HB1206
An Act For The Department Of Education - Division Of Elementary And Secondary Education - Public School Fund Appropriation For The 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill makes an appropriation for public school grants for the Arkansas Department of Education, Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. It outlines specific amounts for various programs and initiatives, including "Better Chance Program," "Minimum Teacher Salary and Raises," and "State Foundation Funding." The bill also appropriates funds for personal services and operating expenses for the Arkansas Public School Computer Network and the Office of Education Renewal Zones. Special language sections address the allocation of "Isolated Funding" and "Special Needs Isolated Funding," the criteria for "Grants to School Districts," and the use of funds for "Special Education Services." Furthermore, it includes provisions for "Transfer Authority" within the Department of Education and for documented costs associated with the "Quiz Bowl." The bill establishes maximum numbers of employees and salary rates for specific departments. It authorizes a total appropriation of over $3.48 billion for grants and aid to local school districts and special programs, and over $33 million for the Arkansas Public School Computer Network, and over $1.3 million for the Office of Education Renewal Zones.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are local school districts and special programs within the state of Arkansas, as it provides substantial appropriations for a wide array of educational initiatives and operational needs. This includes direct financial support for programs such as the "Better Chance Program," "Alternative Learning," "Enhanced Student Achievement Funding," and "Minimum Teacher Salary and Raises." Public school employees may benefit from provisions related to "Public School Employee Insurance" and "Teacher Retirement Matching." Additionally, specific educational needs like "Early Childhood Special Education," "English Language Learners," and "Special Education Services" are allocated funds. The Arkansas Public School Computer Network and the Office of Education Renewal Zones are also set to receive operational and grant funding, indicating a broad reach of potential positive impacts across the state's education system.
Who Might Suffer?
This bill primarily focuses on allocating funds to various educational programs and entities within Arkansas. As such, there are no explicit provisions within the provided text that directly identify groups or entities that would be negatively impacted. The appropriations are intended to support and enhance public education. Potential indirect impacts could arise from the prioritization of certain funding categories over others, which might mean that unaddressed needs in non-funded or underfunded areas could persist. However, based solely on the text, a direct negative impact on any specific group or entity is not apparent.