) Bonded debt assistance under this subsection is payable to each eligible school district in two (2) installments. (ii) The commission shall arrange for the payment of the first installment by August 1 of each year and the second installment by February 1 of each year. (5) For tracking purposes, the school district shall account for the funds received as state bonded debt assistance under this section as restricted funds and shall account for the funds in accordance with provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Arkansas Educational Financial Accounting and Reporting Act of 2004, § 6-20-2201 et seq., and rules established by the commission. (c) (1) (A) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school district from refunding bonds that were issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2005. (B) If a school district qualifies for bonded debt assistance under this section, the amount of bonded debt assistance under this section shall not be altered or reduced as a result of refunding the bonds that were issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2005, and the bonded debt assistance shall continue after the refunding based on the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005. (2) Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the annual adjustment of bonded debt assistance under this section in accordance with annual variations in the state wealth index and the school district's principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005. (d) (1) The state shall not assume any debt of a school district or incur any obligation with regard to a school district's bonded indebtedness by providing the bonded debt assistance described in this section. (2) The school district receiving bonded debt assistance under this section is and will remain independently liable for all outstanding indebtedness. (e) [Repealed.] (f) [Repealed.] (g) Within thirty (30) days after the satisfaction of a school district's outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005, the school district shall notify the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education that the school district's outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005, has been satisfied, which shall include defeasance, but shall exclude refunding. Amended by Act 2022, No. 111,§ 6, eff. 3/1/2022. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1705, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1704, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1703, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1702, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1701, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 931,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2013EX1, No. 1,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2014. Amended by Act 2013EX1, No. 1,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2014. Amended by Act 2013, No. 322,§ 5, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2005, No. 2206, § 1; 2007, No. 989, §§ 3-5; 2007, No. 1573, § 33; 2009, No. 1479, § 1; 2011, No. 266, § 1.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Eligible school district" means a school district that applied for bonded debt assistance under this section before July 1, 2005; (2) "Foundation funding" means an amount of money specified by the General Assembly for each school year to be expended by school districts for the provision of an adequate education for each student as that amount is established in § 6-20-2305 ; (3) "Miscellaneous funds" means the amount of miscellaneous funds, as defined in § 6-20-2303 , calculated under § 6-20-2308(a) ; (4) "Per-student revenue" means the sum of projected revenue from the uniform rate of tax and miscellaneous funds divided by the average daily membership for the school district for the previous school year; (5) "Projected revenue from the uniform rate of tax" means in each school year ninety-eight percent (98%) of the amount of revenue available in a school district solely from the levy of the uniform rate of tax; and (6) "State wealth index" means the result of one (1) minus the ratio derived by dividing per-student revenue by the difference between the per-student foundation funding amount under § 6-20-2305 and per-student revenue.

(1) "Eligible school district" means a school district that applied for bonded debt assistance under this section before July 1, 2005;

(2) "Foundation funding" means an amount of money specified by the General Assembly for each school year to be expended by school districts for the provision of an adequate education for each student as that amount is established in § 6-20-2305 ;

(3) "Miscellaneous funds" means the amount of miscellaneous funds, as defined in § 6-20-2303 , calculated under § 6-20-2308(a) ;

(4) "Per-student revenue" means the sum of projected revenue from the uniform rate of tax and miscellaneous funds divided by the average daily membership for the school district for the previous school year;

(5) "Projected revenue from the uniform rate of tax" means in each school year ninety-eight percent (98%) of the amount of revenue available in a school district solely from the levy of the uniform rate of tax; and

(6) "State wealth index" means the result of one (1) minus the ratio derived by dividing per-student revenue by the difference between the per-student foundation funding amount under § 6-20-2305 and per-student revenue.

