Ark. Code Ann. § 6-24-114 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 24 / Section 6-24-114
Administrative remedies applicable to administrators and employees
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may review alleged violations of this chapter. If the division reviews the allegations and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education determines that there is adequate evidence of a violation, the commissioner may refer the allegations to the State Board of Education for review. (2) Upon the State Board of Education's approval to review the alleged violation and after reasonable notice in writing to all parties, the State Board of Education may schedule a hearing to determine whether an administrator or employee has knowingly violated the provisions of this chapter. (3) After presentation of all evidence, if the State Board of Education determines that the administrator or employee knowingly violated the provisions of this chapter, the State Board of Education may provide any or all of the following administrative remedies: (A) Issue a letter of reprimand; or (B) Suspend or revoke the administrator's or teacher's Arkansas teaching license for a definite period, or permanently. (b) (1) After reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, a board of a public educational entity may take appropriate administrative remedies against an administrator or employee that has allegedly violated the provisions of this chapter. (2) If an administrator or employee of a public educational entity is charged by the prosecuting attorney for a possible violation of this chapter, the board of a public educational entity may, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, place the individual charged on leave, with or without pay, dismiss the individual, or provide any other proper administrative remedy. (3) If the individual is dismissed by the board of a public educational entity due to charges being filed for an alleged violation of this chapter, any employment contracts with the public educational entity shall be deemed void from the date of the action of the board of a public educational entity. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1761, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2001, No. 1599, § 14.

(a) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may review alleged violations of this chapter. If the division reviews the allegations and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education determines that there is adequate evidence of a violation, the commissioner may refer the allegations to the State Board of Education for review. (2) Upon the State Board of Education's approval to review the alleged violation and after reasonable notice in writing to all parties, the State Board of Education may schedule a hearing to determine whether an administrator or employee has knowingly violated the provisions of this chapter. (3) After presentation of all evidence, if the State Board of Education determines that the administrator or employee knowingly violated the provisions of this chapter, the State Board of Education may provide any or all of the following administrative remedies: (A) Issue a letter of reprimand; or (B) Suspend or revoke the administrator's or teacher's Arkansas teaching license for a definite period, or permanently.

(1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may review alleged violations of this chapter. If the division reviews the allegations and the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education determines that there is adequate evidence of a violation, the commissioner may refer the allegations to the State Board of Education for review.

(2) Upon the State Board of Education's approval to review the alleged violation and after reasonable notice in writing to all parties, the State Board of Education may schedule a hearing to determine whether an administrator or employee has knowingly violated the provisions of this chapter.

(3) After presentation of all evidence, if the State Board of Education determines that the administrator or employee knowingly violated the provisions of this chapter, the State Board of Education may provide any or all of the following administrative remedies: (A) Issue a letter of reprimand; or (B) Suspend or revoke the administrator's or teacher's Arkansas teaching license for a definite period, or permanently.

(A) Issue a letter of reprimand; or

(B) Suspend or revoke the administrator's or teacher's Arkansas teaching license for a definite period, or permanently.

(b) (1) After reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, a board of a public educational entity may take appropriate administrative remedies against an administrator or employee that has allegedly violated the provisions of this chapter. (2) If an administrator or employee of a public educational entity is charged by the prosecuting attorney for a possible violation of this chapter, the board of a public educational entity may, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, place the individual charged on leave, with or without pay, dismiss the individual, or provide any other proper administrative remedy. (3) If the individual is dismissed by the board of a public educational entity due to charges being filed for an alleged violation of this chapter, any employment contracts with the public educational entity shall be deemed void from the date of the action of the board of a public educational entity.

(1) After reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, a board of a public educational entity may take appropriate administrative remedies against an administrator or employee that has allegedly violated the provisions of this chapter.

(2) If an administrator or employee of a public educational entity is charged by the prosecuting attorney for a possible violation of this chapter, the board of a public educational entity may, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, place the individual charged on leave, with or without pay, dismiss the individual, or provide any other proper administrative remedy.

(3) If the individual is dismissed by the board of a public educational entity due to charges being filed for an alleged violation of this chapter, any employment contracts with the public educational entity shall be deemed void from the date of the action of the board of a public educational entity.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1761, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2001, No. 1599, § 14.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-2-111 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 2 / Section 6-2-111
Degrees, diplomas, and honors
Status: in_force

(a) All institutions incorporated as colleges or universities shall have power to confer the customary degrees and grant the usual diplomas and honors conferred by reputable institutions of like grade. (b) (1) No degree or diploma of any kind shall be conferred by any institution of higher education that has not been incorporated in the manner provided by law. (2) No institution of higher education shall confer degrees upon students for mere correspondence courses or upon any student who has not studied in residence at the institution for one (1) scholastic year. (3) No purely honorary degree shall be conferred except by institutions of higher education maintaining standard collegiate or university courses with at least six (6) full professors and a body of genuine college or university students in residence. (c) (1) Any president, professor, or other officer of any institution of higher education who shall violate the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be guilty of a violation and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (2) It is made the duty of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to enforce this section. Acts 1911, No. 375, §§ 7, 8; C. & M. Dig., §§ 1770, 1771; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 64-1407, 64-1408; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 2; 2005, No. 1994, § 58.

(a) All institutions incorporated as colleges or universities shall have power to confer the customary degrees and grant the usual diplomas and honors conferred by reputable institutions of like grade.

(b) (1) No degree or diploma of any kind shall be conferred by any institution of higher education that has not been incorporated in the manner provided by law. (2) No institution of higher education shall confer degrees upon students for mere correspondence courses or upon any student who has not studied in residence at the institution for one (1) scholastic year. (3) No purely honorary degree shall be conferred except by institutions of higher education maintaining standard collegiate or university courses with at least six (6) full professors and a body of genuine college or university students in residence.

(1) No degree or diploma of any kind shall be conferred by any institution of higher education that has not been incorporated in the manner provided by law.

(2) No institution of higher education shall confer degrees upon students for mere correspondence courses or upon any student who has not studied in residence at the institution for one (1) scholastic year.

(3) No purely honorary degree shall be conferred except by institutions of higher education maintaining standard collegiate or university courses with at least six (6) full professors and a body of genuine college or university students in residence.

(c) (1) Any president, professor, or other officer of any institution of higher education who shall violate the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be guilty of a violation and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000). (2) It is made the duty of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to enforce this section.

(1) Any president, professor, or other officer of any institution of higher education who shall violate the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be guilty of a violation and upon conviction shall be fined in any sum not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(2) It is made the duty of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to enforce this section.

Acts 1911, No. 375, §§ 7, 8; C. & M. Dig., §§ 1770, 1771; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 64-1407, 64-1408; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 2; 2005, No. 1994, § 58.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-138 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 10 / Section 6-10-138
Discrimination based on natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle in public schools prohibited - Definition
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section, "natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle" includes without limitation afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance. (b) A school district administrator, board member, teacher, or other employee shall not discriminate against a student based upon the student's natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle. (c) The Division of Youth Services is exempt from this section. Added by Act 2023, No. 514,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023. Act 2023, No. 514provides that this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act".

(a) As used in this section, "natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle" includes without limitation afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.

(b) A school district administrator, board member, teacher, or other employee shall not discriminate against a student based upon the student's natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle.

(c) The Division of Youth Services is exempt from this section.

Added by Act 2023, No. 514,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.

Act 2023, No. 514provides that this act shall be known and may be cited as the "Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act".
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-71-138 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 71 / Section 6-71-138
Appointment of guardian ad litem
Status: in_force

In all cases of infants or persons of unsound mind where no legal representative or guardian appears in their behalf at the hearing, it shall be the duty of the court to appoint a guardian ad litem who shall represent their interest for all purposes. Acts 1949, No. 260, § 40; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3642.

In all cases of infants or persons of unsound mind where no legal representative or guardian appears in their behalf at the hearing, it shall be the duty of the court to appoint a guardian ad litem who shall represent their interest for all purposes.

Acts 1949, No. 260, § 40; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3642.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-604 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-60-604
Textbook royalties
Status: in_force

(a) A state-supported institution of higher education shall establish guidelines for the use of royalties received by a faculty member from the sale of textbooks and course materials for classes taught by the faculty member. (b) The guidelines shall: (1) Be designed to acknowledge the conflict of interest; and (2) Specify how the royalties may be used, giving priority consideration to programs that benefit students academically. Acts 2007, No. 106, § 1.

(a) A state-supported institution of higher education shall establish guidelines for the use of royalties received by a faculty member from the sale of textbooks and course materials for classes taught by the faculty member.

(b) The guidelines shall: (1) Be designed to acknowledge the conflict of interest; and (2) Specify how the royalties may be used, giving priority consideration to programs that benefit students academically.

(1) Be designed to acknowledge the conflict of interest; and

(2) Specify how the royalties may be used, giving priority consideration to programs that benefit students academically.

Acts 2007, No. 106, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-16-1801 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 16 / Subchapter 18 / Section 6-16-1801
Career-ready pathways description
Status: in_force

(a) Beginning with the ninth grade class of 2024-2025, a public high school student shall have the option to earn a high school diploma through a career-ready pathway. (b) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with other relevant state agencies and subject to the approval of the State Board of Education, shall develop a career-ready pathway to a high school diploma in Arkansas's high schools, which shall include: (1) Challenging academic courses; and (2) Modern career and technical studies aligned with high-wage, high-growth jobs in Arkansas. (c) A career-ready pathway shall be informed by the division's annual audit of the state's career pathways. (d) The state board shall adopt course and curriculum requirements for career-ready pathways offered by public school district boards of directors and open-enrollment public charter schools that are aligned with the requirements of this subchapter. (e) (1) A public school district shall issue a diploma to a student who successfully completes the requirements established by the state board for a career-ready pathway. (2) (A) A diploma issued to a student under subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall be given the same status and recognition for purposes of the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act, § 6-15-2901 et seq., as is given a standard diploma issued by a public school district. (B) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school shall not be penalized in any manner for students who are issued a diploma through a career-ready pathway. Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 20, eff. 3/8/2023.

(a) Beginning with the ninth grade class of 2024-2025, a public high school student shall have the option to earn a high school diploma through a career-ready pathway.

(b) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with other relevant state agencies and subject to the approval of the State Board of Education, shall develop a career-ready pathway to a high school diploma in Arkansas's high schools, which shall include: (1) Challenging academic courses; and (2) Modern career and technical studies aligned with high-wage, high-growth jobs in Arkansas.

(1) Challenging academic courses; and

(2) Modern career and technical studies aligned with high-wage, high-growth jobs in Arkansas.

(c) A career-ready pathway shall be informed by the division's annual audit of the state's career pathways.

(d) The state board shall adopt course and curriculum requirements for career-ready pathways offered by public school district boards of directors and open-enrollment public charter schools that are aligned with the requirements of this subchapter.

(e) (1) A public school district shall issue a diploma to a student who successfully completes the requirements established by the state board for a career-ready pathway. (2) (A) A diploma issued to a student under subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall be given the same status and recognition for purposes of the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act, § 6-15-2901 et seq., as is given a standard diploma issued by a public school district. (B) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school shall not be penalized in any manner for students who are issued a diploma through a career-ready pathway.

(1) A public school district shall issue a diploma to a student who successfully completes the requirements established by the state board for a career-ready pathway.

(2) (A) A diploma issued to a student under subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall be given the same status and recognition for purposes of the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act, § 6-15-2901 et seq., as is given a standard diploma issued by a public school district. (B) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school shall not be penalized in any manner for students who are issued a diploma through a career-ready pathway.

(A) A diploma issued to a student under subdivision (e)(1) of this section shall be given the same status and recognition for purposes of the Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act, § 6-15-2901 et seq., as is given a standard diploma issued by a public school district.

(B) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school shall not be penalized in any manner for students who are issued a diploma through a career-ready pathway.

Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 20, eff. 3/8/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-807 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 13 / Subchapter 8 / Section 6-13-807
Student residence unchanged
Status: in_force

Children educated under compact agreements shall, for educational purposes, be considered as attending the school district of their residence. Acts 1961, No. 22, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-445.

Children educated under compact agreements shall, for educational purposes, be considered as attending the school district of their residence.

Acts 1961, No. 22, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-445.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-58-102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 58 / Section 6-58-102
Name change and merger
Status: in_force

(a) Effective July 1, 2003, Garland County Community College is renamed "National Park College", and the Garland County Community College District is renamed "National Park College District". (b) Effective July 1, 2003, Quapaw Technical Institute is merged with and into National Park College. (c) National Park College is an institution of higher education and is subject to the laws governing community colleges, except as otherwise provided in this chapter. Amended by Act 2016F, No. 141,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2016. Acts 2003, No. 678, § 2.

(a) Effective July 1, 2003, Garland County Community College is renamed "National Park College", and the Garland County Community College District is renamed "National Park College District".

(b) Effective July 1, 2003, Quapaw Technical Institute is merged with and into National Park College.

(c) National Park College is an institution of higher education and is subject to the laws governing community colleges, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

Amended by Act 2016F, No. 141,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2016.

Acts 2003, No. 678, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-2511 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 25 / Section 6-20-2511
High-growth school districts - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "High-growth school district" means a public school district in which the average daily membership for the public school district in the present school year is four percent (4%) higher than the school year that is two (2) years before the present school year; and (2) "Maximum expected millage" means ten (10) mills, representing the maximum number of mills that a public school district is expected to raise to service its bonded indebtedness incurred for academic facilities. (b) There is established the Academic Facilities High-Growth School District Loan Program under which the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide an interest-free loan to a high-growth school district in which the mills required to service the bonded indebtedness incurred for academic facilities exceed the maximum expected millage for the high-growth school district. (c) (1) A high-growth school district may apply for an interest-free loan when the high-growth school district has raised the maximum expected millage and the revenue generated from the maximum expected millage is less than the amount required to service the bonded indebtedness incurred for academic facilities. (2) The amount of the loan shall be the amount of moneys required for academic facilities less the sum of: (A) The revenues generated by the maximum expected millage; and (B) The state revenue received by the high-growth school district under the Academic Facilities Partnership Program. (3) The high-growth school district shall apply for the loan from the Revolving Loan Fund, subject to §§ 6-20-801 - 6-20-816 . (d) (1) When the revenue required to service the bonded indebtedness incurred for the high-growth school district's academic facilities is less than the revenue generated by maximum expected millage, the high-growth school district shall repay the loan. (2) (A) The high-growth school district shall make annual payments to the state in the amount of: (i) The revenue generated by the high-growth school district's millage up to the amount of the revenues generated from the maximum expected millage for the year; less (ii) The revenue required to service the high-growth school district's bonded indebtedness for academic facilities. (B) The payments under this subsection shall continue until the loan is paid in full. (3) During the time that the loan to the high-growth school district is in repayment, the high-growth school district: (A) Shall use all revenues generated below the maximum expected millage to repay the loan; (B) Shall not issue refunding bonds or refunding certificates, as provided under § 6-20-815 ; and (C) Shall not otherwise change the amount of revenues available to repay the loan without the prior approval of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. (e) Within a reasonable time after its receipt, each application under subsection (c) of this section shall be examined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in accordance with rules established by the State Board of Education as to the accuracy of the answers contained therein. (f) (1) After considering the merits of each application, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may, in its discretion, approve the application for the full amount of the proposed loan, approve the application for a loan of a lesser amount than the amount requested, or disapprove the application. (2) Before approving the application, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall make a determination that the total space available in the high-growth school district is less than the amount needed to accommodate the growth of students. (g) The Commission for Arkansas Public School Facilities and Transportation shall adopt rules to implement the program established by this section. (h) (1) The commission shall annually determine which school districts qualify as high-growth school districts under this section. (2) Annually, by November 1, the commission shall prepare a list of the qualified school districts and: (A) Submit the list to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education; and (B) Post the list on the website of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1716, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1715, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1714, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2015, No. 962,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 2005, No. 2206, § 1; 2007, No. 995, § 2.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "High-growth school district" means a public school district in which the average daily membership for the public school district in the present school year is four percent (4%) higher than the school year that is two (2) years before the present school year; and (2) "Maximum expected millage" means ten (10) mills, representing the maximum number of mills that a public school district is expected to raise to service its bonded indebtedness incurred for academic facilities.

