Ark. Code Ann. § 6-13-1610 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 13 / Subchapter 16 / Section 6-13-1610
Financial relief for debts acquired as a result of involuntary consolidations - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Accounts payable" means a debt owed by a school district on June 30 immediately before administrative consolidation, excluding bonded indebtedness or other long-term debt; (2) "Available funding" means funds that are available to a school district for paying accounts payable or are reasonably expected to be collected and available for payment of accounts payable; (3) "Excess accounts payable" means accounts payable of an Act 60 school district that exceed available funding; and (4) "Improper expenditure exceptions" means an erroneous expenditure of federal or state funds that is noted as an audit exception and has been determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to require an expenditure of funds by the resulting district to be correct. (b) If on July 1, 2004, or thereafter, the State Board of Education required an involuntary administrative consolidation under § 6-13-1603(a)(3) and the resulting district assumed excess accounts payable or improper expenditure exceptions incurred by the Act 60 school district before the July 1 administrative consolidation date that would have caused deficit spending if paid from the funds of the Act 60 school district, the division shall provide supplemental funding to the resulting district. (c) (1) The amount of the supplemental funding provided under subsection (b) of this section shall be equal to the amount of the excess accounts payable and improper expenditure exceptions assumed by the resulting district. (2) (A) The amount of accounts payable, excess accounts payable, improper expenditure exceptions, and available funding shall be determined by the division based on information provided in a final audit and other verifiable fiscal information available to the division. (B) The audit of an Act 60 school district required under this section shall be completed within the time under § 6-20-1801(d) for school districts in fiscal distress. (3) No supplemental funding shall be paid under this section until after completion of a final audit by Arkansas Legislative Audit or a private certified public accountant that may conduct school district audits under § 6-20-1801 . (d) (1) By January 1 of each year, the division shall: (A) Have authority to oversee all fiscal and accounting-related matters of all school districts on the consolidation list; and (B) Require school districts with fewer than three hundred fifty (350) students according to the school district average daily membership in the school year immediately preceding the current school year to have accurate records necessary to close all books within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year. (2) No contract or other debt obligation incurred by a school district for which the division has oversight authority under this section shall be valid or enforceable against a resulting district unless the contract or other debt obligation is preapproved in writing by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee. Amended by Act 2023, No. 461,§ 8, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2023, No. 461,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1176, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1175, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1174, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1173, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2005, No. 2230, § 1.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Accounts payable" means a debt owed by a school district on June 30 immediately before administrative consolidation, excluding bonded indebtedness or other long-term debt; (2) "Available funding" means funds that are available to a school district for paying accounts payable or are reasonably expected to be collected and available for payment of accounts payable; (3) "Excess accounts payable" means accounts payable of an Act 60 school district that exceed available funding; and (4) "Improper expenditure exceptions" means an erroneous expenditure of federal or state funds that is noted as an audit exception and has been determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to require an expenditure of funds by the resulting district to be correct.

(1) "Accounts payable" means a debt owed by a school district on June 30 immediately before administrative consolidation, excluding bonded indebtedness or other long-term debt;

(2) "Available funding" means funds that are available to a school district for paying accounts payable or are reasonably expected to be collected and available for payment of accounts payable;

(3) "Excess accounts payable" means accounts payable of an Act 60 school district that exceed available funding; and

(4) "Improper expenditure exceptions" means an erroneous expenditure of federal or state funds that is noted as an audit exception and has been determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to require an expenditure of funds by the resulting district to be correct.

(b) If on July 1, 2004, or thereafter, the State Board of Education required an involuntary administrative consolidation under § 6-13-1603(a)(3) and the resulting district assumed excess accounts payable or improper expenditure exceptions incurred by the Act 60 school district before the July 1 administrative consolidation date that would have caused deficit spending if paid from the funds of the Act 60 school district, the division shall provide supplemental funding to the resulting district.

(c) (1) The amount of the supplemental funding provided under subsection (b) of this section shall be equal to the amount of the excess accounts payable and improper expenditure exceptions assumed by the resulting district. (2) (A) The amount of accounts payable, excess accounts payable, improper expenditure exceptions, and available funding shall be determined by the division based on information provided in a final audit and other verifiable fiscal information available to the division. (B) The audit of an Act 60 school district required under this section shall be completed within the time under § 6-20-1801(d) for school districts in fiscal distress. (3) No supplemental funding shall be paid under this section until after completion of a final audit by Arkansas Legislative Audit or a private certified public accountant that may conduct school district audits under § 6-20-1801 .

(1) The amount of the supplemental funding provided under subsection (b) of this section shall be equal to the amount of the excess accounts payable and improper expenditure exceptions assumed by the resulting district.

(2) (A) The amount of accounts payable, excess accounts payable, improper expenditure exceptions, and available funding shall be determined by the division based on information provided in a final audit and other verifiable fiscal information available to the division. (B) The audit of an Act 60 school district required under this section shall be completed within the time under § 6-20-1801(d) for school districts in fiscal distress.

(A) The amount of accounts payable, excess accounts payable, improper expenditure exceptions, and available funding shall be determined by the division based on information provided in a final audit and other verifiable fiscal information available to the division.

(B) The audit of an Act 60 school district required under this section shall be completed within the time under § 6-20-1801(d) for school districts in fiscal distress.

(3) No supplemental funding shall be paid under this section until after completion of a final audit by Arkansas Legislative Audit or a private certified public accountant that may conduct school district audits under § 6-20-1801 .

(d) (1) By January 1 of each year, the division shall: (A) Have authority to oversee all fiscal and accounting-related matters of all school districts on the consolidation list; and (B) Require school districts with fewer than three hundred fifty (350) students according to the school district average daily membership in the school year immediately preceding the current school year to have accurate records necessary to close all books within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year. (2) No contract or other debt obligation incurred by a school district for which the division has oversight authority under this section shall be valid or enforceable against a resulting district unless the contract or other debt obligation is preapproved in writing by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee.

(1) By January 1 of each year, the division shall: (A) Have authority to oversee all fiscal and accounting-related matters of all school districts on the consolidation list; and (B) Require school districts with fewer than three hundred fifty (350) students according to the school district average daily membership in the school year immediately preceding the current school year to have accurate records necessary to close all books within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year.

(A) Have authority to oversee all fiscal and accounting-related matters of all school districts on the consolidation list; and

(B) Require school districts with fewer than three hundred fifty (350) students according to the school district average daily membership in the school year immediately preceding the current school year to have accurate records necessary to close all books within sixty (60) days of the end of the fiscal year.

(2) No contract or other debt obligation incurred by a school district for which the division has oversight authority under this section shall be valid or enforceable against a resulting district unless the contract or other debt obligation is preapproved in writing by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education or his or her designee.

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

Amended by Act 2023, No. 461,§ 7, eff. 8/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1176, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1175, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1174, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1173, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2005, No. 2230, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-11-117 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 11 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-11-117
Copies of documents as evidence
Status: in_force

Copies of any papers or documents on file in the office of the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education authenticated by him or her with the seal of the State Board of Education shall be admissible in evidence with the same effect as the original. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1101, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1931, No. 169, § 26; Pope's Dig., § 11465; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-121; Acts 1987, No. 771, § 10; 1999, No. 1323, § 15.

Copies of any papers or documents on file in the office of the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education authenticated by him or her with the seal of the State Board of Education shall be admissible in evidence with the same effect as the original.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1101, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1931, No. 169, § 26; Pope's Dig., § 11465; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-121; Acts 1987, No. 771, § 10; 1999, No. 1323, § 15.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-21-401 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 21 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-21-401
Title
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be known as the "Free Textbook Act of 1975". Acts 1975, No. 302, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1701.

This subchapter shall be known as the "Free Textbook Act of 1975".

Acts 1975, No. 302, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1701.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-51-601 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-51-601
Legislative intent
Status: in_force

(a) The General Assembly is aware of the fact that: (1) Many private career schools offering resident or correspondence programs in the State of Arkansas have contributed extensively to the well-being of the individuals and the business and industrial establishments which have benefited from that training; and (2) There is a need for protection of the consumer and the ethical private career school operator. (b) The General Assembly determines that the establishment of reasonable standards and licensing requirements for resident or correspondence schools, their program offerings, and their instructors and admissions representatives in the manner provided in this subchapter is essential in the public interest and in furtherance of the purposes stated above. Acts 1983, No. 770, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4301; Acts 1989, No. 906, § 1; 1995, No. 1213, § 1.

(a) The General Assembly is aware of the fact that: (1) Many private career schools offering resident or correspondence programs in the State of Arkansas have contributed extensively to the well-being of the individuals and the business and industrial establishments which have benefited from that training; and (2) There is a need for protection of the consumer and the ethical private career school operator.

(1) Many private career schools offering resident or correspondence programs in the State of Arkansas have contributed extensively to the well-being of the individuals and the business and industrial establishments which have benefited from that training; and

(2) There is a need for protection of the consumer and the ethical private career school operator.

(b) The General Assembly determines that the establishment of reasonable standards and licensing requirements for resident or correspondence schools, their program offerings, and their instructors and admissions representatives in the manner provided in this subchapter is essential in the public interest and in furtherance of the purposes stated above.

Acts 1983, No. 770, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4301; Acts 1989, No. 906, § 1; 1995, No. 1213, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-704 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-60-704
Information submitted to Division of Higher Education for inclusion in report
Status: in_force

(a) All higher education reports submitted to the General Assembly or other governmental bodies by individual colleges and universities, agencies, boards, or commissions shall be submitted directly to the Division of Higher Education no later than November 1, 2011, and each year thereafter for inclusion in the Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report. (b) If an institution of higher education fails to submit the required reports to the division by November 15, the institutions shall appear before the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education to explain why they failed to meet the submission deadline. (c) Financial information provided by an institution of higher education is subject to review by Arkansas Legislative Audit, and any adjustments made to previously submitted financial information during the course of a financial audit may be revised based upon recommendations made by Arkansas Legislative Audit. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1944, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2009, No. 416, § 1; 2011, No. 696, § 1.

(a) All higher education reports submitted to the General Assembly or other governmental bodies by individual colleges and universities, agencies, boards, or commissions shall be submitted directly to the Division of Higher Education no later than November 1, 2011, and each year thereafter for inclusion in the Comprehensive Arkansas Higher Education Annual Report.

(b) If an institution of higher education fails to submit the required reports to the division by November 15, the institutions shall appear before the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education to explain why they failed to meet the submission deadline.

(c) Financial information provided by an institution of higher education is subject to review by Arkansas Legislative Audit, and any adjustments made to previously submitted financial information during the course of a financial audit may be revised based upon recommendations made by Arkansas Legislative Audit.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1944, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2009, No. 416, § 1; 2011, No. 696, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-14-102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 14 / Section 6-14-102
Annual school election date - Special school election
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) The annual school election shall be held in each school district of the state: (i) In even-numbered years, on the date of the: (a) Preferential primary election; or (b) General election; and (ii) In odd-numbered years, on the: (a) Second Tuesday in November; or (b) Second Tuesday in May. (B) (i) A school district shall adopt a policy setting forth which election date under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section the school district chooses to hold the annual school election upon. (ii) At least one hundred (100) days before the first day of the respective candidate filing period set forth in § 6-14-111(e)(1)(A) , a school district shall provide a copy of the policy under subdivision (a)(1)(B)(i) of this section to: (a) The county board of election commissioners of the county in which the school district is domiciled for administrative purposes; and (b) The county clerk of each county within the school district's boundaries. (iii) If a school district fails to timely provide a copy of its most current policy to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks in accordance with subdivision (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section, the school district shall be required to hold the school district's annual school election in accordance with the most recent policy the school district has provided to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks. (2) The annual school election shall only concern issues authorized to be on the ballot by the Arkansas Constitution or by statute. Issues to be considered in the annual school election may be printed on the same ballot as the ballot of any other election lawfully held on the same date as the annual school election. (b) The board of directors of any school district shall have the authority to hold a special school election concerning the tax rate or debt issues under § 7-11-205 provided that: (1) All constitutional and statutory requirements for the annual school election are met, notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section; and (2) The board of directors of a school district files a document calling for the special school election with the district's domiciled county clerk not less than seventy (70) days before the date of the special school election. (c) (1) When the annual school election is not held at the same time as a preferential primary or general election, if no more than one (1) candidate for a school district director position presents a petition or notice as required by § 6-14-111 and if there are no other ballot issues to be submitted to school district electors for consideration, with the exception of the local tax rate if that rate is not being changed or restructured, the board of directors of a school district, by resolution, may request the county board of election commissioners to: (A) Reduce the number of polling places; (B) Open no polling places on election day so that the election can be conducted by absentee ballot and early voting only; or (C) (i) Declare an election by candidate to be held; (ii) Open no polling places; and (iii) Allow the candidate to cast a ballot for himself or herself at a designated time and location on election day or during the period that would otherwise be designated for early voting. (2) If a county uses electronic voting machines or electronic vote tabulating devices, and is holding an election under subdivision (c)(1) of this section, the county board of election commissioners may use: (A) The electronic voting machines or electronic vote tabulating devices; or (B) Paper ballots counted by hand and provide no voting machines to be used in the election, notwithstanding any other provision in the Arkansas Code. Amended by Act 2021, No. 610,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by Act 2021, No. 610,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2022. Amended by Act 2021, No. 448,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 85,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 552,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 597,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 545,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 910,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2018. Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 15,§ 1, eff. 5/23/2016. Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 14,§ 1, eff. 5/23/2016. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1281,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1244,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1215,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1959, No. 248, § 1; 1963, No. 121, § 1; 1967, No. 171, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-301; Acts 1987, No. 969, § 1; 1988 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 4, § 1; 1988, (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 11, § 1; 1993, No. 181, § 1; 1993, No. 294, § 8; 1994 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 1, § 6; 1995, No. 1131, § 1; 1995, No. 1281, § 1; 1997, No. 545, § 1; 1997, No. 1120, § 1; 1999, No. 1078, § 49; 1999, No. 1196, § 1; 2003, No. 1295, § 1; 2003, No. 1441, § 3; 2005, No. 1174, § 1; 2005, No. 2145, § 3; 2005, No. 2233, § 1; 2007, No. 1049, § 4; 2009, No. 959, § 46; 2009, No. 1469, § 2.

(a) (1) (A) The annual school election shall be held in each school district of the state: (i) In even-numbered years, on the date of the: (a) Preferential primary election; or (b) General election; and (ii) In odd-numbered years, on the: (a) Second Tuesday in November; or (b) Second Tuesday in May. (B) (i) A school district shall adopt a policy setting forth which election date under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section the school district chooses to hold the annual school election upon. (ii) At least one hundred (100) days before the first day of the respective candidate filing period set forth in § 6-14-111(e)(1)(A) , a school district shall provide a copy of the policy under subdivision (a)(1)(B)(i) of this section to: (a) The county board of election commissioners of the county in which the school district is domiciled for administrative purposes; and (b) The county clerk of each county within the school district's boundaries. (iii) If a school district fails to timely provide a copy of its most current policy to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks in accordance with subdivision (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section, the school district shall be required to hold the school district's annual school election in accordance with the most recent policy the school district has provided to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks. (2) The annual school election shall only concern issues authorized to be on the ballot by the Arkansas Constitution or by statute. Issues to be considered in the annual school election may be printed on the same ballot as the ballot of any other election lawfully held on the same date as the annual school election.

(1) (A) The annual school election shall be held in each school district of the state: (i) In even-numbered years, on the date of the: (a) Preferential primary election; or (b) General election; and (ii) In odd-numbered years, on the: (a) Second Tuesday in November; or (b) Second Tuesday in May. (B) (i) A school district shall adopt a policy setting forth which election date under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section the school district chooses to hold the annual school election upon. (ii) At least one hundred (100) days before the first day of the respective candidate filing period set forth in § 6-14-111(e)(1)(A) , a school district shall provide a copy of the policy under subdivision (a)(1)(B)(i) of this section to: (a) The county board of election commissioners of the county in which the school district is domiciled for administrative purposes; and (b) The county clerk of each county within the school district's boundaries. (iii) If a school district fails to timely provide a copy of its most current policy to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks in accordance with subdivision (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section, the school district shall be required to hold the school district's annual school election in accordance with the most recent policy the school district has provided to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks.

