Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-1706 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 17 / Section 6-18-1706
International student exchange visitor placement organization - Registration
Status: in_force

(a) (1) (A) Beginning January 1, 2010, for the 2010-2011 school year, an international student exchange visitor placement organization that proposes to place a foreign exchange student in a public or private school in this state shall submit an application for a certificate of registration with the Secretary of State by January 1 immediately preceding the next regular school year in which the organization proposes to place a foreign exchange student. (B) The Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of registration to the organization by February 1 if the application is in order, otherwise the application shall be returned to the organization with resubmission instructions. (2) (A) For the purpose of service of process and service of notices, an international student exchange visitor placement organization shall provide the name, address, and telephone number of an officer or employee of the organization authorized to receive and accept service of process and service of notices. (B) If service of process and service of notices cannot be reasonably given to the officer as provided by the organization, service of process and service of notices shall be effected by service upon the Secretary of State who shall make a reasonable effort to contact and provide any process and notices to the organization. (b) An application for registration as an international student exchange visitor placement organization shall be submitted in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State. The application shall include: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the organization, its chief executive officer, and the person within the organization who has primary responsibility for supervising placements within the state; (2) The organization's unified business identification number, if any; (3) Evidence of Council on Standards for International Educational Travel listing, if any; (4) The organization's federal income tax exemption status; (5) A statement of compliance declaring that all monetary and nonmonetary compensation paid to employees who are residents of Arkansas has been reported in accordance with current state income tax law; (6) A list of the organization's placements in Arkansas for the previous academic year, including the number of students placed, their home countries, the school districts in which they were placed if placed in a public school or the private schools in which they were placed, and the length of time of their placements; (7) The organization's most recent brochure describing its programs; (8) Evidence of the organization's health and accident insurance; (9) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the organization's local representatives for Arkansas; and (10) Any other information the Secretary of State determines is necessary for his or her examination of the request by the organization. (c) The application must be signed by the chief executive officer of the organization and the person within the organization who has primary responsibility for supervising placements within Arkansas. (d) Organizations that have registered shall inform the Secretary of State of any changes in the information required under subsection (b) of this section within thirty (30) days of the change. (e) (1) Registration is valid for one (1) year and may be renewed annually. (2) Organizations registering for the first time in Arkansas must pay an initial registration fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150). (3) The fee to renew a registration is fifty dollars ($50.00) per year. (f) Fees collected by the Secretary of State under this section shall be deposited into the State Treasury and credited to the General Revenue Fund Account. (g) The information provided the Secretary of State under this section is a public record and shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the State of Arkansas during the regular business hours of the Secretary of State's office. (h) Registration shall not be considered or be represented as an endorsement of the organization by the Secretary of State or the State of Arkansas. (i) (1) Only an international student exchange visitor placement organization for students from other countries to attend a public or private school approved by the United States Department of State may be considered for registration. (2) Only an international student exchange visitor placement organization on the Advisory List of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel may be considered for registration. (j) An international student exchange visitor placement organization shall have a local representative who lives within one hundred twenty (120) miles of his or her assigned students. (k) (1) An international student exchange visitor placement organization shall not place a foreign exchange student in a home or seek admission of a student in a public or private school until the international student exchange visitor placement organization has been registered with the Secretary of State for that school year. (2) Each year, the Secretary of State shall publish a list of international student exchange visitor placement organizations registered to place foreign exchange students in host homes. (3) Unless the Secretary of State determines that an application for registration does not comply with the filing requirements of this subchapter, the Secretary of State, upon payment of all filing fees, shall file the application, prepare, sign, and file a certificate of registration, and send a copy of the filed certificate of registration with a receipt for the fees to the organization. Acts 2009, No. 966, § 1.

(a) (1) (A) Beginning January 1, 2010, for the 2010-2011 school year, an international student exchange visitor placement organization that proposes to place a foreign exchange student in a public or private school in this state shall submit an application for a certificate of registration with the Secretary of State by January 1 immediately preceding the next regular school year in which the organization proposes to place a foreign exchange student. (B) The Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of registration to the organization by February 1 if the application is in order, otherwise the application shall be returned to the organization with resubmission instructions. (2) (A) For the purpose of service of process and service of notices, an international student exchange visitor placement organization shall provide the name, address, and telephone number of an officer or employee of the organization authorized to receive and accept service of process and service of notices. (B) If service of process and service of notices cannot be reasonably given to the officer as provided by the organization, service of process and service of notices shall be effected by service upon the Secretary of State who shall make a reasonable effort to contact and provide any process and notices to the organization.

(1) (A) Beginning January 1, 2010, for the 2010-2011 school year, an international student exchange visitor placement organization that proposes to place a foreign exchange student in a public or private school in this state shall submit an application for a certificate of registration with the Secretary of State by January 1 immediately preceding the next regular school year in which the organization proposes to place a foreign exchange student. (B) The Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of registration to the organization by February 1 if the application is in order, otherwise the application shall be returned to the organization with resubmission instructions.

(A) Beginning January 1, 2010, for the 2010-2011 school year, an international student exchange visitor placement organization that proposes to place a foreign exchange student in a public or private school in this state shall submit an application for a certificate of registration with the Secretary of State by January 1 immediately preceding the next regular school year in which the organization proposes to place a foreign exchange student.

(B) The Secretary of State shall issue a certificate of registration to the organization by February 1 if the application is in order, otherwise the application shall be returned to the organization with resubmission instructions.

(2) (A) For the purpose of service of process and service of notices, an international student exchange visitor placement organization shall provide the name, address, and telephone number of an officer or employee of the organization authorized to receive and accept service of process and service of notices. (B) If service of process and service of notices cannot be reasonably given to the officer as provided by the organization, service of process and service of notices shall be effected by service upon the Secretary of State who shall make a reasonable effort to contact and provide any process and notices to the organization.

(A) For the purpose of service of process and service of notices, an international student exchange visitor placement organization shall provide the name, address, and telephone number of an officer or employee of the organization authorized to receive and accept service of process and service of notices.

(B) If service of process and service of notices cannot be reasonably given to the officer as provided by the organization, service of process and service of notices shall be effected by service upon the Secretary of State who shall make a reasonable effort to contact and provide any process and notices to the organization.

(b) An application for registration as an international student exchange visitor placement organization shall be submitted in the form prescribed by the Secretary of State. The application shall include: (1) The name, address, and telephone number of the organization, its chief executive officer, and the person within the organization who has primary responsibility for supervising placements within the state; (2) The organization's unified business identification number, if any; (3) Evidence of Council on Standards for International Educational Travel listing, if any; (4) The organization's federal income tax exemption status; (5) A statement of compliance declaring that all monetary and nonmonetary compensation paid to employees who are residents of Arkansas has been reported in accordance with current state income tax law; (6) A list of the organization's placements in Arkansas for the previous academic year, including the number of students placed, their home countries, the school districts in which they were placed if placed in a public school or the private schools in which they were placed, and the length of time of their placements; (7) The organization's most recent brochure describing its programs; (8) Evidence of the organization's health and accident insurance; (9) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the organization's local representatives for Arkansas; and (10) Any other information the Secretary of State determines is necessary for his or her examination of the request by the organization.

(1) The name, address, and telephone number of the organization, its chief executive officer, and the person within the organization who has primary responsibility for supervising placements within the state;

(2) The organization's unified business identification number, if any;

(3) Evidence of Council on Standards for International Educational Travel listing, if any;

(4) The organization's federal income tax exemption status;

(5) A statement of compliance declaring that all monetary and nonmonetary compensation paid to employees who are residents of Arkansas has been reported in accordance with current state income tax law;

(6) A list of the organization's placements in Arkansas for the previous academic year, including the number of students placed, their home countries, the school districts in which they were placed if placed in a public school or the private schools in which they were placed, and the length of time of their placements;

(7) The organization's most recent brochure describing its programs;

(8) Evidence of the organization's health and accident insurance;

(9) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the organization's local representatives for Arkansas; and

(10) Any other information the Secretary of State determines is necessary for his or her examination of the request by the organization.

(c) The application must be signed by the chief executive officer of the organization and the person within the organization who has primary responsibility for supervising placements within Arkansas.

(d) Organizations that have registered shall inform the Secretary of State of any changes in the information required under subsection (b) of this section within thirty (30) days of the change.

(e) (1) Registration is valid for one (1) year and may be renewed annually. (2) Organizations registering for the first time in Arkansas must pay an initial registration fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150). (3) The fee to renew a registration is fifty dollars ($50.00) per year.

(1) Registration is valid for one (1) year and may be renewed annually.

(2) Organizations registering for the first time in Arkansas must pay an initial registration fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150).

(3) The fee to renew a registration is fifty dollars ($50.00) per year.

(f) Fees collected by the Secretary of State under this section shall be deposited into the State Treasury and credited to the General Revenue Fund Account.

(g) The information provided the Secretary of State under this section is a public record and shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the State of Arkansas during the regular business hours of the Secretary of State's office.

(h) Registration shall not be considered or be represented as an endorsement of the organization by the Secretary of State or the State of Arkansas.

(i) (1) Only an international student exchange visitor placement organization for students from other countries to attend a public or private school approved by the United States Department of State may be considered for registration. (2) Only an international student exchange visitor placement organization on the Advisory List of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel may be considered for registration.

(1) Only an international student exchange visitor placement organization for students from other countries to attend a public or private school approved by the United States Department of State may be considered for registration.

(2) Only an international student exchange visitor placement organization on the Advisory List of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel may be considered for registration.

(j) An international student exchange visitor placement organization shall have a local representative who lives within one hundred twenty (120) miles of his or her assigned students.

(k) (1) An international student exchange visitor placement organization shall not place a foreign exchange student in a home or seek admission of a student in a public or private school until the international student exchange visitor placement organization has been registered with the Secretary of State for that school year. (2) Each year, the Secretary of State shall publish a list of international student exchange visitor placement organizations registered to place foreign exchange students in host homes. (3) Unless the Secretary of State determines that an application for registration does not comply with the filing requirements of this subchapter, the Secretary of State, upon payment of all filing fees, shall file the application, prepare, sign, and file a certificate of registration, and send a copy of the filed certificate of registration with a receipt for the fees to the organization.

(1) An international student exchange visitor placement organization shall not place a foreign exchange student in a home or seek admission of a student in a public or private school until the international student exchange visitor placement organization has been registered with the Secretary of State for that school year.

(2) Each year, the Secretary of State shall publish a list of international student exchange visitor placement organizations registered to place foreign exchange students in host homes.

(3) Unless the Secretary of State determines that an application for registration does not comply with the filing requirements of this subchapter, the Secretary of State, upon payment of all filing fees, shall file the application, prepare, sign, and file a certificate of registration, and send a copy of the filed certificate of registration with a receipt for the fees to the organization.

Acts 2009, No. 966, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-1008 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 10 / Section 6-18-1008
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1566, eff. 7/1/2019. Repealed by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019. Acts 1997, No. 1362, § 30.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1566, eff. 7/1/2019.

Repealed by Act 2019, No. 190,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019.

Acts 1997, No. 1362, § 30.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-20-2704 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 20 / Subchapter 27 / Section 6-20-2704
Transportation Modernization Grant Program grants
Status: in_force

The Transportation Modernization Grant Program grants shall be used for the following purposes without limitation: (1) Transportation resource sharing with neighboring public school districts or open-enrollment public charter schools; (2) Developing or contracting with rideshare programs or engaging neighborhood carpool strategies; (3) Developing options for reducing costs and improving efficiencies, including without limitation exploring the use of fleet vehicles or using technology to lead to more efficient routing; (4) Developing options to address personnel shortages or challenges; (5) (A) Funding in lieu of grants given to parents. (B) (i) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school that uses funding in lieu of grants given to parents under subdivision (5)(A) of this section shall give priority to enrolled students who: (a) Meet the economic eligibility requirements established under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. § 1771 et seq., as in effect on January 1, 2023, and National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1751 , as in effect on January 1, 2023, for free or reduced-price lunches; and (b) Are attending a public school district or an open-enrollment public charter school through open enrollment, if such information is available. (ii) A student who attends a school participating in a community eligibility program is eligible under subdivision (5)(A) of this section; (6) Partnering with school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools and licensed childcare facilities that accept publicly funded students to reevaluate bus routes to decrease ride time for students, with a priority on routes serving elementary and middle school grades; (7) Developing collaborations with public schools, early childhood care and education programs, and community partners to identify solutions to ensure students' safe and effective passage to school and early childhood care and education programs; and (8) Other relevant grant activities as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 44, eff. 3/8/2023.

The Transportation Modernization Grant Program grants shall be used for the following purposes without limitation:

(1) Transportation resource sharing with neighboring public school districts or open-enrollment public charter schools;

(2) Developing or contracting with rideshare programs or engaging neighborhood carpool strategies;

(3) Developing options for reducing costs and improving efficiencies, including without limitation exploring the use of fleet vehicles or using technology to lead to more efficient routing;

(4) Developing options to address personnel shortages or challenges;

(5) (A) Funding in lieu of grants given to parents. (B) (i) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school that uses funding in lieu of grants given to parents under subdivision (5)(A) of this section shall give priority to enrolled students who: (a) Meet the economic eligibility requirements established under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. § 1771 et seq., as in effect on January 1, 2023, and National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1751 , as in effect on January 1, 2023, for free or reduced-price lunches; and (b) Are attending a public school district or an open-enrollment public charter school through open enrollment, if such information is available. (ii) A student who attends a school participating in a community eligibility program is eligible under subdivision (5)(A) of this section;

(A) Funding in lieu of grants given to parents.

(B) (i) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school that uses funding in lieu of grants given to parents under subdivision (5)(A) of this section shall give priority to enrolled students who: (a) Meet the economic eligibility requirements established under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. § 1771 et seq., as in effect on January 1, 2023, and National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1751 , as in effect on January 1, 2023, for free or reduced-price lunches; and (b) Are attending a public school district or an open-enrollment public charter school through open enrollment, if such information is available. (ii) A student who attends a school participating in a community eligibility program is eligible under subdivision (5)(A) of this section;

(i) A public school district or open-enrollment public charter school that uses funding in lieu of grants given to parents under subdivision (5)(A) of this section shall give priority to enrolled students who: (a) Meet the economic eligibility requirements established under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. § 1771 et seq., as in effect on January 1, 2023, and National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1751 , as in effect on January 1, 2023, for free or reduced-price lunches; and (b) Are attending a public school district or an open-enrollment public charter school through open enrollment, if such information is available.

(a) Meet the economic eligibility requirements established under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. § 1771 et seq., as in effect on January 1, 2023, and National School Lunch Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1751 , as in effect on January 1, 2023, for free or reduced-price lunches; and

(b) Are attending a public school district or an open-enrollment public charter school through open enrollment, if such information is available.

(ii) A student who attends a school participating in a community eligibility program is eligible under subdivision (5)(A) of this section;

(6) Partnering with school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools and licensed childcare facilities that accept publicly funded students to reevaluate bus routes to decrease ride time for students, with a priority on routes serving elementary and middle school grades;

(7) Developing collaborations with public schools, early childhood care and education programs, and community partners to identify solutions to ensure students' safe and effective passage to school and early childhood care and education programs; and

(8) Other relevant grant activities as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 44, eff. 3/8/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-51-619 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Subchapter 6 / Section 6-51-619
Subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum
Status: in_force

(a) The Division of Higher Education shall have the power to issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum in connection with both its investigations and hearings. (b) A subpoena duces tecum may require any book, writing, document, or other paper or thing which is germane to an investigation or hearing conducted by the division. (c) (1) Service of a subpoena shall be as provided by law for the service of subpoenas in civil cases in the circuit courts of this state, and the fees and mileage of officers serving the subpoenas and of witnesses appearing in answer to the subpoenas shall be the same as provided by law for proceedings in civil cases in the circuit courts of this state. (2) (A) The division shall issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum upon the request of any party to a hearing before the division. (B) The fees and mileage of the officers serving the subpoena and of the witness shall be paid by the party at whose request a witness is subpoenaed. (d) (1) In the event a person shall have been served with a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum as provided in this section and fails to comply therewith, the division may apply to the circuit court of the county in which the division is conducting its investigation or hearing for an order causing the arrest of the person and directing that the person be brought before the court. (2) The court shall have the power to punish the disobedient person for contempt as provided by law in the trial of civil cases in the circuit courts of this state. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1904, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 565,§ 17, eff. 3/22/2017. Acts 1995, No. 1213, § 1.

