Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-110 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 10 / Section 6-10-110
Fire marshal program
Status: in_force

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is authorized and directed to cooperate with and assist local school districts in this state in the establishment of an Arkansas school fire marshal program. (b) Such program shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: (1) A periodic review and inspection of all school buildings and facilities for fire and other hazards; (2) Cooperation with local fire departments and other organizations and persons in making building inspections, suggesting improvements to reduce fire hazards, and disseminating information designed to make school children and the public more conscious of fire hazards; (3) The establishment in each school of an adequate plan for evacuation in case of fire; (4) (A) The training of school children in the means of recognizing fire hazards and of corrective steps to be taken in case of fire. (B) Such training may include the establishment of school patrols consisting of school children who are to be constantly alert and on duty to detect fires or fire hazards; and (5) Taking such additional action as may be necessary to promote the development of programs for fire prevention education and training. (c) The State Board of Education shall promulgate reasonable and necessary rules for the establishment of minimum requirements to be met by the various school districts of this state for a school fire marshal program. (d) Every school district in this state shall operate a school fire marshal program according to the requirements established by the state board, as authorized by this section. (e) (1) If the state board determines that any school district in this state has not established and maintained an adequate school fire marshal program as required by this section and by the minimum requirements established by the state board, the state board shall notify the school district in writing of the deficiencies in the school's fire marshal program and shall notify the school district that the deficiencies shall be corrected within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the notice. (2) If any school district fails or refuses to correct the deficiencies within the thirty (30) days as required in this subsection, the state board shall thereafter withhold ten percent (10%) of the state equalization aid of the school district until the time that the state board determines that the deficiencies have been corrected. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 179, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1076, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1959, No. 61, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1630, 80-1631; Acts 1999, No. 391, § 2.

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education is authorized and directed to cooperate with and assist local school districts in this state in the establishment of an Arkansas school fire marshal program.

(b) Such program shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: (1) A periodic review and inspection of all school buildings and facilities for fire and other hazards; (2) Cooperation with local fire departments and other organizations and persons in making building inspections, suggesting improvements to reduce fire hazards, and disseminating information designed to make school children and the public more conscious of fire hazards; (3) The establishment in each school of an adequate plan for evacuation in case of fire; (4) (A) The training of school children in the means of recognizing fire hazards and of corrective steps to be taken in case of fire. (B) Such training may include the establishment of school patrols consisting of school children who are to be constantly alert and on duty to detect fires or fire hazards; and (5) Taking such additional action as may be necessary to promote the development of programs for fire prevention education and training.

(1) A periodic review and inspection of all school buildings and facilities for fire and other hazards;

(2) Cooperation with local fire departments and other organizations and persons in making building inspections, suggesting improvements to reduce fire hazards, and disseminating information designed to make school children and the public more conscious of fire hazards;

(3) The establishment in each school of an adequate plan for evacuation in case of fire;

(4) (A) The training of school children in the means of recognizing fire hazards and of corrective steps to be taken in case of fire. (B) Such training may include the establishment of school patrols consisting of school children who are to be constantly alert and on duty to detect fires or fire hazards; and

(A) The training of school children in the means of recognizing fire hazards and of corrective steps to be taken in case of fire.

(B) Such training may include the establishment of school patrols consisting of school children who are to be constantly alert and on duty to detect fires or fire hazards; and

(5) Taking such additional action as may be necessary to promote the development of programs for fire prevention education and training.

(c) The State Board of Education shall promulgate reasonable and necessary rules for the establishment of minimum requirements to be met by the various school districts of this state for a school fire marshal program.

(d) Every school district in this state shall operate a school fire marshal program according to the requirements established by the state board, as authorized by this section.

(e) (1) If the state board determines that any school district in this state has not established and maintained an adequate school fire marshal program as required by this section and by the minimum requirements established by the state board, the state board shall notify the school district in writing of the deficiencies in the school's fire marshal program and shall notify the school district that the deficiencies shall be corrected within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the notice. (2) If any school district fails or refuses to correct the deficiencies within the thirty (30) days as required in this subsection, the state board shall thereafter withhold ten percent (10%) of the state equalization aid of the school district until the time that the state board determines that the deficiencies have been corrected.

(1) If the state board determines that any school district in this state has not established and maintained an adequate school fire marshal program as required by this section and by the minimum requirements established by the state board, the state board shall notify the school district in writing of the deficiencies in the school's fire marshal program and shall notify the school district that the deficiencies shall be corrected within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the notice.

(2) If any school district fails or refuses to correct the deficiencies within the thirty (30) days as required in this subsection, the state board shall thereafter withhold ten percent (10%) of the state equalization aid of the school district until the time that the state board determines that the deficiencies have been corrected.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 179, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1076, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1959, No. 61, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1630, 80-1631; Acts 1999, No. 391, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-214 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-15-214
Advanced placement course counted as core curriculum course taught
Status: in_force

(a) The purpose of this section is to assist small, rural public schools in providing students access to the most rigorous courses available if it is the desire of students to take advanced placement courses in the place of regular courses and, in doing so, to meet the requirements of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts. (b) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education acknowledges that the rigor and level of difficulty of advanced placement courses exceed the requirements of regular courses. (2) Such rigor and level of difficulty are validated through the required advanced placement audit and advanced placement examinations. (c) The State Board of Education shall consider an advanced placement course as being taught for one (1) of the required courses under the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts if: (1) The public school district has a qualified teacher for the required course; (2) No students enrolled in the required course; (3) An advanced placement course in the same subject area as the required course has students enrolled in the advanced placement course; (4) The public school district teaches all other courses required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; and (5) (A) The public school district teaches the required course to any student who enrolls in the public school district after the school year begins. (B) The public school district may teach the required course to a new student: (i) In a traditional classroom setting; (ii) Through distance learning with a qualified teacher; or (iii) By modifying the advanced placement course on an individual level to accommodate the new student. (d) (1) The public school district shall notify the division after registration in the spring before the beginning of the new school year and immediately after the school year begins if no students enrolled in the required course and the public school district will seek to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts using the advanced placement course. (2) Upon receiving the public school district notification and after spring registration, the division shall permit the public school district to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts by teaching the advanced placement course in place of the required course. (e) If a new student enrolls in the required course, the public school district shall immediately notify the division. (f) The division shall establish procedures to ensure that no student is coerced into taking an advanced placement course for the purpose of meeting the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1200, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1199, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1198, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2007, No. 1015, § 1.

(a) The purpose of this section is to assist small, rural public schools in providing students access to the most rigorous courses available if it is the desire of students to take advanced placement courses in the place of regular courses and, in doing so, to meet the requirements of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(b) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education acknowledges that the rigor and level of difficulty of advanced placement courses exceed the requirements of regular courses. (2) Such rigor and level of difficulty are validated through the required advanced placement audit and advanced placement examinations.

(1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education acknowledges that the rigor and level of difficulty of advanced placement courses exceed the requirements of regular courses.

(2) Such rigor and level of difficulty are validated through the required advanced placement audit and advanced placement examinations.

(c) The State Board of Education shall consider an advanced placement course as being taught for one (1) of the required courses under the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts if: (1) The public school district has a qualified teacher for the required course; (2) No students enrolled in the required course; (3) An advanced placement course in the same subject area as the required course has students enrolled in the advanced placement course; (4) The public school district teaches all other courses required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; and (5) (A) The public school district teaches the required course to any student who enrolls in the public school district after the school year begins. (B) The public school district may teach the required course to a new student: (i) In a traditional classroom setting; (ii) Through distance learning with a qualified teacher; or (iii) By modifying the advanced placement course on an individual level to accommodate the new student.

(1) The public school district has a qualified teacher for the required course;

(2) No students enrolled in the required course;

(3) An advanced placement course in the same subject area as the required course has students enrolled in the advanced placement course;

(4) The public school district teaches all other courses required by the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts; and

(5) (A) The public school district teaches the required course to any student who enrolls in the public school district after the school year begins. (B) The public school district may teach the required course to a new student: (i) In a traditional classroom setting; (ii) Through distance learning with a qualified teacher; or (iii) By modifying the advanced placement course on an individual level to accommodate the new student.

(A) The public school district teaches the required course to any student who enrolls in the public school district after the school year begins.

(B) The public school district may teach the required course to a new student: (i) In a traditional classroom setting; (ii) Through distance learning with a qualified teacher; or (iii) By modifying the advanced placement course on an individual level to accommodate the new student.

(i) In a traditional classroom setting;

(ii) Through distance learning with a qualified teacher; or

(iii) By modifying the advanced placement course on an individual level to accommodate the new student.

(d) (1) The public school district shall notify the division after registration in the spring before the beginning of the new school year and immediately after the school year begins if no students enrolled in the required course and the public school district will seek to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts using the advanced placement course. (2) Upon receiving the public school district notification and after spring registration, the division shall permit the public school district to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts by teaching the advanced placement course in place of the required course.

(1) The public school district shall notify the division after registration in the spring before the beginning of the new school year and immediately after the school year begins if no students enrolled in the required course and the public school district will seek to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts using the advanced placement course.

(2) Upon receiving the public school district notification and after spring registration, the division shall permit the public school district to meet the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts by teaching the advanced placement course in place of the required course.

(e) If a new student enrolls in the required course, the public school district shall immediately notify the division.

(f) The division shall establish procedures to ensure that no student is coerced into taking an advanced placement course for the purpose of meeting the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1200, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1199, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1198, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2007, No. 1015, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-64-701 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 64 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-64-701
Acceptance of federal aid
Status: in_force

The assent of the General Assembly is given: (1) For the purpose of the grants made in 7 U.S.C. § 361a et seq., the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas may accept any sums coming to the State of Arkansas under that federal act and apply them for the benefit of the Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas in accordance with the terms and conditions expressed in the Act of Congress referred to above; (2) To the provisions and requirements of an Act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for cooperative agricultural extension work between the agricultural colleges in the several states," known as the Smith-Lever Act, 7 U.S.C. § 341 et seq., the board may receive any sums coming to the State of Arkansas under that federal act, and apply them for the benefit of the division in accordance with the terms and conditions expressed in the Act of Congress referred to above; and (3) To the provisions and requirements of the federal act of October 10, 1962, popularly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program, 16 U.S.C. § 582a et seq., the board may receive any sums coming to the State of Arkansas under that federal act, and apply them for the benefit of the forestry program established by the division in accordance with the terms and conditions expressed in the Act of Congress referred to above. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1065,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1927, No. 290, § 5.

The assent of the General Assembly is given:

(1) For the purpose of the grants made in 7 U.S.C. § 361a et seq., the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas may accept any sums coming to the State of Arkansas under that federal act and apply them for the benefit of the Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas in accordance with the terms and conditions expressed in the Act of Congress referred to above;

(2) To the provisions and requirements of an Act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for cooperative agricultural extension work between the agricultural colleges in the several states," known as the Smith-Lever Act, 7 U.S.C. § 341 et seq., the board may receive any sums coming to the State of Arkansas under that federal act, and apply them for the benefit of the division in accordance with the terms and conditions expressed in the Act of Congress referred to above; and

(3) To the provisions and requirements of the federal act of October 10, 1962, popularly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Research Program, 16 U.S.C. § 582a et seq., the board may receive any sums coming to the State of Arkansas under that federal act, and apply them for the benefit of the forestry program established by the division in accordance with the terms and conditions expressed in the Act of Congress referred to above.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1065,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 1927, No. 290, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-133 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-61-133
Professional development for mandated reporters and licensed elementary and secondary public school personnel - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Child maltreatment" means the abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, or abandonment of a child under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq.; and (2) "Licensed school personnel" means a person who works with students in an elementary or secondary public school, a public charter school, a school district, or an education service cooperative for whom a license issued by the State Board of Education is a condition of employment, including without limitation a: (A) School or school district administrator; (B) Teacher; (C) Coach for a school athletics program; (D) School counselor; (E) School social worker; (F) School psychologist; and (G) School nurse. (b) For each degree program at an institution of higher education in this state that is a prerequisite for licensure or certification in a profession in which the professional is a child maltreatment mandated reporter under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq., the Division of Higher Education shall coordinate with all the institutions of higher education to ensure that before receiving a degree, each graduate receives the professional development identified in subdivision (d)(1) of this section. (c) Licensed school personnel shall obtain the professional development identified in subsection (d) of this section: (1) Not more than one (1) year before the individual's initial licensure; and (2) According to the professional development schedule under § 6-17-709 . (d) (1) The professional development required under this section shall include without limitation: (A) Recognizing the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment; (B) The legal requirements of the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq., and the duties of mandated reporters under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq.; and (C) Methods for managing disclosures regarding child victims. (2) In addition to the professional development required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section, licensed school personnel shall obtain professional development in connecting a victim of child maltreatment to appropriate in-school services and other agencies, programs, and services needed to provide the child with the emotional and educational support the child needs to continue to be successful in school. (e) (1) The professional development obtained by licensed school personnel may be obtained as in-person or online professional development. (2) The Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission shall approve the curriculum for the professional development. (3) Licensed school personnel shall document completed professional development according to the rules of the state board. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1964, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 969,§ 11, eff. 4/8/2013. Acts 2007, No. 703, § 3; 2009, No. 758, § 7; 2011, No. 1236, § 1.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Child maltreatment" means the abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, or abandonment of a child under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq.; and (2) "Licensed school personnel" means a person who works with students in an elementary or secondary public school, a public charter school, a school district, or an education service cooperative for whom a license issued by the State Board of Education is a condition of employment, including without limitation a: (A) School or school district administrator; (B) Teacher; (C) Coach for a school athletics program; (D) School counselor; (E) School social worker; (F) School psychologist; and (G) School nurse.

(1) "Child maltreatment" means the abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, or abandonment of a child under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq.; and

(2) "Licensed school personnel" means a person who works with students in an elementary or secondary public school, a public charter school, a school district, or an education service cooperative for whom a license issued by the State Board of Education is a condition of employment, including without limitation a: (A) School or school district administrator; (B) Teacher; (C) Coach for a school athletics program; (D) School counselor; (E) School social worker; (F) School psychologist; and (G) School nurse.

(A) School or school district administrator;

(B) Teacher;

(C) Coach for a school athletics program;

(D) School counselor;

(E) School social worker;

(F) School psychologist; and

(G) School nurse.

(b) For each degree program at an institution of higher education in this state that is a prerequisite for licensure or certification in a profession in which the professional is a child maltreatment mandated reporter under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq., the Division of Higher Education shall coordinate with all the institutions of higher education to ensure that before receiving a degree, each graduate receives the professional development identified in subdivision (d)(1) of this section.

(c) Licensed school personnel shall obtain the professional development identified in subsection (d) of this section: (1) Not more than one (1) year before the individual's initial licensure; and (2) According to the professional development schedule under § 6-17-709 .

(1) Not more than one (1) year before the individual's initial licensure; and

(2) According to the professional development schedule under § 6-17-709 .

(d) (1) The professional development required under this section shall include without limitation: (A) Recognizing the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment; (B) The legal requirements of the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq., and the duties of mandated reporters under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq.; and (C) Methods for managing disclosures regarding child victims. (2) In addition to the professional development required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section, licensed school personnel shall obtain professional development in connecting a victim of child maltreatment to appropriate in-school services and other agencies, programs, and services needed to provide the child with the emotional and educational support the child needs to continue to be successful in school.

(1) The professional development required under this section shall include without limitation: (A) Recognizing the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment; (B) The legal requirements of the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq., and the duties of mandated reporters under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq.; and (C) Methods for managing disclosures regarding child victims.