(A) The annual school election shall be held in each school district of the state: (i) In even-numbered years, on the date of the: (a) Preferential primary election; or (b) General election; and (ii) In odd-numbered years, on the: (a) Second Tuesday in November; or (b) Second Tuesday in May.

(i) In even-numbered years, on the date of the: (a) Preferential primary election; or (b) General election; and

(a) Preferential primary election; or

(b) General election; and

(ii) In odd-numbered years, on the: (a) Second Tuesday in November; or (b) Second Tuesday in May.

(a) Second Tuesday in November; or

(b) Second Tuesday in May.

(B) (i) A school district shall adopt a policy setting forth which election date under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section the school district chooses to hold the annual school election upon. (ii) At least one hundred (100) days before the first day of the respective candidate filing period set forth in § 6-14-111(e)(1)(A) , a school district shall provide a copy of the policy under subdivision (a)(1)(B)(i) of this section to: (a) The county board of election commissioners of the county in which the school district is domiciled for administrative purposes; and (b) The county clerk of each county within the school district's boundaries. (iii) If a school district fails to timely provide a copy of its most current policy to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks in accordance with subdivision (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section, the school district shall be required to hold the school district's annual school election in accordance with the most recent policy the school district has provided to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks.

(i) A school district shall adopt a policy setting forth which election date under subdivision (a)(1)(A) of this section the school district chooses to hold the annual school election upon.

(ii) At least one hundred (100) days before the first day of the respective candidate filing period set forth in § 6-14-111(e)(1)(A) , a school district shall provide a copy of the policy under subdivision (a)(1)(B)(i) of this section to: (a) The county board of election commissioners of the county in which the school district is domiciled for administrative purposes; and (b) The county clerk of each county within the school district's boundaries.

(a) The county board of election commissioners of the county in which the school district is domiciled for administrative purposes; and

(b) The county clerk of each county within the school district's boundaries.

(iii) If a school district fails to timely provide a copy of its most current policy to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks in accordance with subdivision (a)(1)(B)(ii) of this section, the school district shall be required to hold the school district's annual school election in accordance with the most recent policy the school district has provided to the county board of election commissioners and county clerks.

(2) The annual school election shall only concern issues authorized to be on the ballot by the Arkansas Constitution or by statute. Issues to be considered in the annual school election may be printed on the same ballot as the ballot of any other election lawfully held on the same date as the annual school election.

(b) The board of directors of any school district shall have the authority to hold a special school election concerning the tax rate or debt issues under § 7-11-205 provided that: (1) All constitutional and statutory requirements for the annual school election are met, notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section; and (2) The board of directors of a school district files a document calling for the special school election with the district's domiciled county clerk not less than seventy (70) days before the date of the special school election.

(1) All constitutional and statutory requirements for the annual school election are met, notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section; and

(2) The board of directors of a school district files a document calling for the special school election with the district's domiciled county clerk not less than seventy (70) days before the date of the special school election.

(c) (1) When the annual school election is not held at the same time as a preferential primary or general election, if no more than one (1) candidate for a school district director position presents a petition or notice as required by § 6-14-111 and if there are no other ballot issues to be submitted to school district electors for consideration, with the exception of the local tax rate if that rate is not being changed or restructured, the board of directors of a school district, by resolution, may request the county board of election commissioners to: (A) Reduce the number of polling places; (B) Open no polling places on election day so that the election can be conducted by absentee ballot and early voting only; or (C) (i) Declare an election by candidate to be held; (ii) Open no polling places; and (iii) Allow the candidate to cast a ballot for himself or herself at a designated time and location on election day or during the period that would otherwise be designated for early voting. (2) If a county uses electronic voting machines or electronic vote tabulating devices, and is holding an election under subdivision (c)(1) of this section, the county board of election commissioners may use: (A) The electronic voting machines or electronic vote tabulating devices; or (B) Paper ballots counted by hand and provide no voting machines to be used in the election, notwithstanding any other provision in the Arkansas Code.

(1) When the annual school election is not held at the same time as a preferential primary or general election, if no more than one (1) candidate for a school district director position presents a petition or notice as required by § 6-14-111 and if there are no other ballot issues to be submitted to school district electors for consideration, with the exception of the local tax rate if that rate is not being changed or restructured, the board of directors of a school district, by resolution, may request the county board of election commissioners to: (A) Reduce the number of polling places; (B) Open no polling places on election day so that the election can be conducted by absentee ballot and early voting only; or (C) (i) Declare an election by candidate to be held; (ii) Open no polling places; and (iii) Allow the candidate to cast a ballot for himself or herself at a designated time and location on election day or during the period that would otherwise be designated for early voting.

(A) Reduce the number of polling places;

(B) Open no polling places on election day so that the election can be conducted by absentee ballot and early voting only; or

(C) (i) Declare an election by candidate to be held; (ii) Open no polling places; and (iii) Allow the candidate to cast a ballot for himself or herself at a designated time and location on election day or during the period that would otherwise be designated for early voting.

(i) Declare an election by candidate to be held;

(ii) Open no polling places; and

(iii) Allow the candidate to cast a ballot for himself or herself at a designated time and location on election day or during the period that would otherwise be designated for early voting.

(2) If a county uses electronic voting machines or electronic vote tabulating devices, and is holding an election under subdivision (c)(1) of this section, the county board of election commissioners may use: (A) The electronic voting machines or electronic vote tabulating devices; or (B) Paper ballots counted by hand and provide no voting machines to be used in the election, notwithstanding any other provision in the Arkansas Code.

(A) The electronic voting machines or electronic vote tabulating devices; or

(B) Paper ballots counted by hand and provide no voting machines to be used in the election, notwithstanding any other provision in the Arkansas Code.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 610,§ 2, eff. 1/1/2022.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 610,§ 1, eff. 1/1/2022.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 448,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 85,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 552,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 597,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 545,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

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

Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 15,§ 1, eff. 5/23/2016.

Amended by Act 2016EX3, No. 14,§ 1, eff. 5/23/2016.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1281,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1244,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1215,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1959, No. 248, § 1; 1963, No. 121, § 1; 1967, No. 171, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-301; Acts 1987, No. 969, § 1; 1988 (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 4, § 1; 1988, (3rd Ex. Sess.), No. 11, § 1; 1993, No. 181, § 1; 1993, No. 294, § 8; 1994 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 1, § 6; 1995, No. 1131, § 1; 1995, No. 1281, § 1; 1997, No. 545, § 1; 1997, No. 1120, § 1; 1999, No. 1078, § 49; 1999, No. 1196, § 1; 2003, No. 1295, § 1; 2003, No. 1441, § 3; 2005, No. 1174, § 1; 2005, No. 2145, § 3; 2005, No. 2233, § 1; 2007, No. 1049, § 4; 2009, No. 959, § 46; 2009, No. 1469, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-2621 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 26 / Section 6-20-2621
Cases involving bonds
Status: in_force

A case involving the validity of this subchapter or involving the bonds issued under this subchapter shall be deemed of public interest and shall be advanced by all courts and heard as a preferred cause, and all appeals from judgments or decrees rendered in such cases shall be taken within thirty (30) days after rendition of the judgment or decree. Acts 2007, No. 1021, § 2.

A case involving the validity of this subchapter or involving the bonds issued under this subchapter shall be deemed of public interest and shall be advanced by all courts and heard as a preferred cause, and all appeals from judgments or decrees rendered in such cases shall be taken within thirty (30) days after rendition of the judgment or decree.

Acts 2007, No. 1021, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-5-102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 5 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-5-102
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1969, No. 388, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3346.

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

Acts 1969, No. 388, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3346.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-65-404 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 65 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-65-404
SAU-Tech
Status: in_force

(a) The Board of Trustees of Southern Arkansas University and the President of Southern Arkansas University shall operate SAU-Tech as a technical division of Southern Arkansas University. (b) The board, through the president, is authorized to establish appropriate rules for the operation of SAU-Tech. (c) The board shall operate the properties belonging to the division in accordance with the terms of and for the respective purposes as set forth in the conveyances and agreements by which the properties were donated to the Career Education and Workforce Development Board. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 390, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1975, No. 171, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3125.2; Acts 1993, No. 447, § 2.

(a) The Board of Trustees of Southern Arkansas University and the President of Southern Arkansas University shall operate SAU-Tech as a technical division of Southern Arkansas University.

(b) The board, through the president, is authorized to establish appropriate rules for the operation of SAU-Tech.

(c) The board shall operate the properties belonging to the division in accordance with the terms of and for the respective purposes as set forth in the conveyances and agreements by which the properties were donated to the Career Education and Workforce Development Board.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 390, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1975, No. 171, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3125.2; Acts 1993, No. 447, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-207 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-17-207
Accreditation of school district
Status: in_force

No school district which does not have written personnel policies shall be accredited by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1363, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1987, No. 687, § 5.

No school district which does not have written personnel policies shall be accredited by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1363, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1987, No. 687, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-64-602 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 64 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-64-602
Establishment - Name
Status: in_force

There is established a full-time law school, to be operated in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, under the control and direction of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, to be known as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, and to offer classes of legal instruction both in the daytime and in the evening. Acts 1969, No. 262, § 1; 1975, No. 19, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2883.

There is established a full-time law school, to be operated in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas, under the control and direction of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, to be known as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, and to offer classes of legal instruction both in the daytime and in the evening.

Acts 1969, No. 262, § 1; 1975, No. 19, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2883.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2005 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 20 / Section 6-18-2005
Monitoring and support
Status: in_force

(a) Each public school district is responsible for posting its annual comprehensive school counseling plan on the district website under "State-Required Information". (b) (1) Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall monitor each public school district to ensure implementation and compliance with this subchapter. (2) Failure by a public school district to comply with this subchapter is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts. (c) The division shall: (1) Employ at least one (1) individual who is certified as a school counselor; (2) Provide a multilevel system of support to public school districts to assist in complying with the requirements of this subchapter; and (3) Provide guidance and technical assistance to public school districts in order to support equitable access to public school counseling services. (d) The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to implement this subchapter. Amended by Act 2021, No. 650,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Added by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.

(a) Each public school district is responsible for posting its annual comprehensive school counseling plan on the district website under "State-Required Information".

(b) (1) Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall monitor each public school district to ensure implementation and compliance with this subchapter. (2) Failure by a public school district to comply with this subchapter is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(1) Beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall monitor each public school district to ensure implementation and compliance with this subchapter.

(2) Failure by a public school district to comply with this subchapter is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.

(c) The division shall: (1) Employ at least one (1) individual who is certified as a school counselor; (2) Provide a multilevel system of support to public school districts to assist in complying with the requirements of this subchapter; and (3) Provide guidance and technical assistance to public school districts in order to support equitable access to public school counseling services.

(1) Employ at least one (1) individual who is certified as a school counselor;

(2) Provide a multilevel system of support to public school districts to assist in complying with the requirements of this subchapter; and

(3) Provide guidance and technical assistance to public school districts in order to support equitable access to public school counseling services.

(d) The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to implement this subchapter.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 650,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Added by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 4, eff. 7/24/2019.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-64-714 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 64 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-64-714
Cooperation with federal agencies - Reporting by state unaffected
Status: in_force

(a) The Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas shall collaborate with the representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture in the collection and tabulation of crop statistics. (b) Sections 6-64-713 - 6-64-715 shall not prevent the State of Arkansas from collecting and publishing statistics concerning crops and livestock not reported by the United States Department of Agriculture. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1065,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1935, No. 127, § 3; Pope's Dig., § 12404; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3024.

(a) The Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas shall collaborate with the representatives of the United States Department of Agriculture in the collection and tabulation of crop statistics.

(b) Sections 6-64-713 - 6-64-715 shall not prevent the State of Arkansas from collecting and publishing statistics concerning crops and livestock not reported by the United States Department of Agriculture.

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

Acts 1935, No. 127, § 3; Pope's Dig., § 12404; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3024.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-51-510 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-51-510
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1868, eff. 7/1/2019. Repealed by Act 2019, No. 335,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1977, No. 678, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2590.10.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1868, eff. 7/1/2019.

Repealed by Act 2019, No. 335,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1977, No. 678, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-2590.10.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-68-104 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 68 / Section 6-68-104
Electronic versions of nonprinted instructional material
Status: in_force

An individual, firm, partnership, or corporation that publishes or manufactures nonprinted instructional materials for students attending any accredited institution of higher education in the State of Arkansas shall provide computer files or other electronic versions of the nonprinted instructional materials for use by students attending the institution, subject to the same conditions set forth in § 6-68-102 and § 6-68-103(a) for printed instructional materials, when technology is available to convert these nonprinted instructional materials to a format that maintains the structural integrity of the nonprinted instructional materials that is compatible with braille translation and speech synthesis software. Acts 2001, No. 758, § 1.

An individual, firm, partnership, or corporation that publishes or manufactures nonprinted instructional materials for students attending any accredited institution of higher education in the State of Arkansas shall provide computer files or other electronic versions of the nonprinted instructional materials for use by students attending the institution, subject to the same conditions set forth in § 6-68-102 and § 6-68-103(a) for printed instructional materials, when technology is available to convert these nonprinted instructional materials to a format that maintains the structural integrity of the nonprinted instructional materials that is compatible with braille translation and speech synthesis software.

Acts 2001, No. 758, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-23-307 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 23 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-23-307
Renewal of charter
Status: in_force

(a) After the initial five-year period of an open-enrollment public charter, the authorizer may renew the open-enrollment public charter on a one-year or multiyear basis, not to exceed twenty (20) years. (b) The State Board of Education shall create an expedited renewal process for open-enrollment public charter schools that meet certain criteria that includes the following without limitation: (1) A school rating that is above the state average based on the most recent results of the Arkansas school rating system established under §§ 6-15-2105 and 6-15-2106 and state board rules; (2) Demonstration of exceptional academic growth with enrolled students, as defined by the state board; and (3) Adherence to all operational and financial requirements, as defined by the state board. Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 49, eff. 3/8/2023. Amended by Act 2013, No. 509,§ 11, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1999, No. 890, § 5; 2001, No. 1311, § 4; 2005, No. 2005, § 9; 2007, No. 736, § 18; 2011, No. 993, § 8.

(a) After the initial five-year period of an open-enrollment public charter, the authorizer may renew the open-enrollment public charter on a one-year or multiyear basis, not to exceed twenty (20) years.

(b) The State Board of Education shall create an expedited renewal process for open-enrollment public charter schools that meet certain criteria that includes the following without limitation: (1) A school rating that is above the state average based on the most recent results of the Arkansas school rating system established under §§ 6-15-2105 and 6-15-2106 and state board rules; (2) Demonstration of exceptional academic growth with enrolled students, as defined by the state board; and (3) Adherence to all operational and financial requirements, as defined by the state board.

