Bill > HB1539

This bill amends the Public School Funding Act of 2003 to make several significant changes to education funding in Arkansas. The bill increases foundation funding amounts for school districts from $7,618 to $8,165 per student for the 2025-2026 school year, with slight increases in subsequent years. It also adjusts funding for various educational categories, including alternative learning environments, English learners, and enhanced student achievement funding for schools with different percentages of national school lunch students. Most notably, the bill introduces a new categorical funding model for special education, allocating $3,862 per student with an individualized education plan, which must be spent specifically on special education services and cannot be part of the general foundation funding. The bill's legislative findings highlight concerns about special education underfunding, with 72% of superintendents reporting moderate to extreme funding needs. Additionally, the bill addresses staff pay, recommending a $4 per hour raise for classified school staff to ensure a minimum wage of $15 per hour, and calls for increased funding for school counselors and social workers to address youth mental health challenges. The changes are designed to provide more targeted and equitable funding across different educational needs and support staff.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1539&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R