(b) (1) In accordance with the requirements and limitations of this section, the state shall provide eligible school districts with financial assistance for the purpose of retiring outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005. (2) The amount of financial assistance under this section is based on: (A) The total amount required to satisfy a school district's outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005; (B) The annual amount due on a fiscal year basis from the school district in accordance with the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, for the outstanding bonded indebtedness identified under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section; and (C) The calculation in subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section. (3) (A) The Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation shall determine the amount of bonded debt assistance for each eligible school district as follows: (i) (a) For the year that financial assistance under this section will be provided, ascertain the scheduled debt payment on a fiscal year basis from the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, and reduce the amount of the payment by ten percent (10%) except as provided in subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (b) of this section. (b) (1) If a school district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction in its scheduled debt payment under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (a) of this section can be attributed to the support of academic facilities, the commission shall reverse all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction by a percentage proportionate to the amount attributable to academic facilities. (2) A school district that applied to the commission during the 2006-2007 school year for a reversal of the ten-percent reduction but was denied the reversal by the commission due to the failure of the school district to submit timely appeals shall be entitled to receive bonded debt assistance for the relevant period of the program beginning with the 2007-2008 school year in the amount approved by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation; (ii) For the year that bonded debt assistance will be provided, divide the scheduled debt payment as adjusted under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) of this section by the total assessed valuation of taxable real, personal, and utility property in the school district as shown by the applicable county assessment for the most recent year with the result multiplied by one thousand (1,000); (iii) (a) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(ii) of this section by a funding factor per average daily membership that will distribute a total amount of bonded debt assistance no less than the total amount of funds that would have been distributed during fiscal year 2005 if every school district in the state had received an amount of bonded debt assistance equal to an amount calculated by applying the debt service funding supplement formula under the Supplemental School District Funding Act of 2003, § 6-20-2401 et seq. [repealed], during Fiscal Year 2005 with a funding factor of eighteen dollars and three cents ($18.03). (b) The funding factor for each fiscal year after Fiscal Year 2006 shall be equal to the funding factor derived for Fiscal Year 2006 under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) (a) of this section; and (iv) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) of this section by the state wealth index. (B) As the amount of bonded debt assistance under this section decreases to correlate with reductions in principal and interest payments and increases in property assessments, the commission shall distribute any remaining funded bonded debt assistance appropriation through the Educational Facilities Partnership Fund Account in accordance with rules promulgated by the commission. (4) (A) The commission shall determine the amount of bonded debt assistance for each eligible school district no later than July 15 of each year. (B) (i) Bonded debt assistance under this subsection is payable to each eligible school district in two (2) installments. (ii) The commission shall arrange for the payment of the first installment by August 1 of each year and the second installment by February 1 of each year. (5) For tracking purposes, the school district shall account for the funds received as state bonded debt assistance under this section as restricted funds and shall account for the funds in accordance with provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Arkansas Educational Financial Accounting and Reporting Act of 2004, § 6-20-2201 et seq., and rules established by the commission.

(1) In accordance with the requirements and limitations of this section, the state shall provide eligible school districts with financial assistance for the purpose of retiring outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005.

(2) The amount of financial assistance under this section is based on: (A) The total amount required to satisfy a school district's outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005; (B) The annual amount due on a fiscal year basis from the school district in accordance with the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, for the outstanding bonded indebtedness identified under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section; and (C) The calculation in subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section.

(A) The total amount required to satisfy a school district's outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005;

(B) The annual amount due on a fiscal year basis from the school district in accordance with the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, for the outstanding bonded indebtedness identified under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section; and

(C) The calculation in subdivision (b)(3)(A) of this section.

(3) (A) The Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation shall determine the amount of bonded debt assistance for each eligible school district as follows: (i) (a) For the year that financial assistance under this section will be provided, ascertain the scheduled debt payment on a fiscal year basis from the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, and reduce the amount of the payment by ten percent (10%) except as provided in subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (b) of this section. (b) (1) If a school district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction in its scheduled debt payment under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (a) of this section can be attributed to the support of academic facilities, the commission shall reverse all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction by a percentage proportionate to the amount attributable to academic facilities. (2) A school district that applied to the commission during the 2006-2007 school year for a reversal of the ten-percent reduction but was denied the reversal by the commission due to the failure of the school district to submit timely appeals shall be entitled to receive bonded debt assistance for the relevant period of the program beginning with the 2007-2008 school year in the amount approved by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation; (ii) For the year that bonded debt assistance will be provided, divide the scheduled debt payment as adjusted under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) of this section by the total assessed valuation of taxable real, personal, and utility property in the school district as shown by the applicable county assessment for the most recent year with the result multiplied by one thousand (1,000); (iii) (a) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(ii) of this section by a funding factor per average daily membership that will distribute a total amount of bonded debt assistance no less than the total amount of funds that would have been distributed during fiscal year 2005 if every school district in the state had received an amount of bonded debt assistance equal to an amount calculated by applying the debt service funding supplement formula under the Supplemental School District Funding Act of 2003, § 6-20-2401 et seq. [repealed], during Fiscal Year 2005 with a funding factor of eighteen dollars and three cents ($18.03). (b) The funding factor for each fiscal year after Fiscal Year 2006 shall be equal to the funding factor derived for Fiscal Year 2006 under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) (a) of this section; and (iv) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) of this section by the state wealth index. (B) As the amount of bonded debt assistance under this section decreases to correlate with reductions in principal and interest payments and increases in property assessments, the commission shall distribute any remaining funded bonded debt assistance appropriation through the Educational Facilities Partnership Fund Account in accordance with rules promulgated by the commission.