(A) Recognizing the signs and symptoms of child maltreatment;

(B) The legal requirements of the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq., and the duties of mandated reporters under the Child Maltreatment Act, § 12-18-101 et seq.; and

(C) Methods for managing disclosures regarding child victims.

(2) In addition to the professional development required under subdivision (d)(1) of this section, licensed school personnel shall obtain professional development in connecting a victim of child maltreatment to appropriate in-school services and other agencies, programs, and services needed to provide the child with the emotional and educational support the child needs to continue to be successful in school.

(e) (1) The professional development obtained by licensed school personnel may be obtained as in-person or online professional development. (2) The Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission shall approve the curriculum for the professional development. (3) Licensed school personnel shall document completed professional development according to the rules of the state board.

(1) The professional development obtained by licensed school personnel may be obtained as in-person or online professional development.

(2) The Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission shall approve the curriculum for the professional development.

(3) Licensed school personnel shall document completed professional development according to the rules of the state board.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1964, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 969,§ 11, eff. 4/8/2013.

Acts 2007, No. 703, § 3; 2009, No. 758, § 7; 2011, No. 1236, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-114 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-60-114
President and chancellor contracts - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Chancellor" means a chief executive officer of a state-supported institution of higher education; and (2) "President" means an individual who is appointed or elected as the president of a state-supported institution of higher education. (b) A contract for employment or an amendment to a contract for employment entered into on or after July 28, 2021, by a president or a chancellor of a state-supported institution of higher education shall: (1) Include without limitation standards for which a president or chancellor may be terminated for cause; and (2) Specify that a contract buyout agreement shall not use more than twelve (12) months' worth of state funds to compensate an outgoing president or chancellor of a state-supported institution of higher education. (c) (1) This section does not prohibit a state-supported institution of higher education from authorizing an outgoing president or chancellor to obtain employment as either a tenured faculty member or other agreed-upon employment position other than the position of president or chancellor within the state-supported institution of higher education. (2) A state-supported institution of higher education is not in violation of this section if it compensates an outgoing president or chancellor with state funds while the outgoing president or chancellor serves in either a tenured faculty position or other agreed-upon employment position within the state-supported institution of higher education. Added by Act 2021, No. 352,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Chancellor" means a chief executive officer of a state-supported institution of higher education; and (2) "President" means an individual who is appointed or elected as the president of a state-supported institution of higher education.

(1) "Chancellor" means a chief executive officer of a state-supported institution of higher education; and

(2) "President" means an individual who is appointed or elected as the president of a state-supported institution of higher education.

(b) A contract for employment or an amendment to a contract for employment entered into on or after July 28, 2021, by a president or a chancellor of a state-supported institution of higher education shall: (1) Include without limitation standards for which a president or chancellor may be terminated for cause; and (2) Specify that a contract buyout agreement shall not use more than twelve (12) months' worth of state funds to compensate an outgoing president or chancellor of a state-supported institution of higher education.

(1) Include without limitation standards for which a president or chancellor may be terminated for cause; and

(2) Specify that a contract buyout agreement shall not use more than twelve (12) months' worth of state funds to compensate an outgoing president or chancellor of a state-supported institution of higher education.

(c) (1) This section does not prohibit a state-supported institution of higher education from authorizing an outgoing president or chancellor to obtain employment as either a tenured faculty member or other agreed-upon employment position other than the position of president or chancellor within the state-supported institution of higher education. (2) A state-supported institution of higher education is not in violation of this section if it compensates an outgoing president or chancellor with state funds while the outgoing president or chancellor serves in either a tenured faculty position or other agreed-upon employment position within the state-supported institution of higher education.

(1) This section does not prohibit a state-supported institution of higher education from authorizing an outgoing president or chancellor to obtain employment as either a tenured faculty member or other agreed-upon employment position other than the position of president or chancellor within the state-supported institution of higher education.

(2) A state-supported institution of higher education is not in violation of this section if it compensates an outgoing president or chancellor with state funds while the outgoing president or chancellor serves in either a tenured faculty position or other agreed-upon employment position within the state-supported institution of higher education.

Added by Act 2021, No. 352,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-43-218 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 43 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-43-218
Financial aid to graduates attending postsecondary educational institutions
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Any graduate of the Arkansas School for the Blind who is a resident of this state and who is a regularly enrolled student in any university, college, conservatory of music, or technical institution may, under the direction of the Superintendent of the Arkansas School for the Blind and subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf, receive aid for the purpose of defraying his or her necessary expenses, including a reader, while in attendance at such university, college, conservatory of music, or technical institution. (2) However, not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) shall be so expended on account of any one (1) such person during any fiscal year. (b) No person shall become a beneficiary under the provisions of this section until it shall appear to the satisfaction of the superintendent, after investigation, that the person has no sufficient separate estate to provide for his or her education and that the parents of the person, if living, are unable to provide for such higher education. (c) No person shall receive the benefits of this section for more than four (4) years. Acts 1923, No. 682, §§ 1, 2; Pope's Dig., §§ 12895, 12896; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2428, 80-2429.

(a) (1) Any graduate of the Arkansas School for the Blind who is a resident of this state and who is a regularly enrolled student in any university, college, conservatory of music, or technical institution may, under the direction of the Superintendent of the Arkansas School for the Blind and subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf, receive aid for the purpose of defraying his or her necessary expenses, including a reader, while in attendance at such university, college, conservatory of music, or technical institution. (2) However, not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) shall be so expended on account of any one (1) such person during any fiscal year.

(1) Any graduate of the Arkansas School for the Blind who is a resident of this state and who is a regularly enrolled student in any university, college, conservatory of music, or technical institution may, under the direction of the Superintendent of the Arkansas School for the Blind and subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas School for the Blind and the Arkansas School for the Deaf, receive aid for the purpose of defraying his or her necessary expenses, including a reader, while in attendance at such university, college, conservatory of music, or technical institution.

(2) However, not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) shall be so expended on account of any one (1) such person during any fiscal year.

(b) No person shall become a beneficiary under the provisions of this section until it shall appear to the satisfaction of the superintendent, after investigation, that the person has no sufficient separate estate to provide for his or her education and that the parents of the person, if living, are unable to provide for such higher education.

(c) No person shall receive the benefits of this section for more than four (4) years.

Acts 1923, No. 682, §§ 1, 2; Pope's Dig., §§ 12895, 12896; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2428, 80-2429.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-28-205 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 28 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-28-205
Military family education liaison
Status: in_force

(a) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall designate a military family education liaison. (b) The military family education liaison shall: (1) Have specialized knowledge related to the: (A) Educational needs of children of military families; and (B) Obstacles that children of military families face in obtaining an education; (2) Serve as a member of the Arkansas Council for Military Children; and (3) Have duties as defined by the Chair of the Arkansas Council for Military Children, which shall include without limitation: (A) Assisting the chair and the council in the administration of this chapter; (B) Facilitating school transitions of children of military families; and (C) Assisting in the orientation and training of public school district military family education coordinators. Added by Act 2021, No. 1031,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.

(a) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall designate a military family education liaison.

(b) The military family education liaison shall: (1) Have specialized knowledge related to the: (A) Educational needs of children of military families; and (B) Obstacles that children of military families face in obtaining an education; (2) Serve as a member of the Arkansas Council for Military Children; and (3) Have duties as defined by the Chair of the Arkansas Council for Military Children, which shall include without limitation: (A) Assisting the chair and the council in the administration of this chapter; (B) Facilitating school transitions of children of military families; and (C) Assisting in the orientation and training of public school district military family education coordinators.

(1) Have specialized knowledge related to the: (A) Educational needs of children of military families; and (B) Obstacles that children of military families face in obtaining an education;

(A) Educational needs of children of military families; and

(B) Obstacles that children of military families face in obtaining an education;

(2) Serve as a member of the Arkansas Council for Military Children; and

(3) Have duties as defined by the Chair of the Arkansas Council for Military Children, which shall include without limitation: (A) Assisting the chair and the council in the administration of this chapter; (B) Facilitating school transitions of children of military families; and (C) Assisting in the orientation and training of public school district military family education coordinators.

(A) Assisting the chair and the council in the administration of this chapter;

(B) Facilitating school transitions of children of military families; and

(C) Assisting in the orientation and training of public school district military family education coordinators.

Added by Act 2021, No. 1031,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-54-105 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 6-54-105
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 19,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1935, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1991, No. 617, § 1; 1995, No. 603, § 5.

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 19,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1935, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1991, No. 617, § 1; 1995, No. 603, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-14-109 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 14 / Section 6-14-109
Notice of elections
Status: in_force

(a) The county board of election commissioners shall give notice of all school elections under § 7-5-202 . (b) If a school election for a school district that includes more than one (1) county is conducted by the county board of election commissioners for the domicile county and no county board of election commissioners for a nondomicile county, the notice of election shall be published in one (1) or more newspapers of general circulation in each of the counties in which the district has territory. (c) The county board of election commissioners shall publish notice of an issue to be placed on the ballot in the manner provided under § 7-5-206 . Amended by Act 2019, No. 473,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 15,§ 3, eff. 5/23/2016. Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 14,§ 3, eff. 5/23/2016. Acts 1951, No. 403, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-319; Acts 1999, No. 1490, § 1; 2005, No. 1174, § 4.

(a) The county board of election commissioners shall give notice of all school elections under § 7-5-202 .

(b) If a school election for a school district that includes more than one (1) county is conducted by the county board of election commissioners for the domicile county and no county board of election commissioners for a nondomicile county, the notice of election shall be published in one (1) or more newspapers of general circulation in each of the counties in which the district has territory.

(c) The county board of election commissioners shall publish notice of an issue to be placed on the ballot in the manner provided under § 7-5-206 .

Amended by Act 2019, No. 473,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 15,§ 3, eff. 5/23/2016.

Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 14,§ 3, eff. 5/23/2016.

Acts 1951, No. 403, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-319; Acts 1999, No. 1490, § 1; 2005, No. 1174, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-901 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 9 / Section 6-17-901
Title
Status: in_force

The title of this subchapter shall be "The Arkansas Teachers' Salary Law". Acts 1941, No. 319, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1301.

The title of this subchapter shall be "The Arkansas Teachers' Salary Law".

Acts 1941, No. 319, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1301.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-1014 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 10 / Section 6-20-1014
Investment of retirement system funds
Status: in_force

The board of trustees of any retirement system now existing or hereafter created by the General Assembly may, in its discretion, invest its funds in bonds issued under this subchapter. Acts 1973, No. 59, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-972.

The board of trustees of any retirement system now existing or hereafter created by the General Assembly may, in its discretion, invest its funds in bonds issued under this subchapter.

Acts 1973, No. 59, § 10; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-972.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-71-139 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 71 / Section 6-71-139
Power to hold and acquire property
Status: in_force

(a) The special improvement district created in this chapter shall have the power to acquire and hold real and personal property and may receive gifts, donations, and bonuses for the purpose of carrying out the object and purpose of the chapter. (b) The district shall have power to acquire such real estate as may be necessary for the reestablishment and expansion of the college or university, and the commission is clothed with authority to contract for the necessary land for the improvement and to pledge so much of the revenues of the district as may be necessary to pay for the improvement. (c) The district herein created may construct, operate, and maintain the improvement on the lands of private individuals or corporations, provided that, just damages shall be paid to the private owners of land taken or used for the improvement. Acts 1949, No. 260, § 42; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3644.

(a) The special improvement district created in this chapter shall have the power to acquire and hold real and personal property and may receive gifts, donations, and bonuses for the purpose of carrying out the object and purpose of the chapter.

(b) The district shall have power to acquire such real estate as may be necessary for the reestablishment and expansion of the college or university, and the commission is clothed with authority to contract for the necessary land for the improvement and to pledge so much of the revenues of the district as may be necessary to pay for the improvement.

(c) The district herein created may construct, operate, and maintain the improvement on the lands of private individuals or corporations, provided that, just damages shall be paid to the private owners of land taken or used for the improvement.

Acts 1949, No. 260, § 42; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3644.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-1501 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 15 / Section 6-18-1501
Vision screenings
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) (i) All children in prekindergarten (preK), kindergarten (K), grades one (1), two (2), four (4), six (6), and eight (8) and all transfer students shall receive an eye and vision screening. (ii) This requirement applies to public schools and public charter schools. (B) (i) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall ensure the provision of all general revenues necessary to access federal funds for eye and vision screenings for all qualified federal healthcare program recipients. (ii) The school district shall be responsible for all remaining costs associated with eye and vision screenings. (C) Nothing in this subchapter shall preclude voluntary screening of any educational grade or preclude the referral of any child regardless of grade who the teacher or school nurse feels should be screened or examined. (2) The responsibility for the enforcement of this section rests equally with each school district or public charter school and the parent or guardian of the child. (b) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may coordinate with the Arkansas Optometric Association, Inc., and shall adopt rules to establish the tests, procedures, equipment, and instruments that shall be used to perform eye and vision screenings. (c) A child who fails an eye and vision screening shall be rescreened within one (1) month of the initial screening by the school nurse or a school vision care consultant. (d) (1) An eye and vision screening report shall be sent or given to each parent or guardian of each child who has failed the vision screening test. (2) The report shall identify whether the child passed or failed the screening and the need for a comprehensive eye and vision examination. (3) The report shall be mailed or given directly to the parent or guardian by the appropriate school personnel and shall comply with all applicable privacy laws. Amended by Act 2023, No. 365,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2023. Amended by Act 2021, No. 320,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 320,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1570, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1569, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2005, No. 1438, § 1.

(a) (1) (A) (i) All children in prekindergarten (preK), kindergarten (K), grades one (1), two (2), four (4), six (6), and eight (8) and all transfer students shall receive an eye and vision screening. (ii) This requirement applies to public schools and public charter schools. (B) (i) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall ensure the provision of all general revenues necessary to access federal funds for eye and vision screenings for all qualified federal healthcare program recipients. (ii) The school district shall be responsible for all remaining costs associated with eye and vision screenings. (C) Nothing in this subchapter shall preclude voluntary screening of any educational grade or preclude the referral of any child regardless of grade who the teacher or school nurse feels should be screened or examined. (2) The responsibility for the enforcement of this section rests equally with each school district or public charter school and the parent or guardian of the child.

(1) (A) (i) All children in prekindergarten (preK), kindergarten (K), grades one (1), two (2), four (4), six (6), and eight (8) and all transfer students shall receive an eye and vision screening. (ii) This requirement applies to public schools and public charter schools. (B) (i) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall ensure the provision of all general revenues necessary to access federal funds for eye and vision screenings for all qualified federal healthcare program recipients. (ii) The school district shall be responsible for all remaining costs associated with eye and vision screenings. (C) Nothing in this subchapter shall preclude voluntary screening of any educational grade or preclude the referral of any child regardless of grade who the teacher or school nurse feels should be screened or examined.

(A) (i) All children in prekindergarten (preK), kindergarten (K), grades one (1), two (2), four (4), six (6), and eight (8) and all transfer students shall receive an eye and vision screening. (ii) This requirement applies to public schools and public charter schools.

(i) All children in prekindergarten (preK), kindergarten (K), grades one (1), two (2), four (4), six (6), and eight (8) and all transfer students shall receive an eye and vision screening.

(ii) This requirement applies to public schools and public charter schools.

(B) (i) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall ensure the provision of all general revenues necessary to access federal funds for eye and vision screenings for all qualified federal healthcare program recipients. (ii) The school district shall be responsible for all remaining costs associated with eye and vision screenings.

