AR SB549

Probationary teachers (employed less than 3 continuous years) lose the right to appeal school board decisions on termination or nonrenewal; board decisions become final.

Nonprobationary teachers' exclusive remedy for appealing termination or nonrenewal decisions is binding arbitration rather than circuit court appeals.

Aggrieved nonprobationary teachers must submit a written demand for arbitration within 15 days of receiving the board's written decision.

Arbitration must be completed within 120 days from the date the board delivers its written decision, with the arbitrator's decision rendered within 90 days of arbitrator selection.

Arbitrators must be nationally certified professionals selected from a list created by the State Board of Education, with the Commissioner of Education selecting the arbitrator if parties cannot agree.