(1) A school rating that is above the state average based on the most recent results of the Arkansas school rating system established under §§ 6-15-2105 and 6-15-2106 and state board rules;

(2) Demonstration of exceptional academic growth with enrolled students, as defined by the state board; and

(3) Adherence to all operational and financial requirements, as defined by the state board.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 49, eff. 3/8/2023.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 509,§ 11, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1999, No. 890, § 5; 2001, No. 1311, § 4; 2005, No. 2005, § 9; 2007, No. 736, § 18; 2011, No. 993, § 8.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-59-104 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 59 / Section 6-59-104
Effect of merger on employees
Status: in_force

(a) (1) All permanent nonprobationary employees of Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall become employees of Arkansas Northeastern College on July 1, 2003. (2) A person who was a permanent nonprobationary employee of Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be employed by Arkansas Northeastern College at least until July 1, 2008, if: (A) Job performance is satisfactory; (B) Student enrollment in programs is satisfactory; and (C) Student job placements are satisfactory. (b) (1) (A) By January 31, 2004, employees who were employed on June 30, 2003, by Mississippi County Community College or Cotton Boll Technical Institute shall have the right to make a one-time choice between: (i) The Arkansas Northeastern College health insurance plan; or (ii) The health insurance plan adopted by the State Board of Finance for state employees. (B) An employee who was employed by Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be entitled to remain in his or her same retirement system under the same conditions then provided by law or as may later be provided by law. (C) The Cotton Boll Technical Institute employees who are classified employees of Cotton Boll Technical Institute but whose positions are deemed equivalent by Arkansas Northeastern College to nonclassified employee positions at the college may become nonclassified, and the classified position authorization is changed to nonclassified position authorization with the requisite increase in each appropriate nonclassified position allotment to Arkansas Northeastern College. (2) The Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College shall promulgate rules establishing the procedure for employees to exercise equal benefit options under this subsection. (c) (1) The President of the Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be a vice president at Arkansas Northeastern College until at least July 1, 2008. (2) The employee who was the president on June 30, 2003, shall retain and continue to receive: (A) All options, rights, and benefits of employment, including salary plus any adjustment authorized by the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College, granted in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and (B) Any transportation benefits that accompanied the position of president. (d) An employee who was a member of the faculty of Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be deemed qualified to teach in the same level programs at Arkansas Northeastern College if: (1) The faculty member's job performance is satisfactory; (2) Student enrollment is satisfactory; and (3) Student job placements are satisfactory. Amended by Act 2021, No. 1004,§ 7, eff. 4/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 359, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 2003, No. 830, § 4.

(a) (1) All permanent nonprobationary employees of Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall become employees of Arkansas Northeastern College on July 1, 2003. (2) A person who was a permanent nonprobationary employee of Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be employed by Arkansas Northeastern College at least until July 1, 2008, if: (A) Job performance is satisfactory; (B) Student enrollment in programs is satisfactory; and (C) Student job placements are satisfactory.

(1) All permanent nonprobationary employees of Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall become employees of Arkansas Northeastern College on July 1, 2003.

(2) A person who was a permanent nonprobationary employee of Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be employed by Arkansas Northeastern College at least until July 1, 2008, if: (A) Job performance is satisfactory; (B) Student enrollment in programs is satisfactory; and (C) Student job placements are satisfactory.

(A) Job performance is satisfactory;

(B) Student enrollment in programs is satisfactory; and

(C) Student job placements are satisfactory.

(b) (1) (A) By January 31, 2004, employees who were employed on June 30, 2003, by Mississippi County Community College or Cotton Boll Technical Institute shall have the right to make a one-time choice between: (i) The Arkansas Northeastern College health insurance plan; or (ii) The health insurance plan adopted by the State Board of Finance for state employees. (B) An employee who was employed by Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be entitled to remain in his or her same retirement system under the same conditions then provided by law or as may later be provided by law. (C) The Cotton Boll Technical Institute employees who are classified employees of Cotton Boll Technical Institute but whose positions are deemed equivalent by Arkansas Northeastern College to nonclassified employee positions at the college may become nonclassified, and the classified position authorization is changed to nonclassified position authorization with the requisite increase in each appropriate nonclassified position allotment to Arkansas Northeastern College. (2) The Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College shall promulgate rules establishing the procedure for employees to exercise equal benefit options under this subsection.

(1) (A) By January 31, 2004, employees who were employed on June 30, 2003, by Mississippi County Community College or Cotton Boll Technical Institute shall have the right to make a one-time choice between: (i) The Arkansas Northeastern College health insurance plan; or (ii) The health insurance plan adopted by the State Board of Finance for state employees. (B) An employee who was employed by Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be entitled to remain in his or her same retirement system under the same conditions then provided by law or as may later be provided by law. (C) The Cotton Boll Technical Institute employees who are classified employees of Cotton Boll Technical Institute but whose positions are deemed equivalent by Arkansas Northeastern College to nonclassified employee positions at the college may become nonclassified, and the classified position authorization is changed to nonclassified position authorization with the requisite increase in each appropriate nonclassified position allotment to Arkansas Northeastern College.

(A) By January 31, 2004, employees who were employed on June 30, 2003, by Mississippi County Community College or Cotton Boll Technical Institute shall have the right to make a one-time choice between: (i) The Arkansas Northeastern College health insurance plan; or (ii) The health insurance plan adopted by the State Board of Finance for state employees.

(i) The Arkansas Northeastern College health insurance plan; or

(ii) The health insurance plan adopted by the State Board of Finance for state employees.

(B) An employee who was employed by Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be entitled to remain in his or her same retirement system under the same conditions then provided by law or as may later be provided by law.

(C) The Cotton Boll Technical Institute employees who are classified employees of Cotton Boll Technical Institute but whose positions are deemed equivalent by Arkansas Northeastern College to nonclassified employee positions at the college may become nonclassified, and the classified position authorization is changed to nonclassified position authorization with the requisite increase in each appropriate nonclassified position allotment to Arkansas Northeastern College.

(2) The Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College shall promulgate rules establishing the procedure for employees to exercise equal benefit options under this subsection.

(c) (1) The President of the Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be a vice president at Arkansas Northeastern College until at least July 1, 2008. (2) The employee who was the president on June 30, 2003, shall retain and continue to receive: (A) All options, rights, and benefits of employment, including salary plus any adjustment authorized by the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College, granted in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and (B) Any transportation benefits that accompanied the position of president.

(1) The President of the Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be a vice president at Arkansas Northeastern College until at least July 1, 2008.

(2) The employee who was the president on June 30, 2003, shall retain and continue to receive: (A) All options, rights, and benefits of employment, including salary plus any adjustment authorized by the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College, granted in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and (B) Any transportation benefits that accompanied the position of president.

(A) All options, rights, and benefits of employment, including salary plus any adjustment authorized by the Board of Trustees of Arkansas Northeastern College, granted in subdivision (b)(1) of this section; and

(B) Any transportation benefits that accompanied the position of president.

(d) An employee who was a member of the faculty of Cotton Boll Technical Institute on June 30, 2003, shall be deemed qualified to teach in the same level programs at Arkansas Northeastern College if: (1) The faculty member's job performance is satisfactory; (2) Student enrollment is satisfactory; and (3) Student job placements are satisfactory.

(1) The faculty member's job performance is satisfactory;

(2) Student enrollment is satisfactory; and

(3) Student job placements are satisfactory.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 1004,§ 7, eff. 4/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 359, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 2003, No. 830, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-911 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 9 / Section 6-17-911
Effect of failure to make records and settlements
Status: in_force

(a) The disbursing officer of the State Board of Education shall withhold any and all state funds due the school districts of any county until the county treasurer has set up his or her records in accordance with § 6-17-907 . (b) If the county collector fails to make settlements with the county treasurer as now provided by law, the county treasurer shall forthwith notify the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration of such failure. (c) (1) If such delinquent settlement is not made within two (2) weeks, the Treasurer of State shall withhold the monthly distribution of county aid provided for under § 19-5-602(b) upon notification from the secretary that the county has failed to make such settlement. (2) The monthly distribution shall be withheld until such settlement is made to the satisfaction of the secretary. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 3367, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1941, No. 319, § 3; 1945, No. 301, § 3; 1949, No. 451, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1303; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 11; 1999, No. 1078, § 63.

(a) The disbursing officer of the State Board of Education shall withhold any and all state funds due the school districts of any county until the county treasurer has set up his or her records in accordance with § 6-17-907 .

(b) If the county collector fails to make settlements with the county treasurer as now provided by law, the county treasurer shall forthwith notify the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration of such failure.

(c) (1) If such delinquent settlement is not made within two (2) weeks, the Treasurer of State shall withhold the monthly distribution of county aid provided for under § 19-5-602(b) upon notification from the secretary that the county has failed to make such settlement. (2) The monthly distribution shall be withheld until such settlement is made to the satisfaction of the secretary.

(1) If such delinquent settlement is not made within two (2) weeks, the Treasurer of State shall withhold the monthly distribution of county aid provided for under § 19-5-602(b) upon notification from the secretary that the county has failed to make such settlement.

(2) The monthly distribution shall be withheld until such settlement is made to the satisfaction of the secretary.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 3367, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1941, No. 319, § 3; 1945, No. 301, § 3; 1949, No. 451, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1303; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 11; 1999, No. 1078, § 63.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-60-403 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 60 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-60-403
Guidelines
Status: in_force

All extension courses offered by colleges and universities shall meet the guidelines of the "Off-Campus Instruction Policy", as adopted by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Acts 1975, No. 717, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3369.

All extension courses offered by colleges and universities shall meet the guidelines of the "Off-Campus Instruction Policy", as adopted by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Acts 1975, No. 717, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3369.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-122 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 10 / Section 6-10-122
Automated external defibrillators required
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to require that: (A) Each school campus have an automated external defibrillator; (B) Appropriate school personnel be adequately trained on an ongoing basis; and (C) Each school-sponsored sporting event for grades seven through twelve (7-12) have an automated external defibrillator at the school-sponsored sporting event. (2) To enhance the potential life-saving capability of each automated external defibrillator, the rules shall include without limitation provisions regarding the availability of the school's automated external defibrillator at school-related activities, such as athletic events. (b) To minimize the financial impact on school districts, each school district may apply for a grant from the Department of Health to purchase an automated external defibrillator or related equipment or to provide training to its personnel, or any combination of purchase of an automated external defibrillator or related equipment or provision of training to personnel. (c) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide a report to the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor on or before July 1 each year regarding the implementation of this section and the status of automated external defibrillator availability on each school campus. Amended by Act 2023, No. 737,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1082, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2007, No. 1598, § 1; 2009, No. 496, § 2.

(a) (1) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to require that: (A) Each school campus have an automated external defibrillator; (B) Appropriate school personnel be adequately trained on an ongoing basis; and (C) Each school-sponsored sporting event for grades seven through twelve (7-12) have an automated external defibrillator at the school-sponsored sporting event. (2) To enhance the potential life-saving capability of each automated external defibrillator, the rules shall include without limitation provisions regarding the availability of the school's automated external defibrillator at school-related activities, such as athletic events.

(1) The State Board of Education shall promulgate rules to require that: (A) Each school campus have an automated external defibrillator; (B) Appropriate school personnel be adequately trained on an ongoing basis; and (C) Each school-sponsored sporting event for grades seven through twelve (7-12) have an automated external defibrillator at the school-sponsored sporting event.

(A) Each school campus have an automated external defibrillator;

(B) Appropriate school personnel be adequately trained on an ongoing basis; and

(C) Each school-sponsored sporting event for grades seven through twelve (7-12) have an automated external defibrillator at the school-sponsored sporting event.

(2) To enhance the potential life-saving capability of each automated external defibrillator, the rules shall include without limitation provisions regarding the availability of the school's automated external defibrillator at school-related activities, such as athletic events.

(b) To minimize the financial impact on school districts, each school district may apply for a grant from the Department of Health to purchase an automated external defibrillator or related equipment or to provide training to its personnel, or any combination of purchase of an automated external defibrillator or related equipment or provision of training to personnel.

(c) The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide a report to the Senate Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor and the House Committee on Public Health, Welfare, and Labor on or before July 1 each year regarding the implementation of this section and the status of automated external defibrillator availability on each school campus.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 737,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 2, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 544,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1082, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2007, No. 1598, § 1; 2009, No. 496, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2101 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 21 / Section 6-18-2101
Legislative findings
Status: in_force

The General Assembly finds that: (1) Forty-seven (47) states have established farm to school programs to improve the health of children through the support of the following three (3) core elements: (A) School gardens; (B) Food, nutrition, and agriculture education; and (C) Procurement of local farm or food products for school meals and snacks in public and private educational institutions, early childhood programs, juvenile detention centers, residential childcare institutions, and other childcare learning facilities; (2) A successful farm to school and early childhood education program can increase a student's physical activity, participation in school meals, and preference for fresh fruits and vegetables; (3) A successful farm to school and early childhood education program can improve a student's academic achievement and student behavior; (4) Other states that have created a full-time farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator position have seen an increase in educational opportunities related to agriculture; (5) States with a full-time farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator have seen an increase in the procurement of local farm or food products for schools, which encourages a student's consumption of local farm or food products; (6) Increasing the procurement of local farm or food products for schools has the added benefit of supporting the state's agricultural economy by providing an additional revenue source for local farmers; (7) Farm to school activities support a nutritious school food environment; (8) Students who participate in farm to school activities are more likely to be familiar with, have a preference for, and consume more fruits and vegetables at both school and home; (9) Establishing a strong farm to school and early childhood education program provides support to Healthy Active Arkansas; (10) Establishing healthy behaviors at an early age may prevent the onset of chronic disease and other health conditions later in life; (11) The leading causes of death in Arkansas are heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which are illnesses often associated with dietary behaviors; and (12) Investing in the health of children will help them to achieve greater educational attainment and lead to stronger communities. Added by Act 2019, No. 506,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Forty-seven (47) states have established farm to school programs to improve the health of children through the support of the following three (3) core elements: (A) School gardens; (B) Food, nutrition, and agriculture education; and (C) Procurement of local farm or food products for school meals and snacks in public and private educational institutions, early childhood programs, juvenile detention centers, residential childcare institutions, and other childcare learning facilities;

(A) School gardens;

(B) Food, nutrition, and agriculture education; and

(C) Procurement of local farm or food products for school meals and snacks in public and private educational institutions, early childhood programs, juvenile detention centers, residential childcare institutions, and other childcare learning facilities;

(2) A successful farm to school and early childhood education program can increase a student's physical activity, participation in school meals, and preference for fresh fruits and vegetables;

(3) A successful farm to school and early childhood education program can improve a student's academic achievement and student behavior;

(4) Other states that have created a full-time farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator position have seen an increase in educational opportunities related to agriculture;

(5) States with a full-time farm to school and early childhood education program coordinator have seen an increase in the procurement of local farm or food products for schools, which encourages a student's consumption of local farm or food products;

(6) Increasing the procurement of local farm or food products for schools has the added benefit of supporting the state's agricultural economy by providing an additional revenue source for local farmers;

(7) Farm to school activities support a nutritious school food environment;

(8) Students who participate in farm to school activities are more likely to be familiar with, have a preference for, and consume more fruits and vegetables at both school and home;

(9) Establishing a strong farm to school and early childhood education program provides support to Healthy Active Arkansas;

(10) Establishing healthy behaviors at an early age may prevent the onset of chronic disease and other health conditions later in life;

(11) The leading causes of death in Arkansas are heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which are illnesses often associated with dietary behaviors; and

(12) Investing in the health of children will help them to achieve greater educational attainment and lead to stronger communities.

Added by Act 2019, No. 506,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-1609 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 16 / Section 6-82-1609
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 316,§ 2, eff. 3/2/2017. Acts 2003, No. 1796, § 1; 2005, No. 2129, § 6.