(i) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall ensure the provision of all general revenues necessary to access federal funds for eye and vision screenings for all qualified federal healthcare program recipients.

(ii) The school district shall be responsible for all remaining costs associated with eye and vision screenings.

(C) Nothing in this subchapter shall preclude voluntary screening of any educational grade or preclude the referral of any child regardless of grade who the teacher or school nurse feels should be screened or examined.

(2) The responsibility for the enforcement of this section rests equally with each school district or public charter school and the parent or guardian of the child.

(b) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may coordinate with the Arkansas Optometric Association, Inc., and shall adopt rules to establish the tests, procedures, equipment, and instruments that shall be used to perform eye and vision screenings.

(c) A child who fails an eye and vision screening shall be rescreened within one (1) month of the initial screening by the school nurse or a school vision care consultant.

(d) (1) An eye and vision screening report shall be sent or given to each parent or guardian of each child who has failed the vision screening test. (2) The report shall identify whether the child passed or failed the screening and the need for a comprehensive eye and vision examination. (3) The report shall be mailed or given directly to the parent or guardian by the appropriate school personnel and shall comply with all applicable privacy laws.

(1) An eye and vision screening report shall be sent or given to each parent or guardian of each child who has failed the vision screening test.

(2) The report shall identify whether the child passed or failed the screening and the need for a comprehensive eye and vision examination.

(3) The report shall be mailed or given directly to the parent or guardian by the appropriate school personnel and shall comply with all applicable privacy laws.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 365,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 320,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 320,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1570, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1569, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2005, No. 1438, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-401 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-60-401
Purpose and intent of subchapter
Status: in_force

(a) The purpose of this subchapter is to make available to an increasing number of citizens of this state opportunities to obtain the benefits of courses of instruction at a college level. (b) It is the intent of this subchapter to authorize state-supported institutions of higher education to establish within communities in the areas served by the institutions extension courses designed to meet the specific educational and training needs of the communities served without the necessity of constructing new or additional campuses or without the construction of new classroom buildings or facilities. Acts 1975, No. 717, §§ 1, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-3368, 80-3370.

(a) The purpose of this subchapter is to make available to an increasing number of citizens of this state opportunities to obtain the benefits of courses of instruction at a college level.

(b) It is the intent of this subchapter to authorize state-supported institutions of higher education to establish within communities in the areas served by the institutions extension courses designed to meet the specific educational and training needs of the communities served without the necessity of constructing new or additional campuses or without the construction of new classroom buildings or facilities.

Acts 1975, No. 717, §§ 1, 3; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-3368, 80-3370.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-1412 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 14 / Section 6-81-1412
Rules
Status: in_force

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall adopt reasonable rules consistent with this subchapter to effectively and efficiently carry out the purposes of this subchapter. Acts 2003, No. 84, § 4; 2009, No. 9, § 9.

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing shall adopt reasonable rules consistent with this subchapter to effectively and efficiently carry out the purposes of this subchapter.

Acts 2003, No. 84, § 4; 2009, No. 9, § 9.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-46-401 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 46 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-46-401
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1829, eff. 7/1/2019. Repealed by Act 2019, No. 692,§ 11, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1993, No. 839, § 5.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1829, eff. 7/1/2019.

Repealed by Act 2019, No. 692,§ 11, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1993, No. 839, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-1602 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 13 / Subchapter 16 / Section 6-13-1602
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2023, No. 461,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1169, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 60, § 3; 2005, No. 2151, § 22; 2011, No. 989, § 10.

Repealed by Act 2023, No. 461,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1169, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 60, § 3; 2005, No. 2151, § 22; 2011, No. 989, § 10.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-803 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 41 / Subchapter 8 / Section 6-41-803
Eligibility
Status: in_force

To be eligible for selective admission into a Building Better Futures High School Program, a student shall: (1) Be either: (A) (i) A current student at a public high school who is currently served under an individualized education program. (ii) (a) The parent or guardian of the student shall make a request to the student's individualized education program committee at least one (1) calendar year in advance of the Building Better Futures High School Program's application deadline that the student's individualized education program include participation, if admitted, in the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program. (b) The student's individualized education program committee shall notify the parent or guardian within sixty (60) days of the parent's or guardian's making the request of whether or not participation in the Building Better Futures High School Program is deemed appropriate for the student to receive a free appropriate public education. (iii) If the student's individualized education program committee determines that seeking admission to a Building Better Futures High School Program should be part of the student's individualized education program, the individualized education program committee shall submit an application to the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program located not more than fifty (50) miles from the public high school attended by the student; or (B) A current private high school or home-schooled student; (2) Be a citizen; (3) (A) Be an Arkansas resident. (B) A nonresident may be eligible for the Building Better Futures High School Program if there are openings available after all Arkansas residents are admitted; (4) Not have reached twenty-two (22) years of age; (5) Be selected for admission by an approved institution into the institution's comprehensive transition and postsecondary program or a program in the process of becoming a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program; (6) Have an intellectual disability; (7) Be able and willing to learn and participate in an inclusive classroom and work setting; and (8) Not be a danger to himself or herself or others, as determined by the accepting institution of higher education. Amended by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Added by Act 2015, No. 931,§ 1, eff. 4/2/2015.

To be eligible for selective admission into a Building Better Futures High School Program, a student shall:

(1) Be either: (A) (i) A current student at a public high school who is currently served under an individualized education program. (ii) (a) The parent or guardian of the student shall make a request to the student's individualized education program committee at least one (1) calendar year in advance of the Building Better Futures High School Program's application deadline that the student's individualized education program include participation, if admitted, in the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program. (b) The student's individualized education program committee shall notify the parent or guardian within sixty (60) days of the parent's or guardian's making the request of whether or not participation in the Building Better Futures High School Program is deemed appropriate for the student to receive a free appropriate public education. (iii) If the student's individualized education program committee determines that seeking admission to a Building Better Futures High School Program should be part of the student's individualized education program, the individualized education program committee shall submit an application to the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program located not more than fifty (50) miles from the public high school attended by the student; or (B) A current private high school or home-schooled student;

(A) (i) A current student at a public high school who is currently served under an individualized education program. (ii) (a) The parent or guardian of the student shall make a request to the student's individualized education program committee at least one (1) calendar year in advance of the Building Better Futures High School Program's application deadline that the student's individualized education program include participation, if admitted, in the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program. (b) The student's individualized education program committee shall notify the parent or guardian within sixty (60) days of the parent's or guardian's making the request of whether or not participation in the Building Better Futures High School Program is deemed appropriate for the student to receive a free appropriate public education. (iii) If the student's individualized education program committee determines that seeking admission to a Building Better Futures High School Program should be part of the student's individualized education program, the individualized education program committee shall submit an application to the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program located not more than fifty (50) miles from the public high school attended by the student; or

(i) A current student at a public high school who is currently served under an individualized education program.

(ii) (a) The parent or guardian of the student shall make a request to the student's individualized education program committee at least one (1) calendar year in advance of the Building Better Futures High School Program's application deadline that the student's individualized education program include participation, if admitted, in the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program. (b) The student's individualized education program committee shall notify the parent or guardian within sixty (60) days of the parent's or guardian's making the request of whether or not participation in the Building Better Futures High School Program is deemed appropriate for the student to receive a free appropriate public education.

(a) The parent or guardian of the student shall make a request to the student's individualized education program committee at least one (1) calendar year in advance of the Building Better Futures High School Program's application deadline that the student's individualized education program include participation, if admitted, in the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program.

(b) The student's individualized education program committee shall notify the parent or guardian within sixty (60) days of the parent's or guardian's making the request of whether or not participation in the Building Better Futures High School Program is deemed appropriate for the student to receive a free appropriate public education.

(iii) If the student's individualized education program committee determines that seeking admission to a Building Better Futures High School Program should be part of the student's individualized education program, the individualized education program committee shall submit an application to the nearest Building Better Futures High School Program located not more than fifty (50) miles from the public high school attended by the student; or

(B) A current private high school or home-schooled student;

(2) Be a citizen;

(3) (A) Be an Arkansas resident. (B) A nonresident may be eligible for the Building Better Futures High School Program if there are openings available after all Arkansas residents are admitted;

(A) Be an Arkansas resident.

(B) A nonresident may be eligible for the Building Better Futures High School Program if there are openings available after all Arkansas residents are admitted;

(4) Not have reached twenty-two (22) years of age;

(5) Be selected for admission by an approved institution into the institution's comprehensive transition and postsecondary program or a program in the process of becoming a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program;

(6) Have an intellectual disability;

(7) Be able and willing to learn and participate in an inclusive classroom and work setting; and

(8) Not be a danger to himself or herself or others, as determined by the accepting institution of higher education.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 432,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

Added by Act 2015, No. 931,§ 1, eff. 4/2/2015.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-21-410 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 21 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-21-410
Illegal acts involving school officials
Status: in_force

(a) (1) It shall be illegal for the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or any other employee connected with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, any member of any selecting committee, or any member of any school district board of directors to accept or receive any money, gift, property, or favor whatsoever from any person, firm, or corporation, or any agent thereof offering for sale any item pursuant to this subchapter or from any person in any way interested in such sale. (2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. (3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the Public School Fund. (b) (1) (A) It shall be illegal for any teacher in the public schools of Arkansas or any person connected with the public school system of Arkansas in any capacity to have any interest in the profits, proceeds, or sale of any instructional materials used in the schools of Arkansas under his or her charge or with which he or she is connected in any official capacity. (B) However, this subdivision (b)(1) shall not apply nor have any reference to royalties or fees received by a person from the sale of instructional materials of which he or she is the author. (2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine of no less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200). (3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the fund. (c) (1) It shall be illegal for any person directly or indirectly to promise or offer to give or cause to be promised, offered, or given any money, good, bribe, present, reward, or any valuable thing whatsoever to the commissioner, his or her assistants, or any other employee of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education, his or her assistants or any other employee of the Division of Career and Technical Education, any school district board members, teachers, or other persons with the intent of influencing their decisions on any questions, matters, causes, or proceedings in the selection of instructional materials. (2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. (3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the fund. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1731, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1730, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 511,§ 10, eff. 8/16/2013. Amended by Act 2013, No. 511,§ 9, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1975, No. 302, § 9; 1977, No. 645, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1709; Acts 1995, No. 280, § 9; 1995, No. 605, § 9; 1999, No. 1078, § 82; 1999, No. 1323, § 22; 2005, No. 1994, § 386.

(a) (1) It shall be illegal for the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or any other employee connected with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, any member of any selecting committee, or any member of any school district board of directors to accept or receive any money, gift, property, or favor whatsoever from any person, firm, or corporation, or any agent thereof offering for sale any item pursuant to this subchapter or from any person in any way interested in such sale. (2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. (3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the Public School Fund.

(1) It shall be illegal for the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or any other employee connected with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, any member of any selecting committee, or any member of any school district board of directors to accept or receive any money, gift, property, or favor whatsoever from any person, firm, or corporation, or any agent thereof offering for sale any item pursuant to this subchapter or from any person in any way interested in such sale.

(2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the Public School Fund.

(b) (1) (A) It shall be illegal for any teacher in the public schools of Arkansas or any person connected with the public school system of Arkansas in any capacity to have any interest in the profits, proceeds, or sale of any instructional materials used in the schools of Arkansas under his or her charge or with which he or she is connected in any official capacity. (B) However, this subdivision (b)(1) shall not apply nor have any reference to royalties or fees received by a person from the sale of instructional materials of which he or she is the author. (2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine of no less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200). (3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the fund.

(1) (A) It shall be illegal for any teacher in the public schools of Arkansas or any person connected with the public school system of Arkansas in any capacity to have any interest in the profits, proceeds, or sale of any instructional materials used in the schools of Arkansas under his or her charge or with which he or she is connected in any official capacity. (B) However, this subdivision (b)(1) shall not apply nor have any reference to royalties or fees received by a person from the sale of instructional materials of which he or she is the author.

(A) It shall be illegal for any teacher in the public schools of Arkansas or any person connected with the public school system of Arkansas in any capacity to have any interest in the profits, proceeds, or sale of any instructional materials used in the schools of Arkansas under his or her charge or with which he or she is connected in any official capacity.

(B) However, this subdivision (b)(1) shall not apply nor have any reference to royalties or fees received by a person from the sale of instructional materials of which he or she is the author.

(2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a violation and subject to a fine of no less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than two hundred dollars ($200).

(3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the fund.

(c) (1) It shall be illegal for any person directly or indirectly to promise or offer to give or cause to be promised, offered, or given any money, good, bribe, present, reward, or any valuable thing whatsoever to the commissioner, his or her assistants, or any other employee of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education, his or her assistants or any other employee of the Division of Career and Technical Education, any school district board members, teachers, or other persons with the intent of influencing their decisions on any questions, matters, causes, or proceedings in the selection of instructional materials. (2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. (3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the fund.

(1) It shall be illegal for any person directly or indirectly to promise or offer to give or cause to be promised, offered, or given any money, good, bribe, present, reward, or any valuable thing whatsoever to the commissioner, his or her assistants, or any other employee of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education, his or her assistants or any other employee of the Division of Career and Technical Education, any school district board members, teachers, or other persons with the intent of influencing their decisions on any questions, matters, causes, or proceedings in the selection of instructional materials.

(2) Any person who pleads guilty or nolo contendere to or is found guilty of violating this subsection shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(3) Any fines collected under this subsection shall be deposited into the State Treasury to the credit of the fund.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1731, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1730, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 511,§ 10, eff. 8/16/2013.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 511,§ 9, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1975, No. 302, § 9; 1977, No. 645, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1709; Acts 1995, No. 280, § 9; 1995, No. 605, § 9; 1999, No. 1078, § 82; 1999, No. 1323, § 22; 2005, No. 1994, § 386.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-62-717 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 62 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-62-717
Bonds - Sale - Employment of administrative agents, fiscal agents, and legal counsel
Status: in_force

(a) The bonds may be sold in such manner, either at public or private sale, and upon such terms as the Arkansas Development Finance Authority shall determine to be reasonable and expedient for effectuating the purposes of this subchapter. The bonds may be sold at such prices as the authority may accept, including, but not limited to, sale at discount or a premium. (b) (1) If the bonds are sold at public sale, such public sale shall be on sealed bids, after notice published by the chair of the authority for at least one (1) insertion not less than twenty (20) days before the date of sale in a newspaper published in Little Rock, Arkansas, and in a financial newspaper or journal published in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, which notice shall contain such other terms and provisions as the authority determines to be desirable. (2) The authority shall award the sale to the bidder offering to purchase the bonds at a price which results in the lowest net interest cost or true interest to the State of Arkansas determined by computing the total interest cost from date of the issue to maturity, and deducting therefrom any premium bid and adding thereto the amount of any discount bid. (3) Provided, however, the authority shall reserve the right to reject all bids tendered at such public sale. (c) If the bonds are sold at a private or negotiated sale, within ninety (90) days following the close of such bond issue, the authority shall file with the Legislative Council a written report of the details of the bond sale, which report shall include a listing of the firms to whom the sale was made, the rate or rates of interest paid for the bonds, the underwriting fee or discount, and other details of the underwriting of the bonds. (d) The costs of publication of notices, bond printing, official statements, other documents, and other costs associated with the sale, issuance, and delivery of the bonds shall be paid from the proceeds of the bonds. (e) The authority may employ administrative agents, fiscal agents, and legal counsel and may pay them reasonable compensation out of the proceeds of the bonds. Acts 1989, No. 683, § 9.

