AR HB1770

Extends the time limit for schools and districts to exit academic, fiscal, or facilities distress from 2 years to 5 consecutive school years, with possible additional extensions if the State Board finds external factors prevented improvement.

Allows individual public schools (not just districts) to be classified as in academic distress and subjects them to state board enforcement actions including superintendent removal, staff reassignment, or school closure.

Establishes capacity-building measures through community advisory boards that provide technical assistance and interim leadership during the distress period, with members serving voluntarily.

Amends the Arkansas Opportunity Public School Choice Act to allow students in schools or districts classified as in academic distress to automatically transfer to non-distressed schools without filing a petition, with transportation costs borne by the resident district.

Declares an emergency clause making the act effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval, citing the state's constitutional obligation to provide adequate education.