(A) The Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation shall determine the amount of bonded debt assistance for each eligible school district as follows: (i) (a) For the year that financial assistance under this section will be provided, ascertain the scheduled debt payment on a fiscal year basis from the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, and reduce the amount of the payment by ten percent (10%) except as provided in subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (b) of this section. (b) (1) If a school district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction in its scheduled debt payment under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (a) of this section can be attributed to the support of academic facilities, the commission shall reverse all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction by a percentage proportionate to the amount attributable to academic facilities. (2) A school district that applied to the commission during the 2006-2007 school year for a reversal of the ten-percent reduction but was denied the reversal by the commission due to the failure of the school district to submit timely appeals shall be entitled to receive bonded debt assistance for the relevant period of the program beginning with the 2007-2008 school year in the amount approved by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation; (ii) For the year that bonded debt assistance will be provided, divide the scheduled debt payment as adjusted under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) of this section by the total assessed valuation of taxable real, personal, and utility property in the school district as shown by the applicable county assessment for the most recent year with the result multiplied by one thousand (1,000); (iii) (a) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(ii) of this section by a funding factor per average daily membership that will distribute a total amount of bonded debt assistance no less than the total amount of funds that would have been distributed during fiscal year 2005 if every school district in the state had received an amount of bonded debt assistance equal to an amount calculated by applying the debt service funding supplement formula under the Supplemental School District Funding Act of 2003, § 6-20-2401 et seq. [repealed], during Fiscal Year 2005 with a funding factor of eighteen dollars and three cents ($18.03). (b) The funding factor for each fiscal year after Fiscal Year 2006 shall be equal to the funding factor derived for Fiscal Year 2006 under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) (a) of this section; and (iv) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) of this section by the state wealth index.

(i) (a) For the year that financial assistance under this section will be provided, ascertain the scheduled debt payment on a fiscal year basis from the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, and reduce the amount of the payment by ten percent (10%) except as provided in subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (b) of this section. (b) (1) If a school district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction in its scheduled debt payment under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (a) of this section can be attributed to the support of academic facilities, the commission shall reverse all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction by a percentage proportionate to the amount attributable to academic facilities. (2) A school district that applied to the commission during the 2006-2007 school year for a reversal of the ten-percent reduction but was denied the reversal by the commission due to the failure of the school district to submit timely appeals shall be entitled to receive bonded debt assistance for the relevant period of the program beginning with the 2007-2008 school year in the amount approved by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation;

(a) For the year that financial assistance under this section will be provided, ascertain the scheduled debt payment on a fiscal year basis from the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005, and reduce the amount of the payment by ten percent (10%) except as provided in subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (b) of this section.

(b) (1) If a school district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction in its scheduled debt payment under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (a) of this section can be attributed to the support of academic facilities, the commission shall reverse all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction by a percentage proportionate to the amount attributable to academic facilities. (2) A school district that applied to the commission during the 2006-2007 school year for a reversal of the ten-percent reduction but was denied the reversal by the commission due to the failure of the school district to submit timely appeals shall be entitled to receive bonded debt assistance for the relevant period of the program beginning with the 2007-2008 school year in the amount approved by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation;

(1) If a school district can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction in its scheduled debt payment under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) (a) of this section can be attributed to the support of academic facilities, the commission shall reverse all or a portion of the ten-percent reduction by a percentage proportionate to the amount attributable to academic facilities.

(2) A school district that applied to the commission during the 2006-2007 school year for a reversal of the ten-percent reduction but was denied the reversal by the commission due to the failure of the school district to submit timely appeals shall be entitled to receive bonded debt assistance for the relevant period of the program beginning with the 2007-2008 school year in the amount approved by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation;

(ii) For the year that bonded debt assistance will be provided, divide the scheduled debt payment as adjusted under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(i) of this section by the total assessed valuation of taxable real, personal, and utility property in the school district as shown by the applicable county assessment for the most recent year with the result multiplied by one thousand (1,000);

(iii) (a) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(ii) of this section by a funding factor per average daily membership that will distribute a total amount of bonded debt assistance no less than the total amount of funds that would have been distributed during fiscal year 2005 if every school district in the state had received an amount of bonded debt assistance equal to an amount calculated by applying the debt service funding supplement formula under the Supplemental School District Funding Act of 2003, § 6-20-2401 et seq. [repealed], during Fiscal Year 2005 with a funding factor of eighteen dollars and three cents ($18.03). (b) The funding factor for each fiscal year after Fiscal Year 2006 shall be equal to the funding factor derived for Fiscal Year 2006 under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) (a) of this section; and

(a) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(ii) of this section by a funding factor per average daily membership that will distribute a total amount of bonded debt assistance no less than the total amount of funds that would have been distributed during fiscal year 2005 if every school district in the state had received an amount of bonded debt assistance equal to an amount calculated by applying the debt service funding supplement formula under the Supplemental School District Funding Act of 2003, § 6-20-2401 et seq. [repealed], during Fiscal Year 2005 with a funding factor of eighteen dollars and three cents ($18.03).