(1) "High-growth school district" means a public school district in which the average daily membership for the public school district in the present school year is four percent (4%) higher than the school year that is two (2) years before the present school year; and

(2) "Maximum expected millage" means ten (10) mills, representing the maximum number of mills that a public school district is expected to raise to service its bonded indebtedness incurred for academic facilities.

(b) There is established the Academic Facilities High-Growth School District Loan Program under which the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide an interest-free loan to a high-growth school district in which the mills required to service the bonded indebtedness incurred for academic facilities exceed the maximum expected millage for the high-growth school district.

(c) (1) A high-growth school district may apply for an interest-free loan when the high-growth school district has raised the maximum expected millage and the revenue generated from the maximum expected millage is less than the amount required to service the bonded indebtedness incurred for academic facilities. (2) The amount of the loan shall be the amount of moneys required for academic facilities less the sum of: (A) The revenues generated by the maximum expected millage; and (B) The state revenue received by the high-growth school district under the Academic Facilities Partnership Program. (3) The high-growth school district shall apply for the loan from the Revolving Loan Fund, subject to §§ 6-20-801 - 6-20-816 .

(1) A high-growth school district may apply for an interest-free loan when the high-growth school district has raised the maximum expected millage and the revenue generated from the maximum expected millage is less than the amount required to service the bonded indebtedness incurred for academic facilities.

(2) The amount of the loan shall be the amount of moneys required for academic facilities less the sum of: (A) The revenues generated by the maximum expected millage; and (B) The state revenue received by the high-growth school district under the Academic Facilities Partnership Program.

(A) The revenues generated by the maximum expected millage; and

(B) The state revenue received by the high-growth school district under the Academic Facilities Partnership Program.

(3) The high-growth school district shall apply for the loan from the Revolving Loan Fund, subject to §§ 6-20-801 - 6-20-816 .

(d) (1) When the revenue required to service the bonded indebtedness incurred for the high-growth school district's academic facilities is less than the revenue generated by maximum expected millage, the high-growth school district shall repay the loan. (2) (A) The high-growth school district shall make annual payments to the state in the amount of: (i) The revenue generated by the high-growth school district's millage up to the amount of the revenues generated from the maximum expected millage for the year; less (ii) The revenue required to service the high-growth school district's bonded indebtedness for academic facilities. (B) The payments under this subsection shall continue until the loan is paid in full. (3) During the time that the loan to the high-growth school district is in repayment, the high-growth school district: (A) Shall use all revenues generated below the maximum expected millage to repay the loan; (B) Shall not issue refunding bonds or refunding certificates, as provided under § 6-20-815 ; and (C) Shall not otherwise change the amount of revenues available to repay the loan without the prior approval of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(1) When the revenue required to service the bonded indebtedness incurred for the high-growth school district's academic facilities is less than the revenue generated by maximum expected millage, the high-growth school district shall repay the loan.

(2) (A) The high-growth school district shall make annual payments to the state in the amount of: (i) The revenue generated by the high-growth school district's millage up to the amount of the revenues generated from the maximum expected millage for the year; less (ii) The revenue required to service the high-growth school district's bonded indebtedness for academic facilities. (B) The payments under this subsection shall continue until the loan is paid in full.

(A) The high-growth school district shall make annual payments to the state in the amount of: (i) The revenue generated by the high-growth school district's millage up to the amount of the revenues generated from the maximum expected millage for the year; less (ii) The revenue required to service the high-growth school district's bonded indebtedness for academic facilities.

(i) The revenue generated by the high-growth school district's millage up to the amount of the revenues generated from the maximum expected millage for the year; less

(ii) The revenue required to service the high-growth school district's bonded indebtedness for academic facilities.

(B) The payments under this subsection shall continue until the loan is paid in full.

(3) During the time that the loan to the high-growth school district is in repayment, the high-growth school district: (A) Shall use all revenues generated below the maximum expected millage to repay the loan; (B) Shall not issue refunding bonds or refunding certificates, as provided under § 6-20-815 ; and (C) Shall not otherwise change the amount of revenues available to repay the loan without the prior approval of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(A) Shall use all revenues generated below the maximum expected millage to repay the loan;

(B) Shall not issue refunding bonds or refunding certificates, as provided under § 6-20-815 ; and

(C) Shall not otherwise change the amount of revenues available to repay the loan without the prior approval of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(e) Within a reasonable time after its receipt, each application under subsection (c) of this section shall be examined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in accordance with rules established by the State Board of Education as to the accuracy of the answers contained therein.

(f) (1) After considering the merits of each application, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may, in its discretion, approve the application for the full amount of the proposed loan, approve the application for a loan of a lesser amount than the amount requested, or disapprove the application. (2) Before approving the application, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall make a determination that the total space available in the high-growth school district is less than the amount needed to accommodate the growth of students.

(1) After considering the merits of each application, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may, in its discretion, approve the application for the full amount of the proposed loan, approve the application for a loan of a lesser amount than the amount requested, or disapprove the application.

(2) Before approving the application, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall make a determination that the total space available in the high-growth school district is less than the amount needed to accommodate the growth of students.

(g) The Commission for Arkansas Public School Facilities and Transportation shall adopt rules to implement the program established by this section.

(h) (1) The commission shall annually determine which school districts qualify as high-growth school districts under this section. (2) Annually, by November 1, the commission shall prepare a list of the qualified school districts and: (A) Submit the list to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education; and (B) Post the list on the website of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.

(1) The commission shall annually determine which school districts qualify as high-growth school districts under this section.

(2) Annually, by November 1, the commission shall prepare a list of the qualified school districts and: (A) Submit the list to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education; and (B) Post the list on the website of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.

(A) Submit the list to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education; and

(B) Post the list on the website of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1716, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1715, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1714, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 962,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 2005, No. 2206, § 1; 2007, No. 995, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-704 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-20-704
Regulation and supervision of accounts, records, and operations
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education shall prescribe rules for the keeping of accounts and records and the making of reports by or under the supervision of school districts. (b) These accounts and records shall at all times be available for inspection and audit by authorized officials and shall be preserved for such period of time, not in excess of five (5) years, as the state board may lawfully prescribe. (c) The state board shall conduct or cause to be conducted such audits, inspections, and administrative reviews of accounts, records, and operations with respect to school lunch programs as may be necessary to determine whether its agreements with the school district regulations made pursuant to this subchapter are being complied with and to ensure that school lunch programs are effectively administered. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 282, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1947, No. 157, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-129.

(a) The State Board of Education shall prescribe rules for the keeping of accounts and records and the making of reports by or under the supervision of school districts.

(b) These accounts and records shall at all times be available for inspection and audit by authorized officials and shall be preserved for such period of time, not in excess of five (5) years, as the state board may lawfully prescribe.

(c) The state board shall conduct or cause to be conducted such audits, inspections, and administrative reviews of accounts, records, and operations with respect to school lunch programs as may be necessary to determine whether its agreements with the school district regulations made pursuant to this subchapter are being complied with and to ensure that school lunch programs are effectively administered.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 282, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1947, No. 157, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-129.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-62-105 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 62 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-62-105
Private borrowing by institutions of higher education
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Upon approval of the board of trustees of a state-supported institution of higher education, the Division of Higher Education, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, a state-supported institution of higher education may borrow funds determined by the board to be necessary to continue the operation of the state-supported institution of higher education from a private financial institution if the Revolving Loan Fund is insufficient, as certified by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for a state-supported institution of higher education to participate in the fund. (2) A state-supported institution of higher education shall not have outstanding loans in the aggregate under this section in excess of eighty-five percent (85%) of the total of the actual May and June general revenues distributed during the immediately preceding fiscal year to the state-supported institution of higher education. (b) (1) The principal amount of the loans described in subsection (a) of this section shall be repaid from general revenues distributed to the state-supported institution of higher education during the months of May and June of the fiscal year in which the loans were obtained. (2) All interest and other charges shall be paid from cash funds of the state-supported institution of higher education. (c) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section or § 19-4-705 , the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education may authorize a state-supported institution of higher education to borrow funds from a private financial institution provided that the board of trustees certifies that borrowing funds from a private financial institution: (A) Is required to continue essential operations of the state-supported institution of higher education into the following fiscal year; and (B) Will be repaid not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the start of the following fiscal year. (2) The aggregate amount of funds borrowed from private financial institutions may not exceed the limits set in subsection (a) of this section. (3) Upon repayment, the chief financial officer of the state-supported institution of higher education shall certify in writing to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the commissioner the: (A) Date of the repayment; and (B) Amount of the repayment. (4) This subsection shall expire on June 30, 2011. (d) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall promulgate rules necessary for the implementation of this section. Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 23, eff. 4/12/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 373, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1999, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1998, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1987, No. 367, §§ 1, 2; 2009, No. 571, § 1.

(a) (1) Upon approval of the board of trustees of a state-supported institution of higher education, the Division of Higher Education, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, a state-supported institution of higher education may borrow funds determined by the board to be necessary to continue the operation of the state-supported institution of higher education from a private financial institution if the Revolving Loan Fund is insufficient, as certified by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for a state-supported institution of higher education to participate in the fund. (2) A state-supported institution of higher education shall not have outstanding loans in the aggregate under this section in excess of eighty-five percent (85%) of the total of the actual May and June general revenues distributed during the immediately preceding fiscal year to the state-supported institution of higher education.

(1) Upon approval of the board of trustees of a state-supported institution of higher education, the Division of Higher Education, and the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, a state-supported institution of higher education may borrow funds determined by the board to be necessary to continue the operation of the state-supported institution of higher education from a private financial institution if the Revolving Loan Fund is insufficient, as certified by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, for a state-supported institution of higher education to participate in the fund.

(2) A state-supported institution of higher education shall not have outstanding loans in the aggregate under this section in excess of eighty-five percent (85%) of the total of the actual May and June general revenues distributed during the immediately preceding fiscal year to the state-supported institution of higher education.

(b) (1) The principal amount of the loans described in subsection (a) of this section shall be repaid from general revenues distributed to the state-supported institution of higher education during the months of May and June of the fiscal year in which the loans were obtained. (2) All interest and other charges shall be paid from cash funds of the state-supported institution of higher education.

(1) The principal amount of the loans described in subsection (a) of this section shall be repaid from general revenues distributed to the state-supported institution of higher education during the months of May and June of the fiscal year in which the loans were obtained.

(2) All interest and other charges shall be paid from cash funds of the state-supported institution of higher education.

(c) (1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section or § 19-4-705 , the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education may authorize a state-supported institution of higher education to borrow funds from a private financial institution provided that the board of trustees certifies that borrowing funds from a private financial institution: (A) Is required to continue essential operations of the state-supported institution of higher education into the following fiscal year; and (B) Will be repaid not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the start of the following fiscal year. (2) The aggregate amount of funds borrowed from private financial institutions may not exceed the limits set in subsection (a) of this section. (3) Upon repayment, the chief financial officer of the state-supported institution of higher education shall certify in writing to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the commissioner the: (A) Date of the repayment; and (B) Amount of the repayment. (4) This subsection shall expire on June 30, 2011.

(1) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section or § 19-4-705 , the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education may authorize a state-supported institution of higher education to borrow funds from a private financial institution provided that the board of trustees certifies that borrowing funds from a private financial institution: (A) Is required to continue essential operations of the state-supported institution of higher education into the following fiscal year; and (B) Will be repaid not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the start of the following fiscal year.

(A) Is required to continue essential operations of the state-supported institution of higher education into the following fiscal year; and

(B) Will be repaid not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the start of the following fiscal year.

(2) The aggregate amount of funds borrowed from private financial institutions may not exceed the limits set in subsection (a) of this section.

(3) Upon repayment, the chief financial officer of the state-supported institution of higher education shall certify in writing to the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State and the commissioner the: (A) Date of the repayment; and (B) Amount of the repayment.

(A) Date of the repayment; and

(B) Amount of the repayment.

(4) This subsection shall expire on June 30, 2011.

(d) The Chief Fiscal Officer of the State shall promulgate rules necessary for the implementation of this section.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 23, eff. 4/12/2023.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 373, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1999, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1998, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1987, No. 367, §§ 1, 2; 2009, No. 571, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-203 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-15-203
Notification of failure to meet standards for accreditation - Appeal
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education annually shall notify all schools or school districts failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for elementary and secondary schools not later than May 1 of each year of this determination. (2) (A) However, at any time the division may immediately notify a public school or school district failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for elementary and secondary schools when the failure is discovered by the division under § 6-15-202(i) . (B) A public school or school district notified by the division of the public school's or school district's failure to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts due to actions taken under § 6-15-202(i) shall have the same period of time to appeal to the State Board of Education as provided under subdivision (b)(3) of this section. (b) (1) In the event that a school district affected by this subchapter believes the division has improperly determined that a school or school district fails to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts, the school district shall have a right of appeal thereafter to the state board. (2) Any appeal shall be held in an open hearing, and the decision of the state board shall be in open session. (3) Appeals must be filed not later than May 15 following the May 1 determination of accreditation status, and the state board hearing must be held before June 30 of the same calendar year. (4) The state board may confirm the classification of a local school or school district as determined by the division, or it may sustain the appeal of the school district. (5) An aggrieved school district may appeal the ruling of the state board to Pulaski County Circuit Court pursuant to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1191, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1190, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1983, No. 445, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4606; Acts 1993, No. 603, § 1; 2003, No. 1467, § 3; 2009, No. 1469, § 3; 2011, No. 989, §§ 12, 13.

(a) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education annually shall notify all schools or school districts failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for elementary and secondary schools not later than May 1 of each year of this determination. (2) (A) However, at any time the division may immediately notify a public school or school district failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for elementary and secondary schools when the failure is discovered by the division under § 6-15-202(i) . (B) A public school or school district notified by the division of the public school's or school district's failure to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts due to actions taken under § 6-15-202(i) shall have the same period of time to appeal to the State Board of Education as provided under subdivision (b)(3) of this section.

(1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education annually shall notify all schools or school districts failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for elementary and secondary schools not later than May 1 of each year of this determination.

(2) (A) However, at any time the division may immediately notify a public school or school district failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for elementary and secondary schools when the failure is discovered by the division under § 6-15-202(i) . (B) A public school or school district notified by the division of the public school's or school district's failure to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts due to actions taken under § 6-15-202(i) shall have the same period of time to appeal to the State Board of Education as provided under subdivision (b)(3) of this section.

(A) However, at any time the division may immediately notify a public school or school district failing to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts for elementary and secondary schools when the failure is discovered by the division under § 6-15-202(i) .

