Bill > SB619

This bill establishes a process for creating isolated school districts in Arkansas, allowing schools that were previously consolidated or annexed to potentially re-establish themselves as independent districts. The bill outlines that an isolated school can detach from its current district if a petition is submitted with at least 350 or 51% of registered voters' signatures. If approved, the isolated school district will be governed by a five-member board elected by local voters, with initial board members drawing lots for staggered terms. The bill provides a funding mechanism by allowing an election to establish a millage rate and basing initial state funding on the school's prior average daily membership. The bill also mandates that the original school district transfer ownership of facilities, school buses, equipment, and funds to the new isolated school district. Importantly, the minimum school enrollment requirements do not apply when forming an isolated school district, and the new district will be eligible for state funding available to public school districts. The isolated school district can be managed by a director hired locally, appointed by the state education division, or another superintendent designated by the division.

Education

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=sb619&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R