reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 2 - PERSONNEL POLICIES (§§ 6-17-201 — 6-17-211) › Section 6-17-205 - Organization and duties of committee

(a)
(1)
Each school district's committee on personnel policies shall organize itself in the first quarter of each school year and elect a chair and a secretary.
(2)
The committee shall develop a calendar of meetings throughout the year to review the school district's personnel policies in order to:
(A)
Determine whether additional policies or amendments to existing policies are needed;
(B)
Review any policies or changes to policies proposed by the board of directors;
(C)
Propose additional policies or amendments to the board of directors; and
(D)
Review any proposed distribution of a salary underpayment from previous years.
(3)
Minutes of a school district committee on personnel policies meetings shall be promptly placed on the website of a school district.
(b)
(1)
Either the committee or the board of directors may propose new personnel policies or amendments to existing policies.
(2)
New personnel policies or amendments to existing personnel policies proposed by the board of directors may not be voted on by the board of directors as a school district policy unless the final form of the policy to be voted on has been submitted as a proposed policy to the committee for consideration at least ten (10) working days before the vote of the board of directors.
(3)
(A)
The superintendent may recommend any changes in personnel policies to the board of directors or to the personnel policies committee.
(B)
The recommendations may then become proposals at the discretion of either the board of directors or the committee.
(c)
The chair of the committee or a committee member designated by the chair shall be placed on the board of directors' agenda and shall have the opportunity to orally present to the board of directors the committee's comments, positions, or proposals on the final form of any proposed policies or amendments to existing policies, whether proposed by the committee or the board of directors, before they are voted on by the board of directors as school district policies.
(d)
After the oral presentation to the board of directors, the board of directors may take final action immediately, but final action shall be taken no later than its next regular board of directors meeting.
(e)
The board of directors may adopt, reject, or refer back to the committee on personnel policies for further study and revision any proposed policies or amendments to existing policies that are submitted to the board of directors for consideration by the committee.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 781,§ 5, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 1987, No. 687, § 3; 1993, No. 902, § 1; 1993, No. 1108, § 1; 1993, No. 1187, § 1; 1997, No. 1031, § 1; 2009, No. 1493, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 2 - PERSONNEL POLICIES (§§ 6-17-201 — 6-17-211) › Section 6-17-206 - Copies furnished teachers and administrators

(a)
Each teacher or administrator employed by a school district for the first time shall be given a digital copy of the school district's personnel policies in effect at the time of his or her employment.
(b)
Each teacher or administrator shall be furnished a digital copy of any amendments to the personnel policies of the school district in which he or she is employed within thirty (30) days after approval of the amendments by the board of directors of the school district.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 781,§ 6, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 1987, No. 687, § 4; 2003, No. 1334, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 2 - PERSONNEL POLICIES (§§ 6-17-201 — 6-17-211) › Section 6-17-207 - Accreditation of school district

No school district which does not have written personnel policies shall be accredited by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1363, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1987, No. 687, § 5.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 2 - PERSONNEL POLICIES (§§ 6-17-201 — 6-17-211) › Section 6-17-210 - Right to witness or representative

An employee shall be entitled to and shall be offered the opportunity to have a witness or representative of the employee's choice present during any disciplinary or grievance matter with any administrator.
Acts 2003, No. 869, § 1; 2005, No. 1017, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 2 - PERSONNEL POLICIES (§§ 6-17-201 — 6-17-211) › Section 6-17-211 - Use of personal leave when administrator or school employee is absent from campus - Definitions

(a)
As used in this section:
(1)
"Personal leave" means absence for illness, annual leave, or other personal leave as defined by the personnel policies of a school district or an education service cooperative; and
(2)
"School functions" means:
(A)
Athletic or academic events related to a public school district; and
(B)
Meetings and conferences related to education.
(b)
Each school district and education service cooperative shall establish in its personnel policies guidelines requiring an administrator or an employee of a public school district to use personal leave or leave without pay when away from the school premises for reasons other than attendance at school functions that occur away from the school premises.
Acts 2007, No. 867, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 3 - EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-17-301 — 6-17-310) › Section 6-17-301 - Employment of licensed personnel