(B) A public school or school district notified by the division of the public school's or school district's failure to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts due to actions taken under § 6-15-202(i) shall have the same period of time to appeal to the State Board of Education as provided under subdivision (b)(3) of this section.

(b) (1) In the event that a school district affected by this subchapter believes the division has improperly determined that a school or school district fails to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts, the school district shall have a right of appeal thereafter to the state board. (2) Any appeal shall be held in an open hearing, and the decision of the state board shall be in open session. (3) Appeals must be filed not later than May 15 following the May 1 determination of accreditation status, and the state board hearing must be held before June 30 of the same calendar year. (4) The state board may confirm the classification of a local school or school district as determined by the division, or it may sustain the appeal of the school district. (5) An aggrieved school district may appeal the ruling of the state board to Pulaski County Circuit Court pursuant to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

(1) In the event that a school district affected by this subchapter believes the division has improperly determined that a school or school district fails to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts, the school district shall have a right of appeal thereafter to the state board.

(2) Any appeal shall be held in an open hearing, and the decision of the state board shall be in open session.

(3) Appeals must be filed not later than May 15 following the May 1 determination of accreditation status, and the state board hearing must be held before June 30 of the same calendar year.

(4) The state board may confirm the classification of a local school or school district as determined by the division, or it may sustain the appeal of the school district.

(5) An aggrieved school district may appeal the ruling of the state board to Pulaski County Circuit Court pursuant to the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1191, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1190, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1983, No. 445, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4606; Acts 1993, No. 603, § 1; 2003, No. 1467, § 3; 2009, No. 1469, § 3; 2011, No. 989, §§ 12, 13.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-1406 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 14 / Section 6-61-1406
Courses review
Status: in_force

The Division of Higher Education shall: (1) Regularly schedule reviews of courses that are listed in the common course numbering system; (2) Establish review procedures; and (3) Adopt policies to carry out this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1995, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2011, No. 747, § 5.

The Division of Higher Education shall:

(1) Regularly schedule reviews of courses that are listed in the common course numbering system;

(2) Establish review procedures; and

(3) Adopt policies to carry out this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1995, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2011, No. 747, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-1008 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 10 / Section 6-61-1008
Sale of bonds
Status: in_force

(a) Bonds issued pursuant to this subchapter may be sold by negotiation or at public sale, as shall be determined by the board of trustees. (b) If the bonds are sold by negotiation, the board of trustees is authorized to enter a bond purchase agreement upon such terms regarding discount and underwriting fees and at such interest rates as the board of trustees shall determine in the exercise of its reasonable discretion. (c) If the bonds are sold at public sale, notice of such public sale shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the state at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of sale, and the sale of the bonds shall be awarded to the bidder whose bid results in the lowest net interest cost, taking into account any premium or discount contained in such bid. Acts 1993, No. 374, § 11.

(a) Bonds issued pursuant to this subchapter may be sold by negotiation or at public sale, as shall be determined by the board of trustees.

(b) If the bonds are sold by negotiation, the board of trustees is authorized to enter a bond purchase agreement upon such terms regarding discount and underwriting fees and at such interest rates as the board of trustees shall determine in the exercise of its reasonable discretion.

(c) If the bonds are sold at public sale, notice of such public sale shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation throughout the state at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of sale, and the sale of the bonds shall be awarded to the bidder whose bid results in the lowest net interest cost, taking into account any premium or discount contained in such bid.

Acts 1993, No. 374, § 11.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-1605 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 16 / Section 6-82-1605
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 316,§ 2, eff. 3/2/2017. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1115,§ 16, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1416,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2003, No. 1796, § 1; 2005, No. 2129, § 3.

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 316,§ 2, eff. 3/2/2017.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1115,§ 16, eff. 7/22/2015.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1416,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2003, No. 1796, § 1; 2005, No. 2129, § 3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-19-102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 19 / Section 6-19-102
Authority to transport students - Vehicles and operators
Status: in_force

(a) The board of directors of each school district in the state is authorized to purchase vehicles and otherwise provide means for transporting pupils to and from school, when necessary. (b) To this end it may hire or purchase such school buses or other vehicles and hire persons to operate them, or make such other arrangements as it may deem best, affording safe and convenient transportation to the pupils, and the board of directors may pay for all such property or services out of the funds of the district. (c) Any contract with any member of the school district board of directors for the transportation of children or to drive a bus shall be null and void. (d) A bus or other vehicle used in transporting pupils in one (1) district shall not be used to transport pupils in another district without the consent of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, except as specifically allowed by law. (e) The buses shall be of such specifications as may be prescribed by uniform rules of the Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1583, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 420,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1931, No. 169, § 102; Pope's Dig., § 11545; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1801; Acts 1999, No. 1078, § 75; 2009, No. 1473, § 5.

(a) The board of directors of each school district in the state is authorized to purchase vehicles and otherwise provide means for transporting pupils to and from school, when necessary.

(b) To this end it may hire or purchase such school buses or other vehicles and hire persons to operate them, or make such other arrangements as it may deem best, affording safe and convenient transportation to the pupils, and the board of directors may pay for all such property or services out of the funds of the district.

(c) Any contract with any member of the school district board of directors for the transportation of children or to drive a bus shall be null and void.

(d) A bus or other vehicle used in transporting pupils in one (1) district shall not be used to transport pupils in another district without the consent of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, except as specifically allowed by law.

(e) The buses shall be of such specifications as may be prescribed by uniform rules of the Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1583, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 420,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1931, No. 169, § 102; Pope's Dig., § 11545; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1801; Acts 1999, No. 1078, § 75; 2009, No. 1473, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-26-305 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 26 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-26-305
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 4, eff. 5/23/2016. Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 4, eff. 5/23/2016. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 39, § 1.

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 3,§ 4, eff. 5/23/2016.

Repealed by Act 2016EX3, No. 2,§ 4, eff. 5/23/2016.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 39, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-24-109 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 24 / Section 6-24-109
Emergency purchases
Status: in_force

(a) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to emergency purchases. (b) Emergency purchases shall only be used for the preservation of life, health, or public property, and shall not be used to substantially improve the condition of an asset before the emergency. (c) Each public educational entity shall maintain records and copies of all documentation relating to and supporting a determination that transactions qualify as emergency purchases. (d) Any person using emergency purchases to avoid the intent of this chapter shall be guilty of violating the provisions of this chapter. Acts 2001, No. 1599, § 9.

(a) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to emergency purchases.

(b) Emergency purchases shall only be used for the preservation of life, health, or public property, and shall not be used to substantially improve the condition of an asset before the emergency.

(c) Each public educational entity shall maintain records and copies of all documentation relating to and supporting a determination that transactions qualify as emergency purchases.

(d) Any person using emergency purchases to avoid the intent of this chapter shall be guilty of violating the provisions of this chapter.

Acts 2001, No. 1599, § 9.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-1-505 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 1 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-1-505
[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. § 6-81-1605 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 16 / Section 6-81-1605
Eligibility
Status: in_force

To be eligible for the State Teacher Education Program, an applicant shall: (1) Teach full-time at a public school district in a subject area or geographic area with a teacher shortage, as identified by the Division of Higher Education in consultation with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education; (2) Hold a valid Arkansas teacher's license; and (3) (A) Meet additional continuing eligibility criteria established by the Division of Higher Education. (B) An individual who has earned a teaching license upon the successful completion of an alternative educator preparation program is an eligible student under this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 603,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2058, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2009, No. 1215, § 3.

To be eligible for the State Teacher Education Program, an applicant shall:

(1) Teach full-time at a public school district in a subject area or geographic area with a teacher shortage, as identified by the Division of Higher Education in consultation with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education;

(2) Hold a valid Arkansas teacher's license; and

(3) (A) Meet additional continuing eligibility criteria established by the Division of Higher Education. (B) An individual who has earned a teaching license upon the successful completion of an alternative educator preparation program is an eligible student under this section.

(A) Meet additional continuing eligibility criteria established by the Division of Higher Education.

(B) An individual who has earned a teaching license upon the successful completion of an alternative educator preparation program is an eligible student under this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 603,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2058, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2009, No. 1215, § 3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-85-107 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 85 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-85-107
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2142, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 81,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2142, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No. 606, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-64-418 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 64 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-64-418
College of Public Health collaboration
Status: in_force

It is recommended that the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences collaborate with each education service cooperative, community health agencies, school nurses, school counselors, and educators employed in public and private schools to introduce age-appropriate, research-supported, child abuse prevention curriculum to and on behalf of the children of Arkansas in the public and private schools. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1086,§ 5, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2007, No. 703, § 4.

It is recommended that the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences collaborate with each education service cooperative, community health agencies, school nurses, school counselors, and educators employed in public and private schools to introduce age-appropriate, research-supported, child abuse prevention curriculum to and on behalf of the children of Arkansas in the public and private schools.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1086,§ 5, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2007, No. 703, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-701 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-20-701
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter: (1) "School" means public tax-supported elementary or high school; (2) "School district" means: (A) A geographic area with an elected board of directors that qualifies as a taxing unit for purposes of school district taxes under § 26-80-101 et seq., which board of directors conducts the daily affairs of public schools pursuant to the supervisory authority vested in it by the General Assembly and this title; and (B) An open-enrollment public charter school; and (3) "School lunch program" means a program under which lunches are served by any school in this state on a nonprofit basis to children in attendance, including any such program under which a school receives assistance out of funds appropriated by the United States Congress. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 34, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1947, No. 157, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-125.

As used in this subchapter:

(1) "School" means public tax-supported elementary or high school;

(2) "School district" means: (A) A geographic area with an elected board of directors that qualifies as a taxing unit for purposes of school district taxes under § 26-80-101 et seq., which board of directors conducts the daily affairs of public schools pursuant to the supervisory authority vested in it by the General Assembly and this title; and (B) An open-enrollment public charter school; and

(A) A geographic area with an elected board of directors that qualifies as a taxing unit for purposes of school district taxes under § 26-80-101 et seq., which board of directors conducts the daily affairs of public schools pursuant to the supervisory authority vested in it by the General Assembly and this title; and

(B) An open-enrollment public charter school; and

(3) "School lunch program" means a program under which lunches are served by any school in this state on a nonprofit basis to children in attendance, including any such program under which a school receives assistance out of funds appropriated by the United States Congress.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 34, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1947, No. 157, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-125.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-807 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 8 / Section 6-61-807
Funds - Uses
Status: in_force

Funds may be made available for administration of the Arkansas Research Development Program, for purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, for minor renovation of laboratory space, for publication of findings, for employing scientists or research assistants, and for providing any other assistance to scientists in order to develop a continuing research capacity in this state which is recognized by other scientists as exemplary. Acts 1985, No. 583, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4929.

Funds may be made available for administration of the Arkansas Research Development Program, for purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, for minor renovation of laboratory space, for publication of findings, for employing scientists or research assistants, and for providing any other assistance to scientists in order to develop a continuing research capacity in this state which is recognized by other scientists as exemplary.

Acts 1985, No. 583, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4929.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-14-106 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 14 / Section 6-14-106
Polling places - Qualifications and appointment of election commissioners and poll workers
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Except as provided under subdivision (a)(5) of this section, the county board of election commissioners of each county shall designate all the polling sites for each school district in its respective county, including districts having territory in more than one (1) county but which are domiciled in its county for administrative purposes, and shall provide the election supplies and appoint the poll workers for holding all school elections. (2) The county board of election commissioners shall consult with each school district regarding: (A) The number of polling sites to designate for each school district; and (B) The location of the polling sites. (3) Polling sites for school elections shall be established by a majority vote of the members of the county board of election commissioners present. (4) (A) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(4)(B) of this section and unless changed by order of the county board of election commissioners, the polling sites for each school election shall be the same as those established for the immediately preceding school election. (B) If no polling sites were opened in the immediately preceding school election, the polling sites shall be the same as those established for the most recent school election in which polling sites were opened unless changed by order of the county board of election commissioners. (5) If the annual school election is held at the same time as the preferential primary election or general election, the polling sites for the annual school election shall be the same as the polling sites for the preferential primary or general election. (b) If the annual school election is held on a date on which no other elections are held and a school district has territory in more than one (1) county, the county board of election commissioners of the county in which the school district is domiciled shall designate in a contested school election one (1) or more polling sites in each county: (1) In which the school district has territory; (2) In which school district territory contains a city of the second class or larger; and (3) That has registered electors. (c) The county board of election commissioners shall take appropriate action to assure that the necessary precinct registration files are delivered to each polling site in order that the electors in each county may vote in the school election. (d) The county board of election commissioners of the domicile county shall appoint one (1) election judge and one (1) election sheriff for each polling site and as many additional election clerks as are necessary for the efficient administration of elections at each polling site. Amended by Act 2019, No. 553,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 473,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 910,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2018. Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 15,§ 2, eff. 5/23/2016. Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 14,§ 2, eff. 5/23/2016. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1244,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1951, No. 403, § 1; 1979, No. 117, § 1; 1979, No. 829, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-318, 80-319.1; Acts 1997, No. 443, § 1; 2005, No. 1174, § 3; 2009, No. 292, § 1; 2009, No. 1294, § 1; 2009, No. 1480, § 3.

(a) (1) Except as provided under subdivision (a)(5) of this section, the county board of election commissioners of each county shall designate all the polling sites for each school district in its respective county, including districts having territory in more than one (1) county but which are domiciled in its county for administrative purposes, and shall provide the election supplies and appoint the poll workers for holding all school elections. (2) The county board of election commissioners shall consult with each school district regarding: (A) The number of polling sites to designate for each school district; and (B) The location of the polling sites. (3) Polling sites for school elections shall be established by a majority vote of the members of the county board of election commissioners present. (4) (A) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(4)(B) of this section and unless changed by order of the county board of election commissioners, the polling sites for each school election shall be the same as those established for the immediately preceding school election. (B) If no polling sites were opened in the immediately preceding school election, the polling sites shall be the same as those established for the most recent school election in which polling sites were opened unless changed by order of the county board of election commissioners. (5) If the annual school election is held at the same time as the preferential primary election or general election, the polling sites for the annual school election shall be the same as the polling sites for the preferential primary or general election.

(1) Except as provided under subdivision (a)(5) of this section, the county board of election commissioners of each county shall designate all the polling sites for each school district in its respective county, including districts having territory in more than one (1) county but which are domiciled in its county for administrative purposes, and shall provide the election supplies and appoint the poll workers for holding all school elections.

(2) The county board of election commissioners shall consult with each school district regarding: (A) The number of polling sites to designate for each school district; and (B) The location of the polling sites.

(A) The number of polling sites to designate for each school district; and

(B) The location of the polling sites.

(3) Polling sites for school elections shall be established by a majority vote of the members of the county board of election commissioners present.

(4) (A) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(4)(B) of this section and unless changed by order of the county board of election commissioners, the polling sites for each school election shall be the same as those established for the immediately preceding school election. (B) If no polling sites were opened in the immediately preceding school election, the polling sites shall be the same as those established for the most recent school election in which polling sites were opened unless changed by order of the county board of election commissioners.

(A) Except as provided in subdivision (a)(4)(B) of this section and unless changed by order of the county board of election commissioners, the polling sites for each school election shall be the same as those established for the immediately preceding school election.

(B) If no polling sites were opened in the immediately preceding school election, the polling sites shall be the same as those established for the most recent school election in which polling sites were opened unless changed by order of the county board of election commissioners.

