AR SB679

Appropriates $1,050,000 from the General Improvement Fund to the Department of Education for arts-enriched curriculum grants.

Funds may be used for personal services, operating expenses, professional development and training, research, instructional materials and supplies, technology upgrades/equipment, and library resources.

Allows the Department of Education to adopt new rules and regulations to implement the grant program without restriction by other applicable program requirements.

Permits institutions to supplement state funds with grants, donations, federal funds, and unobligated cash income for project financing.

Becomes effective July 1, 2015, with an emergency clause to ensure timely implementation for essential educational programs.