(a)
(1)
A school district board of directors may employ superintendents, deputy superintendents, assistant superintendents, and high school principals, as well as department heads, coaches, teachers, and other licensed personnel by written contract for a period of time not more than three (3) years.
(2)
A contract may be renewed annually.
(b)
A superintendent's contract of employment with a school district may be terminated for cause and without the school district's having any further financial obligation to the superintendent if:
(1)
The school district has:
(A)
Been placed on fiscal distress by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education because of:
(i)
Commitments made by the superintendent of which the school district board of directors had no notice or knowledge; or
(ii)
A material misrepresentation made by the superintendent concerning the school district's finances that the school district board of directors relied upon to the detriment of the school district; and
(B)
Exhausted all appeals of the division's decision regarding the fiscal distress determination;
(2)
The superintendent was provided:
(A)
Notice of the reason for termination;
(B)
A hearing to allow the superintendent to explain or rebut the reasons stated in the notice; and
(C)
A record of the hearing provided at the expense of the school district; and
(3)
The superintendent's contract was terminated by a majority vote of the full school district board of directors after the hearing described in subdivision (b)(2)(B) of this section.
(c)
(1)
An individual whose license is suspended or revoked by the State Board of Education for a disqualifying offense under §
6-17-410
or an ethical violation under §
6-17-428
is not eligible to be employed at a school district, public school, or public charter school, including as a substitute teacher whether directly employed by the school district or public charter school or providing substitute teaching services under contract with an outside entity.
(2)
The restriction in this subsection shall expire upon the expiration of the term of a suspension of the license.
(3)
The employment of a person in violation of this subsection is a violation of the Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1364, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1090,§ 2, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 1969, No. 145, § 1; 1969, No. 215, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-1235, 80-1236; Acts 2003, No. 1738, § 2; 2007, No. 617, § 9; 2009, No. 1203, § 1; 2009, No. 1469, § 7; 2011, No. 989, § 32.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 3 - EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-17-301 — 6-17-310) › Section 6-17-302 - Public school principals - Qualifications and responsibilities

(a)
The school district board of directors shall employ through written contract public school principals who shall hold valid supervisory or administrative licenses and who shall supervise the operation and management of the school and property as the board of directors shall determine necessary.
(b)
The principal shall assume administrative responsibility and instructional leadership, under the supervision of the superintendent and in accordance with the legal rules and regulations of the board of directors, for the planning, management, operation, and evaluation of the educational program of the attendance area to which he or she is assigned.
(c)
The principal shall submit recommendations to the superintendent regarding the appointment, assignment, promotion, transfer, and dismissal of all personnel assigned to the attendance area.
(d)
The principal shall perform such other duties as may be assigned by the superintendent pursuant to the legal rules and regulations of the board of directors.
Acts 1977, No. 255, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1235.1; Acts 2011, No. 989, § 33.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 3 - EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-17-301 — 6-17-310) › Section 6-17-303 - Assignment and reassignment of teachers

School district boards of directors shall have authority to assign and reassign or transfer all teachers in schools within their jurisdiction upon the recommendation of the superintendent.
Acts 1991, No. 654, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 3 - EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-17-301 — 6-17-310) › Section 6-17-304 - Employment of teacher obligated to another school district - Liability of hiring school district

(a)
Any school district which employs a teacher or administrator whom the school district knows, or should have known, is contractually obligated to another school district shall be liable to the other school district for an amount of money equal to the salary in the violated contract exclusive of fringe benefits.
(b)
Either school district may petition the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to satisfy the liability by transferring such amount to the entitled school district from funds which the division would have distributed to the liable school district.
(c)
Upon receipt of such a petition, the division shall determine the amount of the liability and satisfy the same by such transfer.
(d)
If a substantial question arises as to the existence of a contract, the State Board of Education may decline to assess the penalty.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1365, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1985, No. 154, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1266.11.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 3 - EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-17-301 — 6-17-310) › Section 6-17-305 - Student teachers