(5) If the annual school election is held at the same time as the preferential primary election or general election, the polling sites for the annual school election shall be the same as the polling sites for the preferential primary or general election.

(b) If the annual school election is held on a date on which no other elections are held and a school district has territory in more than one (1) county, the county board of election commissioners of the county in which the school district is domiciled shall designate in a contested school election one (1) or more polling sites in each county: (1) In which the school district has territory; (2) In which school district territory contains a city of the second class or larger; and (3) That has registered electors.

(1) In which the school district has territory;

(2) In which school district territory contains a city of the second class or larger; and

(3) That has registered electors.

(c) The county board of election commissioners shall take appropriate action to assure that the necessary precinct registration files are delivered to each polling site in order that the electors in each county may vote in the school election.

(d) The county board of election commissioners of the domicile county shall appoint one (1) election judge and one (1) election sheriff for each polling site and as many additional election clerks as are necessary for the efficient administration of elections at each polling site.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 553,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 473,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 910,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2018.

Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 15,§ 2, eff. 5/23/2016.

Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 14,§ 2, eff. 5/23/2016.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1244,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 1951, No. 403, § 1; 1979, No. 117, § 1; 1979, No. 829, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-318, 80-319.1; Acts 1997, No. 443, § 1; 2005, No. 1174, § 3; 2009, No. 292, § 1; 2009, No. 1294, § 1; 2009, No. 1480, § 3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2101 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 21 / Section 6-15-2101
School rating system - Annual reports
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prepare annual reports of the results of the statewide assessment program that describe student achievement in each school district and each school in the state and the school performance category levels under § 6-15-2103 . (2) The division shall prescribe the design and content of these reports that shall include without limitation descriptions of achievement of all schools participating in any assessment program and all of their major student populations as determined by the division, provided that the provisions of § 6-15-2909 pertaining to student records apply to this section. (3) (A) Annual school performance reports shall be: (i) Made available in hard copy to all parents or guardians upon request; (ii) Posted on the division's website; and (iii) Posted on the local school district's website. (B) The public school district also may publish the school performance report in the local newspaper. (b) (1) The division shall provide information regarding performance of students and educational programs as required under §§ 6-15-2907 and 6-15-2301 and implement a system of school reports as required by statute and State Board of Education rule. (2) Annual school performance reports shall be in an easy-to-read format. (c) The annual report shall separately list the following measures by school: (1) Student performance on statewide student assessments as required by law or rule of the state board; (2) Student academic growth based on statewide student assessments as required by law or rule of the state board; (3) For a secondary school, the school's graduation rate; and (4) Any other criteria required by law or by rule of the state board. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 20, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1246, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1245, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 38, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 37, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 36, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 35, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 744,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1429,§ 5, eff. 8/16/2013. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 17, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 6; 2005, No. 1962, § 10; 2007, No. 1573, § 16.

(a) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prepare annual reports of the results of the statewide assessment program that describe student achievement in each school district and each school in the state and the school performance category levels under § 6-15-2103 . (2) The division shall prescribe the design and content of these reports that shall include without limitation descriptions of achievement of all schools participating in any assessment program and all of their major student populations as determined by the division, provided that the provisions of § 6-15-2909 pertaining to student records apply to this section. (3) (A) Annual school performance reports shall be: (i) Made available in hard copy to all parents or guardians upon request; (ii) Posted on the division's website; and (iii) Posted on the local school district's website. (B) The public school district also may publish the school performance report in the local newspaper.

(1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall prepare annual reports of the results of the statewide assessment program that describe student achievement in each school district and each school in the state and the school performance category levels under § 6-15-2103 .

(2) The division shall prescribe the design and content of these reports that shall include without limitation descriptions of achievement of all schools participating in any assessment program and all of their major student populations as determined by the division, provided that the provisions of § 6-15-2909 pertaining to student records apply to this section.

(3) (A) Annual school performance reports shall be: (i) Made available in hard copy to all parents or guardians upon request; (ii) Posted on the division's website; and (iii) Posted on the local school district's website. (B) The public school district also may publish the school performance report in the local newspaper.

(A) Annual school performance reports shall be: (i) Made available in hard copy to all parents or guardians upon request; (ii) Posted on the division's website; and (iii) Posted on the local school district's website.

(i) Made available in hard copy to all parents or guardians upon request;

(ii) Posted on the division's website; and

(iii) Posted on the local school district's website.

(B) The public school district also may publish the school performance report in the local newspaper.

(b) (1) The division shall provide information regarding performance of students and educational programs as required under §§ 6-15-2907 and 6-15-2301 and implement a system of school reports as required by statute and State Board of Education rule. (2) Annual school performance reports shall be in an easy-to-read format.

(1) The division shall provide information regarding performance of students and educational programs as required under §§ 6-15-2907 and 6-15-2301 and implement a system of school reports as required by statute and State Board of Education rule.

(2) Annual school performance reports shall be in an easy-to-read format.

(c) The annual report shall separately list the following measures by school: (1) Student performance on statewide student assessments as required by law or rule of the state board; (2) Student academic growth based on statewide student assessments as required by law or rule of the state board; (3) For a secondary school, the school's graduation rate; and (4) Any other criteria required by law or by rule of the state board.

(1) Student performance on statewide student assessments as required by law or rule of the state board;

(2) Student academic growth based on statewide student assessments as required by law or rule of the state board;

(3) For a secondary school, the school's graduation rate; and

(4) Any other criteria required by law or by rule of the state board.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 20, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1246, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1245, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 38, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 37, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 36, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 35, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 744,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1429,§ 5, eff. 8/16/2013.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 17, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 6; 2005, No. 1962, § 10; 2007, No. 1573, § 16.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-514 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-18-514
Antibullying policies - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) The General Assembly finds that every public school student in this state has the right to receive his or her public education in a public school educational environment that is reasonably free from substantial intimidation, harassment, or harm or threat of harm by another student. (b) As used in this section: (1) "Attribute" means an actual or perceived personal characteristic including without limitation race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, socioeconomic status, academic status, disability, gender, gender identity, physical appearance, health condition, or sexual orientation; (2) (A) "Bullying" means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that may address an attribute of the other student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated and that causes or creates actual or reasonably foreseeable: (i) Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee's or student's property; (ii) Substantial interference with a student's education or with a public school employee's role in education; (iii) A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or (iv) Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the public school or educational environment. (B) "Bullying" includes cyberbullying as defined in this section; (3) "Cyberbullying" means any form of communication by electronic act that is sent with the purpose to: (A) Harass, intimidate, humiliate, ridicule, defame, or threaten a student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated; or (B) Incite violence against a student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated; (4) "Electronic act" means without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic device, including without limitation a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communications device, computer, or pager; (5) "Harassment" means a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person's constitutionally or statutorily protected status that causes, or reasonably should be expected to cause, substantial interference with the other's performance in the school environment; and (6) "Substantial disruption" means without limitation that any one (1) or more of the following occur as a result of the bullying: (A) Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities; (B) Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because of a hostile environment; (C) Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities; or (D) Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the learning environment. (c) Bullying of a public school student or a public school employee is prohibited. (d) If an alleged incident of bullying occurs during school hours, a public school principal or his or her designee who receives a credible report or complaint of bullying shall: (1) As soon as reasonably practicable: (A) Report to a parent or legal guardian of a student believed to be the victim of an incident of bullying that his or her child is the victim in a credible report or complaint of bullying; and (B) Prepare a written report of the alleged incident of bullying; (2) (A) Promptly investigate the credible report or complaint. (B) (i) The investigation conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section shall be completed as soon as possible but not later than five (5) school days from the date of the written report of the alleged incident of bullying as required under subdivision (d)(1)(B) of this section. (ii) Following the completion of the investigation into the alleged incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section, an individual licensed as a public school district building-level administrator or his or her designee may without limitation: (a) Provide intervention services; (b) Establish training programs to reduce bullying; (c) Impose discipline on any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; (d) Recommend counseling for any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; or (e) Take or recommend other appropriate action; (3) (A) Notify the parent or legal guardian of the student who is determined to have been the perpetrator of the incident of bullying: (i) Upon completion of the investigation under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section; and (ii) Regarding the consequences of continued incidents of bullying. (B) A parent or legal guardian of a student who is a party to an investigation of an incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section is entitled within five (5) school days after the completion of the investigation, and in accordance with federal and state law, to receive information about the investigation, including without limitation: (i) That a credible report or complaint of bullying exists; (ii) Whether the credible report or complaint of bullying was found to be true based on the investigation; (iii) Whether action was taken upon the conclusion of the investigation of the alleged incident of bullying; and (iv) Information regarding the reporting of another incident of bullying; (4) (A) Make a written record of the investigation and any action taken as a result of the investigation. (B) The written record of the investigation shall include a detailed description of the alleged incident of bullying, including without limitation a detailed summary of the statements from all material witnesses to the alleged incident of bullying; and (5) Discuss, as appropriate, the availability of counseling and other intervention services with students involved in the incident of bullying. (e) One (1) time each school year, the superintendent of a public school district shall report to the public school district board of directors at a public hearing data regarding discipline in the public school district, including without limitation the number of incidents of bullying reported and the actions taken regarding the reported incidents of bullying. (f) (1) Each public school district board of directors shall adopt policies to prevent bullying. (2) The policies shall: (A) (i) Clearly define conduct that constitutes bullying. (ii) The definition under subdivision (f)(2)(A)(i) of this section shall include without limitation the definition contained in subsection (b) of this section; (B) Prohibit: (i) Bullying while in school, on school equipment or property, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated school bus stops, at school-sponsored activities, or at school-sanctioned events; or (ii) (a) Cyberbullying that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment. (b) This section applies to cyberbullying whether or not the cyberbullying originated on school property or with school equipment if the cyberbullying is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose; (C) State the consequences for engaging in the prohibited conduct, which may vary depending on the age or grade of the student involved; (D) Require that a school employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been a victim of an incident of bullying as defined by the public school district report the incident to the principal as soon as possible; (E) Require that any person who files a credible report or makes a complaint of bullying not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form; (F) Require that notice of what constitutes bullying, that bullying is prohibited, and that the consequences of engaging in bullying be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus in the district; (G) (i) Require that copies of the notice of what constitutes bullying, the prohibition of bullying, and the consequences of engaging in bullying be provided to parents and legal guardians, students, school volunteers, and employees of the public school annually. (ii) Each policy shall require that a full copy of the policy be made available upon request; (H) Describe the procedures for reporting an incident of bullying and the steps school employees may take in order to address a report of an alleged incident of bullying as described in this section; and (I) Include information on how to make an anonymous report to the school safety and crisis line under § 6-18-111 . (3) A notice of the public school district's policies shall appear in any: (A) Publication of the public school district that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for public schools within the public school district; and (B) Student handbook. (4) The public school district shall, to the extent required, annually conduct a reevaluation, reassessment, and review of its policies regarding the prohibition of bullying and make any necessary revisions and additions. (g) A public school district shall provide training on compliance with the anti-bullying policies to all public school district employees responsible for reporting or investigating bullying under this section. (h) A public school employee who has reported violations under the public school district's policy shall be immune from any tort liability that may arise from the failure to remedy the reported incident of bullying. (i) The public school district board of directors may provide opportunities for school employees to participate in programs or other activities designed to develop the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to acts covered by the public school district's policies. (j) The public school district shall provide the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with the website address at which a copy of the policies adopted in compliance with this section may be found. (k) This section is not intended to: (1) Restrict a public school district from adopting and implementing policies against bullying and school violence or policies to promote civility and student dignity that are more inclusive than the policies prohibiting bullying required under this section; (2) Unconstitutionally restrict protected rights of freedom of speech, freedom of religious exercise, or freedom of assembly; (3) Affect the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement or individual contract of employment in effect on July 24, 2019; or (4) Alter or reduce the rights of a student with a disability with regard to disciplinary action or to general or special educational services and support. (l) (1) Nonpublic schools are encouraged to comply with the provisions of this section. (2) In the case of a faith-based nonpublic school, this section shall not be interpreted to prohibit or abridge the legitimate statement, expression, or free exercise of the beliefs or tenets of any faith by the religious organization operating the school or by the school's faculty, staff, or student body. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1064,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1029,§ 6, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1029,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 1029,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1541, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 31, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 2003, No. 681, § 1; 2005, No. 1437, § 1; 2007, No. 115, § 1; 2011, No. 907, § 1.

(a) The General Assembly finds that every public school student in this state has the right to receive his or her public education in a public school educational environment that is reasonably free from substantial intimidation, harassment, or harm or threat of harm by another student.

(b) As used in this section: (1) "Attribute" means an actual or perceived personal characteristic including without limitation race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, socioeconomic status, academic status, disability, gender, gender identity, physical appearance, health condition, or sexual orientation; (2) (A) "Bullying" means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that may address an attribute of the other student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated and that causes or creates actual or reasonably foreseeable: (i) Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee's or student's property; (ii) Substantial interference with a student's education or with a public school employee's role in education; (iii) A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or (iv) Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the public school or educational environment. (B) "Bullying" includes cyberbullying as defined in this section; (3) "Cyberbullying" means any form of communication by electronic act that is sent with the purpose to: (A) Harass, intimidate, humiliate, ridicule, defame, or threaten a student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated; or (B) Incite violence against a student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated; (4) "Electronic act" means without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic device, including without limitation a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communications device, computer, or pager; (5) "Harassment" means a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person's constitutionally or statutorily protected status that causes, or reasonably should be expected to cause, substantial interference with the other's performance in the school environment; and (6) "Substantial disruption" means without limitation that any one (1) or more of the following occur as a result of the bullying: (A) Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities; (B) Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because of a hostile environment; (C) Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities; or (D) Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the learning environment.

(1) "Attribute" means an actual or perceived personal characteristic including without limitation race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, socioeconomic status, academic status, disability, gender, gender identity, physical appearance, health condition, or sexual orientation;

(2) (A) "Bullying" means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that may address an attribute of the other student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated and that causes or creates actual or reasonably foreseeable: (i) Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee's or student's property; (ii) Substantial interference with a student's education or with a public school employee's role in education; (iii) A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or (iv) Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the public school or educational environment. (B) "Bullying" includes cyberbullying as defined in this section;

(A) "Bullying" means the intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement of violence by a student against another student or public school employee by a written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that may address an attribute of the other student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated and that causes or creates actual or reasonably foreseeable: (i) Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee's or student's property; (ii) Substantial interference with a student's education or with a public school employee's role in education; (iii) A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or (iv) Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the public school or educational environment.

(i) Physical harm to a public school employee or student or damage to the public school employee's or student's property;

(ii) Substantial interference with a student's education or with a public school employee's role in education;

(iii) A hostile educational environment for one (1) or more students or public school employees due to the severity, persistence, or pervasiveness of the act; or

(iv) Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the public school or educational environment.

(B) "Bullying" includes cyberbullying as defined in this section;

(3) "Cyberbullying" means any form of communication by electronic act that is sent with the purpose to: (A) Harass, intimidate, humiliate, ridicule, defame, or threaten a student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated; or (B) Incite violence against a student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated;

(A) Harass, intimidate, humiliate, ridicule, defame, or threaten a student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated; or

(B) Incite violence against a student, public school employee, or person with whom the other student or public school employee is associated;

(4) "Electronic act" means without limitation a communication or image transmitted by means of an electronic device, including without limitation a telephone, wireless phone or other wireless communications device, computer, or pager;

(5) "Harassment" means a pattern of unwelcome verbal or physical conduct relating to another person's constitutionally or statutorily protected status that causes, or reasonably should be expected to cause, substantial interference with the other's performance in the school environment; and

(6) "Substantial disruption" means without limitation that any one (1) or more of the following occur as a result of the bullying: (A) Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities; (B) Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because of a hostile environment; (C) Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities; or (D) Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the learning environment.