(a) The Division of Higher Education shall have the power to issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum in connection with both its investigations and hearings.

(b) A subpoena duces tecum may require any book, writing, document, or other paper or thing which is germane to an investigation or hearing conducted by the division.

(c) (1) Service of a subpoena shall be as provided by law for the service of subpoenas in civil cases in the circuit courts of this state, and the fees and mileage of officers serving the subpoenas and of witnesses appearing in answer to the subpoenas shall be the same as provided by law for proceedings in civil cases in the circuit courts of this state. (2) (A) The division shall issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum upon the request of any party to a hearing before the division. (B) The fees and mileage of the officers serving the subpoena and of the witness shall be paid by the party at whose request a witness is subpoenaed.

(1) Service of a subpoena shall be as provided by law for the service of subpoenas in civil cases in the circuit courts of this state, and the fees and mileage of officers serving the subpoenas and of witnesses appearing in answer to the subpoenas shall be the same as provided by law for proceedings in civil cases in the circuit courts of this state.

(2) (A) The division shall issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum upon the request of any party to a hearing before the division. (B) The fees and mileage of the officers serving the subpoena and of the witness shall be paid by the party at whose request a witness is subpoenaed.

(A) The division shall issue a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum upon the request of any party to a hearing before the division.

(B) The fees and mileage of the officers serving the subpoena and of the witness shall be paid by the party at whose request a witness is subpoenaed.

(d) (1) In the event a person shall have been served with a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum as provided in this section and fails to comply therewith, the division may apply to the circuit court of the county in which the division is conducting its investigation or hearing for an order causing the arrest of the person and directing that the person be brought before the court. (2) The court shall have the power to punish the disobedient person for contempt as provided by law in the trial of civil cases in the circuit courts of this state.

(1) In the event a person shall have been served with a subpoena or subpoena duces tecum as provided in this section and fails to comply therewith, the division may apply to the circuit court of the county in which the division is conducting its investigation or hearing for an order causing the arrest of the person and directing that the person be brought before the court.

(2) The court shall have the power to punish the disobedient person for contempt as provided by law in the trial of civil cases in the circuit courts of this state.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1904, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 565,§ 17, eff. 3/22/2017.

Acts 1995, No. 1213, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-1504 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 15 / Section 6-17-1504
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 33, eff. 6/30/2023. Acts 1983, No. 936, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1266.6; Acts 2009, No. 376, § 33; 2011, No. 1209, § 7.

Repealed by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 33, eff. 6/30/2023.

Acts 1983, No. 936, § 7; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1266.6; Acts 2009, No. 376, § 33; 2011, No. 1209, § 7.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-1301 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 13 / Section 6-15-1301
Creation - Composition - Powers and duties
Status: in_force

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall create a Safe Schools Committee. (b) (1) The Safe Schools Committee shall be composed of the following individuals: (A) One (1) classroom teacher appointed by the Arkansas Education Association; (B) Two (2) school administrators appointed by the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators; (C) Two (2) school district board members appointed by the Arkansas School Boards Association; (D) A staff member of the division appointed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education; (E) A school safety specialist, employed by an Arkansas school district, appointed by the commissioner; (F) One (1) school counselor appointed by the Arkansas Counseling Association; (G) The Director of the Criminal Justice Institute and of the Arkansas Center for School Safety, or his or her designee; (H) One (1) classroom teacher appointed by the Arkansas State Teachers Association; (I) The Director of the Division of Emergency Management, or his or her designee; (J) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Public School Resource Center, Inc., or his or her designee; (K) A chief of police or a sheriff appointed by the commissioner; (L) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Rural Ed Association, or his or her designee; (M) The State Fire Marshal, or his or her designee; (N) One (1) school psychologist appointed by the Arkansas School Psychology Association; and (O) One (1) director of an Arkansas education service cooperative appointed by the commissioner. (2) The Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education or their designees shall serve as ex officio members of the Safe Schools Committee. (c) The Safe Schools Committee is charged with the following responsibilities: (1) (A) To develop model policies and procedures that may ensure a safe and productive learning environment for students and school employees for recommendation to school districts. The procedures shall focus on ensuring the security of students and school employees and shall include techniques for prevention, intervention, and conflict resolution. (B) (i) The model policies and procedures shall include emergency plans for terrorist attacks, specifically including contingency plans for: (a) Attacks using: (1) Biological agents; and (2) Nerve gas or similar chemical agents; and (b) War. (ii) To the extent practicable, the model plans should include practice drills; (2) To recommend to the State Board of Education any necessary rules for ensuring a safe school environment; and (3) To recommend to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education any necessary legislation for ensuring a safe school environment. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 213, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 809,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1218, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1217, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1997, No. 1346, §§ 1-3; 2003, No. 648, § 1.

(a) The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall create a Safe Schools Committee.

(b) (1) The Safe Schools Committee shall be composed of the following individuals: (A) One (1) classroom teacher appointed by the Arkansas Education Association; (B) Two (2) school administrators appointed by the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators; (C) Two (2) school district board members appointed by the Arkansas School Boards Association; (D) A staff member of the division appointed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education; (E) A school safety specialist, employed by an Arkansas school district, appointed by the commissioner; (F) One (1) school counselor appointed by the Arkansas Counseling Association; (G) The Director of the Criminal Justice Institute and of the Arkansas Center for School Safety, or his or her designee; (H) One (1) classroom teacher appointed by the Arkansas State Teachers Association; (I) The Director of the Division of Emergency Management, or his or her designee; (J) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Public School Resource Center, Inc., or his or her designee; (K) A chief of police or a sheriff appointed by the commissioner; (L) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Rural Ed Association, or his or her designee; (M) The State Fire Marshal, or his or her designee; (N) One (1) school psychologist appointed by the Arkansas School Psychology Association; and (O) One (1) director of an Arkansas education service cooperative appointed by the commissioner. (2) The Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education or their designees shall serve as ex officio members of the Safe Schools Committee.

(1) The Safe Schools Committee shall be composed of the following individuals: (A) One (1) classroom teacher appointed by the Arkansas Education Association; (B) Two (2) school administrators appointed by the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators; (C) Two (2) school district board members appointed by the Arkansas School Boards Association; (D) A staff member of the division appointed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education; (E) A school safety specialist, employed by an Arkansas school district, appointed by the commissioner; (F) One (1) school counselor appointed by the Arkansas Counseling Association; (G) The Director of the Criminal Justice Institute and of the Arkansas Center for School Safety, or his or her designee; (H) One (1) classroom teacher appointed by the Arkansas State Teachers Association; (I) The Director of the Division of Emergency Management, or his or her designee; (J) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Public School Resource Center, Inc., or his or her designee; (K) A chief of police or a sheriff appointed by the commissioner; (L) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Rural Ed Association, or his or her designee; (M) The State Fire Marshal, or his or her designee; (N) One (1) school psychologist appointed by the Arkansas School Psychology Association; and (O) One (1) director of an Arkansas education service cooperative appointed by the commissioner.

(A) One (1) classroom teacher appointed by the Arkansas Education Association;

(B) Two (2) school administrators appointed by the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators;

(C) Two (2) school district board members appointed by the Arkansas School Boards Association;

(D) A staff member of the division appointed by the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education;

(E) A school safety specialist, employed by an Arkansas school district, appointed by the commissioner;

(F) One (1) school counselor appointed by the Arkansas Counseling Association;

(G) The Director of the Criminal Justice Institute and of the Arkansas Center for School Safety, or his or her designee;

(H) One (1) classroom teacher appointed by the Arkansas State Teachers Association;

(I) The Director of the Division of Emergency Management, or his or her designee;

(J) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Public School Resource Center, Inc., or his or her designee;

(K) A chief of police or a sheriff appointed by the commissioner;

(L) The Executive Director of the Arkansas Rural Ed Association, or his or her designee;

(M) The State Fire Marshal, or his or her designee;

(N) One (1) school psychologist appointed by the Arkansas School Psychology Association; and

(O) One (1) director of an Arkansas education service cooperative appointed by the commissioner.

(2) The Chair of the House Committee on Education and the Chair of the Senate Committee on Education or their designees shall serve as ex officio members of the Safe Schools Committee.

(c) The Safe Schools Committee is charged with the following responsibilities: (1) (A) To develop model policies and procedures that may ensure a safe and productive learning environment for students and school employees for recommendation to school districts. The procedures shall focus on ensuring the security of students and school employees and shall include techniques for prevention, intervention, and conflict resolution. (B) (i) The model policies and procedures shall include emergency plans for terrorist attacks, specifically including contingency plans for: (a) Attacks using: (1) Biological agents; and (2) Nerve gas or similar chemical agents; and (b) War. (ii) To the extent practicable, the model plans should include practice drills; (2) To recommend to the State Board of Education any necessary rules for ensuring a safe school environment; and (3) To recommend to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education any necessary legislation for ensuring a safe school environment.

(1) (A) To develop model policies and procedures that may ensure a safe and productive learning environment for students and school employees for recommendation to school districts. The procedures shall focus on ensuring the security of students and school employees and shall include techniques for prevention, intervention, and conflict resolution. (B) (i) The model policies and procedures shall include emergency plans for terrorist attacks, specifically including contingency plans for: (a) Attacks using: (1) Biological agents; and (2) Nerve gas or similar chemical agents; and (b) War. (ii) To the extent practicable, the model plans should include practice drills;

(A) To develop model policies and procedures that may ensure a safe and productive learning environment for students and school employees for recommendation to school districts. The procedures shall focus on ensuring the security of students and school employees and shall include techniques for prevention, intervention, and conflict resolution.

(B) (i) The model policies and procedures shall include emergency plans for terrorist attacks, specifically including contingency plans for: (a) Attacks using: (1) Biological agents; and (2) Nerve gas or similar chemical agents; and (b) War. (ii) To the extent practicable, the model plans should include practice drills;

(i) The model policies and procedures shall include emergency plans for terrorist attacks, specifically including contingency plans for: (a) Attacks using: (1) Biological agents; and (2) Nerve gas or similar chemical agents; and (b) War.

(a) Attacks using: (1) Biological agents; and (2) Nerve gas or similar chemical agents; and

(1) Biological agents; and

(2) Nerve gas or similar chemical agents; and

(b) War.

(ii) To the extent practicable, the model plans should include practice drills;

(2) To recommend to the State Board of Education any necessary rules for ensuring a safe school environment; and

(3) To recommend to the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education any necessary legislation for ensuring a safe school environment.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 213, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 809,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1218, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1217, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1997, No. 1346, §§ 1-3; 2003, No. 648, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-234 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-18-234
Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act
Status: in_force

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act". (b) Each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school shall include in its attendance policy the requirement that the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school shall: (1) Excuse absences due to conditions that are related to pregnancy or parenting, including without limitation: (A) Labor, delivery, and recovery; (B) A prenatal and postnatal medical appointment and other medically necessary, pregnancy-related absences; (C) The illness or medical appointment of a child belonging to a parent who is enrolled at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school; and (D) A legal appointment related to pregnancy or parenting, including without limitation appointments regarding: (i) Adoption; (ii) Custody; and (iii) Visitation; (2) (A) Provide at least ten (10) school days of excused absences for both a parenting mother and a parenting father after the birth of a child. (B) The absences required under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section shall not count towards the requirement that a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school dismiss or drop from its attendance records a student who is absent from daily attendance for more than ten (10) consecutive school days under § 6-18-213(f) ; (3) (A) At the conclusion of a pregnancy-related or parenting-related period of absence, allow a student to make up missed work in a reasonable amount of time that shall not be less than the number of days the student was absent. (B) A student may choose from various options to make up missed work, including without limitation: (i) Retaking a semester at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; (ii) Participating in an online course credit recovery program; (iii) Being granted six (6) weeks to continue at the same pace and finish the semester at a later date, provided that the student may: (a) Complete his or her coursework within the current school year; or (b) Attend previously scheduled summer school classes made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; and (iv) Receiving home-based instruction services to the extent made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school; (4) Provide that, for absences or checkouts for reasons listed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the following shall be accepted as validation for the absence or checkout: (A) Documentation from a student's physician; or (B) Permission from a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis; (5) (A) Provide for reasonable accommodations for a lactating student on the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school campus to express breast milk, breastfeed, or address other breastfeeding needs, including without limitation: (i) Access to a private and secure room other than a restroom to express breast milk or breastfeed a child; (ii) Permission to bring a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk to school; (iii) Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk; (iv) (a) Access to a place to safely store breast milk. (b) A place in which breast milk may be stored under subdivision (b)(5)(A)(iv) (a) of this section shall include, but not be limited to, a refrigerator or cooler in: (1) A nurse's office; (2) A teachers' lounge; or (3) Another private location or location with limited accessibility in which the breast milk may be safely secured; and (v) Access to a location to clean a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk at school. (B) However, this section does not require a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school to provide a lactating student additional excused absences from the school day to breastfeed a child off the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school campus; (6) Ensure that a lactating student shall be provided a reasonable amount of time to accommodate the need to express breast milk; and (7) Provide that a student shall not incur an academic penalty as a result of the use, during the school day, of the reasonable accommodations provided under subdivisions (b)(5) and (6) of this section and shall be provided the opportunity to make up any work missed due to the use of the reasonable accommodations provided under subdivisions (b)(5) and (6) of this section. (c) (1) A public school district that is associated with a public high school that provides access to child care either on campus or off campus shall adopt a policy that requires information regarding the child care provided on campus or off campus be provided to student mothers and student fathers. (2) If a public high school does not provide child care either on campus or off campus, the public school district associated with the public high school shall adopt a policy that identifies and notifies students of childcare providers available to the students. Added by Act 2023, No. 128,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students Act".

(b) Each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school shall include in its attendance policy the requirement that the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school shall: (1) Excuse absences due to conditions that are related to pregnancy or parenting, including without limitation: (A) Labor, delivery, and recovery; (B) A prenatal and postnatal medical appointment and other medically necessary, pregnancy-related absences; (C) The illness or medical appointment of a child belonging to a parent who is enrolled at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school; and (D) A legal appointment related to pregnancy or parenting, including without limitation appointments regarding: (i) Adoption; (ii) Custody; and (iii) Visitation; (2) (A) Provide at least ten (10) school days of excused absences for both a parenting mother and a parenting father after the birth of a child. (B) The absences required under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section shall not count towards the requirement that a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school dismiss or drop from its attendance records a student who is absent from daily attendance for more than ten (10) consecutive school days under § 6-18-213(f) ; (3) (A) At the conclusion of a pregnancy-related or parenting-related period of absence, allow a student to make up missed work in a reasonable amount of time that shall not be less than the number of days the student was absent. (B) A student may choose from various options to make up missed work, including without limitation: (i) Retaking a semester at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; (ii) Participating in an online course credit recovery program; (iii) Being granted six (6) weeks to continue at the same pace and finish the semester at a later date, provided that the student may: (a) Complete his or her coursework within the current school year; or (b) Attend previously scheduled summer school classes made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; and (iv) Receiving home-based instruction services to the extent made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school; (4) Provide that, for absences or checkouts for reasons listed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the following shall be accepted as validation for the absence or checkout: (A) Documentation from a student's physician; or (B) Permission from a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis; (5) (A) Provide for reasonable accommodations for a lactating student on the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school campus to express breast milk, breastfeed, or address other breastfeeding needs, including without limitation: (i) Access to a private and secure room other than a restroom to express breast milk or breastfeed a child; (ii) Permission to bring a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk to school; (iii) Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk; (iv) (a) Access to a place to safely store breast milk. (b) A place in which breast milk may be stored under subdivision (b)(5)(A)(iv) (a) of this section shall include, but not be limited to, a refrigerator or cooler in: (1) A nurse's office; (2) A teachers' lounge; or (3) Another private location or location with limited accessibility in which the breast milk may be safely secured; and (v) Access to a location to clean a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk at school. (B) However, this section does not require a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school to provide a lactating student additional excused absences from the school day to breastfeed a child off the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school campus; (6) Ensure that a lactating student shall be provided a reasonable amount of time to accommodate the need to express breast milk; and (7) Provide that a student shall not incur an academic penalty as a result of the use, during the school day, of the reasonable accommodations provided under subdivisions (b)(5) and (6) of this section and shall be provided the opportunity to make up any work missed due to the use of the reasonable accommodations provided under subdivisions (b)(5) and (6) of this section.

