Bill > SB607

This bill establishes requirements for public school districts in Arkansas that wish to implement a four-day school week. The legislation allows school district boards of directors to initiate and maintain a four-day school week across some or all of their schools, without needing approval from the state board of education. To do so, districts must meet specific criteria, including providing an average of six hours of instruction per school day and thirty hours per week, which can be achieved through four seven-and-a-half-hour instructional days. Schools must document their educational program's success using state-approved assessment measures, include the four-day week in their annual public report, and ensure community input. The bill prohibits schools classified as needing intensive support and demonstrating persistent underperformance from implementing a four-day week. Additionally, districts will not receive extra state financial aid for a four-day school week and must use a state-approved electronic application to demonstrate compliance. An emergency clause is included to emphasize the immediate necessity of the legislation for school districts planning their 2025-2026 calendars, with the act becoming effective upon gubernatorial approval or other specified conditions.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb607&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R