(a)
Any primary or secondary school which has been accredited by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may be entitled to assignments of student teachers from institutions of higher education in this state, irrespective of accreditation by any other agency, private or public.
(b)
Any school district board of directors desiring to cooperate with any tax-supported institution of higher education one (1) of whose functions is the training of teachers is authorized to enter into a contract with the board of trustees of the institution for the operation and maintenance of a public school, grades one through twelve (1-12) or any part thereof, located in the county, to be used for training school purposes by the institution.
(c)
The school district boards of directors in this state are authorized to enter into contracts with colleges and universities for the use of student teachers in the public schools.
(d)
The State Board of Education, by rules, may approve students authorized by the college to do student teaching.
(e)
Student teachers in the public schools shall, while engaged in the performance of their student teaching duties, enjoy the same immunities provided by law for teachers in the public schools.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1366, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1935, No. 34, § 1; Pope's Dig., §§ 11663, 11778; Acts 1959, No. 218, § 1; 1973, No. 386, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 80-515, 80-1233, 80-1262; Acts 1999, No. 1078, § 59.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 3 - EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-17-301 — 6-17-310) › Section 6-17-307 - Interviewing expenses in particular regions

The school district board of directors of any school district situated within the Delta or within a geographical area of the state where there exists a critical shortage of teachers as designated by the State Board of Education may reimburse any person who interviews for employment as a licensed teacher with the school district for the mileage and other actual expenses incurred by the person in the course of travel to and from the interview.
Acts 2001, No. 1388, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 3 - EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-17-301 — 6-17-310) › Section 6-17-308 - Moving expenses in particular regions

(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.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 3 - EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIGNMENT (§§ 6-17-301 — 6-17-310) › Section 6-17-309 - Licensure - Waiver

(a)
(1)
A class of students shall not be under the instruction of a teacher who is not licensed to teach the grade level or subject matter of the class for more than sixty (60) consecutive school days in the same class during a school year.
(2)
This subsection shall not apply to:
(A)
Nondegreed vocational-technical teachers;
(B)
Individuals approved by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to teach the grade level or subject matter of the class in the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education's distance learning program;
(C)
Individuals teaching concurrent credit courses or advanced placement courses who:
(i)
Are employed by a postsecondary institution;
(ii)
Meet the qualification requirements of a postsecondary institution or the Division of Career and Technical Education; and
(iii)
Are teaching in a course in which credit is offered by an institution of higher education or a technical institute;
(D)
Licensed teachers teaching in one (1) of the following settings:
(i)
An alternative learning environment;
(ii)
A juvenile detention facility;
(iii)
A residential and day alcohol, drug, and psychiatric facility program;
(iv)
An emergency youth shelter;
(v)
A facility of the Division of Youth Services; or
(vi)
A facility of the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services;
(E)
Licensed special education teachers who are teaching two (2) or more core academic subjects exclusively to children with disabilities; or
(F)
Teachers who are working under an Aspiring Teacher permit for a period of time not to exceed one (1) academic year or two (2) consecutive semesters.
(b)
(1)
If this requirement imposes an undue hardship on a school district, the school district may apply to the State Board of Education for a waiver.
(2)
The state board shall develop rules for granting a waiver.
(3)
Any school district that obtains a waiver shall send written notice of the assignment to the parent or guardian of each student in the classroom no later than the sixtieth school day after the date of the assignment.
(4)
[Repealed.]
Amended by Act 2023, No. 732,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 228, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1370, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1369, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1138,§ 33, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2001, No. 1623, § 1; 2005, No. 2151, § 16; 2007, No. 1007, § 1; 2007, No. 1573, § 22.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-401 - Teacher's license requirement

(a)
Except as permitted under §
6-17-309
and §
6-17-2601
et seq., no teacher shall be employed in any public school of the state who is not licensed to teach in the State of Arkansas by a license issued by the State Board of Education.
(b)
Any person who shall teach in a public school in this state shall only be entitled to receive any compensation from the school funds for such services if the person has:
(1)
A valid license issued by the state board; or
(2)
Other documentation from the Office of Professional Licensure of the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education authorizing employment as a teacher under the conditions set forth by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education in the documentation.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1377, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1931, No. 169, § 164; Pope's Dig., § 11606; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1209; Acts 1993, No. 294, § 11; 1999, No. 1078, § 60; 2005, No. 2151, § 1; 2007, No. 169, § 2; 2007, No. 710, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-403 - Provisional licensure for teachers trained and licensed in other states