(1) Excuse absences due to conditions that are related to pregnancy or parenting, including without limitation: (A) Labor, delivery, and recovery; (B) A prenatal and postnatal medical appointment and other medically necessary, pregnancy-related absences; (C) The illness or medical appointment of a child belonging to a parent who is enrolled at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school; and (D) A legal appointment related to pregnancy or parenting, including without limitation appointments regarding: (i) Adoption; (ii) Custody; and (iii) Visitation;

(A) Labor, delivery, and recovery;

(B) A prenatal and postnatal medical appointment and other medically necessary, pregnancy-related absences;

(C) The illness or medical appointment of a child belonging to a parent who is enrolled at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school; and

(D) A legal appointment related to pregnancy or parenting, including without limitation appointments regarding: (i) Adoption; (ii) Custody; and (iii) Visitation;

(i) Adoption;

(ii) Custody; and

(iii) Visitation;

(2) (A) Provide at least ten (10) school days of excused absences for both a parenting mother and a parenting father after the birth of a child. (B) The absences required under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section shall not count towards the requirement that a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school dismiss or drop from its attendance records a student who is absent from daily attendance for more than ten (10) consecutive school days under § 6-18-213(f) ;

(A) Provide at least ten (10) school days of excused absences for both a parenting mother and a parenting father after the birth of a child.

(B) The absences required under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section shall not count towards the requirement that a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school dismiss or drop from its attendance records a student who is absent from daily attendance for more than ten (10) consecutive school days under § 6-18-213(f) ;

(3) (A) At the conclusion of a pregnancy-related or parenting-related period of absence, allow a student to make up missed work in a reasonable amount of time that shall not be less than the number of days the student was absent. (B) A student may choose from various options to make up missed work, including without limitation: (i) Retaking a semester at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; (ii) Participating in an online course credit recovery program; (iii) Being granted six (6) weeks to continue at the same pace and finish the semester at a later date, provided that the student may: (a) Complete his or her coursework within the current school year; or (b) Attend previously scheduled summer school classes made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; and (iv) Receiving home-based instruction services to the extent made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school;

(A) At the conclusion of a pregnancy-related or parenting-related period of absence, allow a student to make up missed work in a reasonable amount of time that shall not be less than the number of days the student was absent.

(B) A student may choose from various options to make up missed work, including without limitation: (i) Retaking a semester at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; (ii) Participating in an online course credit recovery program; (iii) Being granted six (6) weeks to continue at the same pace and finish the semester at a later date, provided that the student may: (a) Complete his or her coursework within the current school year; or (b) Attend previously scheduled summer school classes made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; and (iv) Receiving home-based instruction services to the extent made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school;

(i) Retaking a semester at the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled;

(ii) Participating in an online course credit recovery program;

(iii) Being granted six (6) weeks to continue at the same pace and finish the semester at a later date, provided that the student may: (a) Complete his or her coursework within the current school year; or (b) Attend previously scheduled summer school classes made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; and

(a) Complete his or her coursework within the current school year; or

(b) Attend previously scheduled summer school classes made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school in which he or she is enrolled; and

(iv) Receiving home-based instruction services to the extent made available by the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school;

(4) Provide that, for absences or checkouts for reasons listed under subdivision (b)(1) of this section, the following shall be accepted as validation for the absence or checkout: (A) Documentation from a student's physician; or (B) Permission from a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis;

(A) Documentation from a student's physician; or

(B) Permission from a parent, legal guardian, or person standing in loco parentis;

(5) (A) Provide for reasonable accommodations for a lactating student on the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school campus to express breast milk, breastfeed, or address other breastfeeding needs, including without limitation: (i) Access to a private and secure room other than a restroom to express breast milk or breastfeed a child; (ii) Permission to bring a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk to school; (iii) Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk; (iv) (a) Access to a place to safely store breast milk. (b) A place in which breast milk may be stored under subdivision (b)(5)(A)(iv) (a) of this section shall include, but not be limited to, a refrigerator or cooler in: (1) A nurse's office; (2) A teachers' lounge; or (3) Another private location or location with limited accessibility in which the breast milk may be safely secured; and (v) Access to a location to clean a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk at school. (B) However, this section does not require a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school to provide a lactating student additional excused absences from the school day to breastfeed a child off the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school campus;

(A) Provide for reasonable accommodations for a lactating student on the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school campus to express breast milk, breastfeed, or address other breastfeeding needs, including without limitation: (i) Access to a private and secure room other than a restroom to express breast milk or breastfeed a child; (ii) Permission to bring a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk to school; (iii) Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk; (iv) (a) Access to a place to safely store breast milk. (b) A place in which breast milk may be stored under subdivision (b)(5)(A)(iv) (a) of this section shall include, but not be limited to, a refrigerator or cooler in: (1) A nurse's office; (2) A teachers' lounge; or (3) Another private location or location with limited accessibility in which the breast milk may be safely secured; and (v) Access to a location to clean a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk at school.

(i) Access to a private and secure room other than a restroom to express breast milk or breastfeed a child;

(ii) Permission to bring a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk to school;

(iii) Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk;

(iv) (a) Access to a place to safely store breast milk. (b) A place in which breast milk may be stored under subdivision (b)(5)(A)(iv) (a) of this section shall include, but not be limited to, a refrigerator or cooler in: (1) A nurse's office; (2) A teachers' lounge; or (3) Another private location or location with limited accessibility in which the breast milk may be safely secured; and

(a) Access to a place to safely store breast milk.

(b) A place in which breast milk may be stored under subdivision (b)(5)(A)(iv) (a) of this section shall include, but not be limited to, a refrigerator or cooler in: (1) A nurse's office; (2) A teachers' lounge; or (3) Another private location or location with limited accessibility in which the breast milk may be safely secured; and

(1) A nurse's office;

(2) A teachers' lounge; or

(3) Another private location or location with limited accessibility in which the breast milk may be safely secured; and

(v) Access to a location to clean a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk at school.

(B) However, this section does not require a public school district or open-enrollment public charter school to provide a lactating student additional excused absences from the school day to breastfeed a child off the public school district or open-enrollment public charter school campus;

(6) Ensure that a lactating student shall be provided a reasonable amount of time to accommodate the need to express breast milk; and

(7) Provide that a student shall not incur an academic penalty as a result of the use, during the school day, of the reasonable accommodations provided under subdivisions (b)(5) and (6) of this section and shall be provided the opportunity to make up any work missed due to the use of the reasonable accommodations provided under subdivisions (b)(5) and (6) of this section.

(c) (1) A public school district that is associated with a public high school that provides access to child care either on campus or off campus shall adopt a policy that requires information regarding the child care provided on campus or off campus be provided to student mothers and student fathers. (2) If a public high school does not provide child care either on campus or off campus, the public school district associated with the public high school shall adopt a policy that identifies and notifies students of childcare providers available to the students.

(1) A public school district that is associated with a public high school that provides access to child care either on campus or off campus shall adopt a policy that requires information regarding the child care provided on campus or off campus be provided to student mothers and student fathers.

(2) If a public high school does not provide child care either on campus or off campus, the public school district associated with the public high school shall adopt a policy that identifies and notifies students of childcare providers available to the students.

Added by Act 2023, No. 128,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-109 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-18-109
Student Online Personal Information Protection Act - Definitions
Status: in_force

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Covered information" means personally identifiable information or materials regarding a public school student in this state, in any media or format, when the information is: (A) Created or provided by a student or the student's parent or guardian to an operator in the course of the student's, parent's, or guardian's use of the operator's website, service, or application; (B) Created or provided by an employee or agent of a public school, school district, local education agency, or the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to the operator for public school purposes; or (C) Gathered by an operator through the operation of the website, service, or application and personally identifies a student, including without limitation a student's: (i) First and last name; (ii) Email address; (iii) Home address; (iv) Telephone number; (v) Discipline records; (vi) Test results; (vii) Special education data; (viii) Juvenile dependency records; (ix) Grades; (x) Medical or health records; (xi) Social Security number; (xii) Biometric information; (xiii) Socioeconomic information; (xiv) Political affiliations; (xv) Religious information; (xvi) Student identifiers; (xvii) Search activity, photos, voice recordings; or (xviii) Geolocation information; (2) (A) "Operator" means, to the extent that the owner is operating in the capacity defined under this subdivision (a)(2), owner of an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application with actual knowledge that the website, service, or application is: (i) Used primarily for public school purposes; (ii) Designed and marketed for public school purposes; and (iii) Operating at capacity. (B) An operator does not include the division, a school district, or an open-enrollment public charter school; (3) "Public school purpose" means a purpose that customarily takes place at the direction of the public school teacher, administrator, or superintendent to aid in the administration of school activities primarily for the use and benefit of the school, including without limitation: (A) Instruction in the classroom or at home; (B) Administrative activities; or (C) Collaboration between student, school personnel, or parents; and (4) (A) "Targeted advertising" means presenting advertisements to a student when the advertisement is selected based on information obtained or inferred from a student's online behavior, usage of applications, or covered information. (B) "Targeted advertising" does not include advertising to a student at an online location based on a student's current visit to that online location or using the search query without the collection and retention of the student's online activities over time. (b) An operator shall not engage knowingly in the following activities with respect to the website, service, or application: (1) Target advertising when the targeting of the advertising is based on any covered information that the operator has acquired because of the use of the operator's website, service, or application; (2) (A) Create or gather covered information obtained by the operator's website, service, or application to compile a profile about a public school student except in furtherance of public school purposes. (B) Compiling a profile does not include the collection and retention of account registration records or information that remains under the control of a student, parent, public school, or school district; (3) Sell a public school student's covered information, other than with respect to the purchase, merger, or other acquisition of an operator by another entity, provided that the other entity is subject to the provisions of this section with respect to previously acquired student information that is subject to this section; or (4) Disclose covered information of a public school student unless the disclosure is: (A) Done in furtherance of public school purposes or to allow or improve operation and functionality within the student's classroom or school; (B) Necessary disclosure to: (i) Ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability; (ii) Respond to or participate in the judicial process; or (iii) Protect the safety or integrity of users or others or the security of the website, service, or application; (C) Done to a service provider, if the operator contractually: (i) Prohibits the service provider from using any covered information for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to or on behalf of the operator; (ii) Prohibits the service provider from disclosing any covered information provided by the operator with subsequent third parties, unless the disclosure is expressly permitted under this section; and (iii) Requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided under subsection (d) of this section; or (D) Done for the public school, educational, or employment purpose requested by the student or the student's parent or guardian, provided that the information is not used or further disclosed for any other purpose. (c) Subsection (b) of this section does not prohibit an operator from using covered information to maintain, develop, support, improve, or diagnose the operator's website, service, or application. (d) An operator shall: (1) Implement and maintain reasonable security measures that are appropriate to the nature of the covered information obtained and protect the covered information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure; and (2) Delete a public school student's covered information within a reasonable time frame if the school or school district requests the deletion of covered information under the control of the public school or school district. (e) Subdivisions (b)(1), (2), and (4) of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use or disclosure of covered information with the affirmative consent of the public school, the student, or the student's parent or guardian in response to clear and conspicuous notice of the use or disclosure. (f) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(4) of this section, an operator may disclose covered information of a public school student under the following circumstances: (1) If other provisions of federal or state law require the operator to disclose the covered information and the operator complies with the applicable requirements of federal and state law in protecting and disclosing the covered information; (2) For legitimate research purposes: (A) As required by federal or state law and subject to the restrictions under the applicable federal or state law; (B) As allowed by federal or state law and under the direction of a school, school district, or the division if no covered information is used for advertising or to compile a profile of a public school student; or (C) As permitted by federal or state law to a state or local educational agency, including a school or school district, for public school purposes; or (3) To a state or local educational agency, including public schools and school districts, for public school purposes, as permitted by federal or state law. (g) This section does not prohibit an operator from: (1) Using aggregated or deidentified covered information of a public school student as follows: (A) Within the operator's website, service, or application or other websites, services, or applications owned by the operator to develop or improve educational products; or (B) To demonstrate the effectiveness of the operator's website, service, or application, including the operator's marketing of the website, service, or application; or (2) Sharing aggregated or deidentified covered information of a public school student for the development or improvement of educational websites, services, or applications. (h) This section does not limit: (1) The authority of a law enforcement agency to obtain any content or information from an operator that is authorized by law or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction; (2) The ability of an operator to use student data, including covered information, for adaptive learning or customized student learning purposes; (3) Internet service providers from providing internet connectivity to public schools, school districts, or students; (4) The ability of an operator to use recommendation engines to recommend additional content or services to a student within an operator's website, service, or application without the response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; (5) The ability of an operator to respond to a student's request for information or for feedback without the information or response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; or (6) The ability of an operator to use or retain student information to ensure legal or regulatory compliance or to take precautions against liability. (i) This section does not apply to general audience websites, services, or applications, even if login credentials created on the operator's website, service, or application are used to access those general audience websites, services, or applications. (j) This section does not impose a duty on a provider of an: (1) Electronic store, gateway, marketplace, or other means of purchasing or downloading software or applications to review or enforce compliance with this section on those software or applications; or (2) Interactive computer service, as defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C § 230 , to review or enforce compliance with this section by a third-party content provider. (k) This section does not limit the ability of a student or the student's parent or guardian to download, export, transfer, or otherwise save or maintain his or her own student data or documents. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1509, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1508, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1507, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2015, No. 1196,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.

(a) As used in this section: (1) "Covered information" means personally identifiable information or materials regarding a public school student in this state, in any media or format, when the information is: (A) Created or provided by a student or the student's parent or guardian to an operator in the course of the student's, parent's, or guardian's use of the operator's website, service, or application; (B) Created or provided by an employee or agent of a public school, school district, local education agency, or the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to the operator for public school purposes; or (C) Gathered by an operator through the operation of the website, service, or application and personally identifies a student, including without limitation a student's: (i) First and last name; (ii) Email address; (iii) Home address; (iv) Telephone number; (v) Discipline records; (vi) Test results; (vii) Special education data; (viii) Juvenile dependency records; (ix) Grades; (x) Medical or health records; (xi) Social Security number; (xii) Biometric information; (xiii) Socioeconomic information; (xiv) Political affiliations; (xv) Religious information; (xvi) Student identifiers; (xvii) Search activity, photos, voice recordings; or (xviii) Geolocation information; (2) (A) "Operator" means, to the extent that the owner is operating in the capacity defined under this subdivision (a)(2), owner of an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application with actual knowledge that the website, service, or application is: (i) Used primarily for public school purposes; (ii) Designed and marketed for public school purposes; and (iii) Operating at capacity. (B) An operator does not include the division, a school district, or an open-enrollment public charter school; (3) "Public school purpose" means a purpose that customarily takes place at the direction of the public school teacher, administrator, or superintendent to aid in the administration of school activities primarily for the use and benefit of the school, including without limitation: (A) Instruction in the classroom or at home; (B) Administrative activities; or (C) Collaboration between student, school personnel, or parents; and (4) (A) "Targeted advertising" means presenting advertisements to a student when the advertisement is selected based on information obtained or inferred from a student's online behavior, usage of applications, or covered information. (B) "Targeted advertising" does not include advertising to a student at an online location based on a student's current visit to that online location or using the search query without the collection and retention of the student's online activities over time.