(A) Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities;

(B) Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because of a hostile environment;

(C) Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities; or

(D) Exhibition of other behaviors by students or educational staff that substantially interfere with the learning environment.

(c) Bullying of a public school student or a public school employee is prohibited.

(d) If an alleged incident of bullying occurs during school hours, a public school principal or his or her designee who receives a credible report or complaint of bullying shall: (1) As soon as reasonably practicable: (A) Report to a parent or legal guardian of a student believed to be the victim of an incident of bullying that his or her child is the victim in a credible report or complaint of bullying; and (B) Prepare a written report of the alleged incident of bullying; (2) (A) Promptly investigate the credible report or complaint. (B) (i) The investigation conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section shall be completed as soon as possible but not later than five (5) school days from the date of the written report of the alleged incident of bullying as required under subdivision (d)(1)(B) of this section. (ii) Following the completion of the investigation into the alleged incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section, an individual licensed as a public school district building-level administrator or his or her designee may without limitation: (a) Provide intervention services; (b) Establish training programs to reduce bullying; (c) Impose discipline on any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; (d) Recommend counseling for any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; or (e) Take or recommend other appropriate action; (3) (A) Notify the parent or legal guardian of the student who is determined to have been the perpetrator of the incident of bullying: (i) Upon completion of the investigation under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section; and (ii) Regarding the consequences of continued incidents of bullying. (B) A parent or legal guardian of a student who is a party to an investigation of an incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section is entitled within five (5) school days after the completion of the investigation, and in accordance with federal and state law, to receive information about the investigation, including without limitation: (i) That a credible report or complaint of bullying exists; (ii) Whether the credible report or complaint of bullying was found to be true based on the investigation; (iii) Whether action was taken upon the conclusion of the investigation of the alleged incident of bullying; and (iv) Information regarding the reporting of another incident of bullying; (4) (A) Make a written record of the investigation and any action taken as a result of the investigation. (B) The written record of the investigation shall include a detailed description of the alleged incident of bullying, including without limitation a detailed summary of the statements from all material witnesses to the alleged incident of bullying; and (5) Discuss, as appropriate, the availability of counseling and other intervention services with students involved in the incident of bullying.

(1) As soon as reasonably practicable: (A) Report to a parent or legal guardian of a student believed to be the victim of an incident of bullying that his or her child is the victim in a credible report or complaint of bullying; and (B) Prepare a written report of the alleged incident of bullying;

(A) Report to a parent or legal guardian of a student believed to be the victim of an incident of bullying that his or her child is the victim in a credible report or complaint of bullying; and

(B) Prepare a written report of the alleged incident of bullying;

(2) (A) Promptly investigate the credible report or complaint. (B) (i) The investigation conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section shall be completed as soon as possible but not later than five (5) school days from the date of the written report of the alleged incident of bullying as required under subdivision (d)(1)(B) of this section. (ii) Following the completion of the investigation into the alleged incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section, an individual licensed as a public school district building-level administrator or his or her designee may without limitation: (a) Provide intervention services; (b) Establish training programs to reduce bullying; (c) Impose discipline on any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; (d) Recommend counseling for any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; or (e) Take or recommend other appropriate action;

(A) Promptly investigate the credible report or complaint.

(B) (i) The investigation conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section shall be completed as soon as possible but not later than five (5) school days from the date of the written report of the alleged incident of bullying as required under subdivision (d)(1)(B) of this section. (ii) Following the completion of the investigation into the alleged incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section, an individual licensed as a public school district building-level administrator or his or her designee may without limitation: (a) Provide intervention services; (b) Establish training programs to reduce bullying; (c) Impose discipline on any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; (d) Recommend counseling for any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; or (e) Take or recommend other appropriate action;

(i) The investigation conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section shall be completed as soon as possible but not later than five (5) school days from the date of the written report of the alleged incident of bullying as required under subdivision (d)(1)(B) of this section.

(ii) Following the completion of the investigation into the alleged incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section, an individual licensed as a public school district building-level administrator or his or her designee may without limitation: (a) Provide intervention services; (b) Establish training programs to reduce bullying; (c) Impose discipline on any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; (d) Recommend counseling for any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; or (e) Take or recommend other appropriate action;

(a) Provide intervention services;

(b) Establish training programs to reduce bullying;

(c) Impose discipline on any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying;

(d) Recommend counseling for any of the parties involved in the incident of bullying; or

(e) Take or recommend other appropriate action;

(3) (A) Notify the parent or legal guardian of the student who is determined to have been the perpetrator of the incident of bullying: (i) Upon completion of the investigation under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section; and (ii) Regarding the consequences of continued incidents of bullying. (B) A parent or legal guardian of a student who is a party to an investigation of an incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section is entitled within five (5) school days after the completion of the investigation, and in accordance with federal and state law, to receive information about the investigation, including without limitation: (i) That a credible report or complaint of bullying exists; (ii) Whether the credible report or complaint of bullying was found to be true based on the investigation; (iii) Whether action was taken upon the conclusion of the investigation of the alleged incident of bullying; and (iv) Information regarding the reporting of another incident of bullying;

(A) Notify the parent or legal guardian of the student who is determined to have been the perpetrator of the incident of bullying: (i) Upon completion of the investigation under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section; and (ii) Regarding the consequences of continued incidents of bullying.

(i) Upon completion of the investigation under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section; and

(ii) Regarding the consequences of continued incidents of bullying.

(B) A parent or legal guardian of a student who is a party to an investigation of an incident of bullying conducted under subdivision (d)(2)(A) of this section is entitled within five (5) school days after the completion of the investigation, and in accordance with federal and state law, to receive information about the investigation, including without limitation: (i) That a credible report or complaint of bullying exists; (ii) Whether the credible report or complaint of bullying was found to be true based on the investigation; (iii) Whether action was taken upon the conclusion of the investigation of the alleged incident of bullying; and (iv) Information regarding the reporting of another incident of bullying;

(i) That a credible report or complaint of bullying exists;

(ii) Whether the credible report or complaint of bullying was found to be true based on the investigation;

(iii) Whether action was taken upon the conclusion of the investigation of the alleged incident of bullying; and

(iv) Information regarding the reporting of another incident of bullying;

(4) (A) Make a written record of the investigation and any action taken as a result of the investigation. (B) The written record of the investigation shall include a detailed description of the alleged incident of bullying, including without limitation a detailed summary of the statements from all material witnesses to the alleged incident of bullying; and

(A) Make a written record of the investigation and any action taken as a result of the investigation.

(B) The written record of the investigation shall include a detailed description of the alleged incident of bullying, including without limitation a detailed summary of the statements from all material witnesses to the alleged incident of bullying; and

(5) Discuss, as appropriate, the availability of counseling and other intervention services with students involved in the incident of bullying.

(e) One (1) time each school year, the superintendent of a public school district shall report to the public school district board of directors at a public hearing data regarding discipline in the public school district, including without limitation the number of incidents of bullying reported and the actions taken regarding the reported incidents of bullying.

(f) (1) Each public school district board of directors shall adopt policies to prevent bullying. (2) The policies shall: (A) (i) Clearly define conduct that constitutes bullying. (ii) The definition under subdivision (f)(2)(A)(i) of this section shall include without limitation the definition contained in subsection (b) of this section; (B) Prohibit: (i) Bullying while in school, on school equipment or property, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated school bus stops, at school-sponsored activities, or at school-sanctioned events; or (ii) (a) Cyberbullying that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment. (b) This section applies to cyberbullying whether or not the cyberbullying originated on school property or with school equipment if the cyberbullying is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose; (C) State the consequences for engaging in the prohibited conduct, which may vary depending on the age or grade of the student involved; (D) Require that a school employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been a victim of an incident of bullying as defined by the public school district report the incident to the principal as soon as possible; (E) Require that any person who files a credible report or makes a complaint of bullying not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form; (F) Require that notice of what constitutes bullying, that bullying is prohibited, and that the consequences of engaging in bullying be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus in the district; (G) (i) Require that copies of the notice of what constitutes bullying, the prohibition of bullying, and the consequences of engaging in bullying be provided to parents and legal guardians, students, school volunteers, and employees of the public school annually. (ii) Each policy shall require that a full copy of the policy be made available upon request; (H) Describe the procedures for reporting an incident of bullying and the steps school employees may take in order to address a report of an alleged incident of bullying as described in this section; and (I) Include information on how to make an anonymous report to the school safety and crisis line under § 6-18-111 . (3) A notice of the public school district's policies shall appear in any: (A) Publication of the public school district that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for public schools within the public school district; and (B) Student handbook. (4) The public school district shall, to the extent required, annually conduct a reevaluation, reassessment, and review of its policies regarding the prohibition of bullying and make any necessary revisions and additions.

(1) Each public school district board of directors shall adopt policies to prevent bullying.

(2) The policies shall: (A) (i) Clearly define conduct that constitutes bullying. (ii) The definition under subdivision (f)(2)(A)(i) of this section shall include without limitation the definition contained in subsection (b) of this section; (B) Prohibit: (i) Bullying while in school, on school equipment or property, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated school bus stops, at school-sponsored activities, or at school-sanctioned events; or (ii) (a) Cyberbullying that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment. (b) This section applies to cyberbullying whether or not the cyberbullying originated on school property or with school equipment if the cyberbullying is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose; (C) State the consequences for engaging in the prohibited conduct, which may vary depending on the age or grade of the student involved; (D) Require that a school employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been a victim of an incident of bullying as defined by the public school district report the incident to the principal as soon as possible; (E) Require that any person who files a credible report or makes a complaint of bullying not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form; (F) Require that notice of what constitutes bullying, that bullying is prohibited, and that the consequences of engaging in bullying be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus in the district; (G) (i) Require that copies of the notice of what constitutes bullying, the prohibition of bullying, and the consequences of engaging in bullying be provided to parents and legal guardians, students, school volunteers, and employees of the public school annually. (ii) Each policy shall require that a full copy of the policy be made available upon request; (H) Describe the procedures for reporting an incident of bullying and the steps school employees may take in order to address a report of an alleged incident of bullying as described in this section; and (I) Include information on how to make an anonymous report to the school safety and crisis line under § 6-18-111 .

(A) (i) Clearly define conduct that constitutes bullying. (ii) The definition under subdivision (f)(2)(A)(i) of this section shall include without limitation the definition contained in subsection (b) of this section;

(i) Clearly define conduct that constitutes bullying.

(ii) The definition under subdivision (f)(2)(A)(i) of this section shall include without limitation the definition contained in subsection (b) of this section;

(B) Prohibit: (i) Bullying while in school, on school equipment or property, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated school bus stops, at school-sponsored activities, or at school-sanctioned events; or (ii) (a) Cyberbullying that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment. (b) This section applies to cyberbullying whether or not the cyberbullying originated on school property or with school equipment if the cyberbullying is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose;

(i) Bullying while in school, on school equipment or property, in school vehicles, on school buses, at designated school bus stops, at school-sponsored activities, or at school-sanctioned events; or

(ii) (a) Cyberbullying that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment. (b) This section applies to cyberbullying whether or not the cyberbullying originated on school property or with school equipment if the cyberbullying is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose;

(a) Cyberbullying that results in the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school or educational environment.

(b) This section applies to cyberbullying whether or not the cyberbullying originated on school property or with school equipment if the cyberbullying is directed specifically at students or school personnel and maliciously intended for the purpose of disrupting school and has a high likelihood of succeeding in that purpose;

(C) State the consequences for engaging in the prohibited conduct, which may vary depending on the age or grade of the student involved;

(D) Require that a school employee who has witnessed or has reliable information that a pupil has been a victim of an incident of bullying as defined by the public school district report the incident to the principal as soon as possible;

(E) Require that any person who files a credible report or makes a complaint of bullying not be subject to retaliation or reprisal in any form;

(F) Require that notice of what constitutes bullying, that bullying is prohibited, and that the consequences of engaging in bullying be conspicuously posted in every classroom, cafeteria, restroom, gymnasium, auditorium, and school bus in the district;

(G) (i) Require that copies of the notice of what constitutes bullying, the prohibition of bullying, and the consequences of engaging in bullying be provided to parents and legal guardians, students, school volunteers, and employees of the public school annually. (ii) Each policy shall require that a full copy of the policy be made available upon request;

(i) Require that copies of the notice of what constitutes bullying, the prohibition of bullying, and the consequences of engaging in bullying be provided to parents and legal guardians, students, school volunteers, and employees of the public school annually.

(ii) Each policy shall require that a full copy of the policy be made available upon request;

(H) Describe the procedures for reporting an incident of bullying and the steps school employees may take in order to address a report of an alleged incident of bullying as described in this section; and

(I) Include information on how to make an anonymous report to the school safety and crisis line under § 6-18-111 .

(3) A notice of the public school district's policies shall appear in any: (A) Publication of the public school district that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for public schools within the public school district; and (B) Student handbook.

(A) Publication of the public school district that sets forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for public schools within the public school district; and

(B) Student handbook.

(4) The public school district shall, to the extent required, annually conduct a reevaluation, reassessment, and review of its policies regarding the prohibition of bullying and make any necessary revisions and additions.

(g) A public school district shall provide training on compliance with the anti-bullying policies to all public school district employees responsible for reporting or investigating bullying under this section.

(h) A public school employee who has reported violations under the public school district's policy shall be immune from any tort liability that may arise from the failure to remedy the reported incident of bullying.

(i) The public school district board of directors may provide opportunities for school employees to participate in programs or other activities designed to develop the knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to acts covered by the public school district's policies.

(j) The public school district shall provide the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education with the website address at which a copy of the policies adopted in compliance with this section may be found.

(k) This section is not intended to: (1) Restrict a public school district from adopting and implementing policies against bullying and school violence or policies to promote civility and student dignity that are more inclusive than the policies prohibiting bullying required under this section; (2) Unconstitutionally restrict protected rights of freedom of speech, freedom of religious exercise, or freedom of assembly; (3) Affect the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement or individual contract of employment in effect on July 24, 2019; or (4) Alter or reduce the rights of a student with a disability with regard to disciplinary action or to general or special educational services and support.

(1) Restrict a public school district from adopting and implementing policies against bullying and school violence or policies to promote civility and student dignity that are more inclusive than the policies prohibiting bullying required under this section;

(2) Unconstitutionally restrict protected rights of freedom of speech, freedom of religious exercise, or freedom of assembly;

(3) Affect the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement or individual contract of employment in effect on July 24, 2019; or

(4) Alter or reduce the rights of a student with a disability with regard to disciplinary action or to general or special educational services and support.

(l) (1) Nonpublic schools are encouraged to comply with the provisions of this section. (2) In the case of a faith-based nonpublic school, this section shall not be interpreted to prohibit or abridge the legitimate statement, expression, or free exercise of the beliefs or tenets of any faith by the religious organization operating the school or by the school's faculty, staff, or student body.

(1) Nonpublic schools are encouraged to comply with the provisions of this section.