(a)
The State Board of Education may issue a one-year nonrenewable provisional license to any teacher who seeks Arkansas licensure and is trained in and licensed by a state other than Arkansas if the teacher has been in good standing during the most recent three (3) years of teaching in another state.
(b)
(1)
A person who has not successfully completed the licensure tests required under §
6-17-402
and who has not previously held an Arkansas standard license but meets degree, course work, and experience requirements for a standard license and who otherwise qualifies to teach in the public schools of this state may receive a three-year nonrenewable provisional license and be employed by any public school district in this state for a period not to exceed three (3) years while completing the professional development, course work, or training necessary to successfully pass the stand-alone reading assessment under §
6-17-402
.
(2)
A school district that hires a teacher who has not successfully completed the licensure tests required under §
6-17-402
shall not be penalized by the state board provided that the length of employment of the teacher while nonlicensed does not exceed one (1) year.
(c)
The state board shall issue a standard five-year teaching license to an individual who furnishes to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education proof of the following:
(1)
A valid, standard teaching license or its Arkansas equivalent that:
(A)
Was issued in another state; and
(B)
Has been in good standing during the most recent three (3) years of the applicant's teaching experience;
(2)
Successful completion of the criminal records checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check under §
6-17-410
;
(3)
Higher education transcripts evidencing the award of at least a baccalaureate degree;
(4)
Successful completion of the licensure tests required under §
6-17-402
;
(5)
Completion of a program for:
(A)
Teacher education at a nationally or regionally accredited institution of higher education;
(B)
Teacher education nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation; or
(C)
Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; and
(6)
Payment of applicable licensure fees.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1380, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 416,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1090,§ 4, eff. 7/22/2015.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 23, eff. 8/16/2013.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 454,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1979, No. 162, § 1; 1985, No. 1082, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1201; Acts 1989, No. 307, § 1; 2005, No. 2151, § 3; 2011, No. 989, § 36; 2011, No. 1178, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-404 - Certain teachers and administrators licensed in adjoining state

(a)
Any person who is licensed as a schoolteacher or administrator in an adjoining state, who serves as a teacher or administrator in any public school in this state located in a county having a population of at least forty-two thousand (42,000) but not more than forty-seven thousand (47,000) according to the 1970 Federal Decennial Census and having an intermix of students from Arkansas and an adjoining state, and who is compensated for services in this state by an adjoining state or school district or districts in such adjoining state shall without further qualification be allowed to serve in such school in a capacity for which the person is qualified in the adjoining state without affecting the rating of the school.
(b)
However, no such teacher or administrator shall receive a license issued by the State Board of Education until that person complies with the provisions of §
6-17-410
.
Acts 1979, No. 209, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1209.1; Acts 1995, No. 1310, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-406 - License revocation generally - Superintendents and supervisors

The State Board of Education may revoke the license of any superintendent or supervisor in any and every instance where the Secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration has found it necessary to proceed upon the bond of the superintendent or supervisor to recover funds wrongfully used. Revocation shall be mandatory in any and every instance where there is recovery on the bond.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 3366, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1949, No. 289, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1214.1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-407 - License revocation - Falsifying attendance records - Investigating allegations of employee criminal misconduct