(1) "Covered information" means personally identifiable information or materials regarding a public school student in this state, in any media or format, when the information is: (A) Created or provided by a student or the student's parent or guardian to an operator in the course of the student's, parent's, or guardian's use of the operator's website, service, or application; (B) Created or provided by an employee or agent of a public school, school district, local education agency, or the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to the operator for public school purposes; or (C) Gathered by an operator through the operation of the website, service, or application and personally identifies a student, including without limitation a student's: (i) First and last name; (ii) Email address; (iii) Home address; (iv) Telephone number; (v) Discipline records; (vi) Test results; (vii) Special education data; (viii) Juvenile dependency records; (ix) Grades; (x) Medical or health records; (xi) Social Security number; (xii) Biometric information; (xiii) Socioeconomic information; (xiv) Political affiliations; (xv) Religious information; (xvi) Student identifiers; (xvii) Search activity, photos, voice recordings; or (xviii) Geolocation information;

(A) Created or provided by a student or the student's parent or guardian to an operator in the course of the student's, parent's, or guardian's use of the operator's website, service, or application;

(B) Created or provided by an employee or agent of a public school, school district, local education agency, or the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to the operator for public school purposes; or

(C) Gathered by an operator through the operation of the website, service, or application and personally identifies a student, including without limitation a student's: (i) First and last name; (ii) Email address; (iii) Home address; (iv) Telephone number; (v) Discipline records; (vi) Test results; (vii) Special education data; (viii) Juvenile dependency records; (ix) Grades; (x) Medical or health records; (xi) Social Security number; (xii) Biometric information; (xiii) Socioeconomic information; (xiv) Political affiliations; (xv) Religious information; (xvi) Student identifiers; (xvii) Search activity, photos, voice recordings; or (xviii) Geolocation information;

(i) First and last name;

(ii) Email address;

(iii) Home address;

(iv) Telephone number;

(v) Discipline records;

(vi) Test results;

(vii) Special education data;

(viii) Juvenile dependency records;

(ix) Grades;

(x) Medical or health records;

(xi) Social Security number;

(xii) Biometric information;

(xiii) Socioeconomic information;

(xiv) Political affiliations;

(xv) Religious information;

(xvi) Student identifiers;

(xvii) Search activity, photos, voice recordings; or

(xviii) Geolocation information;

(2) (A) "Operator" means, to the extent that the owner is operating in the capacity defined under this subdivision (a)(2), owner of an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application with actual knowledge that the website, service, or application is: (i) Used primarily for public school purposes; (ii) Designed and marketed for public school purposes; and (iii) Operating at capacity. (B) An operator does not include the division, a school district, or an open-enrollment public charter school;

(A) "Operator" means, to the extent that the owner is operating in the capacity defined under this subdivision (a)(2), owner of an internet website, online service, online application, or mobile application with actual knowledge that the website, service, or application is: (i) Used primarily for public school purposes; (ii) Designed and marketed for public school purposes; and (iii) Operating at capacity.

(i) Used primarily for public school purposes;

(ii) Designed and marketed for public school purposes; and

(iii) Operating at capacity.

(B) An operator does not include the division, a school district, or an open-enrollment public charter school;

(3) "Public school purpose" means a purpose that customarily takes place at the direction of the public school teacher, administrator, or superintendent to aid in the administration of school activities primarily for the use and benefit of the school, including without limitation: (A) Instruction in the classroom or at home; (B) Administrative activities; or (C) Collaboration between student, school personnel, or parents; and

(A) Instruction in the classroom or at home;

(B) Administrative activities; or

(C) Collaboration between student, school personnel, or parents; and

(4) (A) "Targeted advertising" means presenting advertisements to a student when the advertisement is selected based on information obtained or inferred from a student's online behavior, usage of applications, or covered information. (B) "Targeted advertising" does not include advertising to a student at an online location based on a student's current visit to that online location or using the search query without the collection and retention of the student's online activities over time.

(A) "Targeted advertising" means presenting advertisements to a student when the advertisement is selected based on information obtained or inferred from a student's online behavior, usage of applications, or covered information.

(B) "Targeted advertising" does not include advertising to a student at an online location based on a student's current visit to that online location or using the search query without the collection and retention of the student's online activities over time.

(b) An operator shall not engage knowingly in the following activities with respect to the website, service, or application: (1) Target advertising when the targeting of the advertising is based on any covered information that the operator has acquired because of the use of the operator's website, service, or application; (2) (A) Create or gather covered information obtained by the operator's website, service, or application to compile a profile about a public school student except in furtherance of public school purposes. (B) Compiling a profile does not include the collection and retention of account registration records or information that remains under the control of a student, parent, public school, or school district; (3) Sell a public school student's covered information, other than with respect to the purchase, merger, or other acquisition of an operator by another entity, provided that the other entity is subject to the provisions of this section with respect to previously acquired student information that is subject to this section; or (4) Disclose covered information of a public school student unless the disclosure is: (A) Done in furtherance of public school purposes or to allow or improve operation and functionality within the student's classroom or school; (B) Necessary disclosure to: (i) Ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability; (ii) Respond to or participate in the judicial process; or (iii) Protect the safety or integrity of users or others or the security of the website, service, or application; (C) Done to a service provider, if the operator contractually: (i) Prohibits the service provider from using any covered information for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to or on behalf of the operator; (ii) Prohibits the service provider from disclosing any covered information provided by the operator with subsequent third parties, unless the disclosure is expressly permitted under this section; and (iii) Requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided under subsection (d) of this section; or (D) Done for the public school, educational, or employment purpose requested by the student or the student's parent or guardian, provided that the information is not used or further disclosed for any other purpose.

(1) Target advertising when the targeting of the advertising is based on any covered information that the operator has acquired because of the use of the operator's website, service, or application;

(2) (A) Create or gather covered information obtained by the operator's website, service, or application to compile a profile about a public school student except in furtherance of public school purposes. (B) Compiling a profile does not include the collection and retention of account registration records or information that remains under the control of a student, parent, public school, or school district;

(A) Create or gather covered information obtained by the operator's website, service, or application to compile a profile about a public school student except in furtherance of public school purposes.

(B) Compiling a profile does not include the collection and retention of account registration records or information that remains under the control of a student, parent, public school, or school district;

(3) Sell a public school student's covered information, other than with respect to the purchase, merger, or other acquisition of an operator by another entity, provided that the other entity is subject to the provisions of this section with respect to previously acquired student information that is subject to this section; or

(4) Disclose covered information of a public school student unless the disclosure is: (A) Done in furtherance of public school purposes or to allow or improve operation and functionality within the student's classroom or school; (B) Necessary disclosure to: (i) Ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability; (ii) Respond to or participate in the judicial process; or (iii) Protect the safety or integrity of users or others or the security of the website, service, or application; (C) Done to a service provider, if the operator contractually: (i) Prohibits the service provider from using any covered information for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to or on behalf of the operator; (ii) Prohibits the service provider from disclosing any covered information provided by the operator with subsequent third parties, unless the disclosure is expressly permitted under this section; and (iii) Requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided under subsection (d) of this section; or (D) Done for the public school, educational, or employment purpose requested by the student or the student's parent or guardian, provided that the information is not used or further disclosed for any other purpose.

(A) Done in furtherance of public school purposes or to allow or improve operation and functionality within the student's classroom or school;

(B) Necessary disclosure to: (i) Ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability; (ii) Respond to or participate in the judicial process; or (iii) Protect the safety or integrity of users or others or the security of the website, service, or application;

(i) Ensure legal or regulatory compliance or protect against liability;

(ii) Respond to or participate in the judicial process; or

(iii) Protect the safety or integrity of users or others or the security of the website, service, or application;

(C) Done to a service provider, if the operator contractually: (i) Prohibits the service provider from using any covered information for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to or on behalf of the operator; (ii) Prohibits the service provider from disclosing any covered information provided by the operator with subsequent third parties, unless the disclosure is expressly permitted under this section; and (iii) Requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided under subsection (d) of this section; or

(i) Prohibits the service provider from using any covered information for any purpose other than providing the contracted service to or on behalf of the operator;

(ii) Prohibits the service provider from disclosing any covered information provided by the operator with subsequent third parties, unless the disclosure is expressly permitted under this section; and

(iii) Requires the service provider to implement and maintain reasonable security procedures and practices as provided under subsection (d) of this section; or

(D) Done for the public school, educational, or employment purpose requested by the student or the student's parent or guardian, provided that the information is not used or further disclosed for any other purpose.

(c) Subsection (b) of this section does not prohibit an operator from using covered information to maintain, develop, support, improve, or diagnose the operator's website, service, or application.

(d) An operator shall: (1) Implement and maintain reasonable security measures that are appropriate to the nature of the covered information obtained and protect the covered information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure; and (2) Delete a public school student's covered information within a reasonable time frame if the school or school district requests the deletion of covered information under the control of the public school or school district.

(1) Implement and maintain reasonable security measures that are appropriate to the nature of the covered information obtained and protect the covered information from unauthorized access, destruction, use, modification, or disclosure; and

(2) Delete a public school student's covered information within a reasonable time frame if the school or school district requests the deletion of covered information under the control of the public school or school district.

(e) Subdivisions (b)(1), (2), and (4) of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the use or disclosure of covered information with the affirmative consent of the public school, the student, or the student's parent or guardian in response to clear and conspicuous notice of the use or disclosure.

(f) Notwithstanding subdivision (b)(4) of this section, an operator may disclose covered information of a public school student under the following circumstances: (1) If other provisions of federal or state law require the operator to disclose the covered information and the operator complies with the applicable requirements of federal and state law in protecting and disclosing the covered information; (2) For legitimate research purposes: (A) As required by federal or state law and subject to the restrictions under the applicable federal or state law; (B) As allowed by federal or state law and under the direction of a school, school district, or the division if no covered information is used for advertising or to compile a profile of a public school student; or (C) As permitted by federal or state law to a state or local educational agency, including a school or school district, for public school purposes; or (3) To a state or local educational agency, including public schools and school districts, for public school purposes, as permitted by federal or state law.

(1) If other provisions of federal or state law require the operator to disclose the covered information and the operator complies with the applicable requirements of federal and state law in protecting and disclosing the covered information;

(2) For legitimate research purposes: (A) As required by federal or state law and subject to the restrictions under the applicable federal or state law; (B) As allowed by federal or state law and under the direction of a school, school district, or the division if no covered information is used for advertising or to compile a profile of a public school student; or (C) As permitted by federal or state law to a state or local educational agency, including a school or school district, for public school purposes; or

(A) As required by federal or state law and subject to the restrictions under the applicable federal or state law;

(B) As allowed by federal or state law and under the direction of a school, school district, or the division if no covered information is used for advertising or to compile a profile of a public school student; or

(C) As permitted by federal or state law to a state or local educational agency, including a school or school district, for public school purposes; or

(3) To a state or local educational agency, including public schools and school districts, for public school purposes, as permitted by federal or state law.

(g) This section does not prohibit an operator from: (1) Using aggregated or deidentified covered information of a public school student as follows: (A) Within the operator's website, service, or application or other websites, services, or applications owned by the operator to develop or improve educational products; or (B) To demonstrate the effectiveness of the operator's website, service, or application, including the operator's marketing of the website, service, or application; or (2) Sharing aggregated or deidentified covered information of a public school student for the development or improvement of educational websites, services, or applications.

(1) Using aggregated or deidentified covered information of a public school student as follows: (A) Within the operator's website, service, or application or other websites, services, or applications owned by the operator to develop or improve educational products; or (B) To demonstrate the effectiveness of the operator's website, service, or application, including the operator's marketing of the website, service, or application; or

(A) Within the operator's website, service, or application or other websites, services, or applications owned by the operator to develop or improve educational products; or

(B) To demonstrate the effectiveness of the operator's website, service, or application, including the operator's marketing of the website, service, or application; or

(2) Sharing aggregated or deidentified covered information of a public school student for the development or improvement of educational websites, services, or applications.

(h) This section does not limit: (1) The authority of a law enforcement agency to obtain any content or information from an operator that is authorized by law or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction; (2) The ability of an operator to use student data, including covered information, for adaptive learning or customized student learning purposes; (3) Internet service providers from providing internet connectivity to public schools, school districts, or students; (4) The ability of an operator to use recommendation engines to recommend additional content or services to a student within an operator's website, service, or application without the response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; (5) The ability of an operator to respond to a student's request for information or for feedback without the information or response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; or (6) The ability of an operator to use or retain student information to ensure legal or regulatory compliance or to take precautions against liability.

(1) The authority of a law enforcement agency to obtain any content or information from an operator that is authorized by law or pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction;

(2) The ability of an operator to use student data, including covered information, for adaptive learning or customized student learning purposes;

(3) Internet service providers from providing internet connectivity to public schools, school districts, or students;

(4) The ability of an operator to use recommendation engines to recommend additional content or services to a student within an operator's website, service, or application without the response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party;

(5) The ability of an operator to respond to a student's request for information or for feedback without the information or response being determined in whole or in part by payment or other consideration from a third party; or

(6) The ability of an operator to use or retain student information to ensure legal or regulatory compliance or to take precautions against liability.

(i) This section does not apply to general audience websites, services, or applications, even if login credentials created on the operator's website, service, or application are used to access those general audience websites, services, or applications.

(j) This section does not impose a duty on a provider of an: (1) Electronic store, gateway, marketplace, or other means of purchasing or downloading software or applications to review or enforce compliance with this section on those software or applications; or (2) Interactive computer service, as defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C § 230 , to review or enforce compliance with this section by a third-party content provider.

(1) Electronic store, gateway, marketplace, or other means of purchasing or downloading software or applications to review or enforce compliance with this section on those software or applications; or

(2) Interactive computer service, as defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, 47 U.S.C § 230 , to review or enforce compliance with this section by a third-party content provider.

(k) This section does not limit the ability of a student or the student's parent or guardian to download, export, transfer, or otherwise save or maintain his or her own student data or documents.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1509, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1508, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1507, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2015, No. 1196,§ 1, eff. 7/22/2015.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-21-202 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 21 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-21-202
Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter: (1) "Meeting" includes those activities of student groups that are permitted under a school's limited open forum and are not directly related to the school curriculum, including, but not limited to, student-planned graduation ceremonies and student-planned pregame activities at sports events; (2) "Noninstructional time" means time set aside by the school before actual classroom instruction begins or after actual classroom instruction ends; (3) "School endorsement" means that a school official or employee approves or selects a speaker or approves, selects, or writes any content of the speech. Student-initiated meetings limited to student speech with content-neutral guidelines shall not constitute school endorsement; (4) "Secondary school" means a public school that provides secondary education as determined by law; and (5) "Sponsorship" includes the act of promoting, leading, or participating in a meeting. The assignment of a teacher, administrator, or other school employee to a meeting for custodial purposes does not constitute sponsorship of the meeting. Acts 1985, No. 792, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1920; Acts 1993, No. 988, § 1.

As used in this subchapter:

(1) "Meeting" includes those activities of student groups that are permitted under a school's limited open forum and are not directly related to the school curriculum, including, but not limited to, student-planned graduation ceremonies and student-planned pregame activities at sports events;

(2) "Noninstructional time" means time set aside by the school before actual classroom instruction begins or after actual classroom instruction ends;

(3) "School endorsement" means that a school official or employee approves or selects a speaker or approves, selects, or writes any content of the speech. Student-initiated meetings limited to student speech with content-neutral guidelines shall not constitute school endorsement;

(4) "Secondary school" means a public school that provides secondary education as determined by law; and

(5) "Sponsorship" includes the act of promoting, leading, or participating in a meeting. The assignment of a teacher, administrator, or other school employee to a meeting for custodial purposes does not constitute sponsorship of the meeting.