(2) In the case of a faith-based nonpublic school, this section shall not be interpreted to prohibit or abridge the legitimate statement, expression, or free exercise of the beliefs or tenets of any faith by the religious organization operating the school or by the school's faculty, staff, or student body.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1064,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1029,§ 6, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1029,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 1029,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1541, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 31, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 2003, No. 681, § 1; 2005, No. 1437, § 1; 2007, No. 115, § 1; 2011, No. 907, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2901 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 29 / Section 6-15-2901
Title
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act". Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability Act".

Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-82-102
Annual review of minority scholarship or grant programs
Status: in_force

(a) The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall review annually all minority scholarship or grant programs administered by the Division of Higher Education in order to ensure that the programs are in compliance with federal regulations. (b) The board of trustees of each publicly supported institution of higher education shall review annually all minority scholarship or grant programs administered by the institution in order to ensure that the programs are in compliance with federal regulations. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2067, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1993, No. 301, §§ 1, 2; No. 330, §§ 1, 2; 1995, No. 1296, § 36; 1997, No. 112, § 24; 1999, No. 478, § 9.

(a) The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall review annually all minority scholarship or grant programs administered by the Division of Higher Education in order to ensure that the programs are in compliance with federal regulations.

(b) The board of trustees of each publicly supported institution of higher education shall review annually all minority scholarship or grant programs administered by the institution in order to ensure that the programs are in compliance with federal regulations.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2067, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1993, No. 301, §§ 1, 2; No. 330, §§ 1, 2; 1995, No. 1296, § 36; 1997, No. 112, § 24; 1999, No. 478, § 9.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-2103 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 21 / Section 6-82-2103
Eligibility
Status: in_force

(a) An individual is eligible for an Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter if the individual has enrolled: (1) As a full-time first-time freshman in a state-supported institution of higher education; and (2) In a forestry program of study that is accredited by the Society of American Foresters and is within the state-supported institution of higher education in which the individual is enrolled. (b) (1) To be considered as a recipient of the Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter, an individual shall submit: (A) An approved application; and (B) A high school transcript. (2) The application to be submitted by individuals under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section shall be created and approved by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division. (3) The division may select individuals who have submitted the required application materials under subdivision (b)(1) of this section for interviews before choosing the recipient of the Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter. (c) To maintain eligibility for an Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter, a recipient shall maintain a full-time status as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in the forestry program of study within the state-supported institution of higher education in which the individual is enrolled. Added by Act 2021, No. 399,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

(a) An individual is eligible for an Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter if the individual has enrolled: (1) As a full-time first-time freshman in a state-supported institution of higher education; and (2) In a forestry program of study that is accredited by the Society of American Foresters and is within the state-supported institution of higher education in which the individual is enrolled.

(1) As a full-time first-time freshman in a state-supported institution of higher education; and

(2) In a forestry program of study that is accredited by the Society of American Foresters and is within the state-supported institution of higher education in which the individual is enrolled.

(b) (1) To be considered as a recipient of the Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter, an individual shall submit: (A) An approved application; and (B) A high school transcript. (2) The application to be submitted by individuals under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section shall be created and approved by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division. (3) The division may select individuals who have submitted the required application materials under subdivision (b)(1) of this section for interviews before choosing the recipient of the Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter.

(1) To be considered as a recipient of the Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter, an individual shall submit: (A) An approved application; and (B) A high school transcript.

(A) An approved application; and

(B) A high school transcript.

(2) The application to be submitted by individuals under subdivision (b)(1)(A) of this section shall be created and approved by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division.

(3) The division may select individuals who have submitted the required application materials under subdivision (b)(1) of this section for interviews before choosing the recipient of the Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter.

(c) To maintain eligibility for an Arkansas Foresters for the Future Scholarship under this subchapter, a recipient shall maintain a full-time status as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior in the forestry program of study within the state-supported institution of higher education in which the individual is enrolled.

Added by Act 2021, No. 399,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-64-507 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 64 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-64-507
Medical indigents - Charges for costs in excess of quota - Payment or collection
Status: in_force

(a) The actual cost of hospitalization utilized in any calendar month at the State Medical Center by medical indigents as determined as provided in § 6-64-503 which is in excess of the dollar value at prevailing average per diem cost of one-twelfth (1/12) of the quotas set out in § 6-64-505 shall be charged to the county in which the recipient of the medical service resides or, in case a quota is assigned to the municipality in which the recipient resides, to the municipality. (b) (1) No unused quota amounts remaining in any month may thereafter be used as a credit against charges in any other month. (2) Furthermore, no unused portion of a quota during any month by any county shall be allowed as a credit against any other county that may have exceeded its quota during such month. (c) (1) Each thirty (30) days a statement of charges due to the State Medical Center shall be mailed to the county judge or chief administrative officer of the municipality for the net cost of excess services, as defined in subsection (a) of this section, rendered during the calendar month preceding. (2) Whenever the county or municipality fails to pay to the State Medical Center, within thirty (30) days, the net charges billed to the county or municipality for services in excess of the quotas established in § 6-64-505 , the medical center shall make a certification to the Treasurer of State setting forth the names of the county or municipality as the case may be, the amount owed by the county or municipal corporation, and the period during which the unpaid debt shall have accrued. (3) Upon receipt of the certification, the Treasurer of State shall withhold from such moneys as would otherwise be due such county or municipality from the general revenues of this state the amount needed to liquidate the debt and transfer the amount thereof to the University of Arkansas Medical Center Fund. Any remaining balance of such general revenues which would otherwise have been payable to the county or municipality shall be paid to such county or municipality as in the instance in which no withholding was made. Acts 1959, No. 259, §§ 2, 3; 1963, No. 183, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2923, 80-2924.

(a) The actual cost of hospitalization utilized in any calendar month at the State Medical Center by medical indigents as determined as provided in § 6-64-503 which is in excess of the dollar value at prevailing average per diem cost of one-twelfth (1/12) of the quotas set out in § 6-64-505 shall be charged to the county in which the recipient of the medical service resides or, in case a quota is assigned to the municipality in which the recipient resides, to the municipality.

(b) (1) No unused quota amounts remaining in any month may thereafter be used as a credit against charges in any other month. (2) Furthermore, no unused portion of a quota during any month by any county shall be allowed as a credit against any other county that may have exceeded its quota during such month.

(1) No unused quota amounts remaining in any month may thereafter be used as a credit against charges in any other month.

(2) Furthermore, no unused portion of a quota during any month by any county shall be allowed as a credit against any other county that may have exceeded its quota during such month.

(c) (1) Each thirty (30) days a statement of charges due to the State Medical Center shall be mailed to the county judge or chief administrative officer of the municipality for the net cost of excess services, as defined in subsection (a) of this section, rendered during the calendar month preceding. (2) Whenever the county or municipality fails to pay to the State Medical Center, within thirty (30) days, the net charges billed to the county or municipality for services in excess of the quotas established in § 6-64-505 , the medical center shall make a certification to the Treasurer of State setting forth the names of the county or municipality as the case may be, the amount owed by the county or municipal corporation, and the period during which the unpaid debt shall have accrued. (3) Upon receipt of the certification, the Treasurer of State shall withhold from such moneys as would otherwise be due such county or municipality from the general revenues of this state the amount needed to liquidate the debt and transfer the amount thereof to the University of Arkansas Medical Center Fund. Any remaining balance of such general revenues which would otherwise have been payable to the county or municipality shall be paid to such county or municipality as in the instance in which no withholding was made.

(1) Each thirty (30) days a statement of charges due to the State Medical Center shall be mailed to the county judge or chief administrative officer of the municipality for the net cost of excess services, as defined in subsection (a) of this section, rendered during the calendar month preceding.

(2) Whenever the county or municipality fails to pay to the State Medical Center, within thirty (30) days, the net charges billed to the county or municipality for services in excess of the quotas established in § 6-64-505 , the medical center shall make a certification to the Treasurer of State setting forth the names of the county or municipality as the case may be, the amount owed by the county or municipal corporation, and the period during which the unpaid debt shall have accrued.

(3) Upon receipt of the certification, the Treasurer of State shall withhold from such moneys as would otherwise be due such county or municipality from the general revenues of this state the amount needed to liquidate the debt and transfer the amount thereof to the University of Arkansas Medical Center Fund. Any remaining balance of such general revenues which would otherwise have been payable to the county or municipality shall be paid to such county or municipality as in the instance in which no withholding was made.

Acts 1959, No. 259, §§ 2, 3; 1963, No. 183, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2923, 80-2924.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-1023 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 13 / Subchapter 10 / Section 6-13-1023
Technology training center - Technology coordinator
Status: in_force

(a) Consistent with funds available and upon a majority vote of the members present and voting, the board of directors of each education service cooperative established under this subchapter is authorized to establish a technology training center and employ a technology coordinator who has demonstrated expertise in computer technology and staff development. (b) The duties of the technology coordinator at such technology training center shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) To provide staff development for personnel of member schools; (2) To assist member schools with determining technology needs and types of computer hardware and software necessary to meet those needs; (3) To assist with technology system analysis and local network design; (4) To provide member schools with information on technology standards and specifications; (5) To develop and coordinate a technology training center located at the education service cooperative; (6) To coordinate information with the Arkansas Public School Computer Network, the Instructional Microcomputer Project for Arkansas Classrooms, and the Governor's Technology Task Force so that member schools will be informed on technological activity in the state; and (7) To assist with requests for proposal development and bid analysis so that member schools will be better able to spend funds for technology. Acts 1995, No. 842, § 1.

(a) Consistent with funds available and upon a majority vote of the members present and voting, the board of directors of each education service cooperative established under this subchapter is authorized to establish a technology training center and employ a technology coordinator who has demonstrated expertise in computer technology and staff development.

(b) The duties of the technology coordinator at such technology training center shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) To provide staff development for personnel of member schools; (2) To assist member schools with determining technology needs and types of computer hardware and software necessary to meet those needs; (3) To assist with technology system analysis and local network design; (4) To provide member schools with information on technology standards and specifications; (5) To develop and coordinate a technology training center located at the education service cooperative; (6) To coordinate information with the Arkansas Public School Computer Network, the Instructional Microcomputer Project for Arkansas Classrooms, and the Governor's Technology Task Force so that member schools will be informed on technological activity in the state; and (7) To assist with requests for proposal development and bid analysis so that member schools will be better able to spend funds for technology.

(1) To provide staff development for personnel of member schools;

(2) To assist member schools with determining technology needs and types of computer hardware and software necessary to meet those needs;

(3) To assist with technology system analysis and local network design;

(4) To provide member schools with information on technology standards and specifications;

(5) To develop and coordinate a technology training center located at the education service cooperative;

(6) To coordinate information with the Arkansas Public School Computer Network, the Instructional Microcomputer Project for Arkansas Classrooms, and the Governor's Technology Task Force so that member schools will be informed on technological activity in the state; and

(7) To assist with requests for proposal development and bid analysis so that member schools will be better able to spend funds for technology.

Acts 1995, No. 842, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-605 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-81-605
Grants - Priority
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The first priority for the award of funds under the Teacher Opportunity Program is the award of reimbursements for additional education in: (A) Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields; (B) Computer science; (C) Literacy or reading; (D) Prekindergarten education; or (E) Special education. (2) If funds are available after all awards are made under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, then additional reimbursements may be made in accordance with the following: (A) A student may receive reimbursements up to but not in excess of the cost of his or her student fees, books, and instructional supplies at the public institution of higher education in this state assessing the highest rate of student fees; (B) The reimbursements made to one (1) student within one (1) fiscal year may not exceed the costs associated with six (6) semester credit hours or the equivalent of six (6) semester credit hours; and (C) All other requirements established by the Division of Higher Education are met. (b) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall determine priorities for awarding reimbursements if there are more applicants than funds available. (2) Priorities shall be determined in coordination with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and shall be based on the needs of the state. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2026, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2025, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 160,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1987, No. 331, § 3; 2005, No. 2196, § 5; 2009, No. 1214, § 1.

(a) (1) The first priority for the award of funds under the Teacher Opportunity Program is the award of reimbursements for additional education in: (A) Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields; (B) Computer science; (C) Literacy or reading; (D) Prekindergarten education; or (E) Special education. (2) If funds are available after all awards are made under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, then additional reimbursements may be made in accordance with the following: (A) A student may receive reimbursements up to but not in excess of the cost of his or her student fees, books, and instructional supplies at the public institution of higher education in this state assessing the highest rate of student fees; (B) The reimbursements made to one (1) student within one (1) fiscal year may not exceed the costs associated with six (6) semester credit hours or the equivalent of six (6) semester credit hours; and (C) All other requirements established by the Division of Higher Education are met.

(1) The first priority for the award of funds under the Teacher Opportunity Program is the award of reimbursements for additional education in: (A) Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields; (B) Computer science; (C) Literacy or reading; (D) Prekindergarten education; or (E) Special education.

(A) Science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields;

(B) Computer science;

(C) Literacy or reading;

(D) Prekindergarten education; or

(E) Special education.

(2) If funds are available after all awards are made under subdivision (a)(1) of this section, then additional reimbursements may be made in accordance with the following: (A) A student may receive reimbursements up to but not in excess of the cost of his or her student fees, books, and instructional supplies at the public institution of higher education in this state assessing the highest rate of student fees; (B) The reimbursements made to one (1) student within one (1) fiscal year may not exceed the costs associated with six (6) semester credit hours or the equivalent of six (6) semester credit hours; and (C) All other requirements established by the Division of Higher Education are met.

(A) A student may receive reimbursements up to but not in excess of the cost of his or her student fees, books, and instructional supplies at the public institution of higher education in this state assessing the highest rate of student fees;

(B) The reimbursements made to one (1) student within one (1) fiscal year may not exceed the costs associated with six (6) semester credit hours or the equivalent of six (6) semester credit hours; and

(C) All other requirements established by the Division of Higher Education are met.

(b) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall determine priorities for awarding reimbursements if there are more applicants than funds available. (2) Priorities shall be determined in coordination with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and shall be based on the needs of the state.

(1) The Division of Higher Education shall determine priorities for awarding reimbursements if there are more applicants than funds available.

(2) Priorities shall be determined in coordination with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and shall be based on the needs of the state.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2026, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2025, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 160,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

Acts 1987, No. 331, § 3; 2005, No. 2196, § 5; 2009, No. 1214, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-118 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-81-118
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 824,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2017. Acts 1977, No. 873, § 13; 1983, No. 937, § 3; 1985, No. 429, § 7; 1985, No. 449, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4043; Acts 1987, No. 631, § 4; 1987, No. 705, § 4; 2011, No. 521, § 17.

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 824,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2017.