(a)
(1)
The State Board of Education is directed to revoke the license of any person in this state who knowingly falsifies any attendance records kept by him or her that are used in computing the average daily attendance or average daily membership of the school district in which the person is employed, and the state board is directed to revoke the license of any superintendent of schools who knowingly permits or requires any person to falsify the attendance records.
(2)
Any person or superintendent of schools whose license is revoked as provided in this subsection shall not thereafter be eligible to receive a license to teach in this state.
(b)
(1)
(A)
The superintendent of schools shall be responsible for investigating and documenting allegations of criminal misconduct as delineated in §§
6-17-410
and
6-17-414
by a school district employee and involving a student or students.
(B)
The investigation may be conducted by the superintendent's designee.
(2)
(A)
If the superintendent finds no basis for allegations of criminal misconduct, he or she shall not be required to place any documents relative to such allegations or the subsequent investigation in the employee's personnel file.
(B)
However, if the superintendent finds probable cause that the employee has engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor, then the superintendent or his or her designee shall not provide a favorable recommendation of employment on behalf of the employee.
(3)
Results of any such investigation shall not be available for examination except by the employee or his or her duly authorized representative or the office of the prosecuting attorney.
(4)
Failure to comply with the requirements of this subsection shall be a Class C misdemeanor.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 792,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2023.
Acts 1957, No. 370, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 80-1228; Acts 1997, No. 1313, § 4; 2005, No. 2151, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-412 - National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification - Definitions

(a)
As used in this section and §
6-17-413
:
(1)
"Classroom teacher" means an individual who is required to hold a teaching license from the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education and who is engaged directly in instruction with students in a classroom setting for more than seventy percent (70%) of the individual's contracted time;
(2)
"National board" means the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards;
(3)
"Starting bonus" means a one-time bonus given during the school year in which an individual first obtains national board certification; and
(4)
"Yearly bonus" means a bonus that is given once every school year following the year of initial certification.
(b)
(1)
The national board was established in 1987 as an independent nonprofit organization to establish high and rigorous standards for teachers, to develop and operate a national voluntary system to assess and certify teachers who meet these standards, and to advance related education reforms for the purpose of improving student learning in the United States.
(2)
In order to apply for the national board certification process, the national board requires teachers to have three (3) years or more of teaching experience, to have graduated from an accredited college or university, and to possess a valid state teaching license.
(3)
A teacher may become national board certified by successfully completing a year-long certification process in which the teacher must develop a portfolio of student work and videotapes of teaching and learning activities for national board review, participate in the national board assessment center simulation exercises, and successfully pass an examination testing content knowledge.
(c)
(1)
The State Board of Education may issue a standard Arkansas teaching license to any teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal trained in and licensed by a state other than Arkansas who seeks Arkansas licensure and who has received national board certification from the national board while teaching in a state other than Arkansas.
(2)
Any applicant under subdivision (c)(1) of this section who seeks employment as an Arkansas teacher, building-level principal, or building-level assistant principal shall not have to comply with §
6-17-402
or §
6-17-403
but shall comply with §
6-17-410
.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1396, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 1997, No. 1225, § 1; 2001, No. 1060, § 1; 2011, No. 989, § 38.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-415 - Criminal records check and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check for existing nonlicensed employees

(a)
It is the clear intent of the General Assembly to authorize each public school district at its discretion to require criminal background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks of existing nonlicensed employees in the same manner and subject to the same terms and conditions as set forth in this section, and §§
6-17-414
and
6-17-416
for newly hired nonlicensed applicants.
(b)
(1)
Any school district that, by a vote of its local school district board of directors, requires criminal records background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks for existing nonlicensed employees shall pay the full cost of the criminal records background checks and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks.
(2)
(A)
Upon completion of the statewide and nationwide criminal records background checks and the Child Maltreatment Central Registry check, the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police or the Department of Human Services shall forward all releasable information to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(B)
Within thirty (30) days of receiving all releasable information that has been forwarded by the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police and the Department of Human Services under subdivision (b)(2)(A) of this section, the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall inform the board of directors of the educational entity whether or not the affected applicant is eligible for employment as provided under §
6-17-414
.
(3)
A public school district under subdivision (b)(1) of this section shall require that an existing nonlicensed employee complete a criminal records background check and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check at least one (1) time every five (5) years.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 1040,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1997, No. 1314, § 2; 2009, No. 1173, § 18; 2011, No. 989, § 39.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-416 - Criminal records check and Child Maltreatment Central Registry check of employees of more than one school district