Acts 1985, No. 792, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1920; Acts 1993, No. 988, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-308 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 3 / Section 6-17-308
Moving expenses in particular regions
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education shall prescribe rules that allow for reimbursement to state-licensed teachers for the expense of moving when the employment necessitates the relocation of the teacher to a different geographical area from that in which the teacher resided before entering into a contract. (b) (1) The expense reimbursement shall be allowed for both in-state and out-of-state teachers who enter into a contract for employment in a school district situated in the Delta or within a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers. (2) The region that is included in the Delta and the geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers shall be designated by the state board. (c) In order to be eligible for the reimbursement, the teacher must apply to the local school district, and the school district must obtain the prior approval from the Division of Higher Education for reimbursement before the relocation occurs. (d) (1) If the reimbursement is approved, the division shall provide funds to the school district to reimburse the teacher an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the documented actual expenses incurred in the course of relocating. (2) Allowable expenses shall include: (A) The expense of any professional moving company or persons employed to assist with the move; (B) Rented moving vehicles or equipment; (C) Mileage in the amount authorized for state employees if the teacher used a personal vehicle or vehicles for the move; (D) Meals; and (E) Other expenses associated with the relocation in accordance with the division's established rules. (e) No teacher may be reimbursed for moving expenses under this section on more than one (1) occasion. (f) (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the actual residence to which the teacher relocates to be within the boundaries of the school district that has executed a contract for employment with the teacher or within the boundaries of the area designated by the state board as the Delta or a critical teacher shortage area in order for the teacher to be eligible for reimbursement for moving expenses. (2) Teachers must relocate within the boundaries of the State of Arkansas. (g) The provisions of this section shall be contingent on the availability of funding for the purpose of reimbursing teachers for interviewing and moving expenses under the terms of this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 227, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 226, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1368, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1367, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 2001, No. 1388, § 2.

(a) The State Board of Education shall prescribe rules that allow for reimbursement to state-licensed teachers for the expense of moving when the employment necessitates the relocation of the teacher to a different geographical area from that in which the teacher resided before entering into a contract.

(b) (1) The expense reimbursement shall be allowed for both in-state and out-of-state teachers who enter into a contract for employment in a school district situated in the Delta or within a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers. (2) The region that is included in the Delta and the geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers shall be designated by the state board.

(1) The expense reimbursement shall be allowed for both in-state and out-of-state teachers who enter into a contract for employment in a school district situated in the Delta or within a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers.

(2) The region that is included in the Delta and the geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers shall be designated by the state board.

(c) In order to be eligible for the reimbursement, the teacher must apply to the local school district, and the school district must obtain the prior approval from the Division of Higher Education for reimbursement before the relocation occurs.

(d) (1) If the reimbursement is approved, the division shall provide funds to the school district to reimburse the teacher an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the documented actual expenses incurred in the course of relocating. (2) Allowable expenses shall include: (A) The expense of any professional moving company or persons employed to assist with the move; (B) Rented moving vehicles or equipment; (C) Mileage in the amount authorized for state employees if the teacher used a personal vehicle or vehicles for the move; (D) Meals; and (E) Other expenses associated with the relocation in accordance with the division's established rules.

(1) If the reimbursement is approved, the division shall provide funds to the school district to reimburse the teacher an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for the documented actual expenses incurred in the course of relocating.

(2) Allowable expenses shall include: (A) The expense of any professional moving company or persons employed to assist with the move; (B) Rented moving vehicles or equipment; (C) Mileage in the amount authorized for state employees if the teacher used a personal vehicle or vehicles for the move; (D) Meals; and (E) Other expenses associated with the relocation in accordance with the division's established rules.

(A) The expense of any professional moving company or persons employed to assist with the move;

(B) Rented moving vehicles or equipment;

(C) Mileage in the amount authorized for state employees if the teacher used a personal vehicle or vehicles for the move;

(D) Meals; and

(E) Other expenses associated with the relocation in accordance with the division's established rules.

(e) No teacher may be reimbursed for moving expenses under this section on more than one (1) occasion.

(f) (1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the actual residence to which the teacher relocates to be within the boundaries of the school district that has executed a contract for employment with the teacher or within the boundaries of the area designated by the state board as the Delta or a critical teacher shortage area in order for the teacher to be eligible for reimbursement for moving expenses. (2) Teachers must relocate within the boundaries of the State of Arkansas.

(1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the actual residence to which the teacher relocates to be within the boundaries of the school district that has executed a contract for employment with the teacher or within the boundaries of the area designated by the state board as the Delta or a critical teacher shortage area in order for the teacher to be eligible for reimbursement for moving expenses.

(2) Teachers must relocate within the boundaries of the State of Arkansas.

(g) The provisions of this section shall be contingent on the availability of funding for the purpose of reimbursing teachers for interviewing and moving expenses under the terms of this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 227, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 226, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1368, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1367, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 2001, No. 1388, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-705 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 17 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-17-705
Professional development credit
Status: in_force

(a) Up to twelve (12) hours of professional development credit, or professional learning credits as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, may be earned by licensed personnel for time required at the beginning of each school year to plan and prepare a curriculum and other instructional material for their assigned classes if the time is: (1) Spent in their classrooms, offices, or media centers at the public school; and (2) Before the first student-teacher interaction day of the school year, but a school district shall not require licensed personnel to work additional days that are not included in their contracts unless the licensed personnel are paid their daily rate of pay. (b) Licensed personnel shall earn one (1) hour of professional development credit, or professional learning credits as determined by the division, for each hour of planning and preparation that meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section. (c) (1) If illness of a teacher or a teacher's immediate family under § 6-17-1202 prevents a teacher from obtaining the required professional development, the teacher shall be allowed to make up the professional development missed during the: (A) Remainder of the current school year; or (B) Succeeding school year. (2) The teacher may earn the professional development hours, or professional learning credits as determined by the division, through online professional development. (d) A person who holds any license issued by the State Board of Education may obtain credit for required professional development through a micro-credentialing process approved by the division. (e) The state board shall promulgate the rules necessary for the proper implementation of this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 666,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1441, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 47, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 22, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 4, eff. 7/22/2015. Amended by Act 2013EX1, No. 2,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2014. Acts 2005, No. 1185, § 1; 2009, No. 1309, § 2; 2011, No. 1209, § 6.

(a) Up to twelve (12) hours of professional development credit, or professional learning credits as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, may be earned by licensed personnel for time required at the beginning of each school year to plan and prepare a curriculum and other instructional material for their assigned classes if the time is: (1) Spent in their classrooms, offices, or media centers at the public school; and (2) Before the first student-teacher interaction day of the school year, but a school district shall not require licensed personnel to work additional days that are not included in their contracts unless the licensed personnel are paid their daily rate of pay.

(1) Spent in their classrooms, offices, or media centers at the public school; and

(2) Before the first student-teacher interaction day of the school year, but a school district shall not require licensed personnel to work additional days that are not included in their contracts unless the licensed personnel are paid their daily rate of pay.

(b) Licensed personnel shall earn one (1) hour of professional development credit, or professional learning credits as determined by the division, for each hour of planning and preparation that meets the requirements of subsection (a) of this section.

(c) (1) If illness of a teacher or a teacher's immediate family under § 6-17-1202 prevents a teacher from obtaining the required professional development, the teacher shall be allowed to make up the professional development missed during the: (A) Remainder of the current school year; or (B) Succeeding school year. (2) The teacher may earn the professional development hours, or professional learning credits as determined by the division, through online professional development.

(1) If illness of a teacher or a teacher's immediate family under § 6-17-1202 prevents a teacher from obtaining the required professional development, the teacher shall be allowed to make up the professional development missed during the: (A) Remainder of the current school year; or (B) Succeeding school year.

(A) Remainder of the current school year; or

(B) Succeeding school year.

(2) The teacher may earn the professional development hours, or professional learning credits as determined by the division, through online professional development.

(d) A person who holds any license issued by the State Board of Education may obtain credit for required professional development through a micro-credentialing process approved by the division.

(e) The state board shall promulgate the rules necessary for the proper implementation of this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 666,§ 5, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1441, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 936,§ 47, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2017, No. 745,§ 22, eff. 8/1/2017.

Amended by Act 2015, No. 1091,§ 4, eff. 7/22/2015.

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

Acts 2005, No. 1185, § 1; 2009, No. 1309, § 2; 2011, No. 1209, § 6.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-3-107 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 3 / Section 6-3-107
Acceptance of gifts or grants
Status: in_force

(a) The Arkansas Educational Television Commission may solicit and accept gifts or grants of money, real or personal property, and voluntary and uncompensated services from any person, federal or other governmental agency, board of education, educational institution, or commercial or industrial enterprise. (b) Any gifts and grants of money and any moneys derived from the sale of real or personal property donated to the commission may be placed in a bank in this state and may be disbursed by the commission for the purposes for which the gifts, grants, or real or personal property was donated or granted. Acts 1961, No. 198, § 6; 1969, No. 295, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3906.

(a) The Arkansas Educational Television Commission may solicit and accept gifts or grants of money, real or personal property, and voluntary and uncompensated services from any person, federal or other governmental agency, board of education, educational institution, or commercial or industrial enterprise.

(b) Any gifts and grants of money and any moneys derived from the sale of real or personal property donated to the commission may be placed in a bank in this state and may be disbursed by the commission for the purposes for which the gifts, grants, or real or personal property was donated or granted.

Acts 1961, No. 198, § 6; 1969, No. 295, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-3906.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-5-1103 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 5 / Subchapter 11 / Section 6-5-1103
Powers and duties
Status: in_force

(a) The Council on Postsecondary Education and Career Readiness shall: (1) Develop a unified strategy to: (A) Reduce remediation rates among high school graduates entering postsecondary education by at least fifty percent (50%) by the year 2020; and (B) Increase postsecondary graduation and completion rates; (2) (A) Support college and career readiness standards that: (i) Require higher performance levels than those currently required for high school graduation; and (ii) Promote accelerated learning opportunities, including without limitation Advanced Placement courses, concurrent credit opportunities, and other accelerated opportunities with college or vocational-technical school assistance to ensure that all students have the skills to be successful in either employment or postsecondary education. (B) College and career readiness standards shall be implemented with the understanding that until July 1, 2022, interim high school graduation standards may be used until the high school graduation standards adopted by the State Board of Education are equal to the college and career readiness standards; (3) Develop a successful transition-to-work matrix that schools and students may use to help students develop employment skills; (4) Develop guidelines for secondary school intervention programs and transitional courses; (5) Develop guidelines for professional development for teachers of transitional courses and opportunities for collaboration among high school, vocational-technical school, and college faculty to ensure that transitional courses target gaps in students' college and career readiness skills; and (6) Provide the reports required under this subchapter. (b) (1) The council shall establish working groups of its members, or staff of the agencies or institutions employing the members, to direct the planning process and strategic implementation of its plans. (2) The working groups shall: (A) Develop goals and action plans; (B) Identify resources; and (C) Determine expected outcomes to measure for each strategy promoting college and career readiness and postsecondary completion. Added by Act 2013, No. 585,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

(a) The Council on Postsecondary Education and Career Readiness shall: (1) Develop a unified strategy to: (A) Reduce remediation rates among high school graduates entering postsecondary education by at least fifty percent (50%) by the year 2020; and (B) Increase postsecondary graduation and completion rates; (2) (A) Support college and career readiness standards that: (i) Require higher performance levels than those currently required for high school graduation; and (ii) Promote accelerated learning opportunities, including without limitation Advanced Placement courses, concurrent credit opportunities, and other accelerated opportunities with college or vocational-technical school assistance to ensure that all students have the skills to be successful in either employment or postsecondary education. (B) College and career readiness standards shall be implemented with the understanding that until July 1, 2022, interim high school graduation standards may be used until the high school graduation standards adopted by the State Board of Education are equal to the college and career readiness standards; (3) Develop a successful transition-to-work matrix that schools and students may use to help students develop employment skills; (4) Develop guidelines for secondary school intervention programs and transitional courses; (5) Develop guidelines for professional development for teachers of transitional courses and opportunities for collaboration among high school, vocational-technical school, and college faculty to ensure that transitional courses target gaps in students' college and career readiness skills; and (6) Provide the reports required under this subchapter.

(1) Develop a unified strategy to: (A) Reduce remediation rates among high school graduates entering postsecondary education by at least fifty percent (50%) by the year 2020; and (B) Increase postsecondary graduation and completion rates;

(A) Reduce remediation rates among high school graduates entering postsecondary education by at least fifty percent (50%) by the year 2020; and

(B) Increase postsecondary graduation and completion rates;

(2) (A) Support college and career readiness standards that: (i) Require higher performance levels than those currently required for high school graduation; and (ii) Promote accelerated learning opportunities, including without limitation Advanced Placement courses, concurrent credit opportunities, and other accelerated opportunities with college or vocational-technical school assistance to ensure that all students have the skills to be successful in either employment or postsecondary education. (B) College and career readiness standards shall be implemented with the understanding that until July 1, 2022, interim high school graduation standards may be used until the high school graduation standards adopted by the State Board of Education are equal to the college and career readiness standards;

(A) Support college and career readiness standards that: (i) Require higher performance levels than those currently required for high school graduation; and (ii) Promote accelerated learning opportunities, including without limitation Advanced Placement courses, concurrent credit opportunities, and other accelerated opportunities with college or vocational-technical school assistance to ensure that all students have the skills to be successful in either employment or postsecondary education.

(i) Require higher performance levels than those currently required for high school graduation; and

(ii) Promote accelerated learning opportunities, including without limitation Advanced Placement courses, concurrent credit opportunities, and other accelerated opportunities with college or vocational-technical school assistance to ensure that all students have the skills to be successful in either employment or postsecondary education.

(B) College and career readiness standards shall be implemented with the understanding that until July 1, 2022, interim high school graduation standards may be used until the high school graduation standards adopted by the State Board of Education are equal to the college and career readiness standards;

(3) Develop a successful transition-to-work matrix that schools and students may use to help students develop employment skills;

(4) Develop guidelines for secondary school intervention programs and transitional courses;

(5) Develop guidelines for professional development for teachers of transitional courses and opportunities for collaboration among high school, vocational-technical school, and college faculty to ensure that transitional courses target gaps in students' college and career readiness skills; and

(6) Provide the reports required under this subchapter.

(b) (1) The council shall establish working groups of its members, or staff of the agencies or institutions employing the members, to direct the planning process and strategic implementation of its plans. (2) The working groups shall: (A) Develop goals and action plans; (B) Identify resources; and (C) Determine expected outcomes to measure for each strategy promoting college and career readiness and postsecondary completion.

(1) The council shall establish working groups of its members, or staff of the agencies or institutions employing the members, to direct the planning process and strategic implementation of its plans.

(2) The working groups shall: (A) Develop goals and action plans; (B) Identify resources; and (C) Determine expected outcomes to measure for each strategy promoting college and career readiness and postsecondary completion.

(A) Develop goals and action plans;

(B) Identify resources; and

(C) Determine expected outcomes to measure for each strategy promoting college and career readiness and postsecondary completion.

Added by Act 2013, No. 585,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-47-401 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 47 / Subchapter 4 / Section 6-47-401
Title
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Distance Learning Development Project Act of 2003". Acts 2003, No. 1192, § 2.

This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Arkansas Distance Learning Development Project Act of 2003".

Acts 2003, No. 1192, § 2.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-801 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 61 / Subchapter 8 / Section 6-61-801
Title
Status: in_force

This subchapter may be cited as the "Arkansas Research Development Act". Acts 1985, No. 583, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4928.

This subchapter may be cited as the "Arkansas Research Development Act".

Acts 1985, No. 583, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4928.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-85-601 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 85 / Section 6-85-601
Creation
Status: in_force

There is created and established the Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship Program. Added by Act 2023, No. 386,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.

There is created and established the Arkansas Challenge Plus Scholarship Program.

Added by Act 2023, No. 386,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-1102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 11 / Section 6-82-1102
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 1008,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2017. Acts 1991, No. 705, § 2; 1991, No. 717, § 2; 1995, No. 259, § 1; 1995, No. 262, § 1; 1997, No. 208, § 5.

Repealed by Act 2017, No. 1008,§ 4, eff. 8/1/2017.

