AR SB951

Establishes a workgroup consisting of 2 Senate members, 2 House members, Bureau of Legislative Research employees, and community experts to develop a systems assessment template for underserved areas by October 15, 2016

Requires the template and related tools to assess geographic-specific needs and be delivered to the Senate Committee on Education and House Committee on Education

Directs the Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Commissioner of Education to use the template to inform decision-making on school districts and schools facing academic, fiscal, or facilities distress

Prohibits school district consolidation, annexation, reconstitution, or state takeover unless the state board and commissioner first complete a systems assessment using the template

Template must provide information on quality of life, economic development opportunities, capacity building, and demographic information to assess and guide policy makers and allow communities to conduct self-assessments