Employees, whether new or existing, who have a contract with or work for more than one (1) school district in one (1) year shall be required to have only one (1) criminal background check and one (1) Child Maltreatment Central Registry check to satisfy the requirements of all employing school districts for that year.
Acts 1997, No. 1313, § 5; 1997, No. 1314, § 3; 2007, No. 1573, § 25; 2009, No. 1173, § 19.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-417 - Fingerprint or name check - Definition

(a)
As used in this section, "applicant" means a person who must apply to the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police for a statewide and nationwide criminal records check as a condition for a license issued by the State Board of Education or as a condition for employment by an educational entity.
(b)
An educational entity that is initiating a criminal records check under §
6-17-410
, §
6-17-411
, §
6-17-414
, or §
6-17-421
shall subscribe to and initiate both the state and federal criminal records check on the Division of Arkansas State Police online system.
(c)
An individual who initiates the criminal records check shall use the online system approved by the Department of Education.
(d)
Fingerprints shall be taken by any fingerprinting method approved by the Division of Arkansas State Police.
(e)
In any instance where a legible set of fingerprints, as determined by the Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police, cannot be obtained from an applicant after a minimum of two (2) attempts, the Department of Education or the educational entity shall determine eligibility for licensure or employment based on the criteria established by rules promulgated by the state board.
(f)
(1)
The state may participate at the state and federal level in programs that provide notification of an arrest subsequent to an initial background check that is conducted through available governmental systems.
(2)
The state may submit an applicant's fingerprints to the federal Next Generation Identification system.
(3)
The fingerprints may be searched by future submissions to the Next Generation Identification system, including latent fingerprint searches.
(4)
An applicant enrolled in the Next Generation Identification system is not required to re-fingerprint when a subsequent request for a state or federal criminal history background check is required if:
(A)
A legible set of the applicant's fingerprints are obtained when the applicant enrolls in the Next Generation Identification system; and
(B)
The applicant is subject to the Rap Back service of the Next Generation Identification system.
(g)
The Identification Bureau of the Division of Arkansas State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation may maintain fingerprints in the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System.
Amended by Act 2017, No. 746,§ 10, eff. 8/1/2017.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1089,§ 12, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 1997, No. 1272, § 1; 2005, No. 2151, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-418 - Teacher licensure - Arkansas history requirement

(a)
A person shall not be licensed as a social studies teacher or as an elementary school teacher unless the person has successfully completed:
(1)
For a person seeking a traditional first-time license, at least three (3) college-credit hours in Arkansas history at an accredited institution of higher education; or
(2)
For a person seeking licensure through a nontraditional program, by reciprocity, or by adding an endorsement, documentation of the successful completion of:
(A)
Three (3) college credit hours in Arkansas history at an accredited institution of higher education; or
(B)
An approved learning pathway in Arkansas history offered through ArkansasIDEAS for professional development hours or professional learning credits as determined by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.
(b)
However, social studies teachers and elementary school teachers entering Arkansas from another state shall receive a one-year nonrenewable provisional license to teach in Arkansas schools as authorized by §
6-17-403
, during which time the person shall complete the Arkansas history requirement under this section.
(c)
The provisions of this section are not applicable to the renewal of a license for a teacher who was licensed before March 24, 1997.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 666,§ 2, eff. 7/24/2019.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1090,§ 7, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 1997, No. 787, § 3; 2011, No. 989, § 40.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-419 - Expired license renewal requirements

(a)
(1)
A person who holds an Arkansas teaching license that is expired for more than one (1) year, who obtained the license before state-mandated licensure assessments were required by law and by rule for licensure, and who has less than three (3) years of teaching experience shall be allowed to renew that teaching license by:
(A)
Passing the content-area assessment for the requested license;
(B)
Providing evidence of the completion of the annual professional development requirement for licensure, including the professional development required under §
6-17-409
; and
(C)
Completing the general renewal requirements that are applicable to renewal for all other license holders.
(2)
A person seeking renewal of an expired license under this section shall be entitled to a provisional license by meeting the general requirements that are applicable to all other persons seeking a provisional license.
(b)
This section does not allow a person whose license was revoked under §
6-17-410
to renew his or her license.
Amended by Act 2015, No. 1090,§ 8, eff. 7/22/2015.
Acts 2003, No. 989, § 1; 2003, No. 1570, § 1; 2005, No. 2151, § 9.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-423 - Professional development after retirement