Acts 1991, No. 705, § 2; 1991, No. 717, § 2; 1995, No. 259, § 1; 1995, No. 262, § 1; 1997, No. 208, § 5.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-62-723 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 62 / Subchapter 7 / Section 6-62-723
Bonds - Deposit of proceeds
Status: in_force

(a) The proceeds from the sale of the bonds, together with all revenues derived from any project financed under this subchapter shall be deposited by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, as received, into trust funds in the State Treasury, to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter, specifically, in amounts or portions as may be set forth in the resolution or trust indenture authorizing or securing the bonds issued to finance the development of such project, into trust funds created hereby and designated as follows: (1) Into the Higher Education Projects Development Fund, to provide for the development of projects at state institutions of higher education and the payment of project costs and expenses of the issuance of the bonds; (2) Into the College Savings Bond Fund, to provide for payment of all or a part of debt service on bonds issued under this subchapter; and (3) Into the College Savings Bond Debt Service Reserve Fund, to provide a reserve or reserves for payment of debt service on the bonds. (b) The Treasurer of State is authorized and directed to establish separate accounts within such funds to correspond to the applicable series of bonds. In addition, there may be created in the State Treasury such other funds or accounts as the authority may determine in said resolution or trust indenture to be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter. Acts 1989, No. 683, § 10.

(a) The proceeds from the sale of the bonds, together with all revenues derived from any project financed under this subchapter shall be deposited by the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, as received, into trust funds in the State Treasury, to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter, specifically, in amounts or portions as may be set forth in the resolution or trust indenture authorizing or securing the bonds issued to finance the development of such project, into trust funds created hereby and designated as follows: (1) Into the Higher Education Projects Development Fund, to provide for the development of projects at state institutions of higher education and the payment of project costs and expenses of the issuance of the bonds; (2) Into the College Savings Bond Fund, to provide for payment of all or a part of debt service on bonds issued under this subchapter; and (3) Into the College Savings Bond Debt Service Reserve Fund, to provide a reserve or reserves for payment of debt service on the bonds.

(1) Into the Higher Education Projects Development Fund, to provide for the development of projects at state institutions of higher education and the payment of project costs and expenses of the issuance of the bonds;

(2) Into the College Savings Bond Fund, to provide for payment of all or a part of debt service on bonds issued under this subchapter; and

(3) Into the College Savings Bond Debt Service Reserve Fund, to provide a reserve or reserves for payment of debt service on the bonds.

(b) The Treasurer of State is authorized and directed to establish separate accounts within such funds to correspond to the applicable series of bonds. In addition, there may be created in the State Treasury such other funds or accounts as the authority may determine in said resolution or trust indenture to be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this subchapter.

Acts 1989, No. 683, § 10.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-110 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 18 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-18-110
Reports by mandated reporters - Failure to notify by mandated reporter - Making false report
Status: in_force

(a) Each of the following persons shall notify law enforcement if he or she has a good faith belief that there is a serious and imminent threat to the public based on a threat made by an individual regarding violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to the person in the course of his or her professional duties: (1) A childcare worker or foster care worker; (2) A coroner; (3) A daycare center worker; (4) A dentist; (5) A dental hygienist; (6) A domestic abuse advocate; (7) A domestic violence shelter employee; (8) A domestic violence shelter volunteer; (9) An employee of the Department of Human Services; (10) An employee working under contract for the Division of Youth Services; (11) A foster parent; (12) A judge; (13) A law enforcement official; (14) A licensed nurse; (15) Medical personnel who may be engaged in the admission, examination, care, or treatment of a person; (16) A mental health professional or paraprofessional; (17) An osteopath; (18) A peace officer; (19) A physician; (20) A prosecuting attorney; (21) A resident intern; (22) A public or private school counselor; (23) A school official; (24) A social worker; (25) A surgeon; (26) A teacher; (27) A court-appointed special advocate program staff member or volunteer; (28) A juvenile intake or probation officer; (29) A clergy member, including a minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian Science practitioner, or other similar functionary of a religious organization, or a person reasonably believed to be so by the individual consulting him or her unless the clergy member acquires knowledge of the serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school through a communication that is required to be kept confidential pursuant to the religious discipline of the relevant denomination or faith; (30) An employee of a child advocacy center or a child safety center; (31) An attorney ad litem in the course of his or her duties as an attorney ad litem; (32) (A) A sexual abuse advocate or sexual abuse volunteer who works with a victim of sexual abuse as an employee of a community-based victim service or mental health agency such as the Safe Place program of the National Safe Place Network, United Family Services, Inc., or the Centers for Youth and Families, Inc. (B) A sexual abuse advocate or sexual abuse volunteer includes a paid or volunteer sexual abuse advocate who is based with a local law enforcement agency; (33) A rape crisis advocate or rape crisis volunteer; (34) (A) A child abuse advocate or child abuse volunteer who works with a child victim of abuse or maltreatment as an employee of a community-based victim service or a mental health agency such as the Safe Place program of the National Safe Place Network, United Family Services, Inc., or the Centers for Youth and Families, Inc. (B) A child abuse advocate or child abuse volunteer includes a paid or volunteer sexual abuse advocate who is based with a local law enforcement agency; (35) A victim or witness coordinator; (36) A victim assistance professional or victim assistance volunteer; (37) An employee of the Crimes Against Children Division; (38) An employee of a reproductive healthcare facility; (39) A volunteer at a reproductive healthcare facility; and (40) An individual not otherwise identified in this subsection who is engaged in performing his or her employment duties with a nonprofit charitable organization other than a nonprofit hospital. (b) A person listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (a) of this section shall: (1) Make every attempt to immediately notify law enforcement of the serious and imminent threat to the public; and (2) Notify law enforcement within twenty-four (24) hours of learning of the serious and imminent threat to the public. (c) (1) A person listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (a) of this section commits the offense of failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the first degree if he or she knowingly fails to notify law enforcement of a serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to him or her in the course of his or her professional duties. (2) Failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor. (d) (1) A person listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (a) of this section commits the offense of failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the second degree if he or she recklessly fails to notify law enforcement of a serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to him or her in the course of his or her professional duties. (2) Failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the second degree is a Class C misdemeanor. (e) (1) A person commits the offense of making a false report under this section if he or she purposely makes a report containing a false allegation to law enforcement knowing the allegation to be false. (2) The first offense of making a false report under subdivision (e)(1) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (3) A subsequent offense of making a false report under subdivision (e)(1) of this section is a Class D felony. (f) Law enforcement may file a petition in the appropriate court seeking imposition of penalties for a violation of this section. (g) A person who notifies law enforcement, in good faith, of a serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to him or her in the course of his or her professional duties is immune from civil or criminal liability. Added by Act 2019, No. 530,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.

(a) Each of the following persons shall notify law enforcement if he or she has a good faith belief that there is a serious and imminent threat to the public based on a threat made by an individual regarding violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to the person in the course of his or her professional duties: (1) A childcare worker or foster care worker; (2) A coroner; (3) A daycare center worker; (4) A dentist; (5) A dental hygienist; (6) A domestic abuse advocate; (7) A domestic violence shelter employee; (8) A domestic violence shelter volunteer; (9) An employee of the Department of Human Services; (10) An employee working under contract for the Division of Youth Services; (11) A foster parent; (12) A judge; (13) A law enforcement official; (14) A licensed nurse; (15) Medical personnel who may be engaged in the admission, examination, care, or treatment of a person; (16) A mental health professional or paraprofessional; (17) An osteopath; (18) A peace officer; (19) A physician; (20) A prosecuting attorney; (21) A resident intern; (22) A public or private school counselor; (23) A school official; (24) A social worker; (25) A surgeon; (26) A teacher; (27) A court-appointed special advocate program staff member or volunteer; (28) A juvenile intake or probation officer; (29) A clergy member, including a minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian Science practitioner, or other similar functionary of a religious organization, or a person reasonably believed to be so by the individual consulting him or her unless the clergy member acquires knowledge of the serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school through a communication that is required to be kept confidential pursuant to the religious discipline of the relevant denomination or faith; (30) An employee of a child advocacy center or a child safety center; (31) An attorney ad litem in the course of his or her duties as an attorney ad litem; (32) (A) A sexual abuse advocate or sexual abuse volunteer who works with a victim of sexual abuse as an employee of a community-based victim service or mental health agency such as the Safe Place program of the National Safe Place Network, United Family Services, Inc., or the Centers for Youth and Families, Inc. (B) A sexual abuse advocate or sexual abuse volunteer includes a paid or volunteer sexual abuse advocate who is based with a local law enforcement agency; (33) A rape crisis advocate or rape crisis volunteer; (34) (A) A child abuse advocate or child abuse volunteer who works with a child victim of abuse or maltreatment as an employee of a community-based victim service or a mental health agency such as the Safe Place program of the National Safe Place Network, United Family Services, Inc., or the Centers for Youth and Families, Inc. (B) A child abuse advocate or child abuse volunteer includes a paid or volunteer sexual abuse advocate who is based with a local law enforcement agency; (35) A victim or witness coordinator; (36) A victim assistance professional or victim assistance volunteer; (37) An employee of the Crimes Against Children Division; (38) An employee of a reproductive healthcare facility; (39) A volunteer at a reproductive healthcare facility; and (40) An individual not otherwise identified in this subsection who is engaged in performing his or her employment duties with a nonprofit charitable organization other than a nonprofit hospital.

(1) A childcare worker or foster care worker;

(2) A coroner;

(3) A daycare center worker;

(4) A dentist;

(5) A dental hygienist;

(6) A domestic abuse advocate;

(7) A domestic violence shelter employee;

(8) A domestic violence shelter volunteer;

(9) An employee of the Department of Human Services;

(10) An employee working under contract for the Division of Youth Services;

(11) A foster parent;

(12) A judge;

(13) A law enforcement official;

(14) A licensed nurse;

(15) Medical personnel who may be engaged in the admission, examination, care, or treatment of a person;

(16) A mental health professional or paraprofessional;

(17) An osteopath;

(18) A peace officer;

(19) A physician;

(20) A prosecuting attorney;

(21) A resident intern;

(22) A public or private school counselor;

(23) A school official;

(24) A social worker;

(25) A surgeon;

(26) A teacher;

(27) A court-appointed special advocate program staff member or volunteer;

(28) A juvenile intake or probation officer;

(29) A clergy member, including a minister, priest, rabbi, accredited Christian Science practitioner, or other similar functionary of a religious organization, or a person reasonably believed to be so by the individual consulting him or her unless the clergy member acquires knowledge of the serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school through a communication that is required to be kept confidential pursuant to the religious discipline of the relevant denomination or faith;

(30) An employee of a child advocacy center or a child safety center;

(31) An attorney ad litem in the course of his or her duties as an attorney ad litem;

(32) (A) A sexual abuse advocate or sexual abuse volunteer who works with a victim of sexual abuse as an employee of a community-based victim service or mental health agency such as the Safe Place program of the National Safe Place Network, United Family Services, Inc., or the Centers for Youth and Families, Inc. (B) A sexual abuse advocate or sexual abuse volunteer includes a paid or volunteer sexual abuse advocate who is based with a local law enforcement agency;

(A) A sexual abuse advocate or sexual abuse volunteer who works with a victim of sexual abuse as an employee of a community-based victim service or mental health agency such as the Safe Place program of the National Safe Place Network, United Family Services, Inc., or the Centers for Youth and Families, Inc.

(B) A sexual abuse advocate or sexual abuse volunteer includes a paid or volunteer sexual abuse advocate who is based with a local law enforcement agency;

(33) A rape crisis advocate or rape crisis volunteer;

(34) (A) A child abuse advocate or child abuse volunteer who works with a child victim of abuse or maltreatment as an employee of a community-based victim service or a mental health agency such as the Safe Place program of the National Safe Place Network, United Family Services, Inc., or the Centers for Youth and Families, Inc. (B) A child abuse advocate or child abuse volunteer includes a paid or volunteer sexual abuse advocate who is based with a local law enforcement agency;

(A) A child abuse advocate or child abuse volunteer who works with a child victim of abuse or maltreatment as an employee of a community-based victim service or a mental health agency such as the Safe Place program of the National Safe Place Network, United Family Services, Inc., or the Centers for Youth and Families, Inc.

(B) A child abuse advocate or child abuse volunteer includes a paid or volunteer sexual abuse advocate who is based with a local law enforcement agency;

(35) A victim or witness coordinator;

(36) A victim assistance professional or victim assistance volunteer;

(37) An employee of the Crimes Against Children Division;

(38) An employee of a reproductive healthcare facility;

(39) A volunteer at a reproductive healthcare facility; and

(40) An individual not otherwise identified in this subsection who is engaged in performing his or her employment duties with a nonprofit charitable organization other than a nonprofit hospital.

(b) A person listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (a) of this section shall: (1) Make every attempt to immediately notify law enforcement of the serious and imminent threat to the public; and (2) Notify law enforcement within twenty-four (24) hours of learning of the serious and imminent threat to the public.

(1) Make every attempt to immediately notify law enforcement of the serious and imminent threat to the public; and

(2) Notify law enforcement within twenty-four (24) hours of learning of the serious and imminent threat to the public.

(c) (1) A person listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (a) of this section commits the offense of failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the first degree if he or she knowingly fails to notify law enforcement of a serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to him or her in the course of his or her professional duties. (2) Failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

(1) A person listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (a) of this section commits the offense of failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the first degree if he or she knowingly fails to notify law enforcement of a serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to him or her in the course of his or her professional duties.

(2) Failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) (1) A person listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (a) of this section commits the offense of failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the second degree if he or she recklessly fails to notify law enforcement of a serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to him or her in the course of his or her professional duties. (2) Failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the second degree is a Class C misdemeanor.

(1) A person listed as a mandated reporter under subsection (a) of this section commits the offense of failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the second degree if he or she recklessly fails to notify law enforcement of a serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to him or her in the course of his or her professional duties.

(2) Failure to notify by a mandated reporter in the second degree is a Class C misdemeanor.

(e) (1) A person commits the offense of making a false report under this section if he or she purposely makes a report containing a false allegation to law enforcement knowing the allegation to be false. (2) The first offense of making a false report under subdivision (e)(1) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor. (3) A subsequent offense of making a false report under subdivision (e)(1) of this section is a Class D felony.

(1) A person commits the offense of making a false report under this section if he or she purposely makes a report containing a false allegation to law enforcement knowing the allegation to be false.

(2) The first offense of making a false report under subdivision (e)(1) of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(3) A subsequent offense of making a false report under subdivision (e)(1) of this section is a Class D felony.

(f) Law enforcement may file a petition in the appropriate court seeking imposition of penalties for a violation of this section.

(g) A person who notifies law enforcement, in good faith, of a serious and imminent threat of violence in or targeted at a school that has been communicated to him or her in the course of his or her professional duties is immune from civil or criminal liability.

Added by Act 2019, No. 530,§ 1, eff. 7/24/2019.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-63-104 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 63 / Subchapter 1 / Section 6-63-104
Faculty performance review
Status: in_force

(a) The president and chancellor of each state-supported institution of higher education in Arkansas shall work with the campus faculties to develop a framework to review faculty performance, including post-tenure review. The framework should be used to develop processes and procedures at each institution to ensure a consistently high level of performance of the faculty at Arkansas's publicly supported institutions of higher education. The effects of the review process of faculty performance should include rewarding productive faculty, redirecting faculty efforts to improve or to increase productivity, and correcting instances of substandard performance. The framework developed by each institution shall be reported to the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education, the Joint Interim Oversight Committee on Education Reform, and the Division of Higher Education no later than December 1, 1998, and shall be implemented on the respective campuses no later than January 1, 2001. (b) Pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, each state-supported institution of higher education in Arkansas shall conduct a rigorous, consistently applied, annual review of the performance of all full-time faculty members. This review shall include assessments by peers, students, and administrators and shall be utilized to ensure a consistently high level of performance and serve in conjunction with other appropriate information as a basis for decisions on promotion, salary increases, and job tenure. The evaluation by students and administrative staff, shall be applicable to all teaching faculty, full-time, part-time, and graduate teaching assistants and shall include an assessment of the fluency in English of the faculty member or graduate teaching assistant. This review shall not be used to demote a tenured faculty member to a nontenured status. (c) (1) Each college and university shall continually make efforts to identify any English fluency deficiencies of the teaching faculty and shall take reasonable measures to assist deficient faculty members in becoming proficient in English; however, the responsibility of acquiring the level of English proficiency required for the faculty member's teaching, research, or service assignments rests with the faculty member. (2) Each college and university shall have a process for addressing concerns raised by students concerning language proficiency problems of faculty members. (d) The division shall be responsible for monitoring the evaluation process and shall report its findings to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and to the Legislative Council by August 1 of each year. (e) Each state-supported institution of higher education shall require full-time faculty members of the college of education and related disciplines to work collaboratively with the accredited public schools in this state, and such faculty involvement shall be included as part of the annual review of the faculty as required by subsection (b) of this section. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2004, eff. 7/1/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2003, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1997, No. 1330, § 1; 1999, No. 477, § 2; 1999, No. 1360, § 1.