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

Acts 2003, No. 1796, § 1; 2005, No. 2129, § 6.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-220 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-18-220
Additional absences granted for participation in National FFA Organization, FCCLA, and 4-H programs - Equal treatment
Status: in_force

(a) The General Assembly finds and declares that: (1) The National FFA Organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc., and 4-H programs in the state involve an education and learning process that is not otherwise available in the regular curriculum of secondary education in Arkansas; (2) The principles and practices learned by school students in the National FFA Organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc., and 4-H programs are highly beneficial to students; (3) Participation in such programs should be encouraged; and (4) A method of encouraging participation in such programs is to grant additional excused absences to students who participate in officially sanctioned activities of those organizations. (b) It is the purpose and intent of this section to ensure that class absences of students who are participating in the following programs are excused to the extent established by public school district boards of directors, with the participants in the three (3) programs being treated equally with respect to such absences: (1) National FFA Organization; (2) The Arkansas Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc.; and (3) (A) 4-H. (B) An absence granted to a student due to the student's participation in a 4-H activity or program shall be determined according to subsection (d) of this section. (c) Any school district that grants additional excused absences of National FFA Organization member students who attend officially sanctioned National FFA Organization activities shall afford equal treatment to Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc. and 4-H member students who attend the same or similar officially sanctioned activities. (d) (1) A student who is absent from the school district in which he or she is enrolled shall be granted an excused absence by the public school district if the reason for the student's absence is to participate in 4-H activities or programs that are scheduled and approved by a county extension agent, 4-H educator, or other appropriate authority. (2) The maximum number of excused absences granted under subdivision (d)(1) of this section shall be established by each public school district board of directors in the public school district's student attendance policy. (3) A 4-H county extension agent, 4-H educator, or other appropriate entity associated with the 4-H activity or program shall provide to a public school principal or other designated official upon request documentation as proof of a student's participation in an activity or program scheduled and approved by the 4-H program. (4) A student who is granted an absence under subdivision (d)(1) of this section shall: (A) Be given the opportunity to complete any schoolwork that was missed while the student was absent; and (B) Not have his or her grades adversely affected due to his or her: (i) Absence from a class due to his or her participation in a 4-H activity or a program; or (ii) Participation in a 4-H activity or a program. (5) A public school principal or his or her designee shall not grant a student an excused absence under subdivision (d)(1) of this section if the student's participation in a 4-H activity or a program occurs during a period of time: (A) Scheduled by the State Board of Education during which statewide student assessments are administered; or (B) For which the student has been disciplined, suspended, or expelled, if the terms of the discipline, suspension, or expulsion would preclude the student from participating in a school-sponsored educational field trip or extracurricular activity. Amended by Act 2023, No. 448,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2023, No. 448,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1322,§ 3, eff. 8/16/2013. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1322,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1981, No. 245, §§ 1, 2; 1981, No. 382, §§ 1, 2; 1981, No. 689, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1558 -- 80-1561; Acts 2011, No. 1223, §§ 2, 3.

(a) The General Assembly finds and declares that: (1) The National FFA Organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc., and 4-H programs in the state involve an education and learning process that is not otherwise available in the regular curriculum of secondary education in Arkansas; (2) The principles and practices learned by school students in the National FFA Organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc., and 4-H programs are highly beneficial to students; (3) Participation in such programs should be encouraged; and (4) A method of encouraging participation in such programs is to grant additional excused absences to students who participate in officially sanctioned activities of those organizations.

(1) The National FFA Organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc., and 4-H programs in the state involve an education and learning process that is not otherwise available in the regular curriculum of secondary education in Arkansas;

(2) The principles and practices learned by school students in the National FFA Organization, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc., and 4-H programs are highly beneficial to students;

(3) Participation in such programs should be encouraged; and

(4) A method of encouraging participation in such programs is to grant additional excused absences to students who participate in officially sanctioned activities of those organizations.

(b) It is the purpose and intent of this section to ensure that class absences of students who are participating in the following programs are excused to the extent established by public school district boards of directors, with the participants in the three (3) programs being treated equally with respect to such absences: (1) National FFA Organization; (2) The Arkansas Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc.; and (3) (A) 4-H. (B) An absence granted to a student due to the student's participation in a 4-H activity or program shall be determined according to subsection (d) of this section.

(1) National FFA Organization;

(2) The Arkansas Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc.; and

(3) (A) 4-H. (B) An absence granted to a student due to the student's participation in a 4-H activity or program shall be determined according to subsection (d) of this section.

(A) 4-H.

(B) An absence granted to a student due to the student's participation in a 4-H activity or program shall be determined according to subsection (d) of this section.

(c) Any school district that grants additional excused absences of National FFA Organization member students who attend officially sanctioned National FFA Organization activities shall afford equal treatment to Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc. and 4-H member students who attend the same or similar officially sanctioned activities.

(d) (1) A student who is absent from the school district in which he or she is enrolled shall be granted an excused absence by the public school district if the reason for the student's absence is to participate in 4-H activities or programs that are scheduled and approved by a county extension agent, 4-H educator, or other appropriate authority. (2) The maximum number of excused absences granted under subdivision (d)(1) of this section shall be established by each public school district board of directors in the public school district's student attendance policy. (3) A 4-H county extension agent, 4-H educator, or other appropriate entity associated with the 4-H activity or program shall provide to a public school principal or other designated official upon request documentation as proof of a student's participation in an activity or program scheduled and approved by the 4-H program. (4) A student who is granted an absence under subdivision (d)(1) of this section shall: (A) Be given the opportunity to complete any schoolwork that was missed while the student was absent; and (B) Not have his or her grades adversely affected due to his or her: (i) Absence from a class due to his or her participation in a 4-H activity or a program; or (ii) Participation in a 4-H activity or a program. (5) A public school principal or his or her designee shall not grant a student an excused absence under subdivision (d)(1) of this section if the student's participation in a 4-H activity or a program occurs during a period of time: (A) Scheduled by the State Board of Education during which statewide student assessments are administered; or (B) For which the student has been disciplined, suspended, or expelled, if the terms of the discipline, suspension, or expulsion would preclude the student from participating in a school-sponsored educational field trip or extracurricular activity.

(1) A student who is absent from the school district in which he or she is enrolled shall be granted an excused absence by the public school district if the reason for the student's absence is to participate in 4-H activities or programs that are scheduled and approved by a county extension agent, 4-H educator, or other appropriate authority.

(2) The maximum number of excused absences granted under subdivision (d)(1) of this section shall be established by each public school district board of directors in the public school district's student attendance policy.

(3) A 4-H county extension agent, 4-H educator, or other appropriate entity associated with the 4-H activity or program shall provide to a public school principal or other designated official upon request documentation as proof of a student's participation in an activity or program scheduled and approved by the 4-H program.

(4) A student who is granted an absence under subdivision (d)(1) of this section shall: (A) Be given the opportunity to complete any schoolwork that was missed while the student was absent; and (B) Not have his or her grades adversely affected due to his or her: (i) Absence from a class due to his or her participation in a 4-H activity or a program; or (ii) Participation in a 4-H activity or a program.

(A) Be given the opportunity to complete any schoolwork that was missed while the student was absent; and

(B) Not have his or her grades adversely affected due to his or her: (i) Absence from a class due to his or her participation in a 4-H activity or a program; or (ii) Participation in a 4-H activity or a program.

(i) Absence from a class due to his or her participation in a 4-H activity or a program; or

(ii) Participation in a 4-H activity or a program.

(5) A public school principal or his or her designee shall not grant a student an excused absence under subdivision (d)(1) of this section if the student's participation in a 4-H activity or a program occurs during a period of time: (A) Scheduled by the State Board of Education during which statewide student assessments are administered; or (B) For which the student has been disciplined, suspended, or expelled, if the terms of the discipline, suspension, or expulsion would preclude the student from participating in a school-sponsored educational field trip or extracurricular activity.

(A) Scheduled by the State Board of Education during which statewide student assessments are administered; or

(B) For which the student has been disciplined, suspended, or expelled, if the terms of the discipline, suspension, or expulsion would preclude the student from participating in a school-sponsored educational field trip or extracurricular activity.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 448,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 448,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1322,§ 3, eff. 8/16/2013.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1322,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1981, No. 245, §§ 1, 2; 1981, No. 382, §§ 1, 2; 1981, No. 689, §§ 1, 2; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1558 -- 80-1561; Acts 2011, No. 1223, §§ 2, 3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-11-101 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 11 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-11-101
Members
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education shall be composed of nine (9) members: (1) Two (2) members to be selected from each of the congressional districts of the state as they exist at the time of appointment; and (2) One (1) member to be appointed at large from within the state. (b) (1) The term of office of a member of the state board shall be for a single term of seven (7) years. (2) (A) Any member appointed to the state board to fill a vacancy for an uncompleted term with less than three (3) years remaining on the original term may be reappointed to an additional term of seven (7) years. (B) No member serving three (3) or more years on the state board may be reappointed. (3) No current or new member shall be allowed to resign in order to be appointed to a new term on the state board. (c) The membership of the state board shall reflect the diversity in general education. (d) (1) No person may serve as a member of the state board unless he or she is a qualified elector and is a person of high moral standards and recognized ability. (2) Neither the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education nor any candidate for public office, holder of a public office in the state, schoolteacher, county or city superintendent, employee of a state-supported college or university, or member of any board of trustees of any state institution of higher education shall serve as a member of the state board. (e) The members of the state board shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to the confirmation of the Senate and shall take the oath of office for officers prescribed by the Arkansas Constitution. (f) (1) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the membership of the state board, the Governor shall appoint a successor who shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term of the member that he or she succeeded, subject to all other provisions of this section. (2) Resignation, disqualification, incapacitation from mental or physical disability or otherwise, or change in status from the eligibility requirements for membership on the state board shall automatically create a vacancy in the membership of the state board, and no such member shall thereafter exercise any of the functions of membership on the state board even though his or her successor has not been appointed. (g) (1) Members of the state board shall be subject to removal from office by the Governor when the actions or condition of a member shall be considered as sufficient cause for removal. (2) However, before a member may be removed for cause, this cause must have been accepted as true, good, and sufficient by a majority written vote of all members of the state board after a formal hearing at a regular or special session of the state board. (h) The members of the state board shall serve without remuneration but may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq., as follows: (1) Actual expenses while attending regular and special meetings of the state board; and (2) A per diem allowance when in attendance at regular or special meetings of the state board. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1086, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 540,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 540,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2015, No. 846,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 1931, No. 169, §§ 3-5; 1937, No. 244, § 1; Pope's Dig., §§ 11442 -- 11445; Acts 1941, No. 127, §§ 1-4; 1959, No. 160, § 1; 1971, No. 38, § 10; 1973, No. 62, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-910, 80-102 -- 80-105, 80-108; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 4; 1995, No. 297, § 1; 1997, No. 250, § 14; 1999, No. 885, § 1; 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 90, § 4; 2007, No. 344, § 1; 2009, No. 376, § 3.

(a) The State Board of Education shall be composed of nine (9) members: (1) Two (2) members to be selected from each of the congressional districts of the state as they exist at the time of appointment; and (2) One (1) member to be appointed at large from within the state.

(1) Two (2) members to be selected from each of the congressional districts of the state as they exist at the time of appointment; and

(2) One (1) member to be appointed at large from within the state.

(b) (1) The term of office of a member of the state board shall be for a single term of seven (7) years. (2) (A) Any member appointed to the state board to fill a vacancy for an uncompleted term with less than three (3) years remaining on the original term may be reappointed to an additional term of seven (7) years. (B) No member serving three (3) or more years on the state board may be reappointed. (3) No current or new member shall be allowed to resign in order to be appointed to a new term on the state board.

(1) The term of office of a member of the state board shall be for a single term of seven (7) years.

(2) (A) Any member appointed to the state board to fill a vacancy for an uncompleted term with less than three (3) years remaining on the original term may be reappointed to an additional term of seven (7) years. (B) No member serving three (3) or more years on the state board may be reappointed.

(A) Any member appointed to the state board to fill a vacancy for an uncompleted term with less than three (3) years remaining on the original term may be reappointed to an additional term of seven (7) years.

(B) No member serving three (3) or more years on the state board may be reappointed.

(3) No current or new member shall be allowed to resign in order to be appointed to a new term on the state board.

(c) The membership of the state board shall reflect the diversity in general education.

(d) (1) No person may serve as a member of the state board unless he or she is a qualified elector and is a person of high moral standards and recognized ability. (2) Neither the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education nor any candidate for public office, holder of a public office in the state, schoolteacher, county or city superintendent, employee of a state-supported college or university, or member of any board of trustees of any state institution of higher education shall serve as a member of the state board.

(1) No person may serve as a member of the state board unless he or she is a qualified elector and is a person of high moral standards and recognized ability.

(2) Neither the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education nor any candidate for public office, holder of a public office in the state, schoolteacher, county or city superintendent, employee of a state-supported college or university, or member of any board of trustees of any state institution of higher education shall serve as a member of the state board.

(e) The members of the state board shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to the confirmation of the Senate and shall take the oath of office for officers prescribed by the Arkansas Constitution.

(f) (1) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the membership of the state board, the Governor shall appoint a successor who shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term of the member that he or she succeeded, subject to all other provisions of this section. (2) Resignation, disqualification, incapacitation from mental or physical disability or otherwise, or change in status from the eligibility requirements for membership on the state board shall automatically create a vacancy in the membership of the state board, and no such member shall thereafter exercise any of the functions of membership on the state board even though his or her successor has not been appointed.

(1) Whenever a vacancy occurs in the membership of the state board, the Governor shall appoint a successor who shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term of the member that he or she succeeded, subject to all other provisions of this section.

(2) Resignation, disqualification, incapacitation from mental or physical disability or otherwise, or change in status from the eligibility requirements for membership on the state board shall automatically create a vacancy in the membership of the state board, and no such member shall thereafter exercise any of the functions of membership on the state board even though his or her successor has not been appointed.

(g) (1) Members of the state board shall be subject to removal from office by the Governor when the actions or condition of a member shall be considered as sufficient cause for removal. (2) However, before a member may be removed for cause, this cause must have been accepted as true, good, and sufficient by a majority written vote of all members of the state board after a formal hearing at a regular or special session of the state board.

(1) Members of the state board shall be subject to removal from office by the Governor when the actions or condition of a member shall be considered as sufficient cause for removal.

(2) However, before a member may be removed for cause, this cause must have been accepted as true, good, and sufficient by a majority written vote of all members of the state board after a formal hearing at a regular or special session of the state board.

(h) The members of the state board shall serve without remuneration but may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq., as follows: (1) Actual expenses while attending regular and special meetings of the state board; and (2) A per diem allowance when in attendance at regular or special meetings of the state board.

(1) Actual expenses while attending regular and special meetings of the state board; and

(2) A per diem allowance when in attendance at regular or special meetings of the state board.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1086, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 540,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 540,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 846,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 1931, No. 169, §§ 3-5; 1937, No. 244, § 1; Pope's Dig., §§ 11442 -- 11445; Acts 1941, No. 127, §§ 1-4; 1959, No. 160, § 1; 1971, No. 38, § 10; 1973, No. 62, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 5-910, 80-102 -- 80-105, 80-108; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 4; 1995, No. 297, § 1; 1997, No. 250, § 14; 1999, No. 885, § 1; 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 90, § 4; 2007, No. 344, § 1; 2009, No. 376, § 3.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2006 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 20 / Section 6-15-2006
Annual report
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) In addition to the requirements in § 6-15-2004(b) , each school district board of directors shall annually report to the parent or guardian of each student the progress of the student toward achieving state expectations for proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. (B) The school district board of directors shall report to the parent, guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, the student's results on each statewide assessment test. (C) (i) At least two (2) times per year, a public school district shall report in writing to the parent or legal guardian and each teacher of a student in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) the independent reading level at which the student is reading. (ii) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may promulgate rules to implement this section. (2) The evaluation of each student's progress shall be based upon the student's classroom work, observations, tests, state assessments, and other relevant information. (3) Progress reporting shall be provided to the parent, guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, in writing in a format adopted by the school district board of directors which is consistent with § 6-15-2101(b) . (b) (1) A school district board of directors shall publish annually the school performance report required by § 6-15-2101 on its website not later than ten (10) days after it is posted on the division's website, with the option of also publishing it in the local newspaper. (2) The school performance report shall be easily identifiable on the website. (c) A printed copy of the school performance report under § 6-15-2101 shall be made available upon request. (d) This section shall apply to the extent that it is not in violation of applicable state or federal law. Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 16, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1243, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 940,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 33, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 869,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1217,§ 16, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 5; 2005, No. 2152, § 2.