(a) The bonds may be sold in such manner, either at public or private sale, and upon such terms as the Arkansas Development Finance Authority shall determine to be reasonable and expedient for effectuating the purposes of this subchapter. The bonds may be sold at such prices as the authority may accept, including, but not limited to, sale at discount or a premium.

(b) (1) If the bonds are sold at public sale, such public sale shall be on sealed bids, after notice published by the chair of the authority for at least one (1) insertion not less than twenty (20) days before the date of sale in a newspaper published in Little Rock, Arkansas, and in a financial newspaper or journal published in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, which notice shall contain such other terms and provisions as the authority determines to be desirable. (2) The authority shall award the sale to the bidder offering to purchase the bonds at a price which results in the lowest net interest cost or true interest to the State of Arkansas determined by computing the total interest cost from date of the issue to maturity, and deducting therefrom any premium bid and adding thereto the amount of any discount bid. (3) Provided, however, the authority shall reserve the right to reject all bids tendered at such public sale.

(1) If the bonds are sold at public sale, such public sale shall be on sealed bids, after notice published by the chair of the authority for at least one (1) insertion not less than twenty (20) days before the date of sale in a newspaper published in Little Rock, Arkansas, and in a financial newspaper or journal published in the Borough of Manhattan, City and State of New York, which notice shall contain such other terms and provisions as the authority determines to be desirable.

(2) The authority shall award the sale to the bidder offering to purchase the bonds at a price which results in the lowest net interest cost or true interest to the State of Arkansas determined by computing the total interest cost from date of the issue to maturity, and deducting therefrom any premium bid and adding thereto the amount of any discount bid.

(3) Provided, however, the authority shall reserve the right to reject all bids tendered at such public sale.

(c) If the bonds are sold at a private or negotiated sale, within ninety (90) days following the close of such bond issue, the authority shall file with the Legislative Council a written report of the details of the bond sale, which report shall include a listing of the firms to whom the sale was made, the rate or rates of interest paid for the bonds, the underwriting fee or discount, and other details of the underwriting of the bonds.

(d) The costs of publication of notices, bond printing, official statements, other documents, and other costs associated with the sale, issuance, and delivery of the bonds shall be paid from the proceeds of the bonds.

(e) The authority may employ administrative agents, fiscal agents, and legal counsel and may pay them reasonable compensation out of the proceeds of the bonds.

Acts 1989, No. 683, § 9.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-2623 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 26 / Section 6-20-2623
Issuance of bonds
Status: in_force

No bonds shall be issued under this subchapter before July 1, 2009. Acts 2007, No. 1021, § 2.

No bonds shall be issued under this subchapter before July 1, 2009.

Acts 2007, No. 1021, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-16-1702 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 16 / Subchapter 17 / Section 6-16-1702
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter: (1) "Course provider" means an entity that offers individual courses in person or online, including without limitation: (A) An online or virtual education provider; (B) A postsecondary education institution; and (C) A business or entity that offers vocational or technical course work in its field and has been authorized to provide such courses by the State Board of Education; (2) "Eligible student" means any student who resides in Arkansas and meets at least one (1) of the following criteria: (A) Is attending a public school that does not offer the course in which the student desires to enroll, as determined by the state board; or (B) Is attending a public school that received a letter grade of "C", "D", or "F", or any variation thereof, under §§ 6-15-2105 and 6-15-2106 and state board rules, and would like to take a required course through the Course Choice Program; and (3) "Non-completion" means that an enrolled student does not receive a passing grade or credit for the course. Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 20, eff. 3/8/2023.

As used in this subchapter:

(1) "Course provider" means an entity that offers individual courses in person or online, including without limitation: (A) An online or virtual education provider; (B) A postsecondary education institution; and (C) A business or entity that offers vocational or technical course work in its field and has been authorized to provide such courses by the State Board of Education;

(A) An online or virtual education provider;

(B) A postsecondary education institution; and

(C) A business or entity that offers vocational or technical course work in its field and has been authorized to provide such courses by the State Board of Education;

(2) "Eligible student" means any student who resides in Arkansas and meets at least one (1) of the following criteria: (A) Is attending a public school that does not offer the course in which the student desires to enroll, as determined by the state board; or (B) Is attending a public school that received a letter grade of "C", "D", or "F", or any variation thereof, under §§ 6-15-2105 and 6-15-2106 and state board rules, and would like to take a required course through the Course Choice Program; and

(A) Is attending a public school that does not offer the course in which the student desires to enroll, as determined by the state board; or

(B) Is attending a public school that received a letter grade of "C", "D", or "F", or any variation thereof, under §§ 6-15-2105 and 6-15-2106 and state board rules, and would like to take a required course through the Course Choice Program; and

(3) "Non-completion" means that an enrolled student does not receive a passing grade or credit for the course.

Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 20, eff. 3/8/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2301 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 23 / Section 6-15-2301
Best financial management practices for school districts - Standards - Reviews - Designation of school districts
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The purpose of the best financial management practices reviews is to improve Arkansas school district management's use of resources and to identify cost savings. (2) (A) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and Arkansas Legislative Audit are directed to develop a system for reviewing the financial management practices of school districts. (B) In this system, Arkansas Legislative Audit shall assist the division in examining school district operations to determine whether they meet "best financial management code practices". (b) (1) The best financial management practices adopted by the State Board of Education may be updated periodically after consultation with the Legislative Council, the Governor, the division, school districts, and Arkansas Legislative Audit. (2) The division shall submit to the state board for review and possible adoption proposed revisions to the best financial management practices adopted by the state board and reviewed by the Legislative Council. (3) Revised best financial management practices adopted by the state board shall be used in the next scheduled school district reviews conducted according to this section. (4) (A) The best financial management practices, at a minimum, shall be designed to instill public confidence by: (i) Addressing the school district's use of resources; (ii) Identifying ways that the school district could save funds; and (iii) Improving the school district's performance accountability systems, including public accountability. (B) To achieve these objectives, best practices shall be developed for, but need not be limited to, the following areas: (i) Management structures; (ii) Performance accountability; (iii) Efficient delivery of educational services, including instructional materials; (iv) Administrative and instructional technology; (v) Personnel systems and benefits management; (vi) Facilities construction; (vii) Facilities maintenance; (viii) Student transportation; (ix) Food service operations; (x) Cost control systems, including asset management, risk management, financial management, purchasing, internal auditing, and financial auditing; (xi) Athletics; and (xii) Other extracurricular activities. (c) (1) The division shall conduct the reviews or contract with a private firm selected through a formal request-for-proposal process to perform the review. (2) At least one (1) member of the private firm review team shall have expertise in school district finance. (3) The scope of the review shall focus on the best practices adopted by the state board pursuant to subsection (b) of this section. (d) The state board shall consult with the division throughout the best practices review process to ensure that the technical expertise of the division benefits the review process and supports the school districts before, during, and after the review. (e) (1) Each school district shall be subject to a best financial management practices review. (2) The General Assembly also intends that all school districts shall be reviewed biennially by on-site visits and shall be given one (1) of the following designations: (A) "A", schools comprehensively complying with best financial practices; (B) "B", schools complying with best financial practices at significant levels; (C) "C", schools adequately complying with best financial practices; (D) "D", schools less than adequately complying with best financial practices; or (E) "F", schools failing to comply with best financial practices. (3) (A) The division shall prepare annual reports of the results of the best financial management practices reviews and shall post to its website the school and the school district financial grades. (B) The report, which shall be part of the overall school and school district report card requirement pursuant to § 6-15-2006 , shall include both revenue sources and expenditures. (C) The reporting of expenditures shall include breakdowns of administrative, instructional, support, and operations expenditures, as well as any other financial commitments of the school and school district. (f) The Legislative Council may adjust the schedule of school districts to be reviewed when unforeseen circumstances prevent initiation of reviews scheduled. (g) Subject to funding by the General Assembly, the division may contract with a private firm to conduct best financial management practices reviews. (h) (1) Reviews shall be conducted by Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, or the consultant. (2) (A) Funds may be used for the cost of reviews by Arkansas Legislative Audit and private consultants contracted by the state board. (B) Costs may include professional services, travel expenses of the division and of the staff of Arkansas Legislative Audit, and any other necessary expenses incurred as part of a best financial management practices review and as preapproved by the division. (i) (1) A school district shall complete a self-assessment instrument provided by the division that indicates the school district's evaluation of its performance on each best practice. (2) (A) The school district shall begin the self-assessment no later than sixty (60) days before the commencement of the review. (B) The completed self-assessment instrument and supporting documentation shall be submitted to the division no later than the date of commencement of the review as notified by the division. (3) The best practices review team will use this self-assessment information during its review of the school district. (j) During the review, the division or the consultant conducting the review, if any, shall hold at least one (1) advertised public forum as part of the review in order to explain the best financial management practices review process and obtain input from students, parents or guardians, the business community, and other school district residents regarding their concerns about the operations and management of the school district. (k) (1) School district reviews conducted under this section shall be completed within six (6) months after commencement. (2) (A) The division shall issue a final report to the Legislative Council regarding the school district's use of the best financial management practices and cost savings recommendations within sixty (60) days after completing the reviews. (B) Copies of the final report shall be provided to the Governor, the state board, the school district superintendent, and the school district's school district board members. (C) (i) The school district superintendent shall notify the press that the final report has been delivered. (ii) The notification shall state the division's website address at which an electronic copy of the report is available. (l) (1) (A) If the school district is found not to conform to the best financial management practices, the report shall contain an action plan, taking public input into consideration, detailing how the school district could meet the best practices within two (2) years. (B) The school district board of directors shall develop and approve the implementation schedule within sixty (60) days after receipt of the final report. (C) If a school district fails to vote on the action plan within sixty (60) days, the school district superintendent and school district board members shall be required to appear and present testimony before the state board and the Legislative Council. (2) (A) Within sixty (60) days after the receipt of the final report, the school district board of directors shall notify the state board and the division in writing of the implementation schedule for the action plan. (B) The division shall contact the school district, assess the situation, and offer technical assistance, if needed. (m) After a school district board of directors votes to implement the action plan: (1) No later than six (6) months after receipt of the final best financial practices report, the school district board of directors shall submit an initial status report to the Governor, the state board, Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, and the Legislative Council on progress made toward implementing the action plan and whether changes have occurred in other areas of operation that would affect compliance with the best practices; and (2) (A) A second status report shall be submitted by the school district to the Governor, the state board, Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, and the Legislative Council no later than six (6) months after submission of the initial report, and every six (6) months thereafter, until status reports are not required. (B) Status reports are not required once the state board concludes that the school district is using the best financial management practices and the school district is designated a grade category "A" for its financial practices. (n) (1) School districts that are determined in their review to be using the best practices and are graded a category "A" pursuant to subsection (e) of this section shall receive a "Seal of Best Financial Management". (2) (A) The state board designation shall be effective until a school district's financial accountability grade decreases. (B) The state board shall revoke the designation of a school district board of directors at any time if it determines that a school district is no longer complying with the state's best financial management practices. (o) School district boards of directors that receive a best financial management practices review shall maintain records that will enable independent verification of the implementation of the action plan and any related fiscal impacts. (p) (1) Unrestricted cost savings resulting from implementation of the best financial management practices shall be spent at the school and classroom levels for teacher salaries, teacher professional development, improved classroom and school facilities, student supplies, textbooks, classroom technology, and other direct student instruction activities. (2) Cost savings identified for a program that has restrictive expenditure requirements shall be used for the enhancement of the specific program. (3) If the school district is in fiscal distress, the cost savings may be used in accordance with the fiscal distress plan. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1267, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1266, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1265, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1264, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1263, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1262, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1261, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1260, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1259, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1258, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1257, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1256, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1255, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1254, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 9.

(a) (1) The purpose of the best financial management practices reviews is to improve Arkansas school district management's use of resources and to identify cost savings. (2) (A) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and Arkansas Legislative Audit are directed to develop a system for reviewing the financial management practices of school districts. (B) In this system, Arkansas Legislative Audit shall assist the division in examining school district operations to determine whether they meet "best financial management code practices".

(1) The purpose of the best financial management practices reviews is to improve Arkansas school district management's use of resources and to identify cost savings.

(2) (A) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and Arkansas Legislative Audit are directed to develop a system for reviewing the financial management practices of school districts. (B) In this system, Arkansas Legislative Audit shall assist the division in examining school district operations to determine whether they meet "best financial management code practices".

(A) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and Arkansas Legislative Audit are directed to develop a system for reviewing the financial management practices of school districts.

(B) In this system, Arkansas Legislative Audit shall assist the division in examining school district operations to determine whether they meet "best financial management code practices".

(b) (1) The best financial management practices adopted by the State Board of Education may be updated periodically after consultation with the Legislative Council, the Governor, the division, school districts, and Arkansas Legislative Audit. (2) The division shall submit to the state board for review and possible adoption proposed revisions to the best financial management practices adopted by the state board and reviewed by the Legislative Council. (3) Revised best financial management practices adopted by the state board shall be used in the next scheduled school district reviews conducted according to this section. (4) (A) The best financial management practices, at a minimum, shall be designed to instill public confidence by: (i) Addressing the school district's use of resources; (ii) Identifying ways that the school district could save funds; and (iii) Improving the school district's performance accountability systems, including public accountability. (B) To achieve these objectives, best practices shall be developed for, but need not be limited to, the following areas: (i) Management structures; (ii) Performance accountability; (iii) Efficient delivery of educational services, including instructional materials; (iv) Administrative and instructional technology; (v) Personnel systems and benefits management; (vi) Facilities construction; (vii) Facilities maintenance; (viii) Student transportation; (ix) Food service operations; (x) Cost control systems, including asset management, risk management, financial management, purchasing, internal auditing, and financial auditing; (xi) Athletics; and (xii) Other extracurricular activities.

(1) The best financial management practices adopted by the State Board of Education may be updated periodically after consultation with the Legislative Council, the Governor, the division, school districts, and Arkansas Legislative Audit.

(2) The division shall submit to the state board for review and possible adoption proposed revisions to the best financial management practices adopted by the state board and reviewed by the Legislative Council.

(3) Revised best financial management practices adopted by the state board shall be used in the next scheduled school district reviews conducted according to this section.

(4) (A) The best financial management practices, at a minimum, shall be designed to instill public confidence by: (i) Addressing the school district's use of resources; (ii) Identifying ways that the school district could save funds; and (iii) Improving the school district's performance accountability systems, including public accountability. (B) To achieve these objectives, best practices shall be developed for, but need not be limited to, the following areas: (i) Management structures; (ii) Performance accountability; (iii) Efficient delivery of educational services, including instructional materials; (iv) Administrative and instructional technology; (v) Personnel systems and benefits management; (vi) Facilities construction; (vii) Facilities maintenance; (viii) Student transportation; (ix) Food service operations; (x) Cost control systems, including asset management, risk management, financial management, purchasing, internal auditing, and financial auditing; (xi) Athletics; and (xii) Other extracurricular activities.

(A) The best financial management practices, at a minimum, shall be designed to instill public confidence by: (i) Addressing the school district's use of resources; (ii) Identifying ways that the school district could save funds; and (iii) Improving the school district's performance accountability systems, including public accountability.

(i) Addressing the school district's use of resources;

(ii) Identifying ways that the school district could save funds; and

(iii) Improving the school district's performance accountability systems, including public accountability.