(a) The president and chancellor of each state-supported institution of higher education in Arkansas shall work with the campus faculties to develop a framework to review faculty performance, including post-tenure review. The framework should be used to develop processes and procedures at each institution to ensure a consistently high level of performance of the faculty at Arkansas's publicly supported institutions of higher education. The effects of the review process of faculty performance should include rewarding productive faculty, redirecting faculty efforts to improve or to increase productivity, and correcting instances of substandard performance. The framework developed by each institution shall be reported to the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education, the Joint Interim Oversight Committee on Education Reform, and the Division of Higher Education no later than December 1, 1998, and shall be implemented on the respective campuses no later than January 1, 2001.

(b) Pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, each state-supported institution of higher education in Arkansas shall conduct a rigorous, consistently applied, annual review of the performance of all full-time faculty members. This review shall include assessments by peers, students, and administrators and shall be utilized to ensure a consistently high level of performance and serve in conjunction with other appropriate information as a basis for decisions on promotion, salary increases, and job tenure. The evaluation by students and administrative staff, shall be applicable to all teaching faculty, full-time, part-time, and graduate teaching assistants and shall include an assessment of the fluency in English of the faculty member or graduate teaching assistant. This review shall not be used to demote a tenured faculty member to a nontenured status.

(c) (1) Each college and university shall continually make efforts to identify any English fluency deficiencies of the teaching faculty and shall take reasonable measures to assist deficient faculty members in becoming proficient in English; however, the responsibility of acquiring the level of English proficiency required for the faculty member's teaching, research, or service assignments rests with the faculty member. (2) Each college and university shall have a process for addressing concerns raised by students concerning language proficiency problems of faculty members.

(1) Each college and university shall continually make efforts to identify any English fluency deficiencies of the teaching faculty and shall take reasonable measures to assist deficient faculty members in becoming proficient in English; however, the responsibility of acquiring the level of English proficiency required for the faculty member's teaching, research, or service assignments rests with the faculty member.

(2) Each college and university shall have a process for addressing concerns raised by students concerning language proficiency problems of faculty members.

(d) The division shall be responsible for monitoring the evaluation process and shall report its findings to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and to the Legislative Council by August 1 of each year.

(e) Each state-supported institution of higher education shall require full-time faculty members of the college of education and related disciplines to work collaboratively with the accredited public schools in this state, and such faculty involvement shall be included as part of the annual review of the faculty as required by subsection (b) of this section.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2004, eff. 7/1/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 2003, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1997, No. 1330, § 1; 1999, No. 477, § 2; 1999, No. 1360, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-3102 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 31 / Section 6-15-3102
Legislative findings
Status: in_force

The General Assembly finds that: (1) Data suggests that learning loss suffered as a result of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will be substantial, particularly for the state's most vulnerable students, with recent studies showing that these students on average could lose five (5) to nine (9) months of learning by the end of the 2021 school year; (2) These impacts, if not addressed, could have severe short-term and long-term social and economic implications for Arkansas families and our state as a whole; (3) While there is an extraordinary, immediate, and widespread need to address learning loss as a result of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there are far too many Arkansas students at risk of falling behind under ordinary circumstances; (4) Research demonstrates that a strong predictor of higher high school dropout rates is whether or not students have been taught to read at grade level by the end of grade three (3); (5) Research further shows that another strong predictor of higher high school dropout rates is whether or not students have been taught sufficiently such that they can pass English and math in grades six through nine (6-9); (6) According to research, one (1) of the most effective interventions to address learning loss, especially in elementary school students, is one-to-one or small group tutoring; (7) The coordination and implementation of a tutoring program that supports the state's elementary and secondary students aligns with the purpose and mission of the Office of Education Renewal Zones; (8) Such a tutoring program should address the immediate emergency as well as lay the groundwork for a long-term, sustainable strategy to improve educational outcomes for all students; and (9) Such a tutoring program would serve as a means by which Arkansas may meet requirements of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Grant Program to address learning loss and otherwise serve as a use of funding from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund in a manner that immediately helps students and families in greatest need. Added by Act 2021, No. 912,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2021.

The General Assembly finds that:

(1) Data suggests that learning loss suffered as a result of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will be substantial, particularly for the state's most vulnerable students, with recent studies showing that these students on average could lose five (5) to nine (9) months of learning by the end of the 2021 school year;

(2) These impacts, if not addressed, could have severe short-term and long-term social and economic implications for Arkansas families and our state as a whole;

(3) While there is an extraordinary, immediate, and widespread need to address learning loss as a result of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there are far too many Arkansas students at risk of falling behind under ordinary circumstances;

(4) Research demonstrates that a strong predictor of higher high school dropout rates is whether or not students have been taught to read at grade level by the end of grade three (3);

(5) Research further shows that another strong predictor of higher high school dropout rates is whether or not students have been taught sufficiently such that they can pass English and math in grades six through nine (6-9);

(6) According to research, one (1) of the most effective interventions to address learning loss, especially in elementary school students, is one-to-one or small group tutoring;

(7) The coordination and implementation of a tutoring program that supports the state's elementary and secondary students aligns with the purpose and mission of the Office of Education Renewal Zones;

(8) Such a tutoring program should address the immediate emergency as well as lay the groundwork for a long-term, sustainable strategy to improve educational outcomes for all students; and

(9) Such a tutoring program would serve as a means by which Arkansas may meet requirements of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Grant Program to address learning loss and otherwise serve as a use of funding from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund in a manner that immediately helps students and families in greatest need.

Added by Act 2021, No. 912,§ 1, eff. 4/26/2021.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-5-1204 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 5 / Subchapter 12 / Section 6-5-1204
Participation in Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program
Status: in_force

(a) An organization that receives grant funding to provide the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program shall publish a list of program fees on or before June 1 each year. (b) A public high school is eligible to participate in the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program. (c) (1) A public high school that chooses to participate in the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program shall pay a participation and service fee determined by the organization. (2) A public high school may choose either to participate fully in the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program or to participate on a limited basis, in which case the public high school shall pay a fee for each service the public high school elects to use. Added by Act 2013, No. 625,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.

(a) An organization that receives grant funding to provide the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program shall publish a list of program fees on or before June 1 each year.

(b) A public high school is eligible to participate in the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program.

(c) (1) A public high school that chooses to participate in the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program shall pay a participation and service fee determined by the organization. (2) A public high school may choose either to participate fully in the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program or to participate on a limited basis, in which case the public high school shall pay a fee for each service the public high school elects to use.

(1) A public high school that chooses to participate in the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program shall pay a participation and service fee determined by the organization.

(2) A public high school may choose either to participate fully in the Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program or to participate on a limited basis, in which case the public high school shall pay a fee for each service the public high school elects to use.

Added by Act 2013, No. 625,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-2916 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 15 / Subchapter 29 / Section 6-15-2916
State Board of Education authority over public school district classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support
Status: in_force

If a public school district is classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support, the State Board of Education may: (1) Direct the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to conduct an analysis of all school district systems and make recommendations for action by the state board; and (2) Assume authority of the public school district and take one (1) or more of the following actions at any time after classification: (A) Remove permanently, reassign, or suspend on a temporary basis the superintendent of the school district and: (i) Appoint an individual in place of the superintendent of the public school district to administratively operate the public school district under the supervision and approval of the commissioner; (ii) Authorize the individual to remove, replace, reassign, or suspend public school district personnel in accordance with state law; and (iii) Compensate from public school district funds the individual appointed to operate the public school district and other individuals authorized by the commissioner; (B) Remove permanently or suspend on a temporary basis some or all of the current public school district board of directors and either: (i) Call for the election of a new public school district board of directors, in which case the public school district shall reimburse the county board of election commissioners for election costs as otherwise required by law; (ii) Require the public school district to operate without a board of directors under the supervision of the superintendent of the public school district or an individual or panel appointed by the commissioner; or (iii) Direct the commissioner to assume some or all authority of the public school district board of directors as may be necessary to operate the public school district; (C) (i) Remove on a temporary basis some or all of the powers and duties granted to the current public school district board of directors under § 6-13-620 or any other law but allow the public school district board of directors to continue to operate under the direction and approval of the commissioner. (ii) The state board shall define the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors. (iii) The public school district board of directors shall act in an advisory capacity to the commissioner regarding all other powers and duties maintained by the commissioner; (D) Require the annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution of the public school district under § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter; (E) Waive provisions of Title 6 and corresponding rules of the state board with the exception of: (i) Special education programs as provided by this title; (ii) Conducting criminal background checks for employees as provided in this title; and (iii) Health and safety codes as established by the state board and local governmental entities; (F) Require reassignment of some or all of the administrative, instructional, or support staff of a public school; (G) Require a public school to institute and fully implement a student curriculum based on academic standards; (H) Require a public school to provide professional development for teachers and administrators based on the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's review of educators' professional growth plans with the cost to be paid by the public school district in which the public school is located; (I) Remove one (1) or more public schools from the jurisdiction of the classified school district and establish alternative public governance and supervision of the public school; (J) Require reorganization, closure, or dissolution of one (1) or more of the public schools within the classified district; (K) Take any other necessary and proper action, as determined by the state board that is allowed by law; and (L) Require a structured system of whole child supports through a community school plan, as defined by § 6-15-3002 . Amended by Act 2021, No. 744,§ 2, eff. 4/19/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1308, eff. 7/1/2019. Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.

If a public school district is classified as in need of Level 5 - Intensive support, the State Board of Education may:

(1) Direct the Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education to conduct an analysis of all school district systems and make recommendations for action by the state board; and

(2) Assume authority of the public school district and take one (1) or more of the following actions at any time after classification: (A) Remove permanently, reassign, or suspend on a temporary basis the superintendent of the school district and: (i) Appoint an individual in place of the superintendent of the public school district to administratively operate the public school district under the supervision and approval of the commissioner; (ii) Authorize the individual to remove, replace, reassign, or suspend public school district personnel in accordance with state law; and (iii) Compensate from public school district funds the individual appointed to operate the public school district and other individuals authorized by the commissioner; (B) Remove permanently or suspend on a temporary basis some or all of the current public school district board of directors and either: (i) Call for the election of a new public school district board of directors, in which case the public school district shall reimburse the county board of election commissioners for election costs as otherwise required by law; (ii) Require the public school district to operate without a board of directors under the supervision of the superintendent of the public school district or an individual or panel appointed by the commissioner; or (iii) Direct the commissioner to assume some or all authority of the public school district board of directors as may be necessary to operate the public school district; (C) (i) Remove on a temporary basis some or all of the powers and duties granted to the current public school district board of directors under § 6-13-620 or any other law but allow the public school district board of directors to continue to operate under the direction and approval of the commissioner. (ii) The state board shall define the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors. (iii) The public school district board of directors shall act in an advisory capacity to the commissioner regarding all other powers and duties maintained by the commissioner; (D) Require the annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution of the public school district under § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter; (E) Waive provisions of Title 6 and corresponding rules of the state board with the exception of: (i) Special education programs as provided by this title; (ii) Conducting criminal background checks for employees as provided in this title; and (iii) Health and safety codes as established by the state board and local governmental entities; (F) Require reassignment of some or all of the administrative, instructional, or support staff of a public school; (G) Require a public school to institute and fully implement a student curriculum based on academic standards; (H) Require a public school to provide professional development for teachers and administrators based on the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's review of educators' professional growth plans with the cost to be paid by the public school district in which the public school is located; (I) Remove one (1) or more public schools from the jurisdiction of the classified school district and establish alternative public governance and supervision of the public school; (J) Require reorganization, closure, or dissolution of one (1) or more of the public schools within the classified district; (K) Take any other necessary and proper action, as determined by the state board that is allowed by law; and (L) Require a structured system of whole child supports through a community school plan, as defined by § 6-15-3002 .

(A) Remove permanently, reassign, or suspend on a temporary basis the superintendent of the school district and: (i) Appoint an individual in place of the superintendent of the public school district to administratively operate the public school district under the supervision and approval of the commissioner; (ii) Authorize the individual to remove, replace, reassign, or suspend public school district personnel in accordance with state law; and (iii) Compensate from public school district funds the individual appointed to operate the public school district and other individuals authorized by the commissioner;

(i) Appoint an individual in place of the superintendent of the public school district to administratively operate the public school district under the supervision and approval of the commissioner;

(ii) Authorize the individual to remove, replace, reassign, or suspend public school district personnel in accordance with state law; and

(iii) Compensate from public school district funds the individual appointed to operate the public school district and other individuals authorized by the commissioner;

(B) Remove permanently or suspend on a temporary basis some or all of the current public school district board of directors and either: (i) Call for the election of a new public school district board of directors, in which case the public school district shall reimburse the county board of election commissioners for election costs as otherwise required by law; (ii) Require the public school district to operate without a board of directors under the supervision of the superintendent of the public school district or an individual or panel appointed by the commissioner; or (iii) Direct the commissioner to assume some or all authority of the public school district board of directors as may be necessary to operate the public school district;

(i) Call for the election of a new public school district board of directors, in which case the public school district shall reimburse the county board of election commissioners for election costs as otherwise required by law;

(ii) Require the public school district to operate without a board of directors under the supervision of the superintendent of the public school district or an individual or panel appointed by the commissioner; or

(iii) Direct the commissioner to assume some or all authority of the public school district board of directors as may be necessary to operate the public school district;

(C) (i) Remove on a temporary basis some or all of the powers and duties granted to the current public school district board of directors under § 6-13-620 or any other law but allow the public school district board of directors to continue to operate under the direction and approval of the commissioner. (ii) The state board shall define the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors. (iii) The public school district board of directors shall act in an advisory capacity to the commissioner regarding all other powers and duties maintained by the commissioner;

(i) Remove on a temporary basis some or all of the powers and duties granted to the current public school district board of directors under § 6-13-620 or any other law but allow the public school district board of directors to continue to operate under the direction and approval of the commissioner.

(ii) The state board shall define the powers and duties of the public school district board of directors.

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

(D) Require the annexation, consolidation, or reconstitution of the public school district under § 6-13-1401 et seq. and this subchapter;

(E) Waive provisions of Title 6 and corresponding rules of the state board with the exception of: (i) Special education programs as provided by this title; (ii) Conducting criminal background checks for employees as provided in this title; and (iii) Health and safety codes as established by the state board and local governmental entities;

(i) Special education programs as provided by this title;

(ii) Conducting criminal background checks for employees as provided in this title; and

(iii) Health and safety codes as established by the state board and local governmental entities;

(F) Require reassignment of some or all of the administrative, instructional, or support staff of a public school;

(G) Require a public school to institute and fully implement a student curriculum based on academic standards;

(H) Require a public school to provide professional development for teachers and administrators based on the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's review of educators' professional growth plans with the cost to be paid by the public school district in which the public school is located;

(I) Remove one (1) or more public schools from the jurisdiction of the classified school district and establish alternative public governance and supervision of the public school;

(J) Require reorganization, closure, or dissolution of one (1) or more of the public schools within the classified district;

(K) Take any other necessary and proper action, as determined by the state board that is allowed by law; and

(L) Require a structured system of whole child supports through a community school plan, as defined by § 6-15-3002 .

Amended by Act 2021, No. 744,§ 2, eff. 4/19/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1308, eff. 7/1/2019.

Added by Act 2017, No. 930,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2017.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-14-110 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 14 / Section 6-14-110
Secret ballot
Status: in_force

All elections shall be by secret ballot, and none of the electors shall be required to sign his or her ballot. Acts 1935, No. 30, § 8; Pope's Dig., § 11528; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-309.