Acts 1977, No. 873, § 13; 1983, No. 937, § 3; 1985, No. 429, § 7; 1985, No. 449, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4043; Acts 1987, No. 631, § 4; 1987, No. 705, § 4; 2011, No. 521, § 17.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-85-304 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 85 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-85-304
Eligibility
Status: in_force

(a) A student is eligible to receive an Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship for an academic year if the student applies to the Division of Higher Education by a date determined by the Division of Higher Education preceding the academic year and: (1) Is an Arkansas resident or, if the student is less than twenty-one (21) years of age, either the student or one (1) parent of the student is an Arkansas resident; (2) Meets either of the following requirements: (A) Graduated from a: (i) Public high school in Arkansas or another state; (ii) Private high school in Arkansas or another state; or (iii) Home school under § 6-15-501 et seq. or recognized by another state; or (B) Received a high school equivalency diploma approved by the Adult Education Section or another state; (3) Is not receiving a scholarship under the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program, § 6-85-201 et seq.; (4) Is accepted for admission in a program of study at an approved institution of higher education that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program in one (1) of the following high-demand fields: (A) Industry; (B) Health care; and (C) Information technology; and (5) (A) Whose program of study or certificate program will result in the student's being qualified to work in an occupation identified by the Division of Workforce Services under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section. (B) (i) The Division of Workforce Services shall provide annually to the Division of Higher Education by March 1 a list that identifies the five (5) most in-demand occupations in this state in each high-demand field under subdivision (a)(4) of this section that require the completion of a program of study that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program. (ii) The Division of Workforce Services shall publish on its website the list under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section and data supporting the list. (b) (1) A student who received a scholarship under this subchapter and successfully completed a program of study or certificate program that meets the requirements under subdivision (a)(4) of this section is eligible to reapply for a scholarship under this subchapter if the student is accepted for admission in a different program of study or certificate program that meets the requirements under subdivision (a)(4) of this section. (2) A student who received a scholarship under this subchapter and does not successfully complete the program of study or certificate program is eligible to reapply for and receive a scholarship one (1) time only. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 169, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 168, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 167, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2017, No. 613,§ 3, eff. 3/23/2017.

(a) A student is eligible to receive an Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship for an academic year if the student applies to the Division of Higher Education by a date determined by the Division of Higher Education preceding the academic year and: (1) Is an Arkansas resident or, if the student is less than twenty-one (21) years of age, either the student or one (1) parent of the student is an Arkansas resident; (2) Meets either of the following requirements: (A) Graduated from a: (i) Public high school in Arkansas or another state; (ii) Private high school in Arkansas or another state; or (iii) Home school under § 6-15-501 et seq. or recognized by another state; or (B) Received a high school equivalency diploma approved by the Adult Education Section or another state; (3) Is not receiving a scholarship under the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program, § 6-85-201 et seq.; (4) Is accepted for admission in a program of study at an approved institution of higher education that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program in one (1) of the following high-demand fields: (A) Industry; (B) Health care; and (C) Information technology; and (5) (A) Whose program of study or certificate program will result in the student's being qualified to work in an occupation identified by the Division of Workforce Services under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section. (B) (i) The Division of Workforce Services shall provide annually to the Division of Higher Education by March 1 a list that identifies the five (5) most in-demand occupations in this state in each high-demand field under subdivision (a)(4) of this section that require the completion of a program of study that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program. (ii) The Division of Workforce Services shall publish on its website the list under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section and data supporting the list.

(1) Is an Arkansas resident or, if the student is less than twenty-one (21) years of age, either the student or one (1) parent of the student is an Arkansas resident;

(2) Meets either of the following requirements: (A) Graduated from a: (i) Public high school in Arkansas or another state; (ii) Private high school in Arkansas or another state; or (iii) Home school under § 6-15-501 et seq. or recognized by another state; or (B) Received a high school equivalency diploma approved by the Adult Education Section or another state;

(A) Graduated from a: (i) Public high school in Arkansas or another state; (ii) Private high school in Arkansas or another state; or (iii) Home school under § 6-15-501 et seq. or recognized by another state; or

(i) Public high school in Arkansas or another state;

(ii) Private high school in Arkansas or another state; or

(iii) Home school under § 6-15-501 et seq. or recognized by another state; or

(B) Received a high school equivalency diploma approved by the Adult Education Section or another state;

(3) Is not receiving a scholarship under the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program, § 6-85-201 et seq.;

(4) Is accepted for admission in a program of study at an approved institution of higher education that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program in one (1) of the following high-demand fields: (A) Industry; (B) Health care; and (C) Information technology; and

(A) Industry;

(B) Health care; and

(C) Information technology; and

(5) (A) Whose program of study or certificate program will result in the student's being qualified to work in an occupation identified by the Division of Workforce Services under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section. (B) (i) The Division of Workforce Services shall provide annually to the Division of Higher Education by March 1 a list that identifies the five (5) most in-demand occupations in this state in each high-demand field under subdivision (a)(4) of this section that require the completion of a program of study that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program. (ii) The Division of Workforce Services shall publish on its website the list under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section and data supporting the list.

(A) Whose program of study or certificate program will result in the student's being qualified to work in an occupation identified by the Division of Workforce Services under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section.

(B) (i) The Division of Workforce Services shall provide annually to the Division of Higher Education by March 1 a list that identifies the five (5) most in-demand occupations in this state in each high-demand field under subdivision (a)(4) of this section that require the completion of a program of study that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program. (ii) The Division of Workforce Services shall publish on its website the list under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section and data supporting the list.

(i) The Division of Workforce Services shall provide annually to the Division of Higher Education by March 1 a list that identifies the five (5) most in-demand occupations in this state in each high-demand field under subdivision (a)(4) of this section that require the completion of a program of study that leads to an associate degree or a certificate program.

(ii) The Division of Workforce Services shall publish on its website the list under subdivision (a)(5)(B)(i) of this section and data supporting the list.

(b) (1) A student who received a scholarship under this subchapter and successfully completed a program of study or certificate program that meets the requirements under subdivision (a)(4) of this section is eligible to reapply for a scholarship under this subchapter if the student is accepted for admission in a different program of study or certificate program that meets the requirements under subdivision (a)(4) of this section. (2) A student who received a scholarship under this subchapter and does not successfully complete the program of study or certificate program is eligible to reapply for and receive a scholarship one (1) time only.

(1) A student who received a scholarship under this subchapter and successfully completed a program of study or certificate program that meets the requirements under subdivision (a)(4) of this section is eligible to reapply for a scholarship under this subchapter if the student is accepted for admission in a different program of study or certificate program that meets the requirements under subdivision (a)(4) of this section.

(2) A student who received a scholarship under this subchapter and does not successfully complete the program of study or certificate program is eligible to reapply for and receive a scholarship one (1) time only.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 169, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 168, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 167, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2017, No. 613,§ 3, eff. 3/23/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-11-208 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 11 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-11-208
Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth - Multiagency task force - Formation
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A multiagency task force, staffed and supported by the Division of Career and Technical Education, is established and shall consist of five (5) members, including: (A) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee; (B) The Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education or his or her designee; (C) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education or his or her designee; (D) The Secretary of the Department of Human Services or his or her designee; and (E) The Director of the Division of Workforce Services or his or her designee. (2) Funding for the multiagency task force shall be provided by: (A) The Division of Career and Technical Education; or (B) Each agency that serves on the multiagency task force, in an equal amount from available, eligible funding. (3) The multiagency task force shall: (A) Establish criteria and standards for a career-based curriculum to be offered in the Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth; (B) Formulate and recommend how to operate a Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth; and (C) Strive to open at least one (1) Regional Educational Career Alternative School for Adjudicated Youth in the 2013-2014 school year, upon the availability of funding. (4) Beginning on October 1, 2011, the multiagency task force shall provide status reports to the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth one (1) time each quarter. (b) The Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth may consist of at least one (1) but not more than five (5) Regional Educational Career Alternative Schools for Adjudicated Youth. (c) A Regional Educational Career Alternative School for Adjudicated Youth shall offer without limitation: (1) At least the minimum twenty-two-credit curriculum required to obtain a diploma; (2) Vocational education and certificates; (3) Career education services, including a high school equivalency test; (4) Special education services; and (5) Support services. Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 4, eff. 4/12/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1114, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1115,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 2011, No. 1202, § 1.

(a) (1) A multiagency task force, staffed and supported by the Division of Career and Technical Education, is established and shall consist of five (5) members, including: (A) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee; (B) The Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education or his or her designee; (C) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education or his or her designee; (D) The Secretary of the Department of Human Services or his or her designee; and (E) The Director of the Division of Workforce Services or his or her designee. (2) Funding for the multiagency task force shall be provided by: (A) The Division of Career and Technical Education; or (B) Each agency that serves on the multiagency task force, in an equal amount from available, eligible funding. (3) The multiagency task force shall: (A) Establish criteria and standards for a career-based curriculum to be offered in the Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth; (B) Formulate and recommend how to operate a Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth; and (C) Strive to open at least one (1) Regional Educational Career Alternative School for Adjudicated Youth in the 2013-2014 school year, upon the availability of funding. (4) Beginning on October 1, 2011, the multiagency task force shall provide status reports to the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth one (1) time each quarter.

(1) A multiagency task force, staffed and supported by the Division of Career and Technical Education, is established and shall consist of five (5) members, including: (A) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee; (B) The Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education or his or her designee; (C) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education or his or her designee; (D) The Secretary of the Department of Human Services or his or her designee; and (E) The Director of the Division of Workforce Services or his or her designee.

(A) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee;

(B) The Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education or his or her designee;

(C) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education or his or her designee;

(D) The Secretary of the Department of Human Services or his or her designee; and

(E) The Director of the Division of Workforce Services or his or her designee.

(2) Funding for the multiagency task force shall be provided by: (A) The Division of Career and Technical Education; or (B) Each agency that serves on the multiagency task force, in an equal amount from available, eligible funding.

(A) The Division of Career and Technical Education; or

(B) Each agency that serves on the multiagency task force, in an equal amount from available, eligible funding.

(3) The multiagency task force shall: (A) Establish criteria and standards for a career-based curriculum to be offered in the Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth; (B) Formulate and recommend how to operate a Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth; and (C) Strive to open at least one (1) Regional Educational Career Alternative School for Adjudicated Youth in the 2013-2014 school year, upon the availability of funding.

(A) Establish criteria and standards for a career-based curriculum to be offered in the Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth;

(B) Formulate and recommend how to operate a Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth; and

(C) Strive to open at least one (1) Regional Educational Career Alternative School for Adjudicated Youth in the 2013-2014 school year, upon the availability of funding.

(4) Beginning on October 1, 2011, the multiagency task force shall provide status reports to the House Committee on Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs and the Senate Interim Committee on Children and Youth one (1) time each quarter.

(b) The Regional Educational Career Alternative School System for Adjudicated Youth may consist of at least one (1) but not more than five (5) Regional Educational Career Alternative Schools for Adjudicated Youth.

(c) A Regional Educational Career Alternative School for Adjudicated Youth shall offer without limitation: (1) At least the minimum twenty-two-credit curriculum required to obtain a diploma; (2) Vocational education and certificates; (3) Career education services, including a high school equivalency test; (4) Special education services; and (5) Support services.

(1) At least the minimum twenty-two-credit curriculum required to obtain a diploma;

(2) Vocational education and certificates;

(3) Career education services, including a high school equivalency test;

(4) Special education services; and

(5) Support services.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 4, eff. 4/12/2023.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1114, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1115,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 2011, No. 1202, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-1223 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 12 / Section 6-20-1223
Refunding bonds - Issuance without election
Status: in_force

(a) School districts of this state may issue refunding bonds without the necessity of submitting the question of issuing the refunding bonds to a vote of the electors of the school district and without the approval of the State Board of Education provided that: (1) The last maturity date of the refunding bonds is not later than the last maturity date of the bonds being refunded; (2) The total amount required to pay principal and interest of the refunding bonds as they become due and payable, as well as any issuance costs required to be paid by the school district, exclusive of issuance costs paid from the proceeds of the refunding bonds, must be less than the total amount required to pay principal and interest of the bonds being refunded as they become due and payable; and (3) The issue has been approved by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or the commissioner's designee subject to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules. (b) (1) Refunding bonds, authorized by a resolution of the board of directors of the school district issuing them, may enjoy the same security for their payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded thereby, including particularly, and without limitation, any continuing annual debt service fund taxes voted and pledged to the payment of the bonds refunded thereby, except that, in all school districts operating pursuant to federal court desegregation decrees, the refunding bonds may but shall not be required to enjoy the same security for payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded. (2) Except as to the particulars dealt with in this section, refunding bonds shall be governed insofar as their authorization and security are concerned by provisions of existing law. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 288, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1622, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1965, No. 43, § 1; 1975 (Extended Sess., 1976), No. 1233, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1131; reen. Acts 1987, No. 1018, § 1; Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 64, § 1; 1999, No. 1046, § 5; 2011, No. 989, § 70.

(a) School districts of this state may issue refunding bonds without the necessity of submitting the question of issuing the refunding bonds to a vote of the electors of the school district and without the approval of the State Board of Education provided that: (1) The last maturity date of the refunding bonds is not later than the last maturity date of the bonds being refunded; (2) The total amount required to pay principal and interest of the refunding bonds as they become due and payable, as well as any issuance costs required to be paid by the school district, exclusive of issuance costs paid from the proceeds of the refunding bonds, must be less than the total amount required to pay principal and interest of the bonds being refunded as they become due and payable; and (3) The issue has been approved by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or the commissioner's designee subject to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules.

(1) The last maturity date of the refunding bonds is not later than the last maturity date of the bonds being refunded;

(2) The total amount required to pay principal and interest of the refunding bonds as they become due and payable, as well as any issuance costs required to be paid by the school district, exclusive of issuance costs paid from the proceeds of the refunding bonds, must be less than the total amount required to pay principal and interest of the bonds being refunded as they become due and payable; and

(3) The issue has been approved by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or the commissioner's designee subject to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules.

(b) (1) Refunding bonds, authorized by a resolution of the board of directors of the school district issuing them, may enjoy the same security for their payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded thereby, including particularly, and without limitation, any continuing annual debt service fund taxes voted and pledged to the payment of the bonds refunded thereby, except that, in all school districts operating pursuant to federal court desegregation decrees, the refunding bonds may but shall not be required to enjoy the same security for payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded. (2) Except as to the particulars dealt with in this section, refunding bonds shall be governed insofar as their authorization and security are concerned by provisions of existing law.

(1) Refunding bonds, authorized by a resolution of the board of directors of the school district issuing them, may enjoy the same security for their payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded thereby, including particularly, and without limitation, any continuing annual debt service fund taxes voted and pledged to the payment of the bonds refunded thereby, except that, in all school districts operating pursuant to federal court desegregation decrees, the refunding bonds may but shall not be required to enjoy the same security for payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded.

(2) Except as to the particulars dealt with in this section, refunding bonds shall be governed insofar as their authorization and security are concerned by provisions of existing law.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 288, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1622, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1965, No. 43, § 1; 1975 (Extended Sess., 1976), No. 1233, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1131; reen. Acts 1987, No. 1018, § 1; Acts 1989 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 64, § 1; 1999, No. 1046, § 5; 2011, No. 989, § 70.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-125 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 10 / Section 6-10-125
School district floor plan on file with emergency management coordinator - Definition
Status: in_force

(a) (1) As used in this section, "floor plan" means a document containing: (A) A schematic drawing of facilities and property used by each public school in the school district, including the configuration of rooms, spaces, and other physical features of buildings; (B) The location or locations where children enrolled in each public school in the school district spend time regularly; (C) The escape routes approved by the local fire department for each public school in the school district; (D) The average daily attendance of children enrolled in each public school in the school district; and (E) The contact information for at least two (2) emergency contacts for each public school in the school district. (2) An aerial view of each public school in the school district and property used by each public school in the school district shall be included with the floor plan if available. (b) A school district may file a copy of the school district's floor plan with the emergency management coordinator for the local office of emergency management or the interjurisdictional office of emergency management that serves the area where the school district is located. (c) The emergency management coordinator shall ensure that the school district's floor plan submitted under subsection (b) of this section is available at the 911 public safety communications center and the local office of emergency management or the interjurisdictional office of emergency management that serves the area where the school district is located. (d) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may adopt rules to implement this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1083, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2013, No. 1159,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

(a) (1) As used in this section, "floor plan" means a document containing: (A) A schematic drawing of facilities and property used by each public school in the school district, including the configuration of rooms, spaces, and other physical features of buildings; (B) The location or locations where children enrolled in each public school in the school district spend time regularly; (C) The escape routes approved by the local fire department for each public school in the school district; (D) The average daily attendance of children enrolled in each public school in the school district; and (E) The contact information for at least two (2) emergency contacts for each public school in the school district. (2) An aerial view of each public school in the school district and property used by each public school in the school district shall be included with the floor plan if available.