(B) To achieve these objectives, best practices shall be developed for, but need not be limited to, the following areas: (i) Management structures; (ii) Performance accountability; (iii) Efficient delivery of educational services, including instructional materials; (iv) Administrative and instructional technology; (v) Personnel systems and benefits management; (vi) Facilities construction; (vii) Facilities maintenance; (viii) Student transportation; (ix) Food service operations; (x) Cost control systems, including asset management, risk management, financial management, purchasing, internal auditing, and financial auditing; (xi) Athletics; and (xii) Other extracurricular activities.

(i) Management structures;

(ii) Performance accountability;

(iii) Efficient delivery of educational services, including instructional materials;

(iv) Administrative and instructional technology;

(v) Personnel systems and benefits management;

(vi) Facilities construction;

(vii) Facilities maintenance;

(viii) Student transportation;

(ix) Food service operations;

(x) Cost control systems, including asset management, risk management, financial management, purchasing, internal auditing, and financial auditing;

(xi) Athletics; and

(xii) Other extracurricular activities.

(c) (1) The division shall conduct the reviews or contract with a private firm selected through a formal request-for-proposal process to perform the review. (2) At least one (1) member of the private firm review team shall have expertise in school district finance. (3) The scope of the review shall focus on the best practices adopted by the state board pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

(1) The division shall conduct the reviews or contract with a private firm selected through a formal request-for-proposal process to perform the review.

(2) At least one (1) member of the private firm review team shall have expertise in school district finance.

(3) The scope of the review shall focus on the best practices adopted by the state board pursuant to subsection (b) of this section.

(d) The state board shall consult with the division throughout the best practices review process to ensure that the technical expertise of the division benefits the review process and supports the school districts before, during, and after the review.

(e) (1) Each school district shall be subject to a best financial management practices review. (2) The General Assembly also intends that all school districts shall be reviewed biennially by on-site visits and shall be given one (1) of the following designations: (A) "A", schools comprehensively complying with best financial practices; (B) "B", schools complying with best financial practices at significant levels; (C) "C", schools adequately complying with best financial practices; (D) "D", schools less than adequately complying with best financial practices; or (E) "F", schools failing to comply with best financial practices. (3) (A) The division shall prepare annual reports of the results of the best financial management practices reviews and shall post to its website the school and the school district financial grades. (B) The report, which shall be part of the overall school and school district report card requirement pursuant to § 6-15-2006 , shall include both revenue sources and expenditures. (C) The reporting of expenditures shall include breakdowns of administrative, instructional, support, and operations expenditures, as well as any other financial commitments of the school and school district.

(1) Each school district shall be subject to a best financial management practices review.

(2) The General Assembly also intends that all school districts shall be reviewed biennially by on-site visits and shall be given one (1) of the following designations: (A) "A", schools comprehensively complying with best financial practices; (B) "B", schools complying with best financial practices at significant levels; (C) "C", schools adequately complying with best financial practices; (D) "D", schools less than adequately complying with best financial practices; or (E) "F", schools failing to comply with best financial practices.

(A) "A", schools comprehensively complying with best financial practices;

(B) "B", schools complying with best financial practices at significant levels;

(C) "C", schools adequately complying with best financial practices;

(D) "D", schools less than adequately complying with best financial practices; or

(E) "F", schools failing to comply with best financial practices.

(3) (A) The division shall prepare annual reports of the results of the best financial management practices reviews and shall post to its website the school and the school district financial grades. (B) The report, which shall be part of the overall school and school district report card requirement pursuant to § 6-15-2006 , shall include both revenue sources and expenditures. (C) The reporting of expenditures shall include breakdowns of administrative, instructional, support, and operations expenditures, as well as any other financial commitments of the school and school district.

(A) The division shall prepare annual reports of the results of the best financial management practices reviews and shall post to its website the school and the school district financial grades.

(B) The report, which shall be part of the overall school and school district report card requirement pursuant to § 6-15-2006 , shall include both revenue sources and expenditures.

(C) The reporting of expenditures shall include breakdowns of administrative, instructional, support, and operations expenditures, as well as any other financial commitments of the school and school district.

(f) The Legislative Council may adjust the schedule of school districts to be reviewed when unforeseen circumstances prevent initiation of reviews scheduled.

(g) Subject to funding by the General Assembly, the division may contract with a private firm to conduct best financial management practices reviews.

(h) (1) Reviews shall be conducted by Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, or the consultant. (2) (A) Funds may be used for the cost of reviews by Arkansas Legislative Audit and private consultants contracted by the state board. (B) Costs may include professional services, travel expenses of the division and of the staff of Arkansas Legislative Audit, and any other necessary expenses incurred as part of a best financial management practices review and as preapproved by the division.

(1) Reviews shall be conducted by Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, or the consultant.

(2) (A) Funds may be used for the cost of reviews by Arkansas Legislative Audit and private consultants contracted by the state board. (B) Costs may include professional services, travel expenses of the division and of the staff of Arkansas Legislative Audit, and any other necessary expenses incurred as part of a best financial management practices review and as preapproved by the division.

(A) Funds may be used for the cost of reviews by Arkansas Legislative Audit and private consultants contracted by the state board.

(B) Costs may include professional services, travel expenses of the division and of the staff of Arkansas Legislative Audit, and any other necessary expenses incurred as part of a best financial management practices review and as preapproved by the division.

(i) (1) A school district shall complete a self-assessment instrument provided by the division that indicates the school district's evaluation of its performance on each best practice. (2) (A) The school district shall begin the self-assessment no later than sixty (60) days before the commencement of the review. (B) The completed self-assessment instrument and supporting documentation shall be submitted to the division no later than the date of commencement of the review as notified by the division. (3) The best practices review team will use this self-assessment information during its review of the school district.

(1) A school district shall complete a self-assessment instrument provided by the division that indicates the school district's evaluation of its performance on each best practice.

(2) (A) The school district shall begin the self-assessment no later than sixty (60) days before the commencement of the review. (B) The completed self-assessment instrument and supporting documentation shall be submitted to the division no later than the date of commencement of the review as notified by the division.

(A) The school district shall begin the self-assessment no later than sixty (60) days before the commencement of the review.

(B) The completed self-assessment instrument and supporting documentation shall be submitted to the division no later than the date of commencement of the review as notified by the division.

(3) The best practices review team will use this self-assessment information during its review of the school district.

(j) During the review, the division or the consultant conducting the review, if any, shall hold at least one (1) advertised public forum as part of the review in order to explain the best financial management practices review process and obtain input from students, parents or guardians, the business community, and other school district residents regarding their concerns about the operations and management of the school district.

(k) (1) School district reviews conducted under this section shall be completed within six (6) months after commencement. (2) (A) The division shall issue a final report to the Legislative Council regarding the school district's use of the best financial management practices and cost savings recommendations within sixty (60) days after completing the reviews. (B) Copies of the final report shall be provided to the Governor, the state board, the school district superintendent, and the school district's school district board members. (C) (i) The school district superintendent shall notify the press that the final report has been delivered. (ii) The notification shall state the division's website address at which an electronic copy of the report is available.

(1) School district reviews conducted under this section shall be completed within six (6) months after commencement.

(2) (A) The division shall issue a final report to the Legislative Council regarding the school district's use of the best financial management practices and cost savings recommendations within sixty (60) days after completing the reviews. (B) Copies of the final report shall be provided to the Governor, the state board, the school district superintendent, and the school district's school district board members. (C) (i) The school district superintendent shall notify the press that the final report has been delivered. (ii) The notification shall state the division's website address at which an electronic copy of the report is available.

(A) The division shall issue a final report to the Legislative Council regarding the school district's use of the best financial management practices and cost savings recommendations within sixty (60) days after completing the reviews.

(B) Copies of the final report shall be provided to the Governor, the state board, the school district superintendent, and the school district's school district board members.

(C) (i) The school district superintendent shall notify the press that the final report has been delivered. (ii) The notification shall state the division's website address at which an electronic copy of the report is available.

(i) The school district superintendent shall notify the press that the final report has been delivered.

(ii) The notification shall state the division's website address at which an electronic copy of the report is available.

(l) (1) (A) If the school district is found not to conform to the best financial management practices, the report shall contain an action plan, taking public input into consideration, detailing how the school district could meet the best practices within two (2) years. (B) The school district board of directors shall develop and approve the implementation schedule within sixty (60) days after receipt of the final report. (C) If a school district fails to vote on the action plan within sixty (60) days, the school district superintendent and school district board members shall be required to appear and present testimony before the state board and the Legislative Council. (2) (A) Within sixty (60) days after the receipt of the final report, the school district board of directors shall notify the state board and the division in writing of the implementation schedule for the action plan. (B) The division shall contact the school district, assess the situation, and offer technical assistance, if needed.

(1) (A) If the school district is found not to conform to the best financial management practices, the report shall contain an action plan, taking public input into consideration, detailing how the school district could meet the best practices within two (2) years. (B) The school district board of directors shall develop and approve the implementation schedule within sixty (60) days after receipt of the final report. (C) If a school district fails to vote on the action plan within sixty (60) days, the school district superintendent and school district board members shall be required to appear and present testimony before the state board and the Legislative Council.

(A) If the school district is found not to conform to the best financial management practices, the report shall contain an action plan, taking public input into consideration, detailing how the school district could meet the best practices within two (2) years.

(B) The school district board of directors shall develop and approve the implementation schedule within sixty (60) days after receipt of the final report.

(C) If a school district fails to vote on the action plan within sixty (60) days, the school district superintendent and school district board members shall be required to appear and present testimony before the state board and the Legislative Council.

(2) (A) Within sixty (60) days after the receipt of the final report, the school district board of directors shall notify the state board and the division in writing of the implementation schedule for the action plan. (B) The division shall contact the school district, assess the situation, and offer technical assistance, if needed.

(A) Within sixty (60) days after the receipt of the final report, the school district board of directors shall notify the state board and the division in writing of the implementation schedule for the action plan.

(B) The division shall contact the school district, assess the situation, and offer technical assistance, if needed.

(m) After a school district board of directors votes to implement the action plan: (1) No later than six (6) months after receipt of the final best financial practices report, the school district board of directors shall submit an initial status report to the Governor, the state board, Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, and the Legislative Council on progress made toward implementing the action plan and whether changes have occurred in other areas of operation that would affect compliance with the best practices; and (2) (A) A second status report shall be submitted by the school district to the Governor, the state board, Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, and the Legislative Council no later than six (6) months after submission of the initial report, and every six (6) months thereafter, until status reports are not required. (B) Status reports are not required once the state board concludes that the school district is using the best financial management practices and the school district is designated a grade category "A" for its financial practices.

(1) No later than six (6) months after receipt of the final best financial practices report, the school district board of directors shall submit an initial status report to the Governor, the state board, Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, and the Legislative Council on progress made toward implementing the action plan and whether changes have occurred in other areas of operation that would affect compliance with the best practices; and

(2) (A) A second status report shall be submitted by the school district to the Governor, the state board, Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, and the Legislative Council no later than six (6) months after submission of the initial report, and every six (6) months thereafter, until status reports are not required. (B) Status reports are not required once the state board concludes that the school district is using the best financial management practices and the school district is designated a grade category "A" for its financial practices.

(A) A second status report shall be submitted by the school district to the Governor, the state board, Arkansas Legislative Audit, the division, and the Legislative Council no later than six (6) months after submission of the initial report, and every six (6) months thereafter, until status reports are not required.

(B) Status reports are not required once the state board concludes that the school district is using the best financial management practices and the school district is designated a grade category "A" for its financial practices.

(n) (1) School districts that are determined in their review to be using the best practices and are graded a category "A" pursuant to subsection (e) of this section shall receive a "Seal of Best Financial Management". (2) (A) The state board designation shall be effective until a school district's financial accountability grade decreases. (B) The state board shall revoke the designation of a school district board of directors at any time if it determines that a school district is no longer complying with the state's best financial management practices.

(1) School districts that are determined in their review to be using the best practices and are graded a category "A" pursuant to subsection (e) of this section shall receive a "Seal of Best Financial Management".

(2) (A) The state board designation shall be effective until a school district's financial accountability grade decreases. (B) The state board shall revoke the designation of a school district board of directors at any time if it determines that a school district is no longer complying with the state's best financial management practices.

(A) The state board designation shall be effective until a school district's financial accountability grade decreases.

(B) The state board shall revoke the designation of a school district board of directors at any time if it determines that a school district is no longer complying with the state's best financial management practices.

(o) School district boards of directors that receive a best financial management practices review shall maintain records that will enable independent verification of the implementation of the action plan and any related fiscal impacts.

(p) (1) Unrestricted cost savings resulting from implementation of the best financial management practices shall be spent at the school and classroom levels for teacher salaries, teacher professional development, improved classroom and school facilities, student supplies, textbooks, classroom technology, and other direct student instruction activities. (2) Cost savings identified for a program that has restrictive expenditure requirements shall be used for the enhancement of the specific program. (3) If the school district is in fiscal distress, the cost savings may be used in accordance with the fiscal distress plan.

(1) Unrestricted cost savings resulting from implementation of the best financial management practices shall be spent at the school and classroom levels for teacher salaries, teacher professional development, improved classroom and school facilities, student supplies, textbooks, classroom technology, and other direct student instruction activities.

(2) Cost savings identified for a program that has restrictive expenditure requirements shall be used for the enhancement of the specific program.

(3) If the school district is in fiscal distress, the cost savings may be used in accordance with the fiscal distress plan.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1267, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1266, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1265, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1264, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1263, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1262, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1261, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1260, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1259, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1258, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1257, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1256, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1255, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1254, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 9.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-64-616 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 64 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-64-616
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2023, No. 124,§ 19, eff. 8/1/2023. Acts 1973, No. 207, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2890.11.

Repealed by Act 2023, No. 124,§ 19, eff. 8/1/2023.

Acts 1973, No. 207, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2890.11.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-1002 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 10 / Section 6-61-1002
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) (A) "Board of trustees" means the local board of trustees of a technical college or a community college that is a member of the Arkansas Technical and Community College System under the coordination of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (B) However, "board of trustees" means the board of trustees of the university system that controls a community college if a local board of trustees is not required to be established under § 6-61-520(g) ; (2) "Bonds" means any evidence of indebtedness issued by a board of trustees pursuant to this subchapter; (3) "Capital improvements" means the construction, repair, or renovation of buildings, including, without limitation, laboratories, libraries, portable classrooms, special events centers, training facilities, student housing, parking facilities, theaters, meeting halls, dining facilities, and administrative offices; the purchase of existing buildings or structures; the renovation or demolition of existing structures; the purchase of sites for the construction of capital improvements; the purchase of equipment, apparatus, or library materials for any facilities used by the technical college or the community college; any improvement that may be the subject of a capital outlay expense as defined in § 6-53-103 ; or any other improvements that a board of trustees deems reasonable and necessary for the development of the technical college or the community college; (4) "Community college" means a two-year institution of higher education established pursuant to §§ 6-61-101 - 6-61-103 , §§ 6-61-201 - 6-61-209 , § 6-61-211 [repealed], §§ 6-61-212 - 6-61-216 , §§ 6-61-301 - 6-61-305 , § 6-61-306 [repealed], § 6-61-401 , § 6-61-402 , §§ 6-61-501 - 6-61-524 , §§ 6-61-601 - 6-61-603 , and §§ 6-61-604 - 6-61-612 [repealed] and the Two-Year Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act of 1991, § 6-53-101 et seq., and a member of the Arkansas Technical and Community College System under the coordination of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board; (5) "Costs of issuance" means all costs associated with the issuance of bonds, including, without limitation, printing, publication, and notice expenses; the fees and expenses of trustees and paying agents; and the fees and expenses of financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, consultants, and other professionals engaged to assist a board of trustees in issuing bonds; (6) "Debt service" means the payment of principal, interest, redemption premiums, if any, the fees of trustees and paying agents, and servicing fees relating to the bonds; (7) "Project" means the development, construction, or acquisition of any capital improvement authorized by this subchapter; (8) "Project costs" means all or any part of the costs of developing any project hereunder, and all or any part of costs incidental thereto, including, without limitation, planning, design, and engineering fees and expenses, payment of capitalized interest, and the funding of appropriate reserves; (9) "State" means the State of Arkansas; (10) "State board" means the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and (11) "Technical college" means a two-year institution of higher education established pursuant to the Two-Year Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act of 1991, § 6-53-101 et seq., or § 6-54-101 et seq., and a member of the Arkansas Technical and Community College System under the coordination of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Amended by Act 2023, No. 726,§ 5, eff. 8/1/2023. Acts 1993, No. 374, § 2.