All elections shall be by secret ballot, and none of the electors shall be required to sign his or her ballot.

Acts 1935, No. 30, § 8; Pope's Dig., § 11528; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-309.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-2205 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 22 / Section 6-82-2205
Arkansas Teacher Academy - Programs - Eligible postsecondary institution duties
Status: in_force

(a) An Arkansas Teacher Academy may include without limitation a new or existing teacher preparation program that utilizes proven, research-based models of best practices that are already being implemented in similar program pathways. (b) An eligible postsecondary institution may: (1) Develop a portfolio of teacher preparation programs to offer as part of its Arkansas Teacher Academy; (2) (A) Give priority to students in grades eleven (11) and twelve (12). (B) However, an eligible postsecondary institution shall not exclude students in grades nine (9) and ten (10) from its Arkansas Teacher Academy; and (3) (A) Use scholarship funds that exceed the cost of tuition and fees at the eligible postsecondary institution to support its Arkansas Teacher Academy costs. (B) However, if a scholarship awarded to an academy attendee under this subchapter does not cover the eligible postsecondary institution's tuition and fees after an academy attendee receives all other financial gifts, financial aid, and grants, the eligible postsecondary institution shall not charge an academy attendee awarded a scholarship under this subchapter the remaining difference. (c) (1) An eligible postsecondary institution shall develop formal partnerships with Arkansas public schools to build commitments for teacher employment upon an academy attendee's completion of an Arkansas Teacher Academy program. (2) The targeted deployment of academy attendees who are currently teachers who have completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program shall be based on the: (A) Needs of each public school system; (B) Community that is being served; and (C) Individual skills of each current teacher who has completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program. (d) A program offered as part of an eligible postsecondary institution's Arkansas Teacher Academy shall include accelerated program models for the following without limitation: (1) Subject areas and geographical areas identified by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers; (2) An individual seeking postbaccalaureate coursework that results in a professional certification; and (3) A student in a non-education program who seeks to complete one (1) or more teacher preparation courses in order to prepare him or her to receive a teaching certification following his or her graduation. Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 57, eff. 3/8/2023.

(a) An Arkansas Teacher Academy may include without limitation a new or existing teacher preparation program that utilizes proven, research-based models of best practices that are already being implemented in similar program pathways.

(b) An eligible postsecondary institution may: (1) Develop a portfolio of teacher preparation programs to offer as part of its Arkansas Teacher Academy; (2) (A) Give priority to students in grades eleven (11) and twelve (12). (B) However, an eligible postsecondary institution shall not exclude students in grades nine (9) and ten (10) from its Arkansas Teacher Academy; and (3) (A) Use scholarship funds that exceed the cost of tuition and fees at the eligible postsecondary institution to support its Arkansas Teacher Academy costs. (B) However, if a scholarship awarded to an academy attendee under this subchapter does not cover the eligible postsecondary institution's tuition and fees after an academy attendee receives all other financial gifts, financial aid, and grants, the eligible postsecondary institution shall not charge an academy attendee awarded a scholarship under this subchapter the remaining difference.

(1) Develop a portfolio of teacher preparation programs to offer as part of its Arkansas Teacher Academy;

(2) (A) Give priority to students in grades eleven (11) and twelve (12). (B) However, an eligible postsecondary institution shall not exclude students in grades nine (9) and ten (10) from its Arkansas Teacher Academy; and

(A) Give priority to students in grades eleven (11) and twelve (12).

(B) However, an eligible postsecondary institution shall not exclude students in grades nine (9) and ten (10) from its Arkansas Teacher Academy; and

(3) (A) Use scholarship funds that exceed the cost of tuition and fees at the eligible postsecondary institution to support its Arkansas Teacher Academy costs. (B) However, if a scholarship awarded to an academy attendee under this subchapter does not cover the eligible postsecondary institution's tuition and fees after an academy attendee receives all other financial gifts, financial aid, and grants, the eligible postsecondary institution shall not charge an academy attendee awarded a scholarship under this subchapter the remaining difference.

(A) Use scholarship funds that exceed the cost of tuition and fees at the eligible postsecondary institution to support its Arkansas Teacher Academy costs.

(B) However, if a scholarship awarded to an academy attendee under this subchapter does not cover the eligible postsecondary institution's tuition and fees after an academy attendee receives all other financial gifts, financial aid, and grants, the eligible postsecondary institution shall not charge an academy attendee awarded a scholarship under this subchapter the remaining difference.

(c) (1) An eligible postsecondary institution shall develop formal partnerships with Arkansas public schools to build commitments for teacher employment upon an academy attendee's completion of an Arkansas Teacher Academy program. (2) The targeted deployment of academy attendees who are currently teachers who have completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program shall be based on the: (A) Needs of each public school system; (B) Community that is being served; and (C) Individual skills of each current teacher who has completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program.

(1) An eligible postsecondary institution shall develop formal partnerships with Arkansas public schools to build commitments for teacher employment upon an academy attendee's completion of an Arkansas Teacher Academy program.

(2) The targeted deployment of academy attendees who are currently teachers who have completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program shall be based on the: (A) Needs of each public school system; (B) Community that is being served; and (C) Individual skills of each current teacher who has completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program.

(A) Needs of each public school system;

(B) Community that is being served; and

(C) Individual skills of each current teacher who has completed an Arkansas Teacher Academy program.

(d) A program offered as part of an eligible postsecondary institution's Arkansas Teacher Academy shall include accelerated program models for the following without limitation: (1) Subject areas and geographical areas identified by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers; (2) An individual seeking postbaccalaureate coursework that results in a professional certification; and (3) A student in a non-education program who seeks to complete one (1) or more teacher preparation courses in order to prepare him or her to receive a teaching certification following his or her graduation.

(1) Subject areas and geographical areas identified by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education as experiencing a critical shortage of teachers;

(2) An individual seeking postbaccalaureate coursework that results in a professional certification; and

(3) A student in a non-education program who seeks to complete one (1) or more teacher preparation courses in order to prepare him or her to receive a teaching certification following his or her graduation.

Added by Act 2023, No. 237,§ 57, eff. 3/8/2023.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-82-1703 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 82 / Subchapter 17 / Section 6-82-1703
[Repealed]
Status: repealed

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

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

Acts 2007, No. 1030, § 1.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-51-208 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-51-208
Student fees
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education may establish a reasonable system of charges as fees to be paid by students in the technical institutes or vocational-technical schools and adult education courses, with the system of charges to be established according to the type of course of instruction and the length thereof. (b) The rate or fees to be paid by students shall be set by the state board, and all funds accruing in the fiscal year over and above the amount appropriated by the General Assembly from the fund shall be deposited into the State Treasury at the end of the fiscal year. (c) Employees may not be paid from cash funds unless appropriated for this specific purpose by the General Assembly. (d) No secondary student or school shall be made to pay a tuition charge as a condition of his or her enrollment in any vocational program funded by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education while enrolled in a regular high school program. (e) When any person sixty (60) years of age or older is admitted and enrolls as a student in any state area vocational-technical school, the state board or other appropriate institutional officials shall waive all the general student fee charges for each such student on a space-available basis in existing classes. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1859, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1957, No. 328, § 6; 1965, No. 450, § 1; 1977, No. 525, § 2; 1981, No. 732, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1662, 80-2510.1, 80-2562; Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 34.

(a) The State Board of Education may establish a reasonable system of charges as fees to be paid by students in the technical institutes or vocational-technical schools and adult education courses, with the system of charges to be established according to the type of course of instruction and the length thereof.

(b) The rate or fees to be paid by students shall be set by the state board, and all funds accruing in the fiscal year over and above the amount appropriated by the General Assembly from the fund shall be deposited into the State Treasury at the end of the fiscal year.

(c) Employees may not be paid from cash funds unless appropriated for this specific purpose by the General Assembly.

(d) No secondary student or school shall be made to pay a tuition charge as a condition of his or her enrollment in any vocational program funded by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education while enrolled in a regular high school program.

(e) When any person sixty (60) years of age or older is admitted and enrolls as a student in any state area vocational-technical school, the state board or other appropriate institutional officials shall waive all the general student fee charges for each such student on a space-available basis in existing classes.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1859, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1957, No. 328, § 6; 1965, No. 450, § 1; 1977, No. 525, § 2; 1981, No. 732, § 6; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1662, 80-2510.1, 80-2562; Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 34.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-51-213 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-51-213
Administration of certain federal and state vocational education laws
Status: in_force

(a) The State Board of Education is designated to: (1) Carry into effect the provisions of the federal act and this act and have all necessary authority to cooperate with the United States Department of Education in the administration of the federal act; (2) Administer any legislation pursuant thereto enacted by the General Assembly; and (3) Administer the funds provided by the United States Government and by the State of Arkansas under the provisions of the respective acts for the promotion of vocational-technical education in agricultural subjects and in trade and industrial subjects, as well as in family and consumer science. (b) The state board shall have the full authority to: (1) Formulate plans for the promotion of vocational education in subjects that are an essential and integral part of the public school system of education in the State of Arkansas and provide for the preparation of teachers of those subjects; (2) Fix the compensation of officials and assistants as may be necessary to administer the federal act and this act for the State of Arkansas; (3) Make studies and investigations relating to vocational education in such subjects; (4) Promote and aid in the establishment by local communities of schools, departments, or classes; (5) Prescribe qualifications for the teachers, directors, and supervisors of subjects and provide for the certification of the teachers, directors, and supervisors; (6) Cooperate in the maintenance of classes under its own direction and control; and (7) Establish and determine by general rules the qualifications to be possessed by persons engaged in the training of vocational teachers. (c) (1) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education, by and with the advice and consent of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, may designate assistants as may be necessary to carry out properly the provisions of this subchapter. (2) The commissioner shall also carry into effect rules as the board may require. (3) The records of the commissioner as far as they pertain to the provisions of this act shall be kept in his or her office. Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 9, eff. 4/12/2023. Amended by Act 2021, No. 545,§ 16, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2021, No. 467,§ 5, eff. 7/28/2021. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 347, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 346, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1860, eff. 7/1/2019. Acts 1931, No. 169, §§ 187, 188; Pope's Dig., §§ 11629, 11630; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2514, 80-2515; Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 35; 2005, No. 1962, § 14.

(a) The State Board of Education is designated to: (1) Carry into effect the provisions of the federal act and this act and have all necessary authority to cooperate with the United States Department of Education in the administration of the federal act; (2) Administer any legislation pursuant thereto enacted by the General Assembly; and (3) Administer the funds provided by the United States Government and by the State of Arkansas under the provisions of the respective acts for the promotion of vocational-technical education in agricultural subjects and in trade and industrial subjects, as well as in family and consumer science.

(1) Carry into effect the provisions of the federal act and this act and have all necessary authority to cooperate with the United States Department of Education in the administration of the federal act;

(2) Administer any legislation pursuant thereto enacted by the General Assembly; and

(3) Administer the funds provided by the United States Government and by the State of Arkansas under the provisions of the respective acts for the promotion of vocational-technical education in agricultural subjects and in trade and industrial subjects, as well as in family and consumer science.

(b) The state board shall have the full authority to: (1) Formulate plans for the promotion of vocational education in subjects that are an essential and integral part of the public school system of education in the State of Arkansas and provide for the preparation of teachers of those subjects; (2) Fix the compensation of officials and assistants as may be necessary to administer the federal act and this act for the State of Arkansas; (3) Make studies and investigations relating to vocational education in such subjects; (4) Promote and aid in the establishment by local communities of schools, departments, or classes; (5) Prescribe qualifications for the teachers, directors, and supervisors of subjects and provide for the certification of the teachers, directors, and supervisors; (6) Cooperate in the maintenance of classes under its own direction and control; and (7) Establish and determine by general rules the qualifications to be possessed by persons engaged in the training of vocational teachers.

(1) Formulate plans for the promotion of vocational education in subjects that are an essential and integral part of the public school system of education in the State of Arkansas and provide for the preparation of teachers of those subjects;

(2) Fix the compensation of officials and assistants as may be necessary to administer the federal act and this act for the State of Arkansas;

(3) Make studies and investigations relating to vocational education in such subjects;

(4) Promote and aid in the establishment by local communities of schools, departments, or classes;

(5) Prescribe qualifications for the teachers, directors, and supervisors of subjects and provide for the certification of the teachers, directors, and supervisors;

(6) Cooperate in the maintenance of classes under its own direction and control; and

(7) Establish and determine by general rules the qualifications to be possessed by persons engaged in the training of vocational teachers.

(c) (1) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education, by and with the advice and consent of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, may designate assistants as may be necessary to carry out properly the provisions of this subchapter. (2) The commissioner shall also carry into effect rules as the board may require. (3) The records of the commissioner as far as they pertain to the provisions of this act shall be kept in his or her office.

(1) The Commissioner of the Division of Higher Education, by and with the advice and consent of the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, may designate assistants as may be necessary to carry out properly the provisions of this subchapter.

(2) The commissioner shall also carry into effect rules as the board may require.

(3) The records of the commissioner as far as they pertain to the provisions of this act shall be kept in his or her office.

Amended by Act 2023, No. 786,§ 9, eff. 4/12/2023.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 545,§ 16, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2021, No. 467,§ 5, eff. 7/28/2021.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 347, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 346, eff. 7/24/2019.

Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1860, eff. 7/1/2019.

Acts 1931, No. 169, §§ 187, 188; Pope's Dig., §§ 11629, 11630; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-2514, 80-2515; Acts 1999, No. 1323, § 35; 2005, No. 1962, § 14.
Ark. Code Ann. § 6-81-202 — AR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 81 / Subchapter 2 / Section 6-81-202
Administration of funds
Status: in_force

(a) (1) All moneys received by the Student Loan Guarantee Foundation of Arkansas under the provisions of this subchapter shall be deposited by the foundation into bank accounts in one (1) or more banks of this state, or the moneys may be placed on deposit into savings and loan associations in this state, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (2) However, the amount of the deposits in any bank or savings and loan association in this state shall not exceed the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation unless the amount of all deposits in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is secured to the full amount thereof at any time remaining on hand by the deposit, under a special depository agreement with another Arkansas bank of the foundation's selection, and approved by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, of direct obligations of the United States or the State of Arkansas having at all times a market value of not less than the amount of the balance. (b) The foundation shall deposit into savings accounts or certificates of deposit in such banks or savings and loan associations the maximum amount of such funds which are not otherwise required to be maintained in checking accounts to meet the obligations of the foundation under the provisions of this subchapter or applicable federal laws and regulations. Acts 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 27, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4014.

(a) (1) All moneys received by the Student Loan Guarantee Foundation of Arkansas under the provisions of this subchapter shall be deposited by the foundation into bank accounts in one (1) or more banks of this state, or the moneys may be placed on deposit into savings and loan associations in this state, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (2) However, the amount of the deposits in any bank or savings and loan association in this state shall not exceed the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation unless the amount of all deposits in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is secured to the full amount thereof at any time remaining on hand by the deposit, under a special depository agreement with another Arkansas bank of the foundation's selection, and approved by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, of direct obligations of the United States or the State of Arkansas having at all times a market value of not less than the amount of the balance.

(1) All moneys received by the Student Loan Guarantee Foundation of Arkansas under the provisions of this subchapter shall be deposited by the foundation into bank accounts in one (1) or more banks of this state, or the moneys may be placed on deposit into savings and loan associations in this state, the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

(2) However, the amount of the deposits in any bank or savings and loan association in this state shall not exceed the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation unless the amount of all deposits in excess of the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is secured to the full amount thereof at any time remaining on hand by the deposit, under a special depository agreement with another Arkansas bank of the foundation's selection, and approved by the Chief Fiscal Officer of the State, of direct obligations of the United States or the State of Arkansas having at all times a market value of not less than the amount of the balance.

(b) The foundation shall deposit into savings accounts or certificates of deposit in such banks or savings and loan associations the maximum amount of such funds which are not otherwise required to be maintained in checking accounts to meet the obligations of the foundation under the provisions of this subchapter or applicable federal laws and regulations.

Acts 1968 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 27, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-4014.