(a) (1) (A) In addition to the requirements in § 6-15-2004(b) , each school district board of directors shall annually report to the parent or guardian of each student the progress of the student toward achieving state expectations for proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. (B) The school district board of directors shall report to the parent, guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, the student's results on each statewide assessment test. (C) (i) At least two (2) times per year, a public school district shall report in writing to the parent or legal guardian and each teacher of a student in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) the independent reading level at which the student is reading. (ii) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may promulgate rules to implement this section. (2) The evaluation of each student's progress shall be based upon the student's classroom work, observations, tests, state assessments, and other relevant information. (3) Progress reporting shall be provided to the parent, guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, in writing in a format adopted by the school district board of directors which is consistent with § 6-15-2101(b) .

(1) (A) In addition to the requirements in § 6-15-2004(b) , each school district board of directors shall annually report to the parent or guardian of each student the progress of the student toward achieving state expectations for proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. (B) The school district board of directors shall report to the parent, guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, the student's results on each statewide assessment test. (C) (i) At least two (2) times per year, a public school district shall report in writing to the parent or legal guardian and each teacher of a student in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) the independent reading level at which the student is reading. (ii) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may promulgate rules to implement this section.

(A) In addition to the requirements in § 6-15-2004(b) , each school district board of directors shall annually report to the parent or guardian of each student the progress of the student toward achieving state expectations for proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics.

(B) The school district board of directors shall report to the parent, guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, the student's results on each statewide assessment test.

(C) (i) At least two (2) times per year, a public school district shall report in writing to the parent or legal guardian and each teacher of a student in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) the independent reading level at which the student is reading. (ii) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may promulgate rules to implement this section.

(i) At least two (2) times per year, a public school district shall report in writing to the parent or legal guardian and each teacher of a student in kindergarten through grade eight (K-8) the independent reading level at which the student is reading.

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

(2) The evaluation of each student's progress shall be based upon the student's classroom work, observations, tests, state assessments, and other relevant information.

(3) Progress reporting shall be provided to the parent, guardian, or the student if the student is eighteen (18) years of age or older, in writing in a format adopted by the school district board of directors which is consistent with § 6-15-2101(b) .

(b) (1) A school district board of directors shall publish annually the school performance report required by § 6-15-2101 on its website not later than ten (10) days after it is posted on the division's website, with the option of also publishing it in the local newspaper. (2) The school performance report shall be easily identifiable on the website.

(1) A school district board of directors shall publish annually the school performance report required by § 6-15-2101 on its website not later than ten (10) days after it is posted on the division's website, with the option of also publishing it in the local newspaper.

(2) The school performance report shall be easily identifiable on the website.

(c) A printed copy of the school performance report under § 6-15-2101 shall be made available upon request.

(d) This section shall apply to the extent that it is not in violation of applicable state or federal law.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 757,§ 16, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1243, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 940,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 33, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 869,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1217,§ 16, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 2003 (2nd Ex. Sess.), No. 35, § 5; 2005, No. 2152, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-2516 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 25 / Section 6-20-2516
Academic Facilities Review Board
Status: in_force

(a) There is established the Academic Facilities Review Board to hear the appeal filed by a public school district under § 6-20-2513(a) of a determination of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation. (b) (1) The board is composed of five (5) members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation of the Senate as follows: (A) (i) One (1) member who is a licensed building contractor with five (5) years or more of experience in public school construction. (ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(A)(i) of this section; (B) (i) One (1) member who is a registered architect with at least five (5) years of experience in public school design. (ii) The Governor shall consult The Arkansas Chapter, the American Institute of Architects before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(B)(i) of this section; (C) (i) One (1) member who is a licensed or registered engineer with at least five (5) years of experience in public school construction. (ii) The Governor shall consult the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas and The Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(C)(i) of this section; and (D) (i) Two (2) members who are selected from the public at large. (ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and the Arkansas School Boards Association before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(D)(i) of this section. (2) A member of the board shall be a resident of this state at the time of appointment and throughout the member's term. (3) A member of the Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation shall not serve as a member of the commission while serving as a member of the board. (c) (1) (A) Each member of the board shall serve a term of three (3) years. (B) The initial members shall draw lots for staggered terms. (2) The Governor shall appoint any qualified person to fill a position that is vacated before the expiration of a member's term. (d) (1) The Governor shall designate one (1) member to serve as chair of the board at its organizational meeting. (2) The chair or the chair's designee shall call an organizational meeting within twenty (20) calendar days after the Governor has appointed all members of the initial board. (3) At the organizational meeting, the members of the board shall elect a chair, who shall serve as chair for one (1) year. (4) Annually after the organizational meeting, the board shall elect a new chair. (e) (1) The board shall meet upon the call of the chair when a hearing is requested by a public school district, but a meeting shall not be held outside of this state. (2) All action of the board shall be by a majority vote of the quorum present at a meeting. (3) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. (f) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide staff support for the board's activities. (g) (1) Members of the board shall serve without pay. (2) Members of the board may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-902 , to be paid by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to the extent money is available for that purpose. (h) The board shall establish policies and procedures for conducting hearings and appeals. (i) (1) Following the hearing at which all testimony and evidence are presented, the board shall make a final determination accepting, rejecting, or modifying the determination of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation. (2) Within ten (10) business days, the board shall provide to the appellant public school district and to the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation a notice of the board's final determination. (3) (A) If the board's final determination will result in a greater level of state financial participation in a project than previously authorized by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation, the board's final determination shall be reviewed by the commission in accordance with procedures developed by the commission. (B) A decision of the commission resulting from a review of a decision of the board under this section is final and is not subject to: (i) Further appeal to the commission; (ii) Request for rehearing by the commission; or (iii) Petition for judicial review under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1717, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1100,§ 3, eff. 7/22/2015. Acts 2009, No. 937, § 2; 2011, No. 1006, § 5.

(a) There is established the Academic Facilities Review Board to hear the appeal filed by a public school district under § 6-20-2513(a) of a determination of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.

(b) (1) The board is composed of five (5) members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation of the Senate as follows: (A) (i) One (1) member who is a licensed building contractor with five (5) years or more of experience in public school construction. (ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(A)(i) of this section; (B) (i) One (1) member who is a registered architect with at least five (5) years of experience in public school design. (ii) The Governor shall consult The Arkansas Chapter, the American Institute of Architects before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(B)(i) of this section; (C) (i) One (1) member who is a licensed or registered engineer with at least five (5) years of experience in public school construction. (ii) The Governor shall consult the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas and The Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(C)(i) of this section; and (D) (i) Two (2) members who are selected from the public at large. (ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and the Arkansas School Boards Association before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(D)(i) of this section. (2) A member of the board shall be a resident of this state at the time of appointment and throughout the member's term. (3) A member of the Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation shall not serve as a member of the commission while serving as a member of the board.

(1) The board is composed of five (5) members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation of the Senate as follows: (A) (i) One (1) member who is a licensed building contractor with five (5) years or more of experience in public school construction. (ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(A)(i) of this section; (B) (i) One (1) member who is a registered architect with at least five (5) years of experience in public school design. (ii) The Governor shall consult The Arkansas Chapter, the American Institute of Architects before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(B)(i) of this section; (C) (i) One (1) member who is a licensed or registered engineer with at least five (5) years of experience in public school construction. (ii) The Governor shall consult the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas and The Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(C)(i) of this section; and (D) (i) Two (2) members who are selected from the public at large. (ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and the Arkansas School Boards Association before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(D)(i) of this section.

(A) (i) One (1) member who is a licensed building contractor with five (5) years or more of experience in public school construction. (ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(A)(i) of this section;

(i) One (1) member who is a licensed building contractor with five (5) years or more of experience in public school construction.

(ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(A)(i) of this section;

(B) (i) One (1) member who is a registered architect with at least five (5) years of experience in public school design. (ii) The Governor shall consult The Arkansas Chapter, the American Institute of Architects before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(B)(i) of this section;

(i) One (1) member who is a registered architect with at least five (5) years of experience in public school design.

(ii) The Governor shall consult The Arkansas Chapter, the American Institute of Architects before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(B)(i) of this section;

(C) (i) One (1) member who is a licensed or registered engineer with at least five (5) years of experience in public school construction. (ii) The Governor shall consult the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas and The Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(C)(i) of this section; and

(i) One (1) member who is a licensed or registered engineer with at least five (5) years of experience in public school construction.

(ii) The Governor shall consult the American Council of Engineering Companies of Arkansas and The Arkansas Society of Professional Engineers before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(C)(i) of this section; and

(D) (i) Two (2) members who are selected from the public at large. (ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and the Arkansas School Boards Association before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(D)(i) of this section.

(i) Two (2) members who are selected from the public at large.

(ii) The Governor shall consult the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and the Arkansas School Boards Association before making an appointment under subdivision (b)(1)(D)(i) of this section.

(2) A member of the board shall be a resident of this state at the time of appointment and throughout the member's term.

(3) A member of the Commission for Arkansas Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation shall not serve as a member of the commission while serving as a member of the board.

(c) (1) (A) Each member of the board shall serve a term of three (3) years. (B) The initial members shall draw lots for staggered terms. (2) The Governor shall appoint any qualified person to fill a position that is vacated before the expiration of a member's term.

(1) (A) Each member of the board shall serve a term of three (3) years. (B) The initial members shall draw lots for staggered terms.

(A) Each member of the board shall serve a term of three (3) years.

(B) The initial members shall draw lots for staggered terms.

(2) The Governor shall appoint any qualified person to fill a position that is vacated before the expiration of a member's term.

(d) (1) The Governor shall designate one (1) member to serve as chair of the board at its organizational meeting. (2) The chair or the chair's designee shall call an organizational meeting within twenty (20) calendar days after the Governor has appointed all members of the initial board. (3) At the organizational meeting, the members of the board shall elect a chair, who shall serve as chair for one (1) year. (4) Annually after the organizational meeting, the board shall elect a new chair.

(1) The Governor shall designate one (1) member to serve as chair of the board at its organizational meeting.

(2) The chair or the chair's designee shall call an organizational meeting within twenty (20) calendar days after the Governor has appointed all members of the initial board.

(3) At the organizational meeting, the members of the board shall elect a chair, who shall serve as chair for one (1) year.

(4) Annually after the organizational meeting, the board shall elect a new chair.

(e) (1) The board shall meet upon the call of the chair when a hearing is requested by a public school district, but a meeting shall not be held outside of this state. (2) All action of the board shall be by a majority vote of the quorum present at a meeting. (3) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business.

(1) The board shall meet upon the call of the chair when a hearing is requested by a public school district, but a meeting shall not be held outside of this state.

(2) All action of the board shall be by a majority vote of the quorum present at a meeting.

(3) A majority of the members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business.

(f) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall provide staff support for the board's activities.

(g) (1) Members of the board shall serve without pay. (2) Members of the board may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-902 , to be paid by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to the extent money is available for that purpose.

(1) Members of the board shall serve without pay.

(2) Members of the board may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-902 , to be paid by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to the extent money is available for that purpose.

(h) The board shall establish policies and procedures for conducting hearings and appeals.

(i) (1) Following the hearing at which all testimony and evidence are presented, the board shall make a final determination accepting, rejecting, or modifying the determination of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation. (2) Within ten (10) business days, the board shall provide to the appellant public school district and to the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation a notice of the board's final determination. (3) (A) If the board's final determination will result in a greater level of state financial participation in a project than previously authorized by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation, the board's final determination shall be reviewed by the commission in accordance with procedures developed by the commission. (B) A decision of the commission resulting from a review of a decision of the board under this section is final and is not subject to: (i) Further appeal to the commission; (ii) Request for rehearing by the commission; or (iii) Petition for judicial review under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

(1) Following the hearing at which all testimony and evidence are presented, the board shall make a final determination accepting, rejecting, or modifying the determination of the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation.

(2) Within ten (10) business days, the board shall provide to the appellant public school district and to the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation a notice of the board's final determination.

(3) (A) If the board's final determination will result in a greater level of state financial participation in a project than previously authorized by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation, the board's final determination shall be reviewed by the commission in accordance with procedures developed by the commission. (B) A decision of the commission resulting from a review of a decision of the board under this section is final and is not subject to: (i) Further appeal to the commission; (ii) Request for rehearing by the commission; or (iii) Petition for judicial review under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

(A) If the board's final determination will result in a greater level of state financial participation in a project than previously authorized by the Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation, the board's final determination shall be reviewed by the commission in accordance with procedures developed by the commission.

(B) A decision of the commission resulting from a review of a decision of the board under this section is final and is not subject to: (i) Further appeal to the commission; (ii) Request for rehearing by the commission; or (iii) Petition for judicial review under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

(i) Further appeal to the commission;

(ii) Request for rehearing by the commission; or

(iii) Petition for judicial review under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1717, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1100,§ 3, eff. 7/22/2015.

Acts 2009, No. 937, § 2; 2011, No. 1006, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-513 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-18-513
Parental notification
Status: in_force

(a) A school or school district shall comply with subsection (b) of this section if the school or school district with respect to a student under the age of eighteen (18): (1) Makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct; (2) Grants law enforcement personnel other than a school resource officer acting in the normal course and scope of his or her assigned duties access to a student; or (3) Knows that a student has been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel during the school day or while under school supervision. (b) (1) The principal or, in the principal's absence, the principal's designee shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to notify the student's parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control of the student by court order or person acting in loco parentis listed on student enrollment forms of the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (a) of this section. (2) The principal or the principal's designee shall notify the student's parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control of the student under an order of court or person acting in loco parentis that the student has been reported to, interviewed by, or taken into custody by law enforcement personnel. (3) If the principal or the principal's designee is unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to call either the principal or the principal's designee and leave both a day and an after-hours telephone number. (c) Notification required by subsection (b) of this section is not required if school personnel make a report or file a complaint based on suspected child maltreatment as required under § 12-18-401 et seq. or if a law enforcement officer, investigator of the Crimes Against Children Division, or Department of Human Services investigator or personnel member interviews a student during the course of an investigation of suspected child maltreatment. (d) (1) The principal or the principal's designee shall not provide notification under subsection (b) of this section if a request is made to interview a student during the course of an investigation of suspected child maltreatment and a parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is named as an alleged offender. (2) The investigator shall provide the school with documentation that notification to the parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is prohibited. (e) Subsection (d) of this section shall only apply to interview requests made by: (1) A law enforcement officer; (2) An investigator of the division; or (3) An investigator or employee of the Department of Human Services. Acts 2001, No. 1217, § 1; 2005, No. 1415, § 1; 2009, No. 758, § 6; 2011, No. 613, § 1; 2011, No. 981, § 8.

(a) A school or school district shall comply with subsection (b) of this section if the school or school district with respect to a student under the age of eighteen (18): (1) Makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct; (2) Grants law enforcement personnel other than a school resource officer acting in the normal course and scope of his or her assigned duties access to a student; or (3) Knows that a student has been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel during the school day or while under school supervision.

(1) Makes a report to any law enforcement agency concerning student misconduct;

(2) Grants law enforcement personnel other than a school resource officer acting in the normal course and scope of his or her assigned duties access to a student; or

(3) Knows that a student has been taken into custody by law enforcement personnel during the school day or while under school supervision.

(b) (1) The principal or, in the principal's absence, the principal's designee shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to notify the student's parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control of the student by court order or person acting in loco parentis listed on student enrollment forms of the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (a) of this section. (2) The principal or the principal's designee shall notify the student's parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control of the student under an order of court or person acting in loco parentis that the student has been reported to, interviewed by, or taken into custody by law enforcement personnel. (3) If the principal or the principal's designee is unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to call either the principal or the principal's designee and leave both a day and an after-hours telephone number.

(1) The principal or, in the principal's absence, the principal's designee shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to notify the student's parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control of the student by court order or person acting in loco parentis listed on student enrollment forms of the occurrence of any of the events in subsection (a) of this section.