(1) As used in this section, "floor plan" means a document containing: (A) A schematic drawing of facilities and property used by each public school in the school district, including the configuration of rooms, spaces, and other physical features of buildings; (B) The location or locations where children enrolled in each public school in the school district spend time regularly; (C) The escape routes approved by the local fire department for each public school in the school district; (D) The average daily attendance of children enrolled in each public school in the school district; and (E) The contact information for at least two (2) emergency contacts for each public school in the school district.

(A) A schematic drawing of facilities and property used by each public school in the school district, including the configuration of rooms, spaces, and other physical features of buildings;

(B) The location or locations where children enrolled in each public school in the school district spend time regularly;

(C) The escape routes approved by the local fire department for each public school in the school district;

(D) The average daily attendance of children enrolled in each public school in the school district; and

(E) The contact information for at least two (2) emergency contacts for each public school in the school district.

(2) An aerial view of each public school in the school district and property used by each public school in the school district shall be included with the floor plan if available.

(b) A school district may file a copy of the school district's floor plan with the emergency management coordinator for the local office of emergency management or the interjurisdictional office of emergency management that serves the area where the school district is located.

(c) The emergency management coordinator shall ensure that the school district's floor plan submitted under subsection (b) of this section is available at the 911 public safety communications center and the local office of emergency management or the interjurisdictional office of emergency management that serves the area where the school district is located.

(d) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may adopt rules to implement this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1083, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2013, No. 1159,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2508 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 25 / Section 6-18-2508
Students with disabilities
Status: in_force

The Department of Education shall ensure that parents of students with disabilities identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2023, receive: (1) Notice that participation in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program is a parental placement under 20 U.S.C. § 1412 , as it existed on January 1, 2023; and (2) An explanation of the rights that parentally placed students possess under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2023, and any applicable state laws and rules. Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 42, eff. 3/8/2023.

The Department of Education shall ensure that parents of students with disabilities identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2023, receive:

(1) Notice that participation in the Arkansas Children's Educational Freedom Account Program is a parental placement under 20 U.S.C. § 1412 , as it existed on January 1, 2023; and

(2) An explanation of the rights that parentally placed students possess under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., as it existed on January 1, 2023, and any applicable state laws and rules.

Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 42, eff. 3/8/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-55-103 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 6-55-103
Arkansas Construction Industry Craft Training Program - Created
Status: in_force

There is created the Arkansas Construction Industry Craft Training Program, which shall be incorporated into the curricula of existing state vocational schools, technical institutions, and two-year colleges. The program shall not cause the creation of any new schools or facilities solely to accommodate or fulfill the requirements of this chapter. Acts 1999, No. 474, § 3.

There is created the Arkansas Construction Industry Craft Training Program, which shall be incorporated into the curricula of existing state vocational schools, technical institutions, and two-year colleges. The program shall not cause the creation of any new schools or facilities solely to accommodate or fulfill the requirements of this chapter.

Acts 1999, No. 474, § 3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-1303 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 13 / Section 6-60-1303
Information published to public by Division of Higher Education
Status: in_force

(a) The Division of Higher Education shall partner with the Ready for Life initiative to include information required under § 6-60-1302 in the Ready for Life searchable database, which shall include without limitation: (1) Approximate average annual cost; (2) Average graduation rate; (3) Average salary after attending; (4) Highest paying salaries for top five (5) majors; (5) Full-time enrollment head count; (6) Race and ethnicity information of enrollees in each program; (7) Percentage of students in student loan default; (8) Typical total federal student loan debt after graduation; (9) Percentage of students receiving federal student loans; (10) Typical monthly federal student loan payment; (11) The average one-year retention rate of students majoring in the top five (5) majors; and (12) Average success rates, which measure the percentage of students who have graduated, transferred, or are still enrolled in colleges in this state. (b) (1) The database established under subsection (a) of this section shall provide individuals with the ability to select a specific major or program at a specific college. (2) Upon selecting a specific major or program at a specific college while using the database, the following overview shall be provided, to be filled in with information required under subsection (a) of this section as it applies to the specific major or program at the specific college that the individual selected: "For every 100 students starting in {insert major} in this state, {insert number} will graduate in 6 years; of those, {insert number} will get a job with an average starting salary of {insert salary} within 6 months of graduation. The average debt for the graduates will be {insert debt}. The total cost on average for this degree is {insert total amount paid}. Of the {insert number} who don't graduate, they will accumulate an average debt of {insert debt}." Added by Act 2021, No. 1066,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.

(a) The Division of Higher Education shall partner with the Ready for Life initiative to include information required under § 6-60-1302 in the Ready for Life searchable database, which shall include without limitation: (1) Approximate average annual cost; (2) Average graduation rate; (3) Average salary after attending; (4) Highest paying salaries for top five (5) majors; (5) Full-time enrollment head count; (6) Race and ethnicity information of enrollees in each program; (7) Percentage of students in student loan default; (8) Typical total federal student loan debt after graduation; (9) Percentage of students receiving federal student loans; (10) Typical monthly federal student loan payment; (11) The average one-year retention rate of students majoring in the top five (5) majors; and (12) Average success rates, which measure the percentage of students who have graduated, transferred, or are still enrolled in colleges in this state.

(1) Approximate average annual cost;

(2) Average graduation rate;

(3) Average salary after attending;

(4) Highest paying salaries for top five (5) majors;

(5) Full-time enrollment head count;

(6) Race and ethnicity information of enrollees in each program;

(7) Percentage of students in student loan default;

(8) Typical total federal student loan debt after graduation;

(9) Percentage of students receiving federal student loans;

(10) Typical monthly federal student loan payment;

(11) The average one-year retention rate of students majoring in the top five (5) majors; and

(12) Average success rates, which measure the percentage of students who have graduated, transferred, or are still enrolled in colleges in this state.

(b) (1) The database established under subsection (a) of this section shall provide individuals with the ability to select a specific major or program at a specific college. (2) Upon selecting a specific major or program at a specific college while using the database, the following overview shall be provided, to be filled in with information required under subsection (a) of this section as it applies to the specific major or program at the specific college that the individual selected: "For every 100 students starting in {insert major} in this state, {insert number} will graduate in 6 years; of those, {insert number} will get a job with an average starting salary of {insert salary} within 6 months of graduation. The average debt for the graduates will be {insert debt}. The total cost on average for this degree is {insert total amount paid}. Of the {insert number} who don't graduate, they will accumulate an average debt of {insert debt}."

(1) The database established under subsection (a) of this section shall provide individuals with the ability to select a specific major or program at a specific college.

(2) Upon selecting a specific major or program at a specific college while using the database, the following overview shall be provided, to be filled in with information required under subsection (a) of this section as it applies to the specific major or program at the specific college that the individual selected: "For every 100 students starting in {insert major} in this state, {insert number} will graduate in 6 years; of those, {insert number} will get a job with an average starting salary of {insert salary} within 6 months of graduation. The average debt for the graduates will be {insert debt}. The total cost on average for this degree is {insert total amount paid}. Of the {insert number} who don't graduate, they will accumulate an average debt of {insert debt}."

"For every 100 students starting in {insert major} in this state, {insert number} will graduate in 6 years; of those, {insert number} will get a job with an average starting salary of {insert salary} within 6 months of graduation. The average debt for the graduates will be {insert debt}. The total cost on average for this degree is {insert total amount paid}. Of the {insert number} who don't graduate, they will accumulate an average debt of {insert debt}."

Added by Act 2021, No. 1066,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-137 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 10 / Section 6-10-137
Overnight trips
Status: in_force

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school that sponsors or supervises an overnight trip involving a public school student shall ensure that a public school student attending the overnight trip either: (1) Shares sleeping quarters with a member or, if necessary, multiple members, of the same sex; or (2) Is provided single-occupancy sleeping quarters. (b) A public school student attending an overnight trip may share sleeping quarters with a member of the opposite sex if the member of the opposite sex is a member of the public school student's immediate family. Added by Act 2023, No. 317,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school that sponsors or supervises an overnight trip involving a public school student shall ensure that a public school student attending the overnight trip either: (1) Shares sleeping quarters with a member or, if necessary, multiple members, of the same sex; or (2) Is provided single-occupancy sleeping quarters.

(1) Shares sleeping quarters with a member or, if necessary, multiple members, of the same sex; or

(2) Is provided single-occupancy sleeping quarters.

(b) A public school student attending an overnight trip may share sleeping quarters with a member of the opposite sex if the member of the opposite sex is a member of the public school student's immediate family.

Added by Act 2023, No. 317,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-1006 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 10 / Section 6-61-1006
Signature on bonds
Status: in_force

Bonds shall be executed by the manual or facsimile signature of the chair and secretary of the board of trustees of a technical college or a community college. In case an officer whose signature appears on the bonds shall cease to be an officer before the delivery date of the bonds, his or her signature shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes. Acts 1993, No. 374, § 10.

Bonds shall be executed by the manual or facsimile signature of the chair and secretary of the board of trustees of a technical college or a community college. In case an officer whose signature appears on the bonds shall cease to be an officer before the delivery date of the bonds, his or her signature shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes.

Acts 1993, No. 374, § 10.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-301 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-17-301
Employment of licensed personnel
Status: in_force

(a) (1) A school district board of directors may employ superintendents, deputy superintendents, assistant superintendents, and high school principals, as well as department heads, coaches, teachers, and other licensed personnel by written contract for a period of time not more than three (3) years. (2) A contract may be renewed annually. (b) A superintendent's contract of employment with a school district may be terminated for cause and without the school district's having any further financial obligation to the superintendent if: (1) The school district has: (A) Been placed on fiscal distress by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education because of: (i) Commitments made by the superintendent of which the school district board of directors had no notice or knowledge; or (ii) A material misrepresentation made by the superintendent concerning the school district's finances that the school district board of directors relied upon to the detriment of the school district; and (B) Exhausted all appeals of the division's decision regarding the fiscal distress determination; (2) The superintendent was provided: (A) Notice of the reason for termination; (B) A hearing to allow the superintendent to explain or rebut the reasons stated in the notice; and (C) A record of the hearing provided at the expense of the school district; and (3) The superintendent's contract was terminated by a majority vote of the full school district board of directors after the hearing described in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this section. (c) (1) An individual whose license is suspended or revoked by the State Board of Education for a disqualifying offense under § 6-17-410 or an ethical violation under § 6-17-428 is not eligible to be employed at a school district, public school, or public charter school, including as a substitute teacher whether directly employed by the school district or public charter school or providing substitute teaching services under contract with an outside entity. (2) The restriction in this subsection shall expire upon the expiration of the term of a suspension of the license. (3) The employment of a person in violation of this subsection is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1364, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1090,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1969, No. 145, § 1; 1969, No. 215, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1235, 80-1236; Acts 2003, No. 1738, § 2; 2007, No. 617, § 9; 2009, No. 1203, § 1; 2009, No. 1469, § 7; 2011, No. 989, § 32.

(a) (1) A school district board of directors may employ superintendents, deputy superintendents, assistant superintendents, and high school principals, as well as department heads, coaches, teachers, and other licensed personnel by written contract for a period of time not more than three (3) years. (2) A contract may be renewed annually.

(1) A school district board of directors may employ superintendents, deputy superintendents, assistant superintendents, and high school principals, as well as department heads, coaches, teachers, and other licensed personnel by written contract for a period of time not more than three (3) years.

(2) A contract may be renewed annually.

(b) A superintendent's contract of employment with a school district may be terminated for cause and without the school district's having any further financial obligation to the superintendent if: (1) The school district has: (A) Been placed on fiscal distress by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education because of: (i) Commitments made by the superintendent of which the school district board of directors had no notice or knowledge; or (ii) A material misrepresentation made by the superintendent concerning the school district's finances that the school district board of directors relied upon to the detriment of the school district; and (B) Exhausted all appeals of the division's decision regarding the fiscal distress determination; (2) The superintendent was provided: (A) Notice of the reason for termination; (B) A hearing to allow the superintendent to explain or rebut the reasons stated in the notice; and (C) A record of the hearing provided at the expense of the school district; and (3) The superintendent's contract was terminated by a majority vote of the full school district board of directors after the hearing described in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this section.

(1) The school district has: (A) Been placed on fiscal distress by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education because of: (i) Commitments made by the superintendent of which the school district board of directors had no notice or knowledge; or (ii) A material misrepresentation made by the superintendent concerning the school district's finances that the school district board of directors relied upon to the detriment of the school district; and (B) Exhausted all appeals of the division's decision regarding the fiscal distress determination;

(A) Been placed on fiscal distress by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education because of: (i) Commitments made by the superintendent of which the school district board of directors had no notice or knowledge; or (ii) A material misrepresentation made by the superintendent concerning the school district's finances that the school district board of directors relied upon to the detriment of the school district; and

(i) Commitments made by the superintendent of which the school district board of directors had no notice or knowledge; or

(ii) A material misrepresentation made by the superintendent concerning the school district's finances that the school district board of directors relied upon to the detriment of the school district; and

(B) Exhausted all appeals of the division's decision regarding the fiscal distress determination;

(2) The superintendent was provided: (A) Notice of the reason for termination; (B) A hearing to allow the superintendent to explain or rebut the reasons stated in the notice; and (C) A record of the hearing provided at the expense of the school district; and

(A) Notice of the reason for termination;

(B) A hearing to allow the superintendent to explain or rebut the reasons stated in the notice; and

(C) A record of the hearing provided at the expense of the school district; and

(3) The superintendent's contract was terminated by a majority vote of the full school district board of directors after the hearing described in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this section.

(c) (1) An individual whose license is suspended or revoked by the State Board of Education for a disqualifying offense under § 6-17-410 or an ethical violation under § 6-17-428 is not eligible to be employed at a school district, public school, or public charter school, including as a substitute teacher whether directly employed by the school district or public charter school or providing substitute teaching services under contract with an outside entity. (2) The restriction in this subsection shall expire upon the expiration of the term of a suspension of the license. (3) The employment of a person in violation of this subsection is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(1) An individual whose license is suspended or revoked by the State Board of Education for a disqualifying offense under § 6-17-410 or an ethical violation under § 6-17-428 is not eligible to be employed at a school district, public school, or public charter school, including as a substitute teacher whether directly employed by the school district or public charter school or providing substitute teaching services under contract with an outside entity.

(2) The restriction in this subsection shall expire upon the expiration of the term of a suspension of the license.

(3) The employment of a person in violation of this subsection is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1364, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1090,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 1969, No. 145, § 1; 1969, No. 215, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1235, 80-1236; Acts 2003, No. 1738, § 2; 2007, No. 617, § 9; 2009, No. 1203, § 1; 2009, No. 1469, § 7; 2011, No. 989, § 32.