(a)
In order to maintain a valid teacher's license under §
6-17-401
, a person who retires while possessing a valid teacher's license under §
6-17-401
shall not be required to complete approved professional development required by rule of the State Board of Education.
(b)
(1)
A person who retires while possessing a valid teacher's license under §
6-17-401
and returns to a licensed employment position with a public school district shall complete within the school year of the return to employment the professional development required for the year in which the person returns to licensed employment.
(2)
The person shall complete all professional development required during his or her licensed employment.
(c)
A retired teacher whose license has expired may renew his or her license upon completion of the professional development required for the year in which the person applies for license renewal.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 1073,§ 24, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 2007, No. 628, § 1; 2011, No. 989, § 42.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-424 - Administrator licensure for counselors - Eligibility

(a)
A school counselor is an eligible candidate for an initial administrator license if the school counselor:
(1)
Holds a current standard teaching license;
(2)
Has a minimum of four (4) years' experience as a school counselor;
(3)
Holds a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education; and
(4)
Completes the appropriate program of study for an initial administrator license.
(b)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall promulgate the rules necessary to implement this section.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1424, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 733, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-426 - Repeat audit findings - Review by Professional Licensure Standards Board

(a)
(1)
The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee may refer an audit report of a school district to the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education if:
(A)
The audit report of the school district identifies a substantial issue of noncompliance with state or federal financial reporting requirements or other state or federal law or regulation; and
(B)
The same issue is identified in two (2) consecutive audit reports.
(2)
The division shall submit the audit report referred in subdivision (a)(1) of this section to the Professional Licensure Standards Board in forms approved by the division.
(b)
The board shall investigate any referrals made by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee under its investigative procedures.
(c)
No later than July 1 of each year, the board shall report on the disposition of all referrals made to the board by the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1426, eff. 7/1/2019.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1425, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2009, No. 1370, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-427 - Superintendent license - Superintendent mentoring program required

(a)
(1)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall develop and sponsor a superintendent mentoring program for first-year superintendents that includes without limitation:
(A)
Curriculum and instruction;
(B)
Ethics;
(C)
Facilities;
(D)
Human resources;
(E)
Leadership;
(F)
School funding; and
(G)
Technology.
(2)
The division shall incorporate all training that is currently required for first-year superintendents into the superintendent mentoring program.
(3)
The State Board of Education shall establish rules to implement the superintendent mentoring program.
(b)
Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, a first-year Arkansas superintendent shall complete the superintendent mentoring program within twelve (12) months of obtaining or maintaining employment as a superintendent to maintain his or her superintendent's license.
(c)
This section is subject to the appropriation and availability of funding.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 910,§ 1427, eff. 7/1/2019.
Acts 2011, No. 586, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 6 - EDUCATION (§§ 6-1-101 — 6-87-104) › Subtitle 2 - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION GENERALLY (§§ 6-10-101 — 6-28-206) › Chapter 17 - PERSONNEL (§§ 6-17-101 — 6-17-2906) › Subchapter 4 - LICENSURE GENERALLY (§§ 6-17-401 — 6-17-431) › Section 6-17-430 - Licensing of noncitizens

(a)
The Division of Elementary and Secondary Education may grant a license under this subchapter to an individual who, in addition to fulfilling the requirements to teach in this state, satisfies the following requirements:
(1)
The United States Department of Homeland Security has approved the individual's request for exemption under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy;
(2)
The individual's exemption status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy has:
(A)
Not expired; or
(B)
Been properly renewed; and
(3)
The individual has a current and valid employment authorization document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(b)
This section is a state law within the meaning of subsection (d) of
8 U.S.C. § 1621
, as existing on January 1, 2021.
(c)
The division shall promulgate rules to implement this section.
Added by Act 2021, No. 513,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.