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) (A) "Board of trustees" means the local board of trustees of a technical college or a community college that is a member of the Arkansas Technical and Community College System under the coordination of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (B) However, "board of trustees" means the board of trustees of the university system that controls a community college if a local board of trustees is not required to be established under § 6-61-520(g) ;

(A) "Board of trustees" means the local board of trustees of a technical college or a community college that is a member of the Arkansas Technical and Community College System under the coordination of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(B) However, "board of trustees" means the board of trustees of the university system that controls a community college if a local board of trustees is not required to be established under § 6-61-520(g) ;

(2) "Bonds" means any evidence of indebtedness issued by a board of trustees pursuant to this subchapter;

(3) "Capital improvements" means the construction, repair, or renovation of buildings, including, without limitation, laboratories, libraries, portable classrooms, special events centers, training facilities, student housing, parking facilities, theaters, meeting halls, dining facilities, and administrative offices; the purchase of existing buildings or structures; the renovation or demolition of existing structures; the purchase of sites for the construction of capital improvements; the purchase of equipment, apparatus, or library materials for any facilities used by the technical college or the community college; any improvement that may be the subject of a capital outlay expense as defined in § 6-53-103 ; or any other improvements that a board of trustees deems reasonable and necessary for the development of the technical college or the community college;

(4) "Community college" means a two-year institution of higher education established pursuant to §§ 6-61-101 - 6-61-103 , §§ 6-61-201 - 6-61-209 , § 6-61-211 [repealed], §§ 6-61-212 - 6-61-216 , §§ 6-61-301 - 6-61-305 , § 6-61-306 [repealed], § 6-61-401 , § 6-61-402 , §§ 6-61-501 - 6-61-524 , §§ 6-61-601 - 6-61-603 , and §§ 6-61-604 - 6-61-612 [repealed] and the Two-Year Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act of 1991, § 6-53-101 et seq., and a member of the Arkansas Technical and Community College System under the coordination of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board;

(5) "Costs of issuance" means all costs associated with the issuance of bonds, including, without limitation, printing, publication, and notice expenses; the fees and expenses of trustees and paying agents; and the fees and expenses of financial advisors, underwriters, attorneys, consultants, and other professionals engaged to assist a board of trustees in issuing bonds;

(6) "Debt service" means the payment of principal, interest, redemption premiums, if any, the fees of trustees and paying agents, and servicing fees relating to the bonds;

(7) "Project" means the development, construction, or acquisition of any capital improvement authorized by this subchapter;

(8) "Project costs" means all or any part of the costs of developing any project hereunder, and all or any part of costs incidental thereto, including, without limitation, planning, design, and engineering fees and expenses, payment of capitalized interest, and the funding of appropriate reserves;

(9) "State" means the State of Arkansas;

(10) "State board" means the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board; and

(11) "Technical college" means a two-year institution of higher education established pursuant to the Two-Year Postsecondary Education Reorganization Act of 1991, § 6-53-101 et seq., or § 6-54-101 et seq., and a member of the Arkansas Technical and Community College System under the coordination of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 726,§ 5, eff. 8/1/2023.

Acts 1993, No. 374, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-45-106 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 45 / Section 6-45-106
Application process - Allocation of funding
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) (i) Any early childhood program accredited and quality-approved by the Department of Human Services according to standards approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may apply for funding, regardless of the sponsorship of the program. (ii) Local school districts may apply for funding to operate early childhood programs, not including public school kindergarten, but an appropriate early childhood program need not be affiliated with a school district in order to receive funding. (B) All applications submitted by sectarian or sectarian-affiliated programs must first be reviewed to assure that any approval of funding will not result in a violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. (2) (A) A local-to-state match will be required in the ratio of forty to sixty (40:60), except that the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education may waive the requirement of the local-to-state match if: (i) The school is in a district that has been classified by the State Board of Education as being in need of Level 5 - Intensive support; and (ii) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education determines that the school is unable to provide the local-to-state match requirement after the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education has assisted the school in identifying potential funding sources to provide local-to-state match requirements. (B) The local match may consist of cash or appropriate in-kind services. (b) In order to be considered, an application must contain all information required by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's rules. (c) (1) In allocating funding for the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program, priority consideration shall be given to a school located in a school district that is classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support. (2) The goal of the state is to make available an Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program for an additional one-fifth (1/5) of the qualifying students each year over a period of five (5) years, at which time programs shall be available in all schools statewide. (3) The priority considerations for funding under the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program shall not affect the funding of the Arkansas Better Chance Program and shall not create any priority for funding the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program over the Arkansas Better Chance Program. (4) Any programs given priority consideration under this subsection shall continue to receive priority funding as necessary to continue an established program even though the criteria under subdivision (c)(1) of this section no longer exist for that school district. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 57, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 64, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 63, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1819, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1818, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1817, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1816, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1991, No. 212, § 1; 1991, No. 216, § 1; 1997, No. 1132, § 39; 2001, No. 1183, § 1; 2003, No. 1105, § 5[2]; 2003, No. 1332, § 5; 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 49, § 2; 2005, No. 1447, § 1.

(a) (1) (A) (i) Any early childhood program accredited and quality-approved by the Department of Human Services according to standards approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may apply for funding, regardless of the sponsorship of the program. (ii) Local school districts may apply for funding to operate early childhood programs, not including public school kindergarten, but an appropriate early childhood program need not be affiliated with a school district in order to receive funding. (B) All applications submitted by sectarian or sectarian-affiliated programs must first be reviewed to assure that any approval of funding will not result in a violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. (2) (A) A local-to-state match will be required in the ratio of forty to sixty (40:60), except that the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education may waive the requirement of the local-to-state match if: (i) The school is in a district that has been classified by the State Board of Education as being in need of Level 5 - Intensive support; and (ii) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education determines that the school is unable to provide the local-to-state match requirement after the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education has assisted the school in identifying potential funding sources to provide local-to-state match requirements. (B) The local match may consist of cash or appropriate in-kind services.

(1) (A) (i) Any early childhood program accredited and quality-approved by the Department of Human Services according to standards approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may apply for funding, regardless of the sponsorship of the program. (ii) Local school districts may apply for funding to operate early childhood programs, not including public school kindergarten, but an appropriate early childhood program need not be affiliated with a school district in order to receive funding. (B) All applications submitted by sectarian or sectarian-affiliated programs must first be reviewed to assure that any approval of funding will not result in a violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

(A) (i) Any early childhood program accredited and quality-approved by the Department of Human Services according to standards approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may apply for funding, regardless of the sponsorship of the program. (ii) Local school districts may apply for funding to operate early childhood programs, not including public school kindergarten, but an appropriate early childhood program need not be affiliated with a school district in order to receive funding.

(i) Any early childhood program accredited and quality-approved by the Department of Human Services according to standards approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may apply for funding, regardless of the sponsorship of the program.

(ii) Local school districts may apply for funding to operate early childhood programs, not including public school kindergarten, but an appropriate early childhood program need not be affiliated with a school district in order to receive funding.

(B) All applications submitted by sectarian or sectarian-affiliated programs must first be reviewed to assure that any approval of funding will not result in a violation of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.

(2) (A) A local-to-state match will be required in the ratio of forty to sixty (40:60), except that the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education may waive the requirement of the local-to-state match if: (i) The school is in a district that has been classified by the State Board of Education as being in need of Level 5 - Intensive support; and (ii) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education determines that the school is unable to provide the local-to-state match requirement after the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education has assisted the school in identifying potential funding sources to provide local-to-state match requirements. (B) The local match may consist of cash or appropriate in-kind services.

(A) A local-to-state match will be required in the ratio of forty to sixty (40:60), except that the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education may waive the requirement of the local-to-state match if: (i) The school is in a district that has been classified by the State Board of Education as being in need of Level 5 - Intensive support; and (ii) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education determines that the school is unable to provide the local-to-state match requirement after the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education has assisted the school in identifying potential funding sources to provide local-to-state match requirements.

(i) The school is in a district that has been classified by the State Board of Education as being in need of Level 5 - Intensive support; and

(ii) The Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education determines that the school is unable to provide the local-to-state match requirement after the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education has assisted the school in identifying potential funding sources to provide local-to-state match requirements.

(B) The local match may consist of cash or appropriate in-kind services.

(b) In order to be considered, an application must contain all information required by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's rules.

(c) (1) In allocating funding for the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program, priority consideration shall be given to a school located in a school district that is classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support. (2) The goal of the state is to make available an Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program for an additional one-fifth (1/5) of the qualifying students each year over a period of five (5) years, at which time programs shall be available in all schools statewide. (3) The priority considerations for funding under the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program shall not affect the funding of the Arkansas Better Chance Program and shall not create any priority for funding the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program over the Arkansas Better Chance Program. (4) Any programs given priority consideration under this subsection shall continue to receive priority funding as necessary to continue an established program even though the criteria under subdivision (c)(1) of this section no longer exist for that school district.

(1) In allocating funding for the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program, priority consideration shall be given to a school located in a school district that is classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support.

(2) The goal of the state is to make available an Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program for an additional one-fifth (1/5) of the qualifying students each year over a period of five (5) years, at which time programs shall be available in all schools statewide.

(3) The priority considerations for funding under the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program shall not affect the funding of the Arkansas Better Chance Program and shall not create any priority for funding the Arkansas Better Chance for School Success Program over the Arkansas Better Chance Program.

(4) Any programs given priority consideration under this subsection shall continue to receive priority funding as necessary to continue an established program even though the criteria under subdivision (c)(1) of this section no longer exist for that school district.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 57, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 64, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 63, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1819, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1818, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1817, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1816, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1991, No. 212, § 1; 1991, No. 216, § 1; 1997, No. 1132, § 39; 2001, No. 1183, § 1; 2003, No. 1105, § 5[2]; 2003, No. 1332, § 5; 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 49, § 2; 2005, No. 1447, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-65-207 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 65 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-65-207
College of Engineering Management
Status: in_force

(a) The General Assembly determines that: (1) There is urgent need in the State of Arkansas to prepare persons with training and expertise in the field of engineering and the fundamentals of management; (2) Current needs of Arkansas's diversified industry and the demands for future expansion will require engineers in managerial positions who have a broad-based education that would enable them to make managerial and administrative decisions from an engineering viewpoint; (3) The orderly development of Arkansas in the areas of environmental control, energy recovery, waste processing, community hygiene, land utilization, and other related areas requires personnel who can translate engineering principles into effective action while performing as responsible managers; (4) Studies have disclosed that approximately two-thirds (2/3) of engineers eventually assume managerial responsibility; and (5) It is essential to the continued growth and development of the State of Arkansas that appropriate college-level training be provided in the state for persons in the area of engineering management. (b) It is the intent and purpose of this section to fill this urgent need by establishing a college of engineering management at Arkansas State University at Jonesboro to provide college-level training for new entrants into the field of engineering management, in-service training for practicing engineers who will eventually assume managerial duties, for persons planning to assist municipalities with their systematic growth and development, and for other appropriate personnel in similar or related fields. (c) There is created and established and there shall be maintained and operated at Arkansas State University at Jonesboro the College of Engineering Management. (d) The curriculum, schedule, and administrative structure of the college shall be established and determined in the same manner as in other colleges at Arkansas State University. Acts 1975, No. 398, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-3149, 80-3150.

(a) The General Assembly determines that: (1) There is urgent need in the State of Arkansas to prepare persons with training and expertise in the field of engineering and the fundamentals of management; (2) Current needs of Arkansas's diversified industry and the demands for future expansion will require engineers in managerial positions who have a broad-based education that would enable them to make managerial and administrative decisions from an engineering viewpoint; (3) The orderly development of Arkansas in the areas of environmental control, energy recovery, waste processing, community hygiene, land utilization, and other related areas requires personnel who can translate engineering principles into effective action while performing as responsible managers; (4) Studies have disclosed that approximately two-thirds (2/3) of engineers eventually assume managerial responsibility; and (5) It is essential to the continued growth and development of the State of Arkansas that appropriate college-level training be provided in the state for persons in the area of engineering management.

(1) There is urgent need in the State of Arkansas to prepare persons with training and expertise in the field of engineering and the fundamentals of management;

(2) Current needs of Arkansas's diversified industry and the demands for future expansion will require engineers in managerial positions who have a broad-based education that would enable them to make managerial and administrative decisions from an engineering viewpoint;

(3) The orderly development of Arkansas in the areas of environmental control, energy recovery, waste processing, community hygiene, land utilization, and other related areas requires personnel who can translate engineering principles into effective action while performing as responsible managers;

(4) Studies have disclosed that approximately two-thirds (2/3) of engineers eventually assume managerial responsibility; and

(5) It is essential to the continued growth and development of the State of Arkansas that appropriate college-level training be provided in the state for persons in the area of engineering management.

(b) It is the intent and purpose of this section to fill this urgent need by establishing a college of engineering management at Arkansas State University at Jonesboro to provide college-level training for new entrants into the field of engineering management, in-service training for practicing engineers who will eventually assume managerial duties, for persons planning to assist municipalities with their systematic growth and development, and for other appropriate personnel in similar or related fields.

(c) There is created and established and there shall be maintained and operated at Arkansas State University at Jonesboro the College of Engineering Management.

(d) The curriculum, schedule, and administrative structure of the college shall be established and determined in the same manner as in other colleges at Arkansas State University.