(2) The principal or the principal's designee shall notify the student's parent, legal guardian, or other person having lawful control of the student under an order of court or person acting in loco parentis that the student has been reported to, interviewed by, or taken into custody by law enforcement personnel.

(3) If the principal or the principal's designee is unable to reach the parent, he or she shall make a reasonable, good faith effort to get a message to the parent to call either the principal or the principal's designee and leave both a day and an after-hours telephone number.

(c) Notification required by subsection (b) of this section is not required if school personnel make a report or file a complaint based on suspected child maltreatment as required under § 12-18-401 et seq. or if a law enforcement officer, investigator of the Crimes Against Children Division, or Department of Human Services investigator or personnel member interviews a student during the course of an investigation of suspected child maltreatment.

(d) (1) The principal or the principal's designee shall not provide notification under subsection (b) of this section if a request is made to interview a student during the course of an investigation of suspected child maltreatment and a parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is named as an alleged offender. (2) The investigator shall provide the school with documentation that notification to the parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is prohibited.

(1) The principal or the principal's designee shall not provide notification under subsection (b) of this section if a request is made to interview a student during the course of an investigation of suspected child maltreatment and a parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is named as an alleged offender.

(2) The investigator shall provide the school with documentation that notification to the parent, guardian, custodian, or person standing in loco parentis is prohibited.

(e) Subsection (d) of this section shall only apply to interview requests made by: (1) A law enforcement officer; (2) An investigator of the division; or (3) An investigator or employee of the Department of Human Services.

(1) A law enforcement officer;

(2) An investigator of the division; or

(3) An investigator or employee of the Department of Human Services.

Acts 2001, No. 1217, § 1; 2005, No. 1415, § 1; 2009, No. 758, § 6; 2011, No. 613, § 1; 2011, No. 981, § 8.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-808 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 8 / Section 6-61-808
Applications for funds
Status: in_force

(a) Application for the funds provided for the Arkansas Research Development Program may be made by any publicly supported university in the State of Arkansas. (b) (1) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education shall review the applications and shall approve applications in the amount he or she determines appropriate, after seeking the advice of the Legislative Council. (2) The commissioner shall prepare a voucher in the name of the successful applicant in the amount approved by the commissioner. (c) In determining the successful applicant, the commissioner shall ensure that the funds will be used to: (1) Assist the state in its competition with other states and communities in attracting technology-based industry or in strengthening such industries currently in the state; (2) Develop a continuous research and development program such that high quality research capability is available to high-technology industries; and (3) Assist established and relatively successful research programs to gain national or regional recognition. Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 20, eff. 4/12/2023. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1990, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1985, No. 583, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4931; Acts 1991, No. 343, § 4.

(a) Application for the funds provided for the Arkansas Research Development Program may be made by any publicly supported university in the State of Arkansas.

(b) (1) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education shall review the applications and shall approve applications in the amount he or she determines appropriate, after seeking the advice of the Legislative Council. (2) The commissioner shall prepare a voucher in the name of the successful applicant in the amount approved by the commissioner.

(1) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education shall review the applications and shall approve applications in the amount he or she determines appropriate, after seeking the advice of the Legislative Council.

(2) The commissioner shall prepare a voucher in the name of the successful applicant in the amount approved by the commissioner.

(c) In determining the successful applicant, the commissioner shall ensure that the funds will be used to: (1) Assist the state in its competition with other states and communities in attracting technology-based industry or in strengthening such industries currently in the state; (2) Develop a continuous research and development program such that high quality research capability is available to high-technology industries; and (3) Assist established and relatively successful research programs to gain national or regional recognition.

(1) Assist the state in its competition with other states and communities in attracting technology-based industry or in strengthening such industries currently in the state;

(2) Develop a continuous research and development program such that high quality research capability is available to high-technology industries; and

(3) Assist established and relatively successful research programs to gain national or regional recognition.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 20, eff. 4/12/2023.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1990, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1985, No. 583, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4931; Acts 1991, No. 343, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-62-724 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 62 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-62-724
Bonds - Investment and disbursement of funds
Status: in_force

(a) Any moneys held in any fund created under this subchapter shall be invested by the State Board of Finance to the full extent practicable pending disbursement for the purposes intended. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, such investments shall be in accordance with the terms of the resolution or trust indenture as applicable. (b) Moneys on deposit in the Higher Education Projects Development Fund shall only be disbursed for a project when requisitioned by the chair of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or duly authorized designee, and approved by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, or duly authorized designee, which requisition shall certify that the funds disbursed thereby are for the payment of project costs of a higher education project duly approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Acts 1989, No. 683, §§ 21, 22; 1991, No. 102, §§ 5, 7.

(a) Any moneys held in any fund created under this subchapter shall be invested by the State Board of Finance to the full extent practicable pending disbursement for the purposes intended. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, such investments shall be in accordance with the terms of the resolution or trust indenture as applicable.

(b) Moneys on deposit in the Higher Education Projects Development Fund shall only be disbursed for a project when requisitioned by the chair of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, or duly authorized designee, and approved by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, or duly authorized designee, which requisition shall certify that the funds disbursed thereby are for the payment of project costs of a higher education project duly approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Acts 1989, No. 683, §§ 21, 22; 1991, No. 102, §§ 5, 7.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-85-213 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 85 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-85-213
Nursing school eligibility
Status: in_force

(a) (1) The General Assembly recognizes that the State of Arkansas is experiencing a critical shortage of nurses. (2) It is the intent of this section to allow the Division of Higher Education the opportunity, under specific circumstances, to include an approved school of nursing that would not otherwise be an approved institution of higher education in the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program. (b) The division shall make awards to applicants attending an approved school of nursing under this section if the recipient meets continuing eligibility requirements in § 6-85-210 . (c) The division shall pay scholarship awards under this section only from nonlottery state educational resources. Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2182, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No 606, § 4; 2009, No. 1405, § 23.

(a) (1) The General Assembly recognizes that the State of Arkansas is experiencing a critical shortage of nurses. (2) It is the intent of this section to allow the Division of Higher Education the opportunity, under specific circumstances, to include an approved school of nursing that would not otherwise be an approved institution of higher education in the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program.

(1) The General Assembly recognizes that the State of Arkansas is experiencing a critical shortage of nurses.

(2) It is the intent of this section to allow the Division of Higher Education the opportunity, under specific circumstances, to include an approved school of nursing that would not otherwise be an approved institution of higher education in the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program.

(b) The division shall make awards to applicants attending an approved school of nursing under this section if the recipient meets continuing eligibility requirements in § 6-85-210 .

(c) The division shall pay scholarship awards under this section only from nonlottery state educational resources.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 636,§ 1, eff. 4/12/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2182, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2009, No. 605, § 4; 2009, No 606, § 4; 2009, No. 1405, § 23.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-63-321 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 63 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-63-321
Overtime, incentives, and differentials for direct and indirect unclassified patient care personnel at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Status: in_force

(a) All unclassified positions employed to provide or support patient care at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are eligible for overtime at the rate of one and one-half (11/2) times their regular hourly rate. (b) In addition to overtime, unclassified direct and indirect patient care employees scheduled to work shifts outside of normal operating schedules may be eligible to receive up to twenty-four percent (24%) of the hourly rate paid as a shift differential. (c) (1) All unclassified positions employed to provide or support patient care at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shall be eligible to receive incentive pay not to exceed one and two-tenths (1.2) times their base hourly rate. (2) All unclassified employees required to work in specialty areas shall be eligible to receive up to ten percent (10%) of the hourly rate paid as a specialty differential while working in such areas. (d) (1) When overtime, shift differentials, standby pay, incentive pay, or specialty differentials are provided to employees as stated in this section, the total may exceed the line item maximum salaries for those positions. (2) This section does not apply to the positions of Patient Care Administrator, Associate Administrator, or Assistant Administrator of Patient Care. (e) (1) In addition, the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences may also make special compensation allowances available, in such amounts as the board may determine or justify equitable in view of the current requirements for registered nurses in the Clinical Programs of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the availability of registered nurses for employment in the Little Rock metropolitan area. (2) However, the special compensation allowances approved by the board for a single individual shall not exceed the state line item maximum by more than twenty percent (20%) for those positions. Added by Act 2023, No. 875,§ 35, eff. 7/1/2023.

(a) All unclassified positions employed to provide or support patient care at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are eligible for overtime at the rate of one and one-half (11/2) times their regular hourly rate.

(b) In addition to overtime, unclassified direct and indirect patient care employees scheduled to work shifts outside of normal operating schedules may be eligible to receive up to twenty-four percent (24%) of the hourly rate paid as a shift differential.

(c) (1) All unclassified positions employed to provide or support patient care at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shall be eligible to receive incentive pay not to exceed one and two-tenths (1.2) times their base hourly rate. (2) All unclassified employees required to work in specialty areas shall be eligible to receive up to ten percent (10%) of the hourly rate paid as a specialty differential while working in such areas.

(1) All unclassified positions employed to provide or support patient care at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences shall be eligible to receive incentive pay not to exceed one and two-tenths (1.2) times their base hourly rate.

(2) All unclassified employees required to work in specialty areas shall be eligible to receive up to ten percent (10%) of the hourly rate paid as a specialty differential while working in such areas.

(d) (1) When overtime, shift differentials, standby pay, incentive pay, or specialty differentials are provided to employees as stated in this section, the total may exceed the line item maximum salaries for those positions. (2) This section does not apply to the positions of Patient Care Administrator, Associate Administrator, or Assistant Administrator of Patient Care.

(1) When overtime, shift differentials, standby pay, incentive pay, or specialty differentials are provided to employees as stated in this section, the total may exceed the line item maximum salaries for those positions.

(2) This section does not apply to the positions of Patient Care Administrator, Associate Administrator, or Assistant Administrator of Patient Care.

(e) (1) In addition, the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences may also make special compensation allowances available, in such amounts as the board may determine or justify equitable in view of the current requirements for registered nurses in the Clinical Programs of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the availability of registered nurses for employment in the Little Rock metropolitan area. (2) However, the special compensation allowances approved by the board for a single individual shall not exceed the state line item maximum by more than twenty percent (20%) for those positions.

(1) In addition, the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences may also make special compensation allowances available, in such amounts as the board may determine or justify equitable in view of the current requirements for registered nurses in the Clinical Programs of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and the availability of registered nurses for employment in the Little Rock metropolitan area.

(2) However, the special compensation allowances approved by the board for a single individual shall not exceed the state line item maximum by more than twenty percent (20%) for those positions.

Added by Act 2023, No. 875,§ 35, eff. 7/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-507 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-20-507
Children with disabilities - Hearing before hearing officer
Status: in_force

(a) (1) Upon receipt of the written response, the requesting district in which the child is in attendance may, if the request is rejected, make application to the State Board of Education for a hearing officer to be designated to hold a hearing in regard to the request and to report recommendations to the state board. (2) The hearing shall be held not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days from the date of the request for the appointment of a hearing officer. (3) The hearing officer shall, at least ten (10) days before the hearing, notify the requesting district, the district to which the request is made, and all persons having an interest in or knowledge of the circumstances pertinent thereto, and the notice shall state the time and place of the hearing, which shall be held at a place designated by the hearing officer in a county in which one (1) of the school districts is located. (4) At the hearing, the designated officials of the affected school districts and other interested parties shall appear and furnish testimony as requested by the hearing officer in regard to the request for the payments in behalf of the child. (5) Upon conclusion of the hearing or within ten (10) days thereafter, the hearing officer shall file a written report, together with the hearing officer's recommendations, with the state board, with a copy thereof to be furnished to the superintendent of schools of the affected school districts. (b) (1) The hearing officer may recommend approval of the request to the state board if the hearing officer determines that: (A) The application is made by or in behalf of a child with disabilities as defined in this subchapter; (B) It is in the best interest of the education of the child to be admitted to or to continue to attend school in the receiving district; (C) The child's educational needs can be better served in the receiving district; and (D) The request for attendance at the receiving district is not based upon any racial or other reason that might be contrary to the laws, rules, and regulations of the United States or of this state or the rules promulgated by the state board under the provisions of this subchapter. (2) Any district aggrieved by the report and recommendations of the hearing officer may appeal to the state board within thirty (30) days after the date of the ruling of the hearing officer. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 279, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1981, No. 815, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-740; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 13.

(a) (1) Upon receipt of the written response, the requesting district in which the child is in attendance may, if the request is rejected, make application to the State Board of Education for a hearing officer to be designated to hold a hearing in regard to the request and to report recommendations to the state board. (2) The hearing shall be held not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days from the date of the request for the appointment of a hearing officer. (3) The hearing officer shall, at least ten (10) days before the hearing, notify the requesting district, the district to which the request is made, and all persons having an interest in or knowledge of the circumstances pertinent thereto, and the notice shall state the time and place of the hearing, which shall be held at a place designated by the hearing officer in a county in which one (1) of the school districts is located. (4) At the hearing, the designated officials of the affected school districts and other interested parties shall appear and furnish testimony as requested by the hearing officer in regard to the request for the payments in behalf of the child. (5) Upon conclusion of the hearing or within ten (10) days thereafter, the hearing officer shall file a written report, together with the hearing officer's recommendations, with the state board, with a copy thereof to be furnished to the superintendent of schools of the affected school districts.

(1) Upon receipt of the written response, the requesting district in which the child is in attendance may, if the request is rejected, make application to the State Board of Education for a hearing officer to be designated to hold a hearing in regard to the request and to report recommendations to the state board.

(2) The hearing shall be held not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days from the date of the request for the appointment of a hearing officer.

(3) The hearing officer shall, at least ten (10) days before the hearing, notify the requesting district, the district to which the request is made, and all persons having an interest in or knowledge of the circumstances pertinent thereto, and the notice shall state the time and place of the hearing, which shall be held at a place designated by the hearing officer in a county in which one (1) of the school districts is located.

(4) At the hearing, the designated officials of the affected school districts and other interested parties shall appear and furnish testimony as requested by the hearing officer in regard to the request for the payments in behalf of the child.

(5) Upon conclusion of the hearing or within ten (10) days thereafter, the hearing officer shall file a written report, together with the hearing officer's recommendations, with the state board, with a copy thereof to be furnished to the superintendent of schools of the affected school districts.

(b) (1) The hearing officer may recommend approval of the request to the state board if the hearing officer determines that: (A) The application is made by or in behalf of a child with disabilities as defined in this subchapter; (B) It is in the best interest of the education of the child to be admitted to or to continue to attend school in the receiving district; (C) The child's educational needs can be better served in the receiving district; and (D) The request for attendance at the receiving district is not based upon any racial or other reason that might be contrary to the laws, rules, and regulations of the United States or of this state or the rules promulgated by the state board under the provisions of this subchapter. (2) Any district aggrieved by the report and recommendations of the hearing officer may appeal to the state board within thirty (30) days after the date of the ruling of the hearing officer.

(1) The hearing officer may recommend approval of the request to the state board if the hearing officer determines that: (A) The application is made by or in behalf of a child with disabilities as defined in this subchapter; (B) It is in the best interest of the education of the child to be admitted to or to continue to attend school in the receiving district; (C) The child's educational needs can be better served in the receiving district; and (D) The request for attendance at the receiving district is not based upon any racial or other reason that might be contrary to the laws, rules, and regulations of the United States or of this state or the rules promulgated by the state board under the provisions of this subchapter.

(A) The application is made by or in behalf of a child with disabilities as defined in this subchapter;

(B) It is in the best interest of the education of the child to be admitted to or to continue to attend school in the receiving district;

(C) The child's educational needs can be better served in the receiving district; and

(D) The request for attendance at the receiving district is not based upon any racial or other reason that might be contrary to the laws, rules, and regulations of the United States or of this state or the rules promulgated by the state board under the provisions of this subchapter.