(b) The funding factor for each fiscal year after Fiscal Year 2006 shall be equal to the funding factor derived for Fiscal Year 2006 under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) (a) of this section; and

(iv) Multiply the calculation under subdivision (b)(3)(A)(iii) of this section by the state wealth index.

(B) As the amount of bonded debt assistance under this section decreases to correlate with reductions in principal and interest payments and increases in property assessments, the commission shall distribute any remaining funded bonded debt assistance appropriation through the Educational Facilities Partnership Fund Account in accordance with rules promulgated by the commission.

(4) (A) The commission shall determine the amount of bonded debt assistance for each eligible school district no later than July 15 of each year. (B) (i) Bonded debt assistance under this subsection is payable to each eligible school district in two (2) installments. (ii) The commission shall arrange for the payment of the first installment by August 1 of each year and the second installment by February 1 of each year.

(A) The commission shall determine the amount of bonded debt assistance for each eligible school district no later than July 15 of each year.

(B) (i) Bonded debt assistance under this subsection is payable to each eligible school district in two (2) installments. (ii) The commission shall arrange for the payment of the first installment by August 1 of each year and the second installment by February 1 of each year.

(i) Bonded debt assistance under this subsection is payable to each eligible school district in two (2) installments.

(ii) The commission shall arrange for the payment of the first installment by August 1 of each year and the second installment by February 1 of each year.

(5) For tracking purposes, the school district shall account for the funds received as state bonded debt assistance under this section as restricted funds and shall account for the funds in accordance with provisions of law, including, without limitation, the Arkansas Educational Financial Accounting and Reporting Act of 2004, § 6-20-2201 et seq., and rules established by the commission.

(c) (1) (A) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school district from refunding bonds that were issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2005. (B) If a school district qualifies for bonded debt assistance under this section, the amount of bonded debt assistance under this section shall not be altered or reduced as a result of refunding the bonds that were issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2005, and the bonded debt assistance shall continue after the refunding based on the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005. (2) Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the annual adjustment of bonded debt assistance under this section in accordance with annual variations in the state wealth index and the school district's principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005.

(1) (A) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school district from refunding bonds that were issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2005. (B) If a school district qualifies for bonded debt assistance under this section, the amount of bonded debt assistance under this section shall not be altered or reduced as a result of refunding the bonds that were issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2005, and the bonded debt assistance shall continue after the refunding based on the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005.

(A) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school district from refunding bonds that were issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2005.

(B) If a school district qualifies for bonded debt assistance under this section, the amount of bonded debt assistance under this section shall not be altered or reduced as a result of refunding the bonds that were issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2005, and the bonded debt assistance shall continue after the refunding based on the principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005.

(2) Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the annual adjustment of bonded debt assistance under this section in accordance with annual variations in the state wealth index and the school district's principal and interest payment schedule in effect and on file with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education on January 1, 2005.

(d) (1) The state shall not assume any debt of a school district or incur any obligation with regard to a school district's bonded indebtedness by providing the bonded debt assistance described in this section. (2) The school district receiving bonded debt assistance under this section is and will remain independently liable for all outstanding indebtedness.

(1) The state shall not assume any debt of a school district or incur any obligation with regard to a school district's bonded indebtedness by providing the bonded debt assistance described in this section.

(2) The school district receiving bonded debt assistance under this section is and will remain independently liable for all outstanding indebtedness.

(e) [Repealed.]

(f) [Repealed.]

(g) Within thirty (30) days after the satisfaction of a school district's outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005, the school district shall notify the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education that the school district's outstanding bonded indebtedness in existence as of January 1, 2005, has been satisfied, which shall include defeasance, but shall exclude refunding.

Amended by Act 2022, No. 111,§ 6, eff. 3/1/2022.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1705, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1704, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1703, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1702, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1701, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 931,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2013EX1, No. 1,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2014.

Amended by Act 2013EX1, No. 1,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2014.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 322,§ 5, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2005, No. 2206, § 1; 2007, No. 989, §§ 3-5; 2007, No. 1573, § 33; 2009, No. 1479, § 1; 2011, No. 266, § 1.