Acts 1975, No. 398, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-3149, 80-3150.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-1105 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 11 / Section 6-81-1105
Veterinary medicine loans - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Food animal" means bovine, porcine, ovine, camelid, cervid, poultry, and any other species determined by the State Veterinarian; (2) "Food supply veterinary medicine" means all aspects of veterinary medicine's involvement in food supply systems, from traditional agricultural production to consumption; (3) "Loan repayment" means a payment made to a recipient upon completion of yearly requirements; (4) "Participating institution" means the College of Veterinary Medicine of Mississippi State University; (5) "Practice of food supply veterinary medicine" means a corporate or private veterinary practice with a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the practice devoted to food animal medicine or mixed animal medicine located in rural areas; and (6) "Qualified recipient" means a student who: (A) Is a resident of the State of Arkansas; (B) Has completed a veterinarian medicine degree program at a participating institution; (C) Is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Arkansas; and (D) Has been certified under § 6-4-106 by the Division of Higher Education as qualified to participate in the loan repayment program authorized by this section and consistent with § 6-4-106 . (b) The division shall institute a loan repayment program to: (1) Benefit Arkansas residents; and (2) Assist with the repayment of federal student loans for students that attended a participating institution and completed the requirements for loan repayment. (c) (1) The division shall administer the program. (2) (A) The division shall adopt rules to implement this section and address the terms and conditions of loan repayments made under this section. (B) The terms of the loan repayment shall include without limitation: (i) A requirement to practice food supply veterinary medicine for five (5) consecutive years; and (ii) Conditions for loan repayment under § 6-81-1106 . (C) The loan repayment amount shall not exceed the amount of tuition assistance provided under the Southern Regional Education Compact program. (d) The division shall: (1) Allocate the number of qualified recipients to receive loan repayment based on the amount of funds appropriated; (2) Determine the necessary procedures for awarding the loan repayments if the number of eligible applicants and recipients exceeds the funding available; and (3) (A) Distribute loan repayments according to the allocations made by the division. (B) The division shall not be obligated to make a loan repayment unless funds are appropriated. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2046, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2045, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2044, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2043, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2042, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2041, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2011, No. 881, § 1.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Food animal" means bovine, porcine, ovine, camelid, cervid, poultry, and any other species determined by the State Veterinarian; (2) "Food supply veterinary medicine" means all aspects of veterinary medicine's involvement in food supply systems, from traditional agricultural production to consumption; (3) "Loan repayment" means a payment made to a recipient upon completion of yearly requirements; (4) "Participating institution" means the College of Veterinary Medicine of Mississippi State University; (5) "Practice of food supply veterinary medicine" means a corporate or private veterinary practice with a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the practice devoted to food animal medicine or mixed animal medicine located in rural areas; and (6) "Qualified recipient" means a student who: (A) Is a resident of the State of Arkansas; (B) Has completed a veterinarian medicine degree program at a participating institution; (C) Is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Arkansas; and (D) Has been certified under § 6-4-106 by the Division of Higher Education as qualified to participate in the loan repayment program authorized by this section and consistent with § 6-4-106 .

(1) "Food animal" means bovine, porcine, ovine, camelid, cervid, poultry, and any other species determined by the State Veterinarian;

(2) "Food supply veterinary medicine" means all aspects of veterinary medicine's involvement in food supply systems, from traditional agricultural production to consumption;

(3) "Loan repayment" means a payment made to a recipient upon completion of yearly requirements;

(4) "Participating institution" means the College of Veterinary Medicine of Mississippi State University;

(5) "Practice of food supply veterinary medicine" means a corporate or private veterinary practice with a minimum of thirty percent (30%) of the practice devoted to food animal medicine or mixed animal medicine located in rural areas; and

(6) "Qualified recipient" means a student who: (A) Is a resident of the State of Arkansas; (B) Has completed a veterinarian medicine degree program at a participating institution; (C) Is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Arkansas; and (D) Has been certified under § 6-4-106 by the Division of Higher Education as qualified to participate in the loan repayment program authorized by this section and consistent with § 6-4-106 .

(A) Is a resident of the State of Arkansas;

(B) Has completed a veterinarian medicine degree program at a participating institution;

(C) Is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Arkansas; and

(D) Has been certified under § 6-4-106 by the Division of Higher Education as qualified to participate in the loan repayment program authorized by this section and consistent with § 6-4-106 .

(b) The division shall institute a loan repayment program to: (1) Benefit Arkansas residents; and (2) Assist with the repayment of federal student loans for students that attended a participating institution and completed the requirements for loan repayment.

(1) Benefit Arkansas residents; and

(2) Assist with the repayment of federal student loans for students that attended a participating institution and completed the requirements for loan repayment.

(c) (1) The division shall administer the program. (2) (A) The division shall adopt rules to implement this section and address the terms and conditions of loan repayments made under this section. (B) The terms of the loan repayment shall include without limitation: (i) A requirement to practice food supply veterinary medicine for five (5) consecutive years; and (ii) Conditions for loan repayment under § 6-81-1106 . (C) The loan repayment amount shall not exceed the amount of tuition assistance provided under the Southern Regional Education Compact program.

(1) The division shall administer the program.

(2) (A) The division shall adopt rules to implement this section and address the terms and conditions of loan repayments made under this section. (B) The terms of the loan repayment shall include without limitation: (i) A requirement to practice food supply veterinary medicine for five (5) consecutive years; and (ii) Conditions for loan repayment under § 6-81-1106 . (C) The loan repayment amount shall not exceed the amount of tuition assistance provided under the Southern Regional Education Compact program.

(A) The division shall adopt rules to implement this section and address the terms and conditions of loan repayments made under this section.

(B) The terms of the loan repayment shall include without limitation: (i) A requirement to practice food supply veterinary medicine for five (5) consecutive years; and (ii) Conditions for loan repayment under § 6-81-1106 .

(i) A requirement to practice food supply veterinary medicine for five (5) consecutive years; and

(ii) Conditions for loan repayment under § 6-81-1106 .

(C) The loan repayment amount shall not exceed the amount of tuition assistance provided under the Southern Regional Education Compact program.

(d) The division shall: (1) Allocate the number of qualified recipients to receive loan repayment based on the amount of funds appropriated; (2) Determine the necessary procedures for awarding the loan repayments if the number of eligible applicants and recipients exceeds the funding available; and (3) (A) Distribute loan repayments according to the allocations made by the division. (B) The division shall not be obligated to make a loan repayment unless funds are appropriated.

(1) Allocate the number of qualified recipients to receive loan repayment based on the amount of funds appropriated;

(2) Determine the necessary procedures for awarding the loan repayments if the number of eligible applicants and recipients exceeds the funding available; and

(3) (A) Distribute loan repayments according to the allocations made by the division. (B) The division shall not be obligated to make a loan repayment unless funds are appropriated.

(A) Distribute loan repayments according to the allocations made by the division.

(B) The division shall not be obligated to make a loan repayment unless funds are appropriated.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2046, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2045, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2044, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2043, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2042, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2041, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2011, No. 881, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-71-140 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 71 / Section 6-71-140
Acquisition of private property
Status: in_force

(a) In the event that the special improvement district fails to obtain, by agreement with the owner, property for the improvement or the right thereto, it may apply to the circuit court of the county in which the property is assessed, giving the owner of such property at least ten (10) days' notice in writing of the time and place where the petition will be heard. (b) The petition shall describe, as nearly as may be, the real estate which is sought and for which damages are asked to be assessed, whether improved or unimproved, and be sworn to by one (1) of the commissioners. (c) It shall be the duty of the court to impanel a jury of twelve (12) persons, as in other civil cases, to ascertain the amount of compensation which the district shall pay, and the matter shall proceed and then be determined as in other civil causes. (d) The amount of damages to be paid the owner of the lands for the use of such district shall be determined and assessed irrespective of any benefit the owner may receive from any improvement proposed by such district. (e) In all cases where damages for the site of expansion for the use of the district have been assessed in the manner hereinbefore provided, it shall be the duty of such district to deposit with the court or pay to the owners the amount so assessed and pay such costs as may, in the discretion of the court, be adjudged against it, within thirty (30) days after such assessment, whereupon it shall and may be lawful for such district to enter upon and use such lands forever. (f) Where the determination of questions in controversy in such proceedings is likely to retard the progress of the work on the special improvement, the court or judge, in vacation, shall designate an amount of money to be deposited by such district, subject to the order of the court, for the purpose of making compensation when the amount thereof shall have been assessed as aforesaid, and the judge shall designate the place of such deposit. (g) Whenever a deposit shall have been made in compliance with the order of the court or judge, it shall be lawful for such district to enter upon the land and proceed with its work through and over the land in controversy prior to the assessment and payment of damages for the use and right to be determined as aforesaid. Acts 1949, No. 260, §§ 43-49; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-3645 -- 80-3651.

(a) In the event that the special improvement district fails to obtain, by agreement with the owner, property for the improvement or the right thereto, it may apply to the circuit court of the county in which the property is assessed, giving the owner of such property at least ten (10) days' notice in writing of the time and place where the petition will be heard.

(b) The petition shall describe, as nearly as may be, the real estate which is sought and for which damages are asked to be assessed, whether improved or unimproved, and be sworn to by one (1) of the commissioners.

(c) It shall be the duty of the court to impanel a jury of twelve (12) persons, as in other civil cases, to ascertain the amount of compensation which the district shall pay, and the matter shall proceed and then be determined as in other civil causes.

(d) The amount of damages to be paid the owner of the lands for the use of such district shall be determined and assessed irrespective of any benefit the owner may receive from any improvement proposed by such district.

(e) In all cases where damages for the site of expansion for the use of the district have been assessed in the manner hereinbefore provided, it shall be the duty of such district to deposit with the court or pay to the owners the amount so assessed and pay such costs as may, in the discretion of the court, be adjudged against it, within thirty (30) days after such assessment, whereupon it shall and may be lawful for such district to enter upon and use such lands forever.

(f) Where the determination of questions in controversy in such proceedings is likely to retard the progress of the work on the special improvement, the court or judge, in vacation, shall designate an amount of money to be deposited by such district, subject to the order of the court, for the purpose of making compensation when the amount thereof shall have been assessed as aforesaid, and the judge shall designate the place of such deposit.

(g) Whenever a deposit shall have been made in compliance with the order of the court or judge, it shall be lawful for such district to enter upon the land and proceed with its work through and over the land in controversy prior to the assessment and payment of damages for the use and right to be determined as aforesaid.

Acts 1949, No. 260, §§ 43-49; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-3645 -- 80-3651.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2917 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 29 / Section 6-15-2917
Public school district under authority of State Board of Education
Status: in_force

(a) For a public school district under the authority of the State Board of Education, the state board shall review quarterly the progress of the public school district toward improving the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support. (b) At any time during the second full school year following the assumption of authority or any time thereafter: (1) The state board may direct the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to update the analysis of all school district systems to determine if the public school district has demonstrated substantial improvement of the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support; (2) The commissioner may recommend to the state board that the state board: (A) Take additional action concerning the public school district under § 6-15-2916 ; or (B) Return the public school district to local control through the appointment or election of a board of directors; and (3) (A) The state board may return the public school district to local control through the appointment or election of a newly elected public school district board of directors upon the recommendation of the commissioner. (B) The state board may limit the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors under § 6-13-620 or any other law but allow the public school district board of directors to operate under the direction and approval of the commissioner. (C) The state board shall define the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors if the state board limits the powers and duties under subdivision (b)(3)(B) of this section. (D) The public school district board of directors shall act in an advisory capacity to the commissioner in regards to all other powers and duties maintained by the commissioner. (E) The state board may grant additional powers and duties to the public school district board of directors if the public school district demonstrates progress toward improving the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support. (c) If the state board has not returned a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support to local control as authorized under subsection (b) of this section, then, no later than two (2) years after the assumption of authority of the public school district, the state board shall establish the criteria, publicly and in writing, by which the public school district may exit Level 5 - Intensive support. (d) A public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support that demonstrates to the state board that the public school district meets the criteria established by the state board under subsection (c) of this section to exit Level 5 - Intensive support shall be returned to full local control as soon as: (1) The state board determines that the public school district meets the criteria established by the state board under subsection (c) of this section to exit Level 5 - Intensive support, but in no case longer than five (5) years after the assumption of authority of the public school district; and (2) A democratically elected public school district board of directors has been elected during a school election. (e) (1) If a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support has not demonstrated to the state board that the public school district meets the criteria established by the state board under subsection (c) of this section to exit Level 5 - Intensive support within five (5) years of the assumption of authority, then, five (5) years after the assumption of authority, the state board shall either: (A) Return the public school district to full local control; or (B) Annex, consolidate, or reconstitute the public school district under § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter. (2) (A) If the state board elects to return a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support to full local control under subdivision (e)(1)(A) of this section, then the state board shall do so no later than five (5) years after its assumption of authority. (B) If the state board elects to annex, consolidate, or reconstitute a public school district under subdivision (e)(1)(B) of this section, then any portion or form of the public school district remaining following its annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution under subdivision (e)(1)(B) of this section shall be returned to full local control no later than five (5) years after the assumption of authority. Amended by Act 2023, No. 633,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1309, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

(a) For a public school district under the authority of the State Board of Education, the state board shall review quarterly the progress of the public school district toward improving the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support.

(b) At any time during the second full school year following the assumption of authority or any time thereafter: (1) The state board may direct the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to update the analysis of all school district systems to determine if the public school district has demonstrated substantial improvement of the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support; (2) The commissioner may recommend to the state board that the state board: (A) Take additional action concerning the public school district under § 6-15-2916 ; or (B) Return the public school district to local control through the appointment or election of a board of directors; and (3) (A) The state board may return the public school district to local control through the appointment or election of a newly elected public school district board of directors upon the recommendation of the commissioner. (B) The state board may limit the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors under § 6-13-620 or any other law but allow the public school district board of directors to operate under the direction and approval of the commissioner. (C) The state board shall define the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors if the state board limits the powers and duties under subdivision (b)(3)(B) of this section. (D) The public school district board of directors shall act in an advisory capacity to the commissioner in regards to all other powers and duties maintained by the commissioner. (E) The state board may grant additional powers and duties to the public school district board of directors if the public school district demonstrates progress toward improving the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support.

(1) The state board may direct the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to update the analysis of all school district systems to determine if the public school district has demonstrated substantial improvement of the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support;

(2) The commissioner may recommend to the state board that the state board: (A) Take additional action concerning the public school district under § 6-15-2916 ; or (B) Return the public school district to local control through the appointment or election of a board of directors; and

(A) Take additional action concerning the public school district under § 6-15-2916 ; or

(B) Return the public school district to local control through the appointment or election of a board of directors; and

(3) (A) The state board may return the public school district to local control through the appointment or election of a newly elected public school district board of directors upon the recommendation of the commissioner. (B) The state board may limit the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors under § 6-13-620 or any other law but allow the public school district board of directors to operate under the direction and approval of the commissioner. (C) The state board shall define the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors if the state board limits the powers and duties under subdivision (b)(3)(B) of this section. (D) The public school district board of directors shall act in an advisory capacity to the commissioner in regards to all other powers and duties maintained by the commissioner. (E) The state board may grant additional powers and duties to the public school district board of directors if the public school district demonstrates progress toward improving the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support.

(A) The state board may return the public school district to local control through the appointment or election of a newly elected public school district board of directors upon the recommendation of the commissioner.

(B) The state board may limit the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors under § 6-13-620 or any other law but allow the public school district board of directors to operate under the direction and approval of the commissioner.

(C) The state board shall define the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors if the state board limits the powers and duties under subdivision (b)(3)(B) of this section.

(D) The public school district board of directors shall act in an advisory capacity to the commissioner in regards to all other powers and duties maintained by the commissioner.

(E) The state board may grant additional powers and duties to the public school district board of directors if the public school district demonstrates progress toward improving the issues that caused the classification of the public school district as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support.

(c) If the state board has not returned a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support to local control as authorized under subsection (b) of this section, then, no later than two (2) years after the assumption of authority of the public school district, the state board shall establish the criteria, publicly and in writing, by which the public school district may exit Level 5 - Intensive support.

(d) A public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support that demonstrates to the state board that the public school district meets the criteria established by the state board under subsection (c) of this section to exit Level 5 - Intensive support shall be returned to full local control as soon as: (1) The state board determines that the public school district meets the criteria established by the state board under subsection (c) of this section to exit Level 5 - Intensive support, but in no case longer than five (5) years after the assumption of authority of the public school district; and (2) A democratically elected public school district board of directors has been elected during a school election.

(1) The state board determines that the public school district meets the criteria established by the state board under subsection (c) of this section to exit Level 5 - Intensive support, but in no case longer than five (5) years after the assumption of authority of the public school district; and

(2) A democratically elected public school district board of directors has been elected during a school election.