(2) Any district aggrieved by the report and recommendations of the hearing officer may appeal to the state board within thirty (30) days after the date of the ruling of the hearing officer.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 279, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1981, No. 815, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-740; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 13.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-10-139 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 10 / Section 6-10-139
Religious Viewpoint Antidiscrimination Act
Status: in_force

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Religious Viewpoint Antidiscrimination Act". (b) A public school district: (1) Shall treat a public school student's voluntary expression, if any, of a religious viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the public school district treats a public school student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject; and (2) May not discriminate against a public school student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the public school student on an otherwise permissible subject. (c) (1) A public school district shall adopt a policy to: (A) Ensure that a public school district does not discriminate against a public school student's voluntary expression, if any, of a religious viewpoint; and (B) Eliminate any actual or perceived affirmative school sponsorship or attribution to the public school district of a public school student's public expression of a religious viewpoint, if any. (2) A policy adopted under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall include without limitation the: (A) (i) Establishment of a limited public forum for public school student speakers at all public school events at which a public school student may speak publicly. (ii) A public school student's expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject shall not be excluded from the limited public forum established under subdivision (c)(2)(A)(i) of this section; (B) Provision of a limited public forum that does not discriminate against a public school student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject; (C) Provision of a method, based on neutral criteria, for the selection of public school speakers at public school events, including graduation ceremonies; (D) Procedures to ensure that a public school student speaker does not engage in speech that is: (i) Obscene; (ii) Vulgar; (iii) Offensively lewd; or (iv) Indecent; and (E) (i) Disclaimer that a public school student speaker's speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the public school district. (ii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section may be stated: (a) In writing; or (b) Orally. (iii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section shall be provided: (a) At all public school graduation ceremonies; and (b) At any other public school event at which a public school student speaker speaks publicly. (d) (1) A public school student may express his or her religious viewpoint, if any, in the following contexts without discrimination based on the religious content, if any: (A) Homework; (B) Classwork; (C) Artwork; and (D) Other written or oral assignments. (2) A public school student's homework, classwork, artwork, or other written or oral assignments shall be graded and judged: (A) By ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance; and (B) Against other conventional, pedagogical topics as identified by a public school district. (3) A public school student shall not be penalized or rewarded based on the religious content, if any, of his or her homework, classwork, artwork, or other written or oral assignments. (e) In the event that the legality or constitutionality of this section is challenged in a court of law, the Attorney General may: (1) Prepare and present a legal defense of this section; or (2) (A) Request that First Liberty Institute prepare and present a legal defense of this section. (B) A request that First Liberty Institute prepare and present a legal defense of this section shall not be subject to § 25-16-702 . Added by Act 2023, No. 788,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Religious Viewpoint Antidiscrimination Act".

(b) A public school district: (1) Shall treat a public school student's voluntary expression, if any, of a religious viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the public school district treats a public school student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject; and (2) May not discriminate against a public school student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the public school student on an otherwise permissible subject.

(1) Shall treat a public school student's voluntary expression, if any, of a religious viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner the public school district treats a public school student's voluntary expression of a secular or other viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject; and

(2) May not discriminate against a public school student based on a religious viewpoint expressed by the public school student on an otherwise permissible subject.

(c) (1) A public school district shall adopt a policy to: (A) Ensure that a public school district does not discriminate against a public school student's voluntary expression, if any, of a religious viewpoint; and (B) Eliminate any actual or perceived affirmative school sponsorship or attribution to the public school district of a public school student's public expression of a religious viewpoint, if any. (2) A policy adopted under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall include without limitation the: (A) (i) Establishment of a limited public forum for public school student speakers at all public school events at which a public school student may speak publicly. (ii) A public school student's expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject shall not be excluded from the limited public forum established under subdivision (c)(2)(A)(i) of this section; (B) Provision of a limited public forum that does not discriminate against a public school student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject; (C) Provision of a method, based on neutral criteria, for the selection of public school speakers at public school events, including graduation ceremonies; (D) Procedures to ensure that a public school student speaker does not engage in speech that is: (i) Obscene; (ii) Vulgar; (iii) Offensively lewd; or (iv) Indecent; and (E) (i) Disclaimer that a public school student speaker's speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the public school district. (ii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section may be stated: (a) In writing; or (b) Orally. (iii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section shall be provided: (a) At all public school graduation ceremonies; and (b) At any other public school event at which a public school student speaker speaks publicly.

(1) A public school district shall adopt a policy to: (A) Ensure that a public school district does not discriminate against a public school student's voluntary expression, if any, of a religious viewpoint; and (B) Eliminate any actual or perceived affirmative school sponsorship or attribution to the public school district of a public school student's public expression of a religious viewpoint, if any.

(A) Ensure that a public school district does not discriminate against a public school student's voluntary expression, if any, of a religious viewpoint; and

(B) Eliminate any actual or perceived affirmative school sponsorship or attribution to the public school district of a public school student's public expression of a religious viewpoint, if any.

(2) A policy adopted under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall include without limitation the: (A) (i) Establishment of a limited public forum for public school student speakers at all public school events at which a public school student may speak publicly. (ii) A public school student's expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject shall not be excluded from the limited public forum established under subdivision (c)(2)(A)(i) of this section; (B) Provision of a limited public forum that does not discriminate against a public school student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject; (C) Provision of a method, based on neutral criteria, for the selection of public school speakers at public school events, including graduation ceremonies; (D) Procedures to ensure that a public school student speaker does not engage in speech that is: (i) Obscene; (ii) Vulgar; (iii) Offensively lewd; or (iv) Indecent; and (E) (i) Disclaimer that a public school student speaker's speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the public school district. (ii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section may be stated: (a) In writing; or (b) Orally. (iii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section shall be provided: (a) At all public school graduation ceremonies; and (b) At any other public school event at which a public school student speaker speaks publicly.

(A) (i) Establishment of a limited public forum for public school student speakers at all public school events at which a public school student may speak publicly. (ii) A public school student's expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject shall not be excluded from the limited public forum established under subdivision (c)(2)(A)(i) of this section;

(i) Establishment of a limited public forum for public school student speakers at all public school events at which a public school student may speak publicly.

(ii) A public school student's expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject shall not be excluded from the limited public forum established under subdivision (c)(2)(A)(i) of this section;

(B) Provision of a limited public forum that does not discriminate against a public school student's voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint, if any, on an otherwise permissible subject;

(C) Provision of a method, based on neutral criteria, for the selection of public school speakers at public school events, including graduation ceremonies;

(D) Procedures to ensure that a public school student speaker does not engage in speech that is: (i) Obscene; (ii) Vulgar; (iii) Offensively lewd; or (iv) Indecent; and

(i) Obscene;

(ii) Vulgar;

(iii) Offensively lewd; or

(iv) Indecent; and

(E) (i) Disclaimer that a public school student speaker's speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the public school district. (ii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section may be stated: (a) In writing; or (b) Orally. (iii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section shall be provided: (a) At all public school graduation ceremonies; and (b) At any other public school event at which a public school student speaker speaks publicly.

(i) Disclaimer that a public school student speaker's speech does not reflect the endorsement, sponsorship, position, or expression of the public school district.

(ii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section may be stated: (a) In writing; or (b) Orally.

(a) In writing; or

(b) Orally.

(iii) The disclaimer under subdivision (c)(2)(E)(i) of this section shall be provided: (a) At all public school graduation ceremonies; and (b) At any other public school event at which a public school student speaker speaks publicly.

(a) At all public school graduation ceremonies; and

(b) At any other public school event at which a public school student speaker speaks publicly.

(d) (1) A public school student may express his or her religious viewpoint, if any, in the following contexts without discrimination based on the religious content, if any: (A) Homework; (B) Classwork; (C) Artwork; and (D) Other written or oral assignments. (2) A public school student's homework, classwork, artwork, or other written or oral assignments shall be graded and judged: (A) By ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance; and (B) Against other conventional, pedagogical topics as identified by a public school district. (3) A public school student shall not be penalized or rewarded based on the religious content, if any, of his or her homework, classwork, artwork, or other written or oral assignments.

(1) A public school student may express his or her religious viewpoint, if any, in the following contexts without discrimination based on the religious content, if any: (A) Homework; (B) Classwork; (C) Artwork; and (D) Other written or oral assignments.

(A) Homework;

(B) Classwork;

(C) Artwork; and

(D) Other written or oral assignments.

(2) A public school student's homework, classwork, artwork, or other written or oral assignments shall be graded and judged: (A) By ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance; and (B) Against other conventional, pedagogical topics as identified by a public school district.

(A) By ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance; and

(B) Against other conventional, pedagogical topics as identified by a public school district.

(3) A public school student shall not be penalized or rewarded based on the religious content, if any, of his or her homework, classwork, artwork, or other written or oral assignments.

(e) In the event that the legality or constitutionality of this section is challenged in a court of law, the Attorney General may: (1) Prepare and present a legal defense of this section; or (2) (A) Request that First Liberty Institute prepare and present a legal defense of this section. (B) A request that First Liberty Institute prepare and present a legal defense of this section shall not be subject to § 25-16-702 .

(1) Prepare and present a legal defense of this section; or

(2) (A) Request that First Liberty Institute prepare and present a legal defense of this section. (B) A request that First Liberty Institute prepare and present a legal defense of this section shall not be subject to § 25-16-702 .

(A) Request that First Liberty Institute prepare and present a legal defense of this section.

(B) A request that First Liberty Institute prepare and present a legal defense of this section shall not be subject to § 25-16-702 .

Added by Act 2023, No. 788,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-1301 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 13 / Section 6-81-1301
Program established - Purpose - Administration
Status: in_force

(a) There is established the University Assisted Teacher Recruitment and Retention Grant Program within the Division of Higher Education. (b) The purpose of the program shall be to attract qualified teachers to the Mississippi Delta and those geographical areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers by making available scholarships to persons working toward a Master of Education degree at an institution of higher education whose teacher education program is approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (c) (1) Any institution of higher education in the State of Arkansas which offers a Master of Education degree may apply to the Division of Higher Education for participation in the program. (2) Under the program, participating institutions shall collaborate with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to identify, recruit, and place teacher education graduates, from both within the state and out of state, in school districts situated within those areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. (d) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall provide funds to participating institutions of higher education for the purpose of awarding scholarships to qualified persons pursuing a Master of Education degree at participating institutions while rendering service to the state as a licensed teacher in a school district in a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as approved by the State Board of Education. (2) The financial scholarship shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000) per year. (e) As a condition for approval to participate in the program, the institution of higher education shall agree to classify teachers who relocate within Arkansas from out of state in order to participate in the program as residents of the state for tuition purposes. (f) (1) Students awarded financial scholarships under the program may receive the awards for a maximum of four (4) school years. (2) The maximum number of awards which may be made shall not exceed the length of time required to complete the number of academic hours necessary to obtain a Master of Education degree. (g) Financial scholarships under the program shall not be based upon an applicant's eligibility for financial aid. (h) (1) Persons relocating to a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education, to participate in the program shall be eligible for reimbursement from the State Board of Education for all or part of their moving expenses to the critical teacher-shortage area. (2) The Division of Higher Education shall promulgate rules necessary for the administration of the relocation expense reimbursement component of the program. (i) Subject to the availability of funds, the State Board of Education may provide for professional development and support services as may be necessary for the retention of teachers participating in the program in those geographical areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers. (j) Any person participating in the program who fails to complete a program of study that will enable that person to obtain a Master of Education degree shall become liable immediately to the State Board of Education for the sum of all awards made to that person under the program, plus interest accruing at the current Stafford Loan rate at the time the person abrogates participation in the program. (k) As a condition for participation in the program, a teacher shall agree to employment as a licensed teacher in a school district located in a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education, for a period of not less than three (3) years, which shall include those years of service rendered while obtaining the Master of Education degree or Educational Specialist degree. (l) (1) (A) Students receiving an award from the program shall execute a note made payable to the Division of Higher Education for an amount equal to the award each semester that shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year beginning September 1 after completion of the program or immediately after termination of the student's participation in the program, whichever is earlier. (B) Students in the program who receive reimbursement for moving expenses under subsection (h) of this section shall execute a note made payable to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for an amount equal to the reimbursement that shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year. (2) Any person failing to complete a program of study which will enable the person to become a licensed teacher shall begin repaying the note according to the note's terms for the sum of all awards made to that person less the corresponding amount of any awards for which service has been rendered. (3) Any person failing to complete his or her teaching obligation, as required under subsection (k) of this section, shall begin repaying the notes according to the notes' terms for the sum of all awards made to that person less the corresponding amount of any awards for which service has been rendered, except in the case of a deferral of debt for cause approved by the State Board of Education if there is no employment position immediately available upon a teacher's completion of licensure requirements. (4) After the period of the deferral, the person shall begin or resume teaching duties as required under subsection (k) of this section or shall become liable on the note under this subsection. If a claim for payment of a note is placed into the hands of an attorney for collection, the obligor shall be liable for an additional amount equal to a reasonable attorney's fee. (5) The obligations made by the recipient of a program award shall not be voidable by reason of the age of the student at the time of receiving the scholarship. (m) All funds received by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education from the repayment of scholarship awards and relocation expenses by program participants shall be deposited into the fund that provides funding for the program. (n) The Division of Higher Education shall promulgate rules necessary for the proper administration of the program. (o) The requirements of this section are contingent on the funding available for the program. (p) The Division of Higher Education is authorized to determine the necessary procedures for the awarding of grants should the number of eligible applicants and recipients exceed the funds available. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 398, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2055, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2054, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2053, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2052, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2051, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2050, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2001, No. 1550, § 1.

(a) There is established the University Assisted Teacher Recruitment and Retention Grant Program within the Division of Higher Education.

(b) The purpose of the program shall be to attract qualified teachers to the Mississippi Delta and those geographical areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers by making available scholarships to persons working toward a Master of Education degree at an institution of higher education whose teacher education program is approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(c) (1) Any institution of higher education in the State of Arkansas which offers a Master of Education degree may apply to the Division of Higher Education for participation in the program. (2) Under the program, participating institutions shall collaborate with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to identify, recruit, and place teacher education graduates, from both within the state and out of state, in school districts situated within those areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(1) Any institution of higher education in the State of Arkansas which offers a Master of Education degree may apply to the Division of Higher Education for participation in the program.

(2) Under the program, participating institutions shall collaborate with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to identify, recruit, and place teacher education graduates, from both within the state and out of state, in school districts situated within those areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

(d) (1) The Division of Higher Education shall provide funds to participating institutions of higher education for the purpose of awarding scholarships to qualified persons pursuing a Master of Education degree at participating institutions while rendering service to the state as a licensed teacher in a school district in a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as approved by the State Board of Education. (2) The financial scholarship shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000) per year.

(1) The Division of Higher Education shall provide funds to participating institutions of higher education for the purpose of awarding scholarships to qualified persons pursuing a Master of Education degree at participating institutions while rendering service to the state as a licensed teacher in a school district in a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as approved by the State Board of Education.

(2) The financial scholarship shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000) per year.

(e) As a condition for approval to participate in the program, the institution of higher education shall agree to classify teachers who relocate within Arkansas from out of state in order to participate in the program as residents of the state for tuition purposes.

(f) (1) Students awarded financial scholarships under the program may receive the awards for a maximum of four (4) school years. (2) The maximum number of awards which may be made shall not exceed the length of time required to complete the number of academic hours necessary to obtain a Master of Education degree.

(1) Students awarded financial scholarships under the program may receive the awards for a maximum of four (4) school years.

(2) The maximum number of awards which may be made shall not exceed the length of time required to complete the number of academic hours necessary to obtain a Master of Education degree.

(g) Financial scholarships under the program shall not be based upon an applicant's eligibility for financial aid.

(h) (1) Persons relocating to a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education, to participate in the program shall be eligible for reimbursement from the State Board of Education for all or part of their moving expenses to the critical teacher-shortage area. (2) The Division of Higher Education shall promulgate rules necessary for the administration of the relocation expense reimbursement component of the program.

