HB1312
To Amend Public School Funding Amounts Under The Public School Funding Act Of 2003.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes amendments to Arkansas's Public School Funding Act of 2003, primarily focusing on adjustments to per-student foundation funding amounts and other educational allocations. It aims to address the salary requirements established by the LEARNS Act by phasing out teacher salary equalization funding and reallocating those funds. The bill also modifies the calculation of foundation funding to incorporate the state's minimum employer contribution for employee insurance programs. Specific per-student funding amounts for alternative learning environments, English learners, and students qualifying for national school lunch programs are also updated. The legislation intends to create a more efficient funding process while ensuring public school districts can meet their financial obligations related to teacher compensation and benefits. The adjustments are set to take effect for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years, with future adjustments for teacher salaries to be determined by legislative committees.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
['Public school districts in Arkansas would benefit from the adjusted funding amounts, which are intended to help them meet the salary requirements for teachers mandated by the LEARNS Act and cover employer contributions for state-sponsored insurance programs. Teachers in public schools may also benefit from increased average salaries due to the reallocation of funds and the continued emphasis on compensation. Students, particularly those in alternative learning environments, those identified as English learners, and those qualifying for national school lunch programs, could see the funding allocated for their specific needs adjusted upwards under the proposed changes. The Employee Benefits Division would receive direct payments for employer contributions for state-sponsored insurance programs.']
Who Might Suffer?
['The primary entities that could be negatively impacted are school districts that have historically relied heavily on teacher salary equalization funding to meet their teacher salary obligations. The gradual phase-out of this specific funding stream, as described in the bill, could require these districts to find alternative sources of revenue or adjust their budgets to cover any shortfalls. While the bill aims to increase overall teacher salaries, districts that are already significantly above the statewide target average annual salary might not see a direct financial benefit from the equalization funding changes. The state itself might face budgetary considerations in reallocating funds to meet the increased per-student foundation funding and insurance contribution requirements.']