(e) (1) If a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support has not demonstrated to the state board that the public school district meets the criteria established by the state board under subsection (c) of this section to exit Level 5 - Intensive support within five (5) years of the assumption of authority, then, five (5) years after the assumption of authority, the state board shall either: (A) Return the public school district to full local control; or (B) Annex, consolidate, or reconstitute the public school district under § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter. (2) (A) If the state board elects to return a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support to full local control under subdivision (e)(1)(A) of this section, then the state board shall do so no later than five (5) years after its assumption of authority. (B) If the state board elects to annex, consolidate, or reconstitute a public school district under subdivision (e)(1)(B) of this section, then any portion or form of the public school district remaining following its annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution under subdivision (e)(1)(B) of this section shall be returned to full local control no later than five (5) years after the assumption of authority.

(1) If a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support has not demonstrated to the state board that the public school district meets the criteria established by the state board under subsection (c) of this section to exit Level 5 - Intensive support within five (5) years of the assumption of authority, then, five (5) years after the assumption of authority, the state board shall either: (A) Return the public school district to full local control; or (B) Annex, consolidate, or reconstitute the public school district under § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter.

(A) Return the public school district to full local control; or

(B) Annex, consolidate, or reconstitute the public school district under § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter.

(2) (A) If the state board elects to return a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support to full local control under subdivision (e)(1)(A) of this section, then the state board shall do so no later than five (5) years after its assumption of authority. (B) If the state board elects to annex, consolidate, or reconstitute a public school district under subdivision (e)(1)(B) of this section, then any portion or form of the public school district remaining following its annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution under subdivision (e)(1)(B) of this section shall be returned to full local control no later than five (5) years after the assumption of authority.

(A) If the state board elects to return a public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support to full local control under subdivision (e)(1)(A) of this section, then the state board shall do so no later than five (5) years after its assumption of authority.

(B) If the state board elects to annex, consolidate, or reconstitute a public school district under subdivision (e)(1)(B) of this section, then any portion or form of the public school district remaining following its annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution under subdivision (e)(1)(B) of this section shall be returned to full local control no later than five (5) years after the assumption of authority.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 633,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1309, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-127 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 10 / Section 6-10-127
Making up missed school days
Status: in_force

(a) If a superintendent closes school for a regularly scheduled school day due to exceptional or emergency circumstances such as a contagious disease outbreak, inclement weather, or other acts of God, the superintendent may make up missed school days by adding time to the beginning or ending of a regular school day for a minimum of sixty (60) minutes. (b) (1) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may grant up to the equivalent of ten (10) student attendance days for public school districts that have an alternative instruction plan approved by the commissioner for the use of alternative methods of instruction, including without limitation virtual learning, on days when the public school district is closed due to exceptional or emergency circumstances such as: (A) A contagious disease outbreak, inclement weather, or other acts of God; or (B) A utility outage. (2) The public school district's alternative instruction plan shall demonstrate how teaching and learning in the public school district will not be negatively impacted by the use of alternative methods of instruction under subdivision (b)(1) of this section. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 4, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2017, No. 862,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Added by Act 2015, No. 286,§ 1, eff. 2/27/2015.

(a) If a superintendent closes school for a regularly scheduled school day due to exceptional or emergency circumstances such as a contagious disease outbreak, inclement weather, or other acts of God, the superintendent may make up missed school days by adding time to the beginning or ending of a regular school day for a minimum of sixty (60) minutes.

(b) (1) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may grant up to the equivalent of ten (10) student attendance days for public school districts that have an alternative instruction plan approved by the commissioner for the use of alternative methods of instruction, including without limitation virtual learning, on days when the public school district is closed due to exceptional or emergency circumstances such as: (A) A contagious disease outbreak, inclement weather, or other acts of God; or (B) A utility outage. (2) The public school district's alternative instruction plan shall demonstrate how teaching and learning in the public school district will not be negatively impacted by the use of alternative methods of instruction under subdivision (b)(1) of this section.

(1) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education may grant up to the equivalent of ten (10) student attendance days for public school districts that have an alternative instruction plan approved by the commissioner for the use of alternative methods of instruction, including without limitation virtual learning, on days when the public school district is closed due to exceptional or emergency circumstances such as: (A) A contagious disease outbreak, inclement weather, or other acts of God; or (B) A utility outage.

(A) A contagious disease outbreak, inclement weather, or other acts of God; or

(B) A utility outage.

(2) The public school district's alternative instruction plan shall demonstrate how teaching and learning in the public school district will not be negatively impacted by the use of alternative methods of instruction under subdivision (b)(1) of this section.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 4, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 862,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

Added by Act 2015, No. 286,§ 1, eff. 2/27/2015.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-1304 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 13 / Section 6-60-1304
Information published and distributed to middle and high school students by Department of Education
Status: in_force

The Department of Education shall publish and distribute to middle and high school students in the State of Arkansas on an annual basis a comparison, using the information collected under § 6-60-1302 , that contains the following information without limitation: (1) The top fifty (50) majors for four-year degrees by salaries after graduating; (2) The top twenty (20) career and technical education and certificate programs by salaries after graduating or receiving a certificate of completion; and (3) The top twenty-five (25) most in-demand jobs in the state and their corresponding starting salaries and education requirements. Added by Act 2021, No. 1066,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.

The Department of Education shall publish and distribute to middle and high school students in the State of Arkansas on an annual basis a comparison, using the information collected under § 6-60-1302 , that contains the following information without limitation:

(1) The top fifty (50) majors for four-year degrees by salaries after graduating;

(2) The top twenty (20) career and technical education and certificate programs by salaries after graduating or receiving a certificate of completion; and

(3) The top twenty-five (25) most in-demand jobs in the state and their corresponding starting salaries and education requirements.

Added by Act 2021, No. 1066,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-706 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-18-706
School nurse - Definition
Status: in_force

(a) Each public school district shall provide a health services program under the direction of a licensed registered nurse in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules. (b) In order to improve the health status and educational achievement of the children of this state, the General Assembly hereby determines that an appropriate school nurse-to-student ratio is essential to effectively meet the healthcare needs of these children. (c) (1) For purposes of this section, "school nurse" means a licensed nurse engaging in school nursing activities. (2) A school nurse shall practice within the scope of practice applicable to the certification of the school nurse. (d) (1) Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, at least one (1) licensed registered nurse employed or contracted by each public school district shall annually participate in nursing professional development related to Arkansas school nursing mandates and practices, as determined appropriate by the division. (2) The division, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall develop and implement an education program for school nurses that is designed to improve the quality and delivery of health services for students. (e) (1) Beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, all school districts shall have no fewer than the full-time equivalent of one (1) school nurse per seven hundred fifty (750) students or the proportionate ratio thereof, or, if feasible, one (1) school nurse on each public school campus. (2) In districts having a high concentration of children with disabling conditions as determined by the State Board of Education, the ratio of school nurses to students should be one (1) to four hundred (400) in those schools so designated. (3) In a district that provides a center for profoundly disabled students, the ratio should be one (1) school nurse per one hundred twenty-five (125) students at that center. (f) (1) School nurses may be employed or provided by contract or agreement with other agencies or individuals provided that the prescribed ratio and equivalency are maintained. (2) However, no school nurse may be employed by, or contract with, any public secondary or elementary school of this state except with the prior approval of the local school district board of directors. (g) (1) The provisions of this section shall be effective only upon the availability of state funds. (2) Available funds shall be distributed to school districts based on the previous year's three-quarter average daily membership. Amended by Act 2021, No. 1089,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 67, § 3.

(a) Each public school district shall provide a health services program under the direction of a licensed registered nurse in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas and Division of Elementary and Secondary Education rules.

(b) In order to improve the health status and educational achievement of the children of this state, the General Assembly hereby determines that an appropriate school nurse-to-student ratio is essential to effectively meet the healthcare needs of these children.

(c) (1) For purposes of this section, "school nurse" means a licensed nurse engaging in school nursing activities. (2) A school nurse shall practice within the scope of practice applicable to the certification of the school nurse.

(1) For purposes of this section, "school nurse" means a licensed nurse engaging in school nursing activities.

(2) A school nurse shall practice within the scope of practice applicable to the certification of the school nurse.

(d) (1) Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, at least one (1) licensed registered nurse employed or contracted by each public school district shall annually participate in nursing professional development related to Arkansas school nursing mandates and practices, as determined appropriate by the division. (2) The division, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall develop and implement an education program for school nurses that is designed to improve the quality and delivery of health services for students.

(1) Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, at least one (1) licensed registered nurse employed or contracted by each public school district shall annually participate in nursing professional development related to Arkansas school nursing mandates and practices, as determined appropriate by the division.

(2) The division, in conjunction with the Department of Health, shall develop and implement an education program for school nurses that is designed to improve the quality and delivery of health services for students.

(e) (1) Beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, all school districts shall have no fewer than the full-time equivalent of one (1) school nurse per seven hundred fifty (750) students or the proportionate ratio thereof, or, if feasible, one (1) school nurse on each public school campus. (2) In districts having a high concentration of children with disabling conditions as determined by the State Board of Education, the ratio of school nurses to students should be one (1) to four hundred (400) in those schools so designated. (3) In a district that provides a center for profoundly disabled students, the ratio should be one (1) school nurse per one hundred twenty-five (125) students at that center.

(1) Beginning with the 2004-2005 school year, all school districts shall have no fewer than the full-time equivalent of one (1) school nurse per seven hundred fifty (750) students or the proportionate ratio thereof, or, if feasible, one (1) school nurse on each public school campus.

(2) In districts having a high concentration of children with disabling conditions as determined by the State Board of Education, the ratio of school nurses to students should be one (1) to four hundred (400) in those schools so designated.

(3) In a district that provides a center for profoundly disabled students, the ratio should be one (1) school nurse per one hundred twenty-five (125) students at that center.

(f) (1) School nurses may be employed or provided by contract or agreement with other agencies or individuals provided that the prescribed ratio and equivalency are maintained. (2) However, no school nurse may be employed by, or contract with, any public secondary or elementary school of this state except with the prior approval of the local school district board of directors.

(1) School nurses may be employed or provided by contract or agreement with other agencies or individuals provided that the prescribed ratio and equivalency are maintained.

(2) However, no school nurse may be employed by, or contract with, any public secondary or elementary school of this state except with the prior approval of the local school district board of directors.

(g) (1) The provisions of this section shall be effective only upon the availability of state funds. (2) Available funds shall be distributed to school districts based on the previous year's three-quarter average daily membership.

(1) The provisions of this section shall be effective only upon the availability of state funds.

(2) Available funds shall be distributed to school districts based on the previous year's three-quarter average daily membership.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 1089,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 67, § 3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-68-108 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 68 / Section 6-68-108
Violation
Status: in_force

Failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter shall be an act of discrimination pursuant to § 16-123-107(a)(2) . Acts 2001, No. 758, § 1.

Failure to comply with the requirements of this chapter shall be an act of discrimination pursuant to § 16-123-107(a)(2) .

Acts 2001, No. 758, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-1706 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 17 / Section 6-82-1706
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 316,§ 4, eff. 3/2/2017. Acts 2007, No. 1030, § 1.

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 316,§ 4, eff. 3/2/2017.

Acts 2007, No. 1030, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-63-105 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 63 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-63-105
Highly Qualified Professor and Teacher Act
Status: in_force

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Highly Qualified Professor and Teacher Act". (b) A university professor or an assistant professor may receive a teaching license issued by the State Board of Education upon performing application requirements under § 6-17-401 et seq. (c) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to implement this section. Added by Act 2021, No. 657,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Highly Qualified Professor and Teacher Act".

(b) A university professor or an assistant professor may receive a teaching license issued by the State Board of Education upon performing application requirements under § 6-17-401 et seq.

(c) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to implement this section.

Added by Act 2021, No. 657,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-503 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-20-503
Rules
Status: in_force

The State Board of Education shall adopt reasonable rules for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this subchapter and for the carrying out of the purposes and intent of this subchapter that reasonable procedures be established to assure that funds provided for the education of children living in foster homes and of children with disabilities, as defined in this subchapter, in this state shall be equitably and fairly shared by the school districts having the lawful responsibility for the education of such children in this state. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 276, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1981, No. 815, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-743; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 13.

The State Board of Education shall adopt reasonable rules for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this subchapter and for the carrying out of the purposes and intent of this subchapter that reasonable procedures be established to assure that funds provided for the education of children living in foster homes and of children with disabilities, as defined in this subchapter, in this state shall be equitably and fairly shared by the school districts having the lawful responsibility for the education of such children in this state.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 276, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1981, No. 815, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-743; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 13.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-42-308 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 42 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-42-308
School qualifies as local education agency
Status: in_force

(a) The General Assembly designates that the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts meets the definition of a "local education agency" because the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts is a public authority legally constituted within this state to perform a service function for public secondary schools and is a public institution or agency having administrative control and direction of a secondary school. (b) This section intends to recognize the function of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts and to provide eligibility to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts to receive federal funds. (c) Nothing in this section shall permit the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts to receive funds from the Public School Fund except pursuant to a line item appropriation. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 1.

(a) The General Assembly designates that the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts meets the definition of a "local education agency" because the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts is a public authority legally constituted within this state to perform a service function for public secondary schools and is a public institution or agency having administrative control and direction of a secondary school.

(b) This section intends to recognize the function of the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts and to provide eligibility to the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts to receive federal funds.

(c) Nothing in this section shall permit the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts to receive funds from the Public School Fund except pursuant to a line item appropriation.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 22, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2402 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 24 / Section 6-18-2402
Applicability - Relation to other laws
Status: in_force

(a) This subchapter applies to any school-aged and enrolled student regardless of whether the student has an identified disability. (b) (1) This subchapter does not supersede federal or state law. (2) A school district shall follow all relevant federal and state law, including without limitation the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq., when a student with a disability is restrained or secluded or whenever restraining or secluding a student with a disability is contemplated. (c) Each school district shall: (1) Adopt policies and procedures that are consistent with the provisions of this subchapter; (2) Review the Department of Education Special Education and Related Services Guidelines, § 20.00 Time-Out Seclusion Room; and (3) Provide its school personnel with the training, tools, and support needed to ensure the safety of all students and school personnel. Added by Act 2021, No. 1084,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

(a) This subchapter applies to any school-aged and enrolled student regardless of whether the student has an identified disability.

(b) (1) This subchapter does not supersede federal or state law. (2) A school district shall follow all relevant federal and state law, including without limitation the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq., when a student with a disability is restrained or secluded or whenever restraining or secluding a student with a disability is contemplated.

(1) This subchapter does not supersede federal or state law.

(2) A school district shall follow all relevant federal and state law, including without limitation the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq., and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq., when a student with a disability is restrained or secluded or whenever restraining or secluding a student with a disability is contemplated.

(c) Each school district shall: (1) Adopt policies and procedures that are consistent with the provisions of this subchapter; (2) Review the Department of Education Special Education and Related Services Guidelines, § 20.00 Time-Out Seclusion Room; and (3) Provide its school personnel with the training, tools, and support needed to ensure the safety of all students and school personnel.

(1) Adopt policies and procedures that are consistent with the provisions of this subchapter;

(2) Review the Department of Education Special Education and Related Services Guidelines, § 20.00 Time-Out Seclusion Room; and

(3) Provide its school personnel with the training, tools, and support needed to ensure the safety of all students and school personnel.

Added by Act 2021, No. 1084,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.