(1) Persons relocating to a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education, to participate in the program shall be eligible for reimbursement from the State Board of Education for all or part of their moving expenses to the critical teacher-shortage area.

(2) The Division of Higher Education shall promulgate rules necessary for the administration of the relocation expense reimbursement component of the program.

(i) Subject to the availability of funds, the State Board of Education may provide for professional development and support services as may be necessary for the retention of teachers participating in the program in those geographical areas of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers.

(j) Any person participating in the program who fails to complete a program of study that will enable that person to obtain a Master of Education degree shall become liable immediately to the State Board of Education for the sum of all awards made to that person under the program, plus interest accruing at the current Stafford Loan rate at the time the person abrogates participation in the program.

(k) As a condition for participation in the program, a teacher shall agree to employment as a licensed teacher in a school district located in a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers, as designated by the State Board of Education, for a period of not less than three (3) years, which shall include those years of service rendered while obtaining the Master of Education degree or Educational Specialist degree.

(l) (1) (A) Students receiving an award from the program shall execute a note made payable to the Division of Higher Education for an amount equal to the award each semester that shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year beginning September 1 after completion of the program or immediately after termination of the student's participation in the program, whichever is earlier. (B) Students in the program who receive reimbursement for moving expenses under subsection (h) of this section shall execute a note made payable to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for an amount equal to the reimbursement that shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year. (2) Any person failing to complete a program of study which will enable the person to become a licensed teacher shall begin repaying the note according to the note's terms for the sum of all awards made to that person less the corresponding amount of any awards for which service has been rendered. (3) Any person failing to complete his or her teaching obligation, as required under subsection (k) of this section, shall begin repaying the notes according to the notes' terms for the sum of all awards made to that person less the corresponding amount of any awards for which service has been rendered, except in the case of a deferral of debt for cause approved by the State Board of Education if there is no employment position immediately available upon a teacher's completion of licensure requirements. (4) After the period of the deferral, the person shall begin or resume teaching duties as required under subsection (k) of this section or shall become liable on the note under this subsection. If a claim for payment of a note is placed into the hands of an attorney for collection, the obligor shall be liable for an additional amount equal to a reasonable attorney's fee. (5) The obligations made by the recipient of a program award shall not be voidable by reason of the age of the student at the time of receiving the scholarship.

(1) (A) Students receiving an award from the program shall execute a note made payable to the Division of Higher Education for an amount equal to the award each semester that shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year beginning September 1 after completion of the program or immediately after termination of the student's participation in the program, whichever is earlier. (B) Students in the program who receive reimbursement for moving expenses under subsection (h) of this section shall execute a note made payable to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for an amount equal to the reimbursement that shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year.

(A) Students receiving an award from the program shall execute a note made payable to the Division of Higher Education for an amount equal to the award each semester that shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year beginning September 1 after completion of the program or immediately after termination of the student's participation in the program, whichever is earlier.

(B) Students in the program who receive reimbursement for moving expenses under subsection (h) of this section shall execute a note made payable to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for an amount equal to the reimbursement that shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per year.

(2) Any person failing to complete a program of study which will enable the person to become a licensed teacher shall begin repaying the note according to the note's terms for the sum of all awards made to that person less the corresponding amount of any awards for which service has been rendered.

(3) Any person failing to complete his or her teaching obligation, as required under subsection (k) of this section, shall begin repaying the notes according to the notes' terms for the sum of all awards made to that person less the corresponding amount of any awards for which service has been rendered, except in the case of a deferral of debt for cause approved by the State Board of Education if there is no employment position immediately available upon a teacher's completion of licensure requirements.

(4) After the period of the deferral, the person shall begin or resume teaching duties as required under subsection (k) of this section or shall become liable on the note under this subsection. If a claim for payment of a note is placed into the hands of an attorney for collection, the obligor shall be liable for an additional amount equal to a reasonable attorney's fee.

(5) The obligations made by the recipient of a program award shall not be voidable by reason of the age of the student at the time of receiving the scholarship.

(m) All funds received by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education from the repayment of scholarship awards and relocation expenses by program participants shall be deposited into the fund that provides funding for the program.

(n) The Division of Higher Education shall promulgate rules necessary for the proper administration of the program.

(o) The requirements of this section are contingent on the funding available for the program.

(p) The Division of Higher Education is authorized to determine the necessary procedures for the awarding of grants should the number of eligible applicants and recipients exceed the funds available.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 398, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2055, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2054, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2053, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2052, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2051, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2050, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2001, No. 1550, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-5-307 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 5 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-5-307
Classroom teacher salary requirement
Status: in_force

(a) Any increase in Educational Excellence Trust Fund funds allocated for teacher salaries shall be used by school districts to provide salary increases for current licensed personnel positions and for no other purpose, except that required Social Security and teacher retirement matching required to be paid by the school districts for licensed personnel positions may be paid from the funds. (b) Educational Excellence Trust Fund funds allocated for teacher salaries shall be disbursed by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to a school district in accordance with the foundation funding amount under § 6-20-2305 . (c) In determining whether a school district has had an increase in Educational Excellence Trust Fund funds allocated for teacher salaries, any annual increase in the Educational Excellence Trust Fund funds must exceed the level of the prior fiscal year to be classified as an increase. (d) "Salary increase", as used in this section, includes increments for experience or advanced hours or degrees. (e) The division may promulgate rules to administer this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 170,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1050, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1278,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1995, No. 1172, § 2; 1997, No. 1324, § 1; 2001, No. 1456, § 7; 2005, No. 2121, § 20; 2005, No. 2165, § 1.

(a) Any increase in Educational Excellence Trust Fund funds allocated for teacher salaries shall be used by school districts to provide salary increases for current licensed personnel positions and for no other purpose, except that required Social Security and teacher retirement matching required to be paid by the school districts for licensed personnel positions may be paid from the funds.

(b) Educational Excellence Trust Fund funds allocated for teacher salaries shall be disbursed by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to a school district in accordance with the foundation funding amount under § 6-20-2305 .

(c) In determining whether a school district has had an increase in Educational Excellence Trust Fund funds allocated for teacher salaries, any annual increase in the Educational Excellence Trust Fund funds must exceed the level of the prior fiscal year to be classified as an increase.

(d) "Salary increase", as used in this section, includes increments for experience or advanced hours or degrees.

(e) The division may promulgate rules to administer this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 170,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1050, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1278,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1995, No. 1172, § 2; 1997, No. 1324, § 1; 2001, No. 1456, § 7; 2005, No. 2121, § 20; 2005, No. 2165, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-12-114 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 12 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-12-114
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1155,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1999, No. 1078, § 90; 2001, No. 1036, § 2; 2005, No. 2190, § 4.

Repealed by Act 2013, No. 1155,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013.

Acts 1999, No. 1078, § 90; 2001, No. 1036, § 2; 2005, No. 2190, § 4.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-16-1703 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 16 / Subchapter 17 / Section 6-16-1703
Course Choice Program
Status: in_force

(a) There is established the Course Choice Program. (b) To support student participation, not later than the 2025-2026 school year, the State Board of Education shall promulgate rules on the Course Choice Program, including a process that includes without limitation the following: (1) The determination regarding whether each: (A) Proposed course provider complies with the law and state board rules; (B) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider is valid, complete, financially well-structured, and educationally sound; (C) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider provides a plan for collecting data; and (D) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider offers the potential for fulfilling the purposes of this subchapter; (2) The provision for an independent evaluation of each proposal submitted by a proposed course provider by a third party with educational, organizational, legal, and financial expertise; and (3) The provision for an agreement between the State Board of Education and course provider that shall include without limitation a plan for implementing or providing the following: (A) Administration of state assessments as required by the school rating system under § 6-15-2101 et seq.; (B) The public school districts in which the course provider will operate; (C) Proposed courses offered, alignment of the courses by the course provider with the Arkansas academic standards, and the designated length of each course offered; (D) Alignment of the courses offered by the course provider with approved Arkansas diploma requirements; and (E) Assurances that the course provider shall, to the best of its ability, collaborate and coordinate with a local public school district in which an eligible student is enrolled full time. (c) (1) The initial authorization of a course provider shall be for a period of three (3) years. (2) (A) After the second year of the initial authorization period, the State Board of Education shall conduct a thorough review of the course provider's activities and the academic performance of the eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider in accordance with the school rating system. (B) If the performance of the eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider does not meet performance standards set by the State Board of Education under the school rating system, the State Board of Education shall place the course provider on probation. (d) After the initial three-year authorization period, the State Board of Education may reauthorize a course provider for additional periods of not less than three (3) years nor more than five (5) years after thorough review of the course provider's activities and the achievement of students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider. (e) The State Board of Education shall monitor and evaluate the course provider in accordance with performance expectations set forth by the State Board of Education in which student achievement is the predominant criterion. (f) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall create a process for: (A) Common course numbering of all courses listed in the course catalog; and (B) Determining whether courses are in compliance with Arkansas state academic standards. (2) For courses offered by postsecondary educational institutions that are authorized course providers, the division shall consult with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. (g) Prior to the 2025-2026 school year, the division shall create a course catalog for all courses offered by a public school district. (h) The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to administer the program. Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 20, eff. 3/8/2023.

(a) There is established the Course Choice Program.

(b) To support student participation, not later than the 2025-2026 school year, the State Board of Education shall promulgate rules on the Course Choice Program, including a process that includes without limitation the following: (1) The determination regarding whether each: (A) Proposed course provider complies with the law and state board rules; (B) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider is valid, complete, financially well-structured, and educationally sound; (C) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider provides a plan for collecting data; and (D) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider offers the potential for fulfilling the purposes of this subchapter; (2) The provision for an independent evaluation of each proposal submitted by a proposed course provider by a third party with educational, organizational, legal, and financial expertise; and (3) The provision for an agreement between the State Board of Education and course provider that shall include without limitation a plan for implementing or providing the following: (A) Administration of state assessments as required by the school rating system under § 6-15-2101 et seq.; (B) The public school districts in which the course provider will operate; (C) Proposed courses offered, alignment of the courses by the course provider with the Arkansas academic standards, and the designated length of each course offered; (D) Alignment of the courses offered by the course provider with approved Arkansas diploma requirements; and (E) Assurances that the course provider shall, to the best of its ability, collaborate and coordinate with a local public school district in which an eligible student is enrolled full time.

(1) The determination regarding whether each: (A) Proposed course provider complies with the law and state board rules; (B) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider is valid, complete, financially well-structured, and educationally sound; (C) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider provides a plan for collecting data; and (D) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider offers the potential for fulfilling the purposes of this subchapter;

(A) Proposed course provider complies with the law and state board rules;

(B) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider is valid, complete, financially well-structured, and educationally sound;

(C) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider provides a plan for collecting data; and

(D) Proposal submitted by a proposed course provider offers the potential for fulfilling the purposes of this subchapter;

(2) The provision for an independent evaluation of each proposal submitted by a proposed course provider by a third party with educational, organizational, legal, and financial expertise; and

(3) The provision for an agreement between the State Board of Education and course provider that shall include without limitation a plan for implementing or providing the following: (A) Administration of state assessments as required by the school rating system under § 6-15-2101 et seq.; (B) The public school districts in which the course provider will operate; (C) Proposed courses offered, alignment of the courses by the course provider with the Arkansas academic standards, and the designated length of each course offered; (D) Alignment of the courses offered by the course provider with approved Arkansas diploma requirements; and (E) Assurances that the course provider shall, to the best of its ability, collaborate and coordinate with a local public school district in which an eligible student is enrolled full time.

(A) Administration of state assessments as required by the school rating system under § 6-15-2101 et seq.;

(B) The public school districts in which the course provider will operate;

(C) Proposed courses offered, alignment of the courses by the course provider with the Arkansas academic standards, and the designated length of each course offered;

(D) Alignment of the courses offered by the course provider with approved Arkansas diploma requirements; and

(E) Assurances that the course provider shall, to the best of its ability, collaborate and coordinate with a local public school district in which an eligible student is enrolled full time.

(c) (1) The initial authorization of a course provider shall be for a period of three (3) years. (2) (A) After the second year of the initial authorization period, the State Board of Education shall conduct a thorough review of the course provider's activities and the academic performance of the eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider in accordance with the school rating system. (B) If the performance of the eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider does not meet performance standards set by the State Board of Education under the school rating system, the State Board of Education shall place the course provider on probation.

(1) The initial authorization of a course provider shall be for a period of three (3) years.

(2) (A) After the second year of the initial authorization period, the State Board of Education shall conduct a thorough review of the course provider's activities and the academic performance of the eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider in accordance with the school rating system. (B) If the performance of the eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider does not meet performance standards set by the State Board of Education under the school rating system, the State Board of Education shall place the course provider on probation.

(A) After the second year of the initial authorization period, the State Board of Education shall conduct a thorough review of the course provider's activities and the academic performance of the eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider in accordance with the school rating system.

(B) If the performance of the eligible students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider does not meet performance standards set by the State Board of Education under the school rating system, the State Board of Education shall place the course provider on probation.

(d) After the initial three-year authorization period, the State Board of Education may reauthorize a course provider for additional periods of not less than three (3) years nor more than five (5) years after thorough review of the course provider's activities and the achievement of students enrolled in courses offered by the course provider.

(e) The State Board of Education shall monitor and evaluate the course provider in accordance with performance expectations set forth by the State Board of Education in which student achievement is the predominant criterion.

(f) (1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall create a process for: (A) Common course numbering of all courses listed in the course catalog; and (B) Determining whether courses are in compliance with Arkansas state academic standards. (2) For courses offered by postsecondary educational institutions that are authorized course providers, the division shall consult with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(1) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall create a process for: (A) Common course numbering of all courses listed in the course catalog; and (B) Determining whether courses are in compliance with Arkansas state academic standards.

(A) Common course numbering of all courses listed in the course catalog; and

(B) Determining whether courses are in compliance with Arkansas state academic standards.

(2) For courses offered by postsecondary educational institutions that are authorized course providers, the division shall consult with the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

(g) Prior to the 2025-2026 school year, the division shall create a course catalog for all courses offered by a public school district.

(h) The State Board of Education may promulgate rules to administer the program.

Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 20, eff. 3/8/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-1701 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 17 / Section 6-81-1701
Establishment - Administration
Status: in_force

There is established a Teacher Candidate Loan Forgiveness Program to be administered by the Division of Higher Education. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2060, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2017, No. 709,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.

There is established a Teacher Candidate Loan Forgiveness Program to be administered by the Division of Higher Education.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2060, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2017, No. 709,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-1608 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 16 / Section 6-82-1608
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 316,§ 2, eff. 3/2/2017. Acts 2003, No. 1796, § 1; 2005, No. 2129, § 5.

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

Acts 2003, No. 1796, § 1; 2005, No. 2129, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-801 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 8 / Section 6-18-801
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 26, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1965, No. 13, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4401.

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 26, eff. 8/1/2017.

Acts 1965, No. 13, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4401.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-503 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 5 / Section 6-61-503
Millage tax
Status: in_force

(a) The tax authorized to be levied under Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 52, shall not exceed ten (10) mills on the taxable real and personal property of the district. (b) The millage approved by the electors shall be a continuing levy until reduced as provided in this section, §§ 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 , § 6-61-502 , §§ 6-61-504 - 6-61-524 , §§ 6-61-601 - 6-61-603 , and §§ 6-61-604 - 6-61-612 [repealed]. Acts 1977, No. 560, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4908.

(a) The tax authorized to be levied under Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 52, shall not exceed ten (10) mills on the taxable real and personal property of the district.

(b) The millage approved by the electors shall be a continuing levy until reduced as provided in this section, §§ 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 , § 6-61-502 , §§ 6-61-504 - 6-61-524 , §§ 6-61-601 - 6-61-603 , and §§ 6-61-604 - 6-61-612 [repealed].

Acts 1977, No